The Hahoe village is a small authentic old Korean style village in Andong.
It is a traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty. Because of the fast modernization of South Korea, there are not many places one can observe such architecture and also very tribal sculptures made out of wood.
The first impression coming close to the village is the aroma in the air. At the beginning of the village there is a river full of lotus blossoms. The Nakdong river flows around the village in a S shape, which gave the name of the village (Ha means river and Hoe turning around)
The wooden sculptures remind me of the North American native totems. Those in Korea are for protection & fertility.
On the highest area of the village stands a 600-year-old zelkova tree. As it is said that the goddess Samsin resides in it, the tree is called Sam sindang. Visitors write wishes and hang them around the tree.
Some of the roofs are made with traditional Korean black ceramic. The black ceramic is very rare around the world. In another village I was lucky to observe how they prepare it, dig it deep and burn it with fire.
Shaman rituals were performed by shamans, puppet plays only by clowns, but the so called mask dance was done by performers from diverse backgrounds. The shaman rituals developed into colorful ritual plays and the farmers village festivals evolved into mask dances. The mask dance of Hahoe or Hahoe Talchum, has the most refined theatrical style among all village dances. It is performed during elaborate community rites that welcome the guardian spirits of the village, then send them off, and then provide post-ritual entertainment.
Close to the village is also a paper museum and factory. One can have a tour, look how they produce the paper, take a workshop in building masks and also buy hand made paper. I did all of that. The paper was amazing and the masks workshop very entertaining.
There is one stone wall with a whole inside. In the old days poor people in need could go there and get some money. Those who had enough or were rich would put money inside.
I hope you liked my post;). I LOVE SOUTH KOREA. If you ever have a chance to go, don't miss it. After 5 trips there I can't wait to be back.
Thank you for your time.
Love & light
Bella
http://www.bella-volen.com
Steemit World Map: !steemitworldmap 36.579557 lat 128.777447 long Original photography from HAHOE Folk Village UNESCO World Heritage d3scr