When it comes to a wedding venue, especially for international couples, it often is a headache as they have to start deciding which country they want to have their special day; the bride’s hometown, or the groom’s? A Korean-American couple, Jinyoung Jung and Rian Lee Jensen, had this problem. As much as they dreamed to have a small and private wedding ceremony with family, they also wanted to invite their friends and colleagues who truly cared about them. It all became a lot easier when they found Choeundang in YangPyeong, South Korea. Choeundang is a stunning Hanok set on a hillside above the Bukhangang River in Namyangju, just outside of Seoul.
Choeundang was such a perfect place for the couple and guests on that special day. It was originally a cultural space with a traditional Korean housing style of architecture – Hanok, and it offers you an exclusive venue for use from social gatherings to private family events like weddings. Although there are many Hanok wedding venues in Korea, what makes this place different from the others is the beautiful nature and scenery surrounding it. An amazing mountain panorama and a clear sky view from Choeundang definitely seems like the dream.
It was Rian’s idea to decorate the venue with antique Korean furniture. The groom became fascinated with Korean culture, particularly antique furniture, while working in Korea; and it worked perfectly, enriched with Joseon Baekja’s gorgeous furnitures.
The bride’s favourite colours are white and green, and it was brought to their wedding set-up. White flowers with fresh green leaves and watercolor-painted green leaves on their greeting board set the stage for the wedding.
At this private venue, the newlyweds and their guests exchanged their congratulations and greetings, captured special moments with their cameras and phones, and caught up with family and friends. Everyone appreciated the stunning scenery, it was completely an exclusive venue.
In the late afternoon, when the sun started to set, the ceremony started. The groom and bride who have always been beloved by their families now promised to share their love and care with each other by holding their hands tight. They stared at each other and exchanged their sincere vows and rings from the bottoms of their hearts.
Then their parents’ warmest and touching speeches followed.
After the couple’s thankful message to the guests, congratulatory messages from friends followed. Some friends had flown from afar while other local friends were sad to say goodbye to their lifelong, childhood friendships. (Jinyoung and Rian currently reside outside of Korea)
For many international couples, wedding ceremonies are not one-day affairs. In many cases, they need to arrange or coordinate accommodations, transportation and even some activities before and after the day. Even with all these responsibilities, Jinyoung said the planning process was a pleasure. Choeundang and the beauty of the surrounding nature certainly made everyone relaxed and happy. “Someone said that on that day, I looked so relaxed and that I enjoyed every moment here and yes, I most certainly had. The whole day and location were absolutely perfect for us and I treasured it” she beamed.
About Choeundang 招隱堂
The name, Choeundang, comes after a nickname of the founder and the father of the current owner. They named this place with the meaning of ‘the house of benevolence where all need to enjoy time together’. It was originally a private place but was transformed as a cultural space for the public. Since it was opened to the public, it has also welcomed wedding events. If you are looking for authentic, traditional Korea architecture for your wedding venue, why not visit and find out?
- How to reserve the wedding venue?
Choeundang is operated only by appointment. To visit the venue and make a reservation, you can contact at +82-070-4118-0770
- How to get there?
Although it is located near Seoul, it is still recommended to go there by car. Or the host often provides guests with a charter bus for their convenience.
Wedding director: RYOHAN+ANNEJANG /
Photo: Kumonari J /
Flower: Andrew.s /
Stationery: Courtureevents
Venue: Choeundang
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