Ibike Korea People-to-People Program
Photo essay: Andong to Sangju
Hahoe to Sangju (50mi, 80km) Quiet roads – one major climb. Beautiful views.
Points of Interest: traditional village (World Heritage Site)
Hahoe
Magul (village), Andong, was the homestead of the Ryu family for 600 years. The name
means roughly "spinning river village." Because the Nokdong River spins around
three sides of the village it has never been invaded, burnt and pillaged, so it
retails dozens of traditional buildings. There are still more than
150 families living in the village. Among other qualities it is notable for
being constructed mostly with natural materials (wood, paper, clay, ceramic,
thatch). It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The combination of natural materials, curves, levels, textures, shades of beige,
detailed work and eclecticism, make it very eye catching and interesting
around every corner.
Wind
down the crocked narrow passage into the center of the village and you will find
the sacred zelkova tree. It is said that the goddess Samsin resides in the
tree. She is the Goddess of pregnancy and child-birth. The thousands of
the notes draped around the tree are prayers from individuals for a healthy
pregnancy and a healthy baby.In Korean lore, there are a lot of reference to
scholars making important discussions or coming to profound realization under zelkova trees.
Gyeongsang Province is considered the breadbasket of Korea. Historically farm land has been carefully managed and protected. The field go up to the edge of the rice mills, churches and villages. There is a lot of fear that the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement is going to undermined traditional agricultural and land-use patterns. (It is believed that the FTA will mostly benefit the industrialists.)
Nakdong Rivers - Sangju
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