World Heritage Identification Number: 1324
World Heritage since: 2010
Category: Cultural Heritage
WHE Type: Buildings & Architectural Ensembles
Transboundary Heritage: No
Endangered Heritage: No
Country: 🇰🇷 Republic of Korea
Continent: Asia
UNESCO World Region: Asia and the Pacific
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A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong
The Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong, inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010, offer a unique glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the Republic of Korea. These two historic clan villages, founded during the 14th-15th centuries, represent the epitome of aristocratic Confucian culture during the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).
More to come…UNESCO Description of the World Heritage Site
Founded in the 14th-15th centuries, Hahoe and Yangdong are seen as the two most representative historic clan villages in the Republic of Korea. Their layout and location - sheltered by forested mountains and facing out onto a river and open agricultural fields – reflect the distinctive aristocratic Confucian culture of the early part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The villages were located to provide both physical and spiritual nourishment from their surrounding landscapes. They include residences of the head families, together with substantial timber framed houses of other clan members, also pavilions, study halls, Confucian academies for learning, and clusters of one story mud-walled, thatched-roofed houses, formerly for commoners. The landscapes of mountains, trees and water around the village, framed in views from pavilions and retreats, were celebrated for their beauty by 17th and 18th century poets.
UNESCO Justification of the World Heritage Site
Criterion (iii): Hahoe and Yangdong are two of the best preserved and representative examples of clan villages, a type of settlement characterizing the early part of the Joseon Dynasty. In their siting, planning and building traditions the two villages are an exceptional testimony to the Confucianism of the Joseon dynasty, which produced settlements that followed strict Confucian ideals over a period of some five hundred years.
Criterion (iv): The village ensembles of Hahoe and Yangdong reflect the impact of the Joseon Dynasty that profoundly influenced the development of the Korean peninsula over some five centuries. The villages, and particularly the ensemble of yangban and commoners’ houses, and their overall and individual planning, reflect the precepts of this Dynasty in terms of its social structures and cultural traditions as well as its power and influence and its literary, and philosophical traditions.
Encyclopedia Record: Hahoe Folk Village
The Hahoe Folk Village is a traditional village from the Joseon Dynasty, located in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The 'Ha' is short for river and 'hoe' means to 'turn around, return, come back.Additional Site Details
Area: 599.6 hectares
Number of Components: 5
(iv) — Outstanding example of a type of building or landscape
Coordinates: 36.5391666667 , 128.5166666667
World Heritage Research
Discover scientific research and academic studies that deepen our understanding of Historic Villages of Korea: Hahoe and Yangdong from its history and significance to its conservation, management, and contemporary challenges.
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The Potential of K-Heritage Spaces in Andong -Case Studies of Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon-
Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon, two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Andong, Korea, are dynamic cultural landscapes that offer significant educational potential. Hahoe Village, with its organically evolved structure, preserves ecological authenticity and resilience, serving as a powerful asset for heritage education. Meanwhile, Byeongsan Seowon's intentionally designed landscape, inspired by Chagyeong aesthetics, provides visual rest and fosters humanistic reflection, resonating with modern minimalism. This study reveals that these sites are not static relics but ongoing cultural ecosystems that continuously adapt to contemporary lifestyles, offering a framework for transforming classical narratives into globally competitive 'K-Spaces'. The research employed qualitative landscape analysis based on field observations in 2018 and 2024, grounded in theories by Carl O. Sauer, Yi-Fu Tuan, and Edward Relph.
Choung, E.-h. (2026). The Potential of K-Heritage Spaces in Andong -Case Studies of Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon-. Education Research Institute, Chungbuk National University, 47(1), 475–498. https://doi.org/10.55152/kerj.47.1.475
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An Exploratory Study for Hahoe Village Tourism Storytelling using the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori
Researchers have identified six key story resources from Hahoe Village, including the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (traditional mask dance), Hahoe World Mask Museum, and legendary figures like Hur Do-ryeong, which can transform tourism experiences into thematic journeys. By categorizing these elements into interactive 'courtyards'—such as Playground Courtyard, Legend Courtyard, and Gentry Courtyard—the study demonstrates how storytelling can enhance visitor engagement and position Hahoe Village as a thematic tourism destination. The approach involved literature reviews, field observations of performances, and content analysis, with peer validation ensuring rigor.
Choi, S.-M., & Kim, J.-H. (2025). An Exploratory Study for Hahoe Village Tourism Storytelling using the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori. Interdisciplinary Research in Arts and Culture, 5(4), 63–76. https://doi.org/10.47415/irac.5.4.4
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Cultural Sphere of Modern Andong: From the Perspective of UNESCO's Universality and Diversity
Andong’s cultural heritage, including UNESCO-listed sites like Hahoe Village and Dosanseowon, can be expanded temporally and spatially to reflect its dynamic evolution from the Joseon Dynasty into the modern era. This study argues that Andong’s intellectual history—rooted in Confucian traditions but shaped by engagement with Western liberalism, socialism, and communism—embodies UNESCO’s principles of universality and cultural diversity. By analyzing interconnections between registered and unregistered heritage sites, it advocates for a broader conceptualization of the region’s cultural landscape as an integrated whole, eligible for future UNESCO inscription. This approach avoids emphasizing local particularity while highlighting Andong’s role in promoting peace, cooperation, and global cultural exchange.
YANG, I. (2025). Cultural Sphere of Modern Andong: From the Perspective of UNESCO’s Universality and Diversity. Tae Dong Institute of Classic Research, 54, 85–110. https://doi.org/10.31408/tdicr.2025.54.85
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The production and consumption of tradition: a comparative spatial analysis of Bukchon Hanok village and Yangdong village in South Korea
Tradition in Korean heritage sites is not static but dynamically shaped by spatial practices, policies, and tourist consumption. A comparative analysis of Bukchon Hanok Village and Yangdong Village reveals contrasting approaches to preserving tradition: Bukchon commodifies tradition through urban-style hanoks repurposed for tourism, while Yangdong adheres strictly to UNESCO conservation norms, often at odds with contemporary residential needs. This study highlights the tension between authenticity and livability in heritage management, advocating for a balanced approach that accommodates national narratives, global frameworks, and local adaptability.
Youn, H. (2025). The production and consumption of tradition: a comparative spatial analysis of Bukchon Hanok village and Yangdong village in South Korea. Journal of Asian Architecture and Building Engineering, 25(5), 4173–4185. https://doi.org/10.1080/13467581.2025.2542304
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Analysis of Domestic Media Reports Related to Andong Tourism Using Bigkinds
A big data analysis of domestic media reports revealed that interest in Andong tourism surged in 2024, with 3,574 mentions—nearly doubling previous years. High-frequency keywords included Gyeongsangbuk-do, Hahoe Village (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), COVID-19, Gyeongju, and public transportation, while entities like Andong City, the Director of Culture, Tourism and Sports Bureau, UNESCO, and Dosanseowon dominated discussions. Unlike prior studies, this research leveraged BigKinds' platform to systematically process 16,092 news articles (2020–2025), offering a novel framework for social science analysis. Future work could integrate article titles with content for deeper insights.
Moon, S.-J. (2025). Analysis of Domestic Media Reports Related to Andong Tourism Using Bigkinds. Journal of Next-Generation Convergence Information Services Technology, 14(6), 763–775. https://doi.org/10.29056/jncist.2025.12.03
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Changryeo Lee Jeong-gi’s Oksan Gugok Poetry and Its Meaning
A rare consensus emerged among seven poets on the establishment of Oksan Gugok, a significant cultural site in Yangdong village, Korea. This study reveals that the creation and management of such sites were driven more by spiritual significance than geographical features, reflecting a shift from traditional Confucian values to an emphasis on ancestral heritage. The research highlights Changryeo Lee Jeong-gi's role in establishing Oksan Gugok, influenced by the legacy of Hoejae Lee Eon-jeok and the advice of Gwangroe Lee Ya-soon. Over 30 years, 15 poets contributed to this site, underscoring its enduring cultural and spiritual importance.
Hwang, M.-k. (2023). Changryeo Lee Jeong-gi’s Oksan Gugok Poetry and Its Meaning. Daedong Hanmun Association, 75, 85–112. https://doi.org/10.21794/ddhm.2023.75.85
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A Study on the Meaning of Ffire Play as a Local Cultural Resource and the Perception of Local Residents: Case of Seonyujulbul-nori in Hahoe Village
A study on Seonyujulbul-nori, a traditional fire play in Hahoe Village, reveals its significant role as a local cultural resource that fosters community empathy and preserves regional identity. The research found that the play, rooted in history, connects diverse audiences to traditional culture while maintaining spatial memories tied to locality. Continuous participation was shown to enhance local harmony and identity formation. This qualitative study, conducted through interviews with local residents experienced in the event, suggests a sustainable model for preserving cultural heritage by integrating it into community life. The findings highlight Seonyujulbul-nori as a bridge between past traditions and contemporary cultural engagement.
Kim, Y. (2023). A Study on the Meaning of Ffire Play as a Local Cultural Resource and the Perception of Local Residents: Case of Seonyujulbul-nori in Hahoe Village. The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, 45(12), 777–786. https://doi.org/10.33645/cnc.2023.12.45.12.777
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