Hahoe Village, Andong
Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its stunning natural scenery, is a clan village of the Pungsan Ryu family. The name "Hahoe" (meaning "river turning") comes from the way the Nakdong River flows around the village in an "S" shape. For over 600 years, the descendants of the Ryu family have lived in this village, which preserves Confucian traditions, folk culture, and Joseon-era architecture. Notably, Hahoe Village is the birthplace of the prominent Joseon scholars Ryu Unryong and Ryu Seongryong, a meritorious subject of the Imjin War, and the village is home to many cultural heritage sites associated with them.
Notable sites in Hahoe Village include Yangjindang, the head house of the Pungsan Ryu clan and the residence of Ryu Unryong; Chunghyodang, the main house of Ryu Seongryong; and Hwagyeongdang, a grand 99-room house located in the northern part of the village. To truly experience the village, one should wander through the radiating alleys centered around the 600-year-old Samshindang Zelkova tree. Another must-visit spot is the Nakdong River’s sandy beach. From the expansive sandbank, one can admire the breathtaking view of Buyongdae Cliff, offering a glimpse into the sentiments of the scholars who once appreciated nature's beauty and composed poetry here.
In Hahoe Village, where traditional ways of life are still preserved, two traditional performances have been passed down through generations: the Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori and the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori. The former was an entertainment for the nobility, while the latter was a folk performance enjoyed by the common people.
Every year on the night of the 16th day of the 7th lunar month, the nobility would gather under the full moon for a boat ride accompanied by poetry, music, and dance, known as Seonyu Nori. This event was enhanced by a spectacular fire play called Julbul Nori. Ropes were strung from the top of Buyongdae Cliff to the Mansongjeong Forest in Hahoe Village, and hundreds of bags filled with charcoal dust were hung along the ropes. When ignited, these bags would burst into small flames, creating a mesmerizing display of sparks falling towards the Nakdong River. This Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori was considered the epitome of elegance and refined entertainment.
The Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori is known as the oldest mask dance in Korea. Byeolsingut is a shamanistic ritual performed to pray for peace and a bountiful harvest, dedicated to the village guardian deity, Seonangshin. In Hahoe Village, this ritual has been performed every ten years on a full moon or during special occasions for over 500 years. As part of the ritual, a mask dance was performed to entertain the Seonangshin. The Talnori humorously depicted the corrupt aspects of Buddhism, offered sharp satire of the noble class, and expressed the joys and sorrows of the common people.
Yangjindang in Hahoe Village, Andong: This house, one of the oldest head houses of the Pungsan Ryu clan, was the residence of Gyeomam Ryu Unryong (1539-1601). A plaque with the name "Ipam Gotaek" (Ipam Old House) is hung here, borrowing the pen name of Ryu Joongyeong (1515-1573), who was Ryu Unryong's father. The name "Yangjindang" comes from the childhood name of Ryu Unryong's sixth-generation descendant, Ryu Young (1687-1761).
Chunghyodang in Hahoe Village, Andong: This house belonged to Seoae Ryu Seongryong (1542-1607), a renowned scholar-official of the mid-Joseon period. Ryu Seongryong held various high-ranking positions and made significant contributions as Prime Minister (Yeonguijeong) during the Imjin War, helping to navigate the country through the challenging wartime circumstances. His writings, Jingbirok (Book of Recollections) and Seoaejip (Collected Works of Seoae), are considered invaluable resources for the study of the Imjin War.
Hwajeongdang House in Hahoe Village, Andong: This large house is a prominent residence in Hahoe's Bukchon area and is considered a valuable example of a yangban (noble) house. Positioned at the center of Bukchon, it is recognized as an important cultural resource, representing the architectural style and lifestyle of the noble class.
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Address
1176-1, Hahoe-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
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Contact
+82-54-852-3588
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Visiting Hours
April - September: 09:00 - 18:00
October - March: 09:00 - 17:00 (Last entry 30 minutes before closing)
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Stamp
Available at Hahoe Village Tourist Information Center
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Admission Fee
Adults: 5,000 KRW/ Teenagers/Soldiers: 2,500 KRW/ Children: 1,500 KRW
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Website
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Directions
Take a bus to Andong from the Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Get off at Andong Terminal → Board Bus No. 210 at the 'Andong Terminal' bus stop → Get off at the front of the Talchum Transmission Center → Walk for 1 minute