| The Capital of Korean Spiritual Culture, Andong |
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Hahoe Folk Village Keeps the Look of a Village in the Joseon Period Hahoe Folk village in Andong has kept the look of a village from the Joseon period, and it was visited in April 1999 by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and her husband, Prince Philip who both heaped praises on it. It takes 30 minutes by car to get to Hahoe Folk village from the city of Andong. Once there Hwasan, a branch of the Taebaek Mountains on the east side greets the visitor, and Nakdong River surrounds the east, west, and south side of the village, which is skirted with beautiful scenery. It could be confusing whether the village is a set for movies or a real village actually lived in today because of the appealing 300~500 year-old Giwa dotted here and there. The forest of old pine trees located on the northwest side and a 600-year old zelkova tree located at the center of the village are eye-catching sights. Across Nakdong River, Buyoungdae (a cliff) and pine trees make a beautiful scene - just like a Byeonpoong (a Korean traditional folding screen with beautiful pictures painted on it). Hahoe Folk village was a clan town of the Yu's family from the time it became prosperous due to Yu Seong-ryoung and his brother Yu Un-ryoung. Yu Seong-ryoung (1542~1607) was a great master of Sung Confucianism, a disciple of Lee Hwang who built Dosanseowon as a Saaekseowon (a temple or a lecture hall where a King gave a signboard with his name on it as a Royal gift). He had helped General Lee Sun-sin to victory during the Imjin war -the Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592 - with his advanced knowledge of military affairs. There are still Yu families still in the town including Yu (Ryu) Si-won one of the promoters of the Hallyu (Korean Wave/culture boom overseas) who is the 14th descendant of Yu Seong-ryoung. Dosanseowon, A stronghold of Sung Confucianism Dosanseowon is the place where Lee Hwang taught his followers and studied himself. He was a grand master of Sung Confucianism who helped develop Korea Confucianism. Sangdeoksa and Jengyodang are two buildings erected in 1574 by his followers; they have been called a 'Dosanseowon' (a group of lecture halls) to which the king Seonjo gave his name in 1575. This complex of buildings is decorated simply and neatly as this properly reflects Lee's attitude and personality as a scholar. A Mask and a Masque Dance The Andong Mask dance Festival 2009, the 13th, will be held from September 25 to October 4 in the city of Andong and at the Mask Dance auditorium in Hahoe Folk village. All kinds of mask dances are going to be shown at the festival for this year including some from other countries. Andong Gangodeungeo and Andong Soju The most famous food in Andong is Gangodeungeo (salted mackerel). As Andong is located far from the sea, coating with salt was the best way to ensure the fish would not go bad. There are three kinds of recipes for a salted mackerel: salting right after fishing, salting after landing at port, and salting after arriving at Andong. Andong Gangodeungeo is made using the third method. Salting the mackerel right before the fish go off is the reason why Andong Gangodeungeo tastes so good. Also Andong Soju (Korean traditional distilled liquor) is also famous made as it is of five kinds of grains: rice, beans, barleys, millet, and African millet. It is quite a strong liquor that is used as a first-aid medicine for cuts, indigestion, loss of appetite, and even stomachache. Andong Jjimdak (braised chicken with vegetables, starched noodles and red paper in soy sauce) is also famous. It is very spicy because of the spicy red pepper, but really quite delicious. |
