Andong, Korea

Andong is a large modern city, but  you wouldn't know it if you go to the historical section.  Here, we are on the top of Buyongdae, a 64 m high cliff that looks down on the historic city.  It doens't look like much from here, and when you get closer, it still doesn't look like much... brick homes with thatched roofs, but it was interesting to see the way that Koreans lived 600 years ago. 

The village is called Hahoe (which they pronounce Ha-way) and the river is Nakdong-gang.



The kids wanted to go to the beach, the bank of the river.



Like most cities in Korea, it is in a valley.

I miss signs that say Weare, and Keene, things I can pronounce!

The houses have the best shaped roof.

If you are going to have a modern convenience at least make it look old! 

These pagodas are everywhere.

I still can't get enough of the cool painting.

These guard the entrance to the village and keep out evil spirits... I don't know how we got past them!

We went into the Hahoe mask museum.  Which of these should be our new Facebook profile picture?

Say cheese!

The kids thought this one looked like Pepere... not sure if it was the mustache or the nose... haha Dad!

Scary!

Pooks looks like the mannequin is about to start chasing her!

These were protecting a shop that sold wooden ladels.

This guide was trying so hard to speak in English, and R-man was trying so hard to listen.

Getting the fields ready for planting.

They had an playground with traditional games- like this swing, some see-saws, and a game where you try to throw darts into a vase.

Behind the kids is the hill we were on in the first pictures... the clearing at the top is where we were standing.

The village and some rice fields.

We demolished lunch- Korean barbecue, rice tea, and soju.

Our empty shot glasses.

This is Bongjeongsa Temple, the oldest wooden structure in Korea.  It was built in 673.  There are "No Smoking" signs EVERYWHERE!

A large prayer bell.





R-man is talking to the monk.  The monk asked where he was from and R-man froze, he had no idea.  Finally he said, "America."



We had a great time learing about the history of Korea.  One word of advice... soju at lunch isn't the best idea!  :)

xoxoxoxoxo