Hahoe Village: Step Inside a Living UNESCO Heritage Site in Andong (The Ultimate Guide)

Andong

Please note that the information in this article is current as of August 2025. For the latest information, please check the official website.

Hello, everyone! This is “Somewhere Notes” for travel records.

Introduction: Discover South Korea’s Best-Kept Secret

When planning a trip to South Korea, Seoul and Busan often steal the spotlight. But if you’re searching for a truly authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience where history breathes, you need to head straight to Hahoe Folk Village (하회마을) in Andong.

Traditional thatched-roof houses in Hahoe Folk Village, Andong, South Korea, under a cloudy summer sky.

Designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, Hahoe is more than just a historical preservation area—it’s a living museum, often compared to Japan’s Shirakawa-go, where residents actually live in centuries-old Hanok (traditional Korean houses).

Stone monument marking Hahoe Folk Village as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Andong, South Korea.

The village name, Hahoe, literally means “river encircling,” a perfect description of how the Nakdong River gracefully flows in an S-shape around the village, creating a unique and stunning landscape.

Illustrated map of Andong Hahoe Folk Village showing key attractions, walking routes, and the Nakdong River surrounding the village.

Must-See Highlights: How to Walk Through History

The real charm of Hahoe lies in wandering its narrow, rustic paths, but here are the three must-do activities to maximize your visit:

Narrow alleyway between traditional stone and clay walls in Hahoe Folk Village, showcasing classic Korean Hanok architecture and peaceful countryside charm.

1. The Living Hanok: A Unique Vibe

Unlike many historic sites that feel staged, Hahoe is genuinely alive. As you walk, you’ll see traditional tiled roofs (Giwa) and thatched roofs (Choga) right next to each other, surrounded by the simple sights of everyday life. This is the village’s biggest appeal—it’s history you can touch and feel.

Traditional Hanok houses inside Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, featuring thatched and tiled roofs surrounded by stone walls and a peaceful garden setting.

Tip: Take your time. Every corner offers a picturesque view, perfect for photography.

2. The Must-See: Buyongdae Cliff Viewpoint

Across the river from the village is Buyongdae (芙蓉臺), a scenic cliff that offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view of Hahoe Village nestled in the river bend. You can see the river, the traditional Hanok houses, and the surrounding mountains all in one breathtaking sweep.
I didn’t get the chance to visit this viewpoint this time, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

A view of the Nakdong River from the Hahoe Village side, framed by tree leaves. A sandy beach area, a tent, and a silver car are visible, with the steep Buyongdae Cliff rising in the background.

3. The Traditional Art: Hahoe Mask Dance (Talnori)

Hahoe Village is famous for the traditional performance, the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (Mask Dance). This satirical performance, originally a ritual to appease the gods, is vibrant, funny, and provides incredible insight into ancient Korean culture.

A photo featuring two traditional Korean wooden totem poles, known as Jangseung, standing in a grassy area beside a paved road and a signpost. The poles are wrapped with colorful ribbons. The pole on the left has a female face with the Korean text "Saehae bok mani badeuseyo" written vertically on it. The pole on the right has a male face with the Korean text "Segye yusan" written vertically on it. A signpost in the background points to various directions, including "Hahoenajangsaeg-gil".

I sincerely regret missing this! Please, make sure you don’t skip it. The schedule can be tight, so check the timings and head there early.

Performance Schedule (Check before you go!)

  • Mar – Dec: Every Tuesday to Sunday (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)
  • Jan – Feb: Every Saturday and Sunday (2:00 PM – 3:00 PM)

Location: Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori Training Center (Near the entrance).

Cost: Free admission to the performance.

Excerpted from the Andong City official website (original link in Korean)

Deepen Your Experience: Special Moments in Hahoe

The Ultimate Stay: Hanok Accommodation

To truly disconnect, consider booking an overnight stay in one of the traditional Hanok houses. Waking up in a centuries-old home, surrounded by that peaceful atmosphere, is an unforgettable experience.

A traditional Hanok guesthouse with tiled roofs and stone walls in Hahoe Folk Village, Andong, offering visitors an authentic Korean lodging experience.

The Power Spot: The Wish Tree

Look for a massive, 600-year-old tree covered in pieces of paper—this is the village’s powerful Wish Tree. Write your wish on a piece of paper, tie it to the branches, and hope for a little ancient Korean magic!

A centuries-old sacred tree in Hahoe Folk Village, adorned with paper wishes tied by visitors seeking good fortune.

Take a Break at a Hanok Cafe

After hours of walking, you’ll find a couple of stylish cafes tucked away inside traditional Hanok structures. Enjoy a cup of coffee or try traditional Korean drinks like yuzu tea or sikhye (sweet rice drink) while soaking in the historic view — the perfect blend of old and new.

An outdoor café in Hahoe Folk Village with traditional Korean-style buildings, red-and-white umbrellas, and neatly arranged tables on a grassy lawn.

Practical Guide: Getting There & What You Need to Know

Hahoe is located a bit away from the main city of Andong, so a little planning goes a long way.

A red and green trolley bus at a stop in Hahoe Folk Village, heading toward Andong Station. Behind the bus is a small ticket booth, surrounded by trees and a parking area.

Access from Andong Station

  1. Take Bus No. 210 from the station area. Be aware that the buses are infrequent, so check the schedule beforehand.
  2. Get off at the Hahoe Maeul Ip-gu (Entrance) bus stop.
  3. Purchase your admission ticket here (5,000 KRW for adults).
  4. Take the free shuttle bus from the ticket office into the village.
An admission fee board at the entrance of Andong Hahoe Folk Village, showing ticket prices for adults, teens, and children in Korean and English.

Time Needed

We recommend budgeting half a day to a full day to truly appreciate the village. 3–4 hours is doable, but it might feel rushed if you want to climb Buyongdae or catch the mask dance.

A path lined with tall, lush green trees forming an archway, leading into the distance. The path is sandy or dirt, with green fields and foliage on both sides. This is a scene from Hahoe Folk Village.

Accessibility

The paths within the village are mostly paved and easy to walk on, making it comfortable for children, seniors, and those using wheelchairs or strollers. If you or someone in your group has mobility issues, you may find private companies offering small electric vehicle or golf cart rentals to help with the long distances. It’s an option worth considering for extended tours.

Final Note

Hahoe Village offers a rare glimpse into the historical heart of Korea, untouched by modern hustle. Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or just looking for a peaceful escape, this UNESCO gem should be at the top of your South Korea itinerary!

Have you been to Hahoe Village? Share your favorite spot in the comments below!

A panoramic view of vibrant green rice paddies and a field of lotus leaves, framed by the dark green canopy of a large tree in the foreground. A winding dirt path leads toward a cluster of traditional Korean buildings and trees in the distance, with rolling mountains under a cloudy sky. This pastoral scene is in Hahoe Folk Village.

コメント