01 Aug 2010, Posted by Matt in Gyeongsang, Historic Korea, UNESCO Sites, 0 Comments

Yangdong Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Gyeongju’s Yangdong Folk Village is said to be the most valuable of Korea’s six traditional villages in terms of its size, preservation and numerous cultural assets.

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01 Sep 2009, Posted by Matt in Art & Culture, Chungcheong, Festivals & Holidays, Food & Drink, Gangwon, Gyeonggi, Gyeongsang, Historic Korea, Jeolla, Nature, 2 Comments

Autumn 2009 Festivals Calendar

Summer may be peak festival season in Korea, but I much prefer traveling during the autumn months, when the temps fall, the leaves turn and the crowds are a little less crazy. What follows are some of Korea’s best autumn festivals.

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12 Nov 2008, Posted by Matt in Festivals & Holidays, Gyeongsang, Historic Korea, Nature, UNESCO Sites, 8 Comments

Andong’s Gorgeous Hahoe Village

Traditional-style homes like this one are preserved in Hahoe Maeul (하회마을), an historic clan village near the city of Andong in North Gyeongsang Province.

(A version of this text aired on KBS World Radio on November 1, 2008.)

As the Nakdong River winds its way through North Gyeongsang Province, nestled in one of its curves is a picturesque place called Hahoemaeul (하회마을), or Hahoe Village (pronounced: ha-hwae). Designated “Important Folklore Material No. 122” by the Korean government, Hahoe is where members of the Pungsan Ryu family have lived for many generations.

“Hahoe” means winding river, and the scenic combination of the river and Taebaek mountains mean the village is located in an auspicious location. Some say Hahoe is like a lotus floating on the water.

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