German Village, Namhae

Ulanwp · CC BY-SA 3.0

A village of red-tiled roofs built on the Namhae coast by returning miners and nurses who had worked in Germany.

In the 1960s and 70s thousands of Koreans went to West Germany as miners and nurses, sending hard currency home through the country's poorest years. In the early 2000s South Gyeongsang province granted land to those among them who wanted to retire back home, and they built in the German manner — red tiles, white walls, timber joinery imported from Germany. The result is a hillside above Namhae bay holding a few dozen houses that look like Bavaria. Many are now guesthouses or cafés run by the elderly owners themselves, and there is a beer festival each October.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit German Village, Namhae?

April–June and September–October (beer festival in October)

How long do you need at German Village, Namhae?

1.5–2 hours

What are the opening hours of German Village, Namhae?

All day (museum 09:00–18:00)

Did you know

Established in the early 2000s for Koreans returning from working in West Germany.
The houses are built in German style, with much of the material imported from Germany.
A small museum covers the history of Korean miners and nurses in Germany.
A Namhae version of Oktoberfest is held each October.

Travel tips

Combine it with the Daraengi terraced fields, about 30 minutes away by car.
People live here — only enter houses with an open sign.
The Namhae coast road is beautiful but full of bends; drive slowly.

Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Namhae_German_Village

Updated: 2026-08-04