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Start
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Heotjesabab
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Bongjeongsa
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Byeongsan Seowon
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Buseoksa
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Yongsomak Catholic Church
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Finish
Andong (Wolryeonggyo, Bongjeongsa, Hahoemaeul, Byeongsan Seowon, Buyongdae), Buseoksa and Museommaeul
My vacation began in the early May. A lot of people would go travel abroad or somewhere in Korea, probably to beaches or mountains, I assumed. I wanted to travel where there are few people with no traffic so I decided to go somewhere inland province rather than a beach or mountain.
As I searched for places, I decided to visit Andong Hahoemaeul(Hahoe folk village) known as capital of Korean spiritual cultures, Byeongsan Seowon and Bongjeongsa which are like a milestone of Korean architectural cultures and finally to Buseoksa(Buseok Temple). On the last day, I wanted to go to Museommaeul(Museom village), which is located in a corner of Yeongju, and see the landmark of the village, Museom single log brid. It turned out to be a great choice that I could feel simple and unconventional beauty of Korea.
After I left Seoul at 9 in the morning on May 2nd, I drove along national highway no.3 to Gonjiam just in case the traffic is terrible on Jungbu Expressway, followed Gyeongchun Line and Yeongdong Expressway until I got to Munmak, and then I drove through Jungbu Expressway again. There was no traffic at all so that I could arrive in Andong in 3 hours around noon safe and sound. It was too early for check-in so I went to the restaurant that I had searched.
Special menu of Andong: Heotjesabob – Same menu for 50 years in front of Wolryeonggyo 헛제사밥
Heotjesabob originated in Andong where scholars used to gather to study altogether during Joseon Dynasty is Bibimbob with soy sauce and sesame oil instead of gochujang(red pepper paste), and it indicates that scholars used to perform fake memorial services for their ancestors to enjoy ritual food which was hard to eat every day.
The restaurant is equipped with chairs and tall tables, unlike other restaurants, so that even foreign tourists who find sitting on floor difficult could eat comfortably.
I ordered Heotjesabob (10,000 won) and salted mackerel (10,000 won). Namulbibimbob with different kinds of vegetables and a variety of dishes for memorial services were prepared including panfried shark, boiled eggs, skewer, different pancakes and broth.
Dishes and food ingredients were fresh and plentiful. I was amazed by the smell of sesame oil that that wafted in, and satisfied with the tastefully seasoned vegetables. They served one well-cooked salted mackerel which would seemingly cost 15,000 won for two so I say the ratio of cost of sales would be 70% and the taste was very satisfying.
Address: 513-2, Sanga-dong, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea (경상북도 안동시 상아동 513-2)
After lunch, I took a walk along Wolryeonggyo (Wolryeong bridge) for a while and luckily there was a national canoeing contest to select the members of the national team.
That day was when the finals of middle- and high-school students so there were many canoe players and their parents were cheering and supporting the students on Wolryeonggyo.
A high school paddler happened to be next to me so we had a talk and I could hear things about canoeing.
There were young students who sank exhausted from cheering and being a bystander and I found them very adorable.
Richell Hotel 리첼호텔
Leaving behind the canoe game, I went to the hotel. Hotels normally allow check-in between 2 and 3, so I decided to take a rest a while at the hotel and visit Bongjeongsa on time.
The hotel I booked, Richell Hotel, is 10 minutes away from Wolryeonggyo. It is quite isolated but the employees' service and facilities were very special.
I paid around 150,000 won for a deluxe room where I could have a clear view of Andong Dam from the veranda and the bed with strong springs was very comfortable for my back.
The living room and bathroom facilities were satisfying as well. The shower booth was separated from the bath, and the living room was nicely decorated with sofa and furniture in modern style with no unnecessary things.
When I open the closet in the living room, there was kitchen equipment for tourists to cook something simple.
When I open the closet in the living room, there was kitchen equipment for tourists to cook something simple.
Address: 346-69, Gwangwangdanji-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Korea (경상북도 안동시 관광단지로 346-69)
