Hahoe and Yangdong - Historic Villages of South Korea (UNESCO)

UNESCO World Heritages 

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong 

(Designated 2010)

The Historic Villages of Korea, Hahoe and Yangdong, are two of the most well-preserved traditional Korean villages in the country. 

These villages offer a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life in Korea and are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Korean culture and history.

Hahoe Village, located in Andong, is one of the most well-preserved traditional Korean villages in the country. It is famous for its beautiful natural scenery and traditional architecture, as well as its association with the Ryu family, one of the most influential families in Korean history. 

Hahoe Village is also home to the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, a traditional Korean mask dance that has been passed down from generation to generation.

The houses in Hahoe Village are made of natural materials such as wood, clay, and straw, and they are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings. 

Visitors can see the traditional Korean thatched roof houses and experience the simple yet elegant way of life of the people who lived in these villages centuries ago.

In addition to its beautiful architecture and traditional culture, Hahoe Village is also known for its scenic beauty. 

The village is surrounded by lush green mountains and the beautiful Nakdong River, making it a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

Yangdong Village, located in Gyeongju, is another well-preserved traditional Korean village. It is famous for its traditional Korean houses and is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Yangdong Village is known for its beautiful natural scenery and traditional architecture, making it a great place to experience the traditional way of life in Korea.

The houses in Yangdong Village are made of natural materials such as wood, clay, and straw, and they are designed to harmonize with the natural surroundings. 

Visitors can see the traditional Korean thatched roof houses and experience the simple yet elegant way of life of the people who lived in these villages centuries ago.

In addition to its beautiful architecture and traditional culture, Yangdong Village is also known for its scenic beauty. 

The village is surrounded by lush green mountains and the beautiful Hyeongsan River, making it a great place to relax and take in the natural beauty of the area.

In conclusion, the Historic Villages of Korea, Hahoe and Yangdong, are two of the most well-preserved traditional Korean villages in the country. 

These villages offer a unique glimpse into the traditional way of life in Korea and are a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Korean culture and history. Whether you're interested in traditional architecture, natural beauty, or cultural heritage, these villages are a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Korea.

Nearby attractions

• Woryeonggyo Bridge
• Dosanseowon Confucian Academy
• Andong Folk Museum
• Bulguksa Temple
• Seokguram Grotto
• Hwangnyongsa Temple Site
• Gyeongju National Museum

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art and Olympic sport

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art, is one of the most popular and widely recognized forms of self-defense in the world. 

With its roots in ancient Korean history and its modern-day popularity as an Olympic sport, Taekwondo offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for a physical workout, self-defense skills, or competition opportunities, Taekwondo has a lot to offer.

Taekwondo is believed to have originated from various Korean martial arts, such as subak, t'aekkyon, and gwonbeop, that were practiced for centuries. 

In 1955, the Korean Taekwondo Association was established, and the martial art quickly gained popularity, becoming an Olympic sport in 2000. Today, Taekwondo is practiced by millions of people in over 190 countries.

One of the defining features of Taekwondo is its emphasis on high, spinning kicks. These kicks, which are performed using the legs, are meant to strike an opponent at a greater distance than punches or other strikes. 

This makes Taekwondo an effective form of self-defense, as it allows practitioners to strike an opponent from a safe distance.

In addition to self-defense, Taekwondo offers a great physical workout. The high-flying kicks, fast-paced movements, and dynamic footwork involved in Taekwondo are a great way to improve cardiovascular health, flexibility, and coordination. 

Additionally, the emphasis on focus, discipline, and mental control can help practitioners develop mental toughness, which can be beneficial in other areas of life.

Taekwondo is also a highly competitive sport. Tournaments are held at the local, national, and international level, and competitors can compete in sparring, poomsae (a form of choreographed patterns), and breaking (breaking boards or tiles). 

At the highest level of competition, the World Taekwondo Championships and the Summer Olympics, Taekwondo athletes compete for medals and recognition as some of the world's best martial artists.

If you are interested in starting Taekwondo, there are many schools and clubs available to choose from. It is important to find a school that is led by a qualified and experienced instructor, as proper technique is crucial for avoiding injury and achieving the full benefits of the martial art. 

Additionally, finding a school that aligns with your personal goals and interests can help ensure that you stick with Taekwondo and continue to progress.

In conclusion, Taekwondo is a dynamic and exciting martial art that offers something for everyone. Whether you are looking for self-defense skills, a physical workout, or competition opportunities, Taekwondo is a great choice. 

With its roots in ancient Korean history and its modern-day popularity as an Olympic sport, Taekwondo is a martial art that is well worth exploring.

Gyeongju, Korea. 1,000 Years of History.

Gyeongju, the capital city of the Silla dynasty, is dotted with UNESCO World Cultural Heritages Sites, including Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Yangdong Village, and the Gyeongju Historic Area. 

UNESCO World Heritages 

Gyeongju Historic Areas 

(Designated 2000)

The Gyeongju Historic Area is a noteworthy attraction in Korea, where the legacy and culture of the Silla dynasty, which ruled from 57 BC to AD 935, are well-preserved in its pagodas, tombs, fortresses, and more. During its time as the capital city of Silla, Gyeongju was a perfect representation of Korean architecture and Buddhism. 

The area is divided into five zones, each with its own distinct characteristics: Namsan Mountain, a hub of Buddhist culture; Wolseong Fortress, the royal grounds of the Silla dynasty; Daereungwon Ancient Tomb, the final resting place of high-ranking officials, including Silla kings; Hwangnyongsa Temple, showcasing the essence of Silla Buddhism; and Sanseong Fortress, highlighting the defense system of the royal capital.

Prominent sites within the historic area include Poseokjeong Pavilion Site, Sinseonam Hermitage's Rock-carved Bodhisattva, Donggung Palace & Wolji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Ancient Tombs in Hwangnam-ri, Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, Hwangnyongsa Temple Site, and Bunhwangsa Temple.

Poseokjeong Pavilion Site is located on the western side of Namsan Mountain and features a stone waterway carved into a rock platform, symbolizing the Silla people's love of relaxation. 

Cheomseongdae Observatory, built during the reign of Queen Seondeok, was used to study the stars and is Asia's oldest existing astronomical observatory. 

Bunhwangsa Temple was the residence of the prominent Buddhist priest Wonhyo, and its stone brick pagoda is a must-see in Gyeongju. 

The tomb of Cheonmachong, located in the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, is the only tomb open to the public. 

It was named after the discovery of a painting of a heavenly horse and contains over 10,000 remains and artifacts, providing valuable resources for the study of ancient art and cultural exchange.

Nearby attractions

• Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage)
• Gyeongju Gyochon Traditional Village
• Gyeongju Namsan Mountain
• Seokguram Grotto
• Bulguksa Temple
• Gyeongju Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond