The Hahoe Folk Village (Korean: 안동 하회마을) is a traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty, located in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The word "Ha" means river, and "Hoe" means to turn around, return, or come back.

The village is an important part of Korean culture because it keeps buildings, traditions, books, and ways of life from the Joseon period. It was named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO and the South Korean government in 2010, along with Yangdong Folk Village. Each year, about 1 million people visit the village.

Overview

Hahoe, along with Yangdong, is one of the most important historic villages in South Korea. These villages were built in the 14th-15th century and are known for their close family connections. The village includes homes, buildings, and schools that show the traditions of the early Joseon era. Out of 124 houses in the village, six are protected as National Treasures.

North of the village is Buyongdae Cliff, and to the south is Mt. Namsan. The village was planned using pungsu, a traditional Korean method of arranging land for balance and harmony. Because of this, the village’s shape resembles a lotus flower or two commas that fit together.

History

The Ryu (or Yu) clan from Pungsan founded the Hahoe Folk Village in the 15th century during the Joseon Dynasty. The village has remained a community of one clan since its creation. It is known for keeping many of its original buildings, such as the village Confucian school, and for continuing traditional folk arts like the Hahoe Mask Dance ('Byeonlsin-gut'), a shaman ceremony that honors the spirits of the village.

Today, the village is split into two parts: Namchon (South Village) and Pukchon (North Village). The main branch of the Pungsan Ryu clan, called the Gyeomampa, lives in Namchon. The secondary branch, the Seoaepa, which traces its history to Yu Sŏngnyong, a famous prime minister during King Seonjo’s reign, lives in Pukchon. Pukchon includes Yangjindang Manor, listed as Treasure No. 306, and Pikchondaek House, an Important Folklore Material No. 84. Namchon includes Chunghyodang Manor, listed as Treasure No. 414, and Namchondaek House, an Important Folklore Material No. 90. Although each clan branch once lived in their own areas, both now live throughout the village.

The village has kept old building styles that are no longer common in South Korea due to modern development. Wealthy families lived in homes with tile roofs, and servants lived in thatched-roof homes, showing the building styles of the Joseon Dynasty. Notable structures include the Wonjijeongsa Pavilion and the Byeongsan Confucian School. The village continues the shaman ceremony called Byeolsin-gut and keeps the Hahoe masks used in the dance. Another tradition is Jeulbul Nori, where fireworks are set off at the base of the Buyongdae Cliff. The Yongmogak Shrine holds Yu Sŏngnyong’s books, including the Jingbirok, a National Treasure No. 132 that records the Imjin War of 1592. Treasure No. 160, Kunmundungok, documents military camps. Chunghyodang also holds 231 royal letters appointing officials.

Inside the village, there is a 650-year-old zelkova tree called Samsindan, believed to be the home of the goddess Samsin in Korean shamanism. Visitors write wishes on paper and hang them near the tree.

Queen Elizabeth II visited Hahoe Village in 1999. During her visit, villagers celebrated her 73rd birthday with a party.

Intangible cultural asset

The mask play performed in Hahoe-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong City, North Gyeongsang Province, is known as National Intangible Cultural Treasure No. 69. This tradition began with Seonangje's mask dance, a spontaneous celebration observed in Dongje, which differs from Sandae Myeonghwajeon, another traditional Korean mask play. Byeolsingut Tal Nori is a mask play that is part of a village ceremony and combines elements of religious rituals, folk opera, and silent acting.

'Sunyu Line Fire' is a folk game where people hang bags filled with charcoal powder on long strings and watch flames leap through the air. In Hahoe Village, aristocrats recited poems while sailing on a river under the full moon in July. During this time, they poured oil onto eggshells or pieces of buppy and set them on fire, letting them fly with a wick. They also dropped lit pine stems from a place called Buyongdae.

Tourism

Hahoe Folk Village was named a World Heritage Site in 2010 and receives more than 1 million visitors each year.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have included it in their list of "100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea" every year from 2013 to 2025, except for 2016 and 2017.

Since 2021, tour carts have not been allowed to enter the village to protect its historical features.

Gallery

• Yangjin Residence
• Chunghyo Residence
• House in Hahoe Village
• House in Hahoe Village
• House in Hahoe Village