Hahoe Village in South Korea: a living community without fences or locks

Today we take high fences, door locks, and security cameras for granted. Yet in South Korea there’s a place where life runs on different terms. In the village of Hahoe, people still live with doors mostly unlocked and think nothing of neighbors stepping inside. This isn’t a reconstruction or an open-air museum, but a living village where trust and mutual help set the rhythm.

Homes without fences or locks—why it works

Hahoe sits not far from the city of Andong, in North Gyeongsang Province. One look makes it clear: this is no ordinary place. Fences are rare, doors often stand open, and no one frets about unannounced visitors.

Researchers who study Korea’s traditional settlements note that this is more than a local quirk—it’s part of the culture. An open door signals that people aren’t afraid of one another and choose to trust. That simple gesture keeps neighborly ties warm and close.

A story that hasn’t ended

The village took shape many centuries ago, during the Joseon dynasty. A large clan with the surname Ryu settled here, and most residents are still their descendants. People function like an extended family: they know each other, lend a hand, and share the work of the community.

What’s striking is how little the village has changed over the centuries. Old hanok houses with tiled roofs, narrow lanes, and a traditional way of life have endured. UNESCO has recognized Hahoe as a World Heritage site—for being authentic, not a stage set.

People who live together—in practice, not just side by side

About a hundred people live in Hahoe. And although tourists arrive from across the world, the village remains a real place to live rather than a backdrop for visitors.

Life unfolds collectively: festivals, rituals, even the everyday routine. The village still performs an old mask dance—not as entertainment, but as a tradition that unites everyone. Locals believe it protects the village and brings good fortune.

Why they live this way: philosophy in action

The guiding idea behind life in Hahoe comes from Confucianism, a longstanding philosophy important in Korea. It encourages respect, care for elders, and harmony. That’s why there’s no pressure to hide behind fences here—trust is the default.

In the past, villages like this had schools where children learned etiquette, reading, and history. A historic study pavilion still stands, a reminder of those times.

What about today? Life goes on—and change isn’t the plan

In the modern world, living with open doors sounds risky. But residents of Hahoe don’t seem preoccupied with that. Travel bloggers say you can still spot someone sitting by an open doorway while neighbors drop in for a chat—much as it was years ago.

Tourists are coming more often, and that does leave its mark. Yet the village’s mood remains familiar: calm, trusting, and warm.

What this place can teach

Hahoe is more than a village. It’s a living reminder that trust between people is still possible. Without fences, there’s more space to talk, to help, to be close.

It won’t suit everyone. But Hahoe suggests that trust isn’t a weakness—it’s a choice that makes life simpler and kinder.