A Romantic Two-Day Tour of the Classical Style and Scenic Beauty of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, a World Heritage Site in Seoul (From Seoul) [K-Travel Bus]

Tour Overview

Cross the divide of modernity, cross the river of history, and enter the most ancient and pure Gyeongsangbuk-do. Take in the shape and feel the spirit of Andong. Beneath the ancient buildings of Hahoe Folk Village, contemplate the worries and sorrows of Korea's ancient clans. On the river surface between the pavilions of Wolyeongyo Bridge, the lingering sunlight shines, intertwining with the shadows of the trees. Enjoy the romance of stepping into a dreamlike painting. Finally, pass through three passes and cross the thousand-meter-high Mungyeong Bird Ridge. Find a breathtaking view alongside the majestic mountainside. Quietly savor the grandeur of this former national defense fortress, and leave behind the most profound and beautiful memories of Gyeongsangbuk-do.

※Andong Hahoe Folk Village
On July 31, 2010, Andong Hahoe Folk Village was registered as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as a "Historic Village of Korea." Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a renowned folk village in Korea. Hahoe Village is a typical village of the Ryu clan of Pungsan, where generations of the clan have lived. It retains the beauty of traditional Korean houses. Great Joseon-era Confucian scholars Gyeom Ryu Un-ryong and Seogak Ryu Seong-ryong were both born here. Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom also visited Andong Hahoe Village on the third day of her visit to Korea on April 21, 1999, as part of a pilgrimage to Korean traditional culture. Andong Hahoe Village, located in Andong City, has perfectly preserved the residential and village architecture of the Joseon Dynasty. It is not an artificial village and continues to be inhabited. Hahoe Village (Important Folklore Material No. 122) is surrounded on three sides by the Nakdong River, hence the name Hahoe, meaning the river winds around it. It is also known as the "Water Ring Cave." Hahoe Village regularly hosts performances of the Hahoe Byeolsinje Mask Dance, and each autumn, hosts the Andong International Mask Dance Festival, featuring various mask dance-themed events.

Bulguksa Temple

Located on the slopes of Tohamsan Mountain (745m), known as "the cloud swallowing mountain," Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto are the heart of Silla's splendid Buddhist culture. Legend has it that King Beopheung of Silla built the grotto 1,440 years ago, at the behest of his mother, to pray for peace and prosperity. From Bulguksa Temple, a 3-kilometer hike up the mountain ridge (9 kilometers along the paved Stone Grotto Road) leads to Seokguram Grotto, renowned for its iconic Seated Buddha statue, the most magnificent in the East, facing the East Sea. Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto were officially registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites on December 6, 1995, along with the Jangkyungpanjeon Temple at Haeinsa Temple and Jongmyo Shrine, earning them international acclaim.


Cheomseongdae

Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in the East. Built during the reign of Queen Seondeok (632-647), the 27th king of Silla, it was used to observe clouds and constellations in the sky. Cheomseongdae is a stone structure with a harmonious blend of straight and curved lines. It was designated National Treasure No. 31 on December 20, 1962. The structure is cylindrical, constructed from 365 30-centimeter stones stacked in 27 layers. The tower stands 9.17 meters tall, with each side of the base stone measuring 5.35 meters. At the time, people used the stars to determine the 24 solar terms, including the vernal equinox, autumnal equinox, winter solstice, and summer solstice. The jingji stone is likely used as a reference for determining the directions of east, west, south, and north. The 362 stones used in the construction of Cheomseongdae symbolize the number of days in a year. Cheomseongdae holds a long and profound historical significance in Eastern history.


*Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond were detached palaces of the Silla royal palace. Together with other ancillary buildings, they served as the Donggung Palace (the residence of the crown prince or heir to the throne). Celebrations were often held here. During the fall of Silla, the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, this area fell into ruins and was known as the "Anapji." In the 1980s, the discovery of pottery fragments bearing the inscription "Wolji" reaffirmed the original meaning of "Wolji," meaning "Pond of Moon Reflection." The name was therefore changed to "Donggung and Wolji."

※ Yeongildae Beach

Yongildae Beach is the largest beach on South Korea's east coast. It boasts a white sand beach measuring 1,750 meters long and 40 to 70 meters wide, covering 406,613.4 square meters (123,000 pyeong). Together with the neighboring Songdo Beach, it forms Pohang's representative beach and is a great family destination.

※ Jukdo Market

Located in Jukdo-dong, Buk-gu, Pohang City, North Gyeongsang Province, Jukdo Market originated 50 years ago from open-air stalls set up in the marshes of Pohang's inner harbor. Currently boasting over 1,200 businesses, Jukdo Market prides itself on being the largest traditional market on the east coast of North Gyeongsang Province. It has long been a key distribution hub for agricultural and aquatic products from the East Coast of North Gyeongsang Province and the Gangwon Province region. Jukdo Market primarily sells seafood, dried and live fish, clothing, vegetables, and fruit, both wholesale and retail.

Activity process