TRAVEL: Hahoe Village in Andong, preserved in time

하회마을 — A panoramic view of Hahoe Village/ Courtesy of Andong City

ANDONG, August 21 (AJP) - The village of Hahoe, nestled in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, stands as a living testament to the country's past.

Here, traditional tile-roofed houses and thatched-roof homes have been meticulously preserved for centuries, encircled by the flowing Nakdong River. The village's name, Hahoe, literally means "to turn and flow," a reference to the river's distinctive S-shaped embrace of the settlement.

At the heart of the village is a 600-year-old zelkova tree, regarded by residents as a spiritual and sacred guardian. This venerable tree, its trunk massive and its form ancient, is a silent witness to the village's history, encircled by a protective white rope.

The architectural layout of Hahoe is a testament to its cultural heritage, with large, tile-roofed manor houses forming the center, surrounded by the more humble thatched-roof homes of commoners.

Hahoe is also the keeper of intangible traditions, most notably, a folk mask dance. Performances are held daily for visitors, with the exception of Mondays.

The village has been home to notable figures, including the Joseon-era scholar Ryu Seong-ryong. His family's ancestral home, Chunghyodang, and his brother's residence, Yangjindang, are both protected as National Treasures.

Ryu Seong-ryong's famous memoir, Jingbirok, which chronicles his experiences during the Japanese invasions of Korea from 1592 to 1598, is a National Treasure.

판매중인 하회탈 AJP Cho bo-hee — Masks that originated from Hahoe Village. A mask dance performance is held for tourists. AJP Cho Bo-hee

양진당 — A tile-roofed house in Hahoe Village/ AJP Cho Bo-hee

충효당 — A tile-roofed house in Hahoe Village/ AJP Cho Bo-hee

Hahoe's place on the world stage was solidified on April 21, 1999, when Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom visited to celebrate her 73rd birthday. Villagers honored the occasion by preparing a grand feast of 47 traditional Korean dishes.

Though it is a major tourist destination, Hahoe Village remains a community, with approximately 150 families living there. The residents maintain their livelihood through farming and local businesses.

Since the village was designated a National Folk Cultural Heritage in 1984, residents have faced restrictions on renovating their private properties, but they remain dedicated to preserving their traditions.

On July 31, 2010, Hahoe Village was officially added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

영국여왕 — In April 1999, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom visited Hahoe Village. Courtesy of Andong City

Cho Bo-hee jobo@ajupress.com