安東 河回村 Andong Hahoe Village

Andong Hahoe Village

Andong (안동) the home of Confucianism in Korea situated in Gyeongsangbuk-do, is well known for jjimdak (찜닭) a mouthwatering spicy steamed chicken, Mask Dance Fastival which is held every year, Hahoe Folk Village where you can actually see and feel life hundreds of years back. During the Joseon Dynasty, Andong became a pioneering city in Confucian thought. This city also contained the highest number of private schools from the Joseon Dynasty as well as Confucian schools. To this day, Andong still has around 26 private schools from the Joseon Dynasty. The city also acted as a home to the noble class during the Joseon period.

Hahoe Village or Hahoe Maeul (하회마을) is a historic clan village just outside the city of Andong has to be the first destination for many reason. Nakdong River is flowing calmly around the village drawing a beautiful shape signifying “Hahoe Maeul” also described as a floating lotus.

The layout and the siting of the village is surrounded by mountains and facing out onto rivers and open agricultural fields, reflect the distinctive aristocratic Confucian culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Hahoe Folk Village is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2010 that was founded in the 14th-15th century and later expanded to its present size and composition in the late 18th and 19th centuries. To experience a unique tranquility and beauty from different view, I strongly recommend climbing to the Buyongdae Cliff.

The village acquires physical and spiritual nourishment from surrounding landscapes and it makes the place mystic. A walk in the narrow streets is enough to let one lost in her history and charm. One can enjoy the beauty of residences of the head families, pavilions, study halls, Confucian academies and many more. Today the village attracts lot of tourists and for convenience there is restaurants, coffee shop, convenient store, even Hanok Stay is available.

Leaving your wishes to the divine tree in the village spirit shrine called “Samsindang” should not be bad idea as residents of the town believe the 600-year-old “zelkova” tree aids fertility.

One of the best time to visit the village is during “Andong Mask Dance Festival” (안동국제탈춤페스티벌) to experience a distinctive, vibrant environment throughout the region.

How to get there:
From Andong Bus Terminal, take bus 46 to Hahoe Village (하회마을).
* Bus 46 Info: 06:20-18:20, runs 10 times a day
For more information about Hahoe Folk Village

Another very popular destination to mention is “Wolyeonggyo (안동 월영교)” Bridge (387m in length and 3.6m in width) is the longest pedestrian overpass made of wood in Korea. Just near the city centre (20-25 mins by car) can easily reward you with a very calm evening walk by the river bank.