- Address: South Korea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong, Pungcheon-myeon, 하회 종가 길 40
- Phone: 82-54-854-3669, + 82-54-852-3588, + 82-54-840-6974
- Website: hahoe.or.kr
- Working hours: daily 09: 00-18: 00 (during public holidays working hours may vary)
- Cost of visiting: $ 2,6
In the Korean province of Gyeongsangbuk-do in the city of Andong is the ethnic village of Hahve. It was founded during the reign of the Joseon Dynasty and it is this era that is dedicated. Hakhve is an integral and valuable part of Korean culture , as it reflects the traditions and customs of the clan villages that flourished in ancient times.
History of Hahoe
The settlement was founded in the 16th century during the reign of the Joseon dynasty. Fame around the world the village of Hahwe received thanks to the Confucian scientist Kyomas Ryu Un-Ryon and Soe Ryu Son-Ryon, who were studying the ancient era and the Imzhin war. The name of the village was due to its geographical position: next to it flows a river, which, wriggling, bends it from three sides. In Korean, "ha" means "river", and "xwe" means to turn around.
Hahve is also known for the fact that in 1999 she was visited by the British Queen Elizabeth. Since 2010, the ethnic village is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
Arrangement of the village of Haghwe
The settlement was created on a sandy plain surrounded by picturesque mountains and pine trees. In doing so, it is sustained in an old architectural style, which because of the rapid modernization of South Korea was lost. During the Imzhin War, the village of Hakhve was not subjected to occupation, thanks to which the local houses retained their original appearance.
During the construction of the settlement, the basic principles of Feng Shui were used, so the outlines of the village are sustained in the form of a lotus. Now the territory of Hakhva is divided into two parts:
- Namcheon (South Village);
- Pukchon (Northern Village).
Many years ago on both sides houses with tiled roofs (hanoki) were built, which belonged to noble families. At that time, simple residential buildings were usually equipped with thatched roofs. Some hanoki work today as hotels, allowing tourists to stay overnight.
In the village of Haghwe, there are many houses that have been recognized as the National treasure of the country. Among them:
- Yangchjindan;
- Chunghedan;
- Hahve Namcheon;
- Hahve Chuilzhje.
The most notable buildings are the Byeongsan Confucian School and the Wonjijeongsa Pavilion. In addition to old houses, the settlement stores many materials of cultural and historical value.
Opportunities for tourists
The village of Haghwe is known for the fact that shamanic rites Byeolsin-gut and Jeulbul Nori are still held here. Here you can also meet the ancient wooden masks of Haa, which are commonly used in the Haah festival. Each mask has its own character and social status. Here you can choose the mask of the bride, monk, fool or scientist. These unusual exotic souvenirs are very popular with tourists. As a gift, you can also choose wooden figures chansynov - fairy-tale characters that guard the residents of the village.
Arriving in the village of Haghwe, it is also worth visiting the Yongmogak temple, which houses the book of Jingbiroc, describing the Imzhin war of 1592. There are many other ancient manuscripts here, which are recognized as the national treasures of the country.
How to get to Hahoe?
The ethnic village is located in the eastern part of the country about 170 km from Seoul . The nearest town to Hahoe is Andon, located 14 km. It is here that trains stop several times a day from the Central City Terminal and Dong Seoul Terminal stations in Seoul. On the way, they spend an average of 8.5-9.5 hours.
From Andon to the village of Haghwe can be reached by excursion bus or taxi. The fare is just over $ 1.