Hahoe and Yangdong Villages

Hahoe and Yangdong Villages

Hahoe and Yangdong Villages are among Korea’s oldest villages and typical examples of clan settlements, preserving the distinctive features of the yangban (noble) culture and traditional architecture from the Joseon Dynasty. Hahoe Village is located in Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, North Gyeongsang Province, while Yangdong Village is situated in Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, also in North Gyeongsang Province.

Influenced by Korean Confucianism, the yangban system, and Joseon-era feng shui, these villages developed as clan settlements. Compared to other villages in Korea and similar heritage sites abroad, their architecture and spatial layout are notably unique, exhibiting outstanding authenticity. Nestled against lush green mountains and facing rivers and open farmlands, the layout and siting of these villages were designed to draw material and spiritual sustenance from their surroundings, reflecting the distinct aristocratic Confucian culture of the early Joseon Dynasty.

The architecture includes residences of the village head families, wooden-framed houses of other clan members, pavilions, schools, Confucian academies, as well as single-story thatched-roof homes originally inhabited by commoners. The picturesque scenery of Hahoe and Yangdong Villages—surrounded by mountains and water, with pavilions set against a scenic backdrop—was celebrated in the poetry of many 17th- and 18th-century writers.

Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong

Must-visit reason: One of Korea’s most representative historical villages

Continent: Asia

Country/Region: Korea

Province/State: North Gyeongsang Province

City: Andong and Gyeongju