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May 1 - 25 (Part 15) Discovering the Soul of Andong

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May 17th Our next destination: Andong, often called the heart of traditional Korean culture. Andong is one of those places where history doesn’t just sit in museums. It lives and breathes. With cultural heritage spanning nearly every period of Korean history, it offers a rare glimpse into how traditions, philosophies and daily life have intertwined over centuries. Buddhism, Confucianism and even Christianity have layered themselves here like sedimentary rock, shaping the spirit of the region. A Morning at Dosanseowon Confucian Academy Because we couldn’t check into our hotel yet (there seemed to be a big event, possibly a wedding, judging by all the beautifully dressed people), we decided to head north to Dosanseowon. Nestled between mountains and overlooking a peaceful river, this Confucian Academy immediately felt like stepping into another era. Built in 1574 to honor the scholar Yi Hwang (pen name: Toegye), it became a center for learning and reflection during the Joseon Dynasty. Wa...
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May 1 - 25 (Part 14) From Ancient Clan Villages to Sacred Mountains: Yangdong & Haeinsa

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May 15th: From Gyeongju to the Mountains of Gaya Leaving our hanok stay and our kind hostess, Jeong Hee, after two beautiful days in Gyeongju felt a little sad. But new adventures were waiting. After a delicious homemade breakfast prepared by our hostess, we checked out and drove to Yangdon Folk Village. The village lies about 16 kilometers northeast of Gyeongju, towards Pohang, along the peaceful Hyeongsangang River. Yangdong Village is the largest traditional clan village in Korea. More than 150 historic buildings remain here: houses, shrines, pavilions and study halls, all built in the traditional Korean style. The village was founded in the late 15th century by two powerful clans: the Gyeongju Son clan and the Yeoju Yi clan. What makes this village so special is that it is not a museum, but a living community. Families still live here today, continuing traditions that date back to the Joseon dynasty. In the Joseon period (1392–1910), clans were structured around a patriarch and...
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Location: 17 Gayasansingmurwon-gil, Suryun-myeon, Seongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Zuid-Korea
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