A Day in Hahoe Folk Village: A Journey into Korea’s Past
Nestled along the Nakdong River, Andong Hahoe Folk Village is one of South Korea’s most iconic historical sites and one of my personal favourite destinations in the country. With its traditional thatched-roof houses and ancient Confucian traditions, Hahoe Village offers a rare glimpse into Korea's past, making it a perfect overnight trip from Seoul or even a day trip from Gyeongju. In this post, I’ll guide you through how to spend a full day exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, what to see, and the best ways to get there.
A Glimpse into Andong and Hahoe Village
Andong is often considered the spiritual heart of Korea, known for its preservation of Confucian traditions and culture. Hahoe Folk Village, located just outside Andong, is the crown jewel of this cultural heritage. Its name, Hahoe (which means “enveloped by water”), reflects the way the Nakdong River flows around it in a gentle arc. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2010, the village is famous for its beautiful old houses, preserved Confucian traditions, and the traditional talchum (“mask dance”), which was once performed to please the spirits.
What to See and Do in Hahoe Folk Village
1. Wander Through the Village: The number one thing to do in Hahoe is to simply get transported back in time by wandering through the village. As you stroll through the quiet lanes of Hahoe Village, you’ll encounter a variety of traditional homes, from aristocratic yangban houses to simpler peasant dwellings. Many of these homes are still occupied by descendants of the original residents, so the village feels alive, not just like a museum.
2. Buy a Traditional Mask: Hahoe is known for its unique tal masks, which were used in the village’s traditional talchum dances. The masks are deeply symbolic, representing different characters in the social hierarchy or nature. You can purchase a souvenir mask from local shops as a reminder of your trip.
3. Watch the Hahoe Mask Dance: If you’re visiting on a weekend, don’t miss the Hahoe Mask Dance performance. This traditional dance, once performed as a form of shamanistic worship, has been preserved in Hahoe Village. The performers wear expressive wooden masks and act out the comedic yet insightful talchum stories that have been passed down for centuries.
4. Visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy: Just a short walk from the village is the serene Byeongsan Seowon, a Confucian academy that served as a place of study for scholars during the Joseon Dynasty. With its tranquil surroundings and historical significance, it’s a great place to reflect on Korea’s intellectual traditions.
5. Cliff Views from Buyongdae: For stunning panoramic views of the village and the surrounding landscape, catch the boat across the river and hike up to Buyongdae Cliff. The path is not difficult, and the view from the top offers a wonderful perspective of Hahoe Village nestled below, with the Nakdong River flowing gently around it.
6. Enjoy Traditional Andong Cuisine: Don’t leave Andong without trying its famous jjimdak, a braised chicken dish in a soy-based sauce with glass noodles and vegetables. Andong is also known for heotjesabap, a meal that resembles traditional ceremonial foods offered to ancestors but is enjoyed casually by visitors today.
How to Get to Andong Hahoe Folk Village
From Seoul
If you’re traveling from Seoul, the easiest way to reach Hahoe Folk Village is by express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Andong Terminal. The journey takes around 2 hours and 40 minutes. From Andong Terminal, you can catch a local bus or taxi to Hahoe Village (about 30 minutes). If you’re planning to visit Hahoe Village as a day trip, try to catch an early bus from Seoul to maximize your time.
From Gyeongju
Coming from Gyeongju, you can take a direct bus to Andong (roughly 1.5 to 2 hours). Once you arrive at Andong Station, follow the same route to Hahoe Village via local bus or taxi.
While it’s possible to visit Hahoe Village as a day trip from Seoul or Gyeongju, staying overnight in Andong allows for a more leisurely experience.
Where to Stay if Staying Overnight
If you’re coming to Hahoe Folk Village, make sure to stay at a hanok for an authentic experience. There are make hanoks located within the village available on Airbnb. A popular option is Rakkojae Hahoe Hanok, where you’ll get to experience traditional Korean architecture with modern comforts.
Final Thoughts
Hahoe Folk Village is a must-visit for anyone interested in Korean history and culture. Whether you’re there for the beautiful traditional houses, the captivating mask dances, or the serene natural scenery, the village offers a peaceful retreat into Korea’s past. With easy access from tourist hubs such as Seoul and Gyeongju, it’s an enriching day trip or weekend getaway.
