Hainan Korean Ethnic Town in Hailin City, Mudanjiang

Xin’an Korean Ethnic Town (新安朝鲜族镇) is located in Hailin, under Mudanjiang, about 25 km from the city center. Set on the fertile Hailang River (海浪河) plain, it is one of the most important Korean ethnic settlements in Northeast China and a well-known rice-producing region.

Covering 131 km² with a population of around 21,000, nearly half are ethnic Koreans (about 9,000 people). The town administers 8 Korean villages and features over 60,000 mu of green rice paddies, making it a national-level agricultural hub. With preserved traditions, seasonal festivals, and scenic countryside, Xin’an offers a well-rounded experience combining rural tourism, cultural immersion, and food exploration.

Ethnic Culture

Korean Ethnic Group (朝鲜族)

The Korean community in Xin’an originated from migrants from the Korean Peninsula during the late Qing Dynasty and early 20th century. Over generations, they developed a strong rice-farming culture that remains central today.

• Population: ~9,000, mainly in Yongle Village (永乐村), Heping Village (和平村), and Fuxing Village (复兴村)
• Languages: Korean and Mandarin
• Cultural Traits: Known for music, dance, hospitality, and strong educational values
• Lifestyle: Centered on rice cultivation, with influences from fishing and foraging traditions

Traditions & Festivals

Major Festivals

• Seollal (Lunar New Year / 岁首节): Family gatherings, traditional attire (hanbok), ancestral rites, and folk games
• Chuseok (Mid-Autumn Festival / 秋夕节): Harvest celebration with rice cakes (songpyeon), music, and dance
• Baekjong Festival (百种节): Early summer agricultural celebration with competitions and performances

Xin’an Rice Farming Festival (新安稻田农耕文化节)

Held in May, this signature local event allows visitors to:

• Plant rice seedlings
• Catch fish in paddies
• Learn kimchi-making
• Watch traditional Korean performances

Performing Arts & Architecture

• Nongak Dance (农乐舞): A lively, percussion-based folk performance with ribbon-hat spinning
• Long Drum Dance (长鼓舞) and Gayageum music (伽倻琴)
• Traditional homes feature white walls, black tiles, and heated floors (ondol / 温突)

Local Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes

• Korean cold noodles (冷面): Refreshing buckwheat noodles in chilled broth
• Bibimbap (石锅拌饭): Rice mixed with vegetables, beef, egg, and chili paste
• Kimchi (辣白菜): Essential fermented side dish

Traditional Favorites

• Rice cakes (打糕) and songpyeon (松饼)
• Korean blood sausage (米肠)
• Seasonal dog meat soup (伏补汤)
• Wild vegetable salads (桔梗 / 蕨菜)

Local Highlights

• Iron-pot rice made from local paddies
• Korean rice wine (米酒), mildly sweet and refreshing

Top Attractions

Yongle Village (永乐村)

A national-level ethnic village and cultural hub. Visitors can:

• Explore Korean folk museums and historic homes
• Try making rice cakes and kimchi
• Wear hanbok and participate in farming activities

Xin’an Rice Field Scenic Belt (万亩稻田观光带)

• Expansive rice paddies with seasonal beauty (lush green in summer, golden in autumn)
• Demonstrations of modern agriculture, including greenhouses and drone management

Shaishuichi Scenic Area (晒水池景区)

• A 600+ mu wetland for boating, fishing, swimming, and birdwatching
• Popular summer retreat

Traditional Villages (和平村 / 复兴村)

Peaceful Korean villages with traditional homes, vegetable gardens, and authentic rural life

Accommodation

Korean-Style Homestays

Available in Yongle and Heping villages, featuring heated floors and homemade Korean meals.

Budget Hotels

Located in Fuxing Village (复兴村), offering clean and affordable options

Hailin City Hotels

More choices available in Hailin, about 30 minutes away, ideal for extended trips

Transportation

Getting There

• By Car: 30 minutes from Hailin via local highways
• Public Transport: Buses from Hailin Bus Station (3–4 departures daily )

Local Travel

Attractions are spread out—self-driving or car hire  is recommended

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit

• May: Rice Farming Festival and planting season
• September–October: Golden harvest season and food festivals
• Spring Festival / Mid-Autumn: Authentic cultural celebrations

Cultural Etiquette

• Remove shoes when entering homes
• Ask permission before photographing locals or ceremonies

Packing Advice

• Summer: sunscreen, rain gear, insect repellent
• Autumn: light jacket due to temperature variation

Suggested Itineraries

1-Day Tour

Yongle Village → Rice fields → Shaishuichi Scenic Area → Korean cuisine experience

2-Day Tour

Day 1: Xin’an cultural immersion
Day 2: Hailin attractions (Weihu Mountain 威虎山, Snow Town entrance 雪乡入口)