The Most Korean Place in Korea: Andong HaHwae Village

If you’re looking for a truly authentic Korean experience that is off the beaten path, we reccomend paying a visit to the Andong Ha-hwae Village. A 2 hour KTX ride from Seoul, Andong is known as one of the founding areas of confuciansim in Korea. Queen Elizabeth, during a visit to Korea, was taken to the HaHwae Village, requesting to go to the most Korean place in Korea. The Ha-Hwae Village has been around for over 500 years, and what sets it apart from other traditional villages in Korea is that families still live in the village. As you crunch the orange tan pepple-y clay that lines the roads of the village, you can see straw thatched roofs on houses located just behind red clay walls. Surrounded by mountains, on a clear day one can witness the true natural beauty of Korea that isn’t possible to enjoy in a concrete jungle like Seoul.

Side Street in the Andong HaHwae Village

As you reach the outer limits of the village, you will run into the Nakdong River one of the 5 major rivers in Korea where you can see beautiful rock formations. This area is popular for enjoying ‘chi mek’, or fried chicken and beer, outdoors in the summer.

Rock stack on the shore of the Nakdong river.

If you’re spending a morning or afternoon at the HaHwae Village, you won’t want to miss the myriad of delightful restaurants. Featured here is a lunch set at a restaurant (Pine Field Restaurant or 솔밭 식당).

While the village is home to a number of remarkable historical elements, one of the most impressive has to be this 600 year old tree in the center of the village. visitors can write and tie their intentions to the ropes around the tree.

600 Year Old Tree Located in the Andong HaHwae Village

If you’re looking to visit a traditional place off the beaten path, be sure to check out Andong and the HaHwae Village.