Travel Andong Mask Dance Festival in
KoreaThe restless spirits wished appeasing thus a thought was struck. One night one in every of them entered the dream of a young member of the Ho clan and instructed him to form picket masks to be utilized in a ritual dance for the spirits' pleasure.
"But you want to keep the method secret upon the penalty of immediate death," warned the spirit's voice.
Leaving his family and lover behind Ho headed for the solitude of the nearby mountains where deep within a cave he began his decreed task, and there he worked till the hundredth day when his craving lover searched out his hideaway.
The instant that she peeked at Ho and therefore the masks, he began to spit up blood and died.
So the story goes...
Eight hundred years later Ho's village, Hahoe, still remains, nestled in a very bend of the Naktong River, a living, respiratory community with a history spanning the lifetime of the Chosun Dynasty.
Originally founded by the Kimhae Ho clan the village was sited in line with geomantic theory (the technique of selecting auspicious sites for cities, residences and graves).
This location, guarded by the steep rocky cliffs of Puyongdae across the river to the north and a wall of pine tree forests and rugged mountains to the south, enabled the village to flee the ravages of wars and retain the made history that's most a region of this nation.
The Kimhae Ho clan was succeeded by the Kwangju Ahn clan, however it wasn't till when the P'ungsan Ryu clan came to the village within the late 14th century that Hahoe rose into prominence through the celebrity of its clan members.
Of these, the foremost celebrated are Ryu Song-ryong (1541-1607), who became prime minister and played a serious role in countering the Hideyoshi invasions (1592-1598) and his elder brother Ryu Un-ryong (1539-1601) who was a famous Confucian scholar and long serving high official.
Although these figures are honored within the history of the village the community doesn't have confidence this or on tourism to get its prosperity. Instead, the clan, each higher and lower categories, works harmoniously to take care of the farming traditions that it's known for therefore long.
This successful cultural co-existence, that is obvious the instant foot is about within the village correct, is treasured and closely guarded by its residents. whereas guests are welcomed to Hahoe its tranquility and charm will solely become a region of one's life through wedding into the Ryu clan.
As a visitor, the attract of this weekend destination is immediate and compelling. The irrepressible feeling is one in every of levity and joy borne of casual strolls, picnics on the wide sandy beach and frolics within the shallows of the river.
The village, embraced by the river, was once regarded to represent a ship (or lotus flower) that forbade the utilization of stone for construction less its weight would sink the vessel. This virtual absence of stone as a building material, one thing that sets Hahoe except for alternative national and international historic sites, additional adds to the current feeling, as if one is travelling back to time.
Although times have modified and therefore the use of stone and concrete is obvious nowadays, the bulk of the village walls are earthen. whereas each effort is formed to shield them from the weather, some are cracked or hastily patched, a testament to the actual fact that Hahoe is far over a tourist attraction.
A wander through the wall lined streets, that converge to the village center, provides passage to the homes of the members of the Ryu clan. in contrast to several Korean villages where all the homes face south, the dwellings during this community are oriented in all four cardinal directions every capturing a novel facet of the theatre beyond.
Graced by raised gates representing the ability and social standing of the clan, the stately buildings of the yangbang stand serenely and impressively, some patiently looking ahead to their wealthy homeowners to form the trip down from Seoul for a leisurely weekend sojourn.
In distinction, the thatch roof huts of the common folks encircling the village abound with the activity of daily life - an influence saw ripping through freshly hewn lumber, the sounds of dishes being washed and therefore the chugging of a rice field tractor going concerning its business.
The fields beyond are equally as active, at now of year being fastidiously tilled and planted out, the efforts of which is able to bear reward return harvest time.
Despite the intrinsic success of Hahoe as a community its importance as a cultural jewel of Korea is well established. The village homes eighteen cultural properties and therefore the government has provided vital support to confirm that it remains untainted by trendy life. This includes the laying of underground electricity within the 1990's and an application to list it in UNESCO's World Heritage List.
The ensuing amount authenticity of the village has resulted in it being prized as a movie set for historical drama.
Additionally the village is that the home of the many ancient festivals as well as the Hahoe Mask Dance and specifically the Pyolshin Kut, a dance that gave common folks the chance to mock those in authority.
Suppressed by the japanese colonial authorities in 1928 owing to its patriotic undertones the dance is that the solely mask dance that also includes community rites held at the native sonangdan (shaman shrine) and is performed at the village each Sunday.
The biggest event at Hahoe is that the Andong Mask Dance pageant, this year to be prevailed October 6-15. This pageant that showcases several Korean and international dance troupes pays homage to the tradition that was borne at Ho's village and includes the Hahoe sunyu-julbul-nori (Korean ancient fireworks).
Whilst Hahoe is remotely located, an important issue of its preservation in years past, it's still simply accessible. it's solely a 40-minute ride on the quantity forty six bus that departs Andong station six times daily and drops you at the village gates.
Accommodation is obtainable at variety of yogwan outside the village however the foremost relaxing expertise would got to embrace an overnight keep at one in every of the minbak at the village. this could be organized for twenty,000 won per space (2 people) however ought to be booked earlier throughout the busy Spring-Autumn amount.
For anyone with a weekend to spare, a visit to Hahoe folks Village could be a should. it'll prove an endless delight and supply an unmatched insight into ancient rural living in Korea.
