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