[Hadong, Gyeongnam] A ‘slow city’ in a fast country
What Korean word or phrase did you first learn when you arrived in Korea? Many would reply "bballi bballi," which means "hurry hurry" in the local language. Indeed, Koreans' obsession with speed has made fascinating achievements in this country, such as developing the world's fastest Internet. But how tiring would life be when speed is prioritized at all times?
Take a short breather at Hadong, a place officially designated as a "slow city" by the Cittaslow International. (Note: Hadong is a county, not city.) In a place with such terrific combination of traditional culture and well-preserved nature, speed seems like a far-fetched story.
<The ‘slow city’ of Hadong.>
▶Ssanggye Temple and Bulil Waterfall
If you enjoy the soothing ambiance of Korean temples, then make sure to add Ssanggye Temple on your itinerary when visiting Hadong. Visitors especially enjoy the 3 km-long hiking trail from the temple to Bulil Waterfall.
The temple, which is located 720 meters above sea level, is one of the eight main key spots of Hadong.
<The hiking trail that stretches between Ssanggye Temple and Bulil Waterfall is a popular retreat.>
Bulil Waterfall is most beautiful at this time of year, when the autumn foliage creates a spectacular view with strong currents of water falling from a cliff 60 meters-high. The provincial government of Gyeongnam has chosen Ssanggye Temple and Bulil Waterfall as key autumn outing venues, too.
▶Hwagae Traditional Market, one of Korea's five main traditional markets
The Hwagae Traditional Market in Hadong has been preserved to this day with prestigious tradition. In the late 1960s, an entire Korean movie called "Yeokma" (1967) was filmed there, too. Screenshots of the late movie is currently displayed at the market as well.
<Korea's representative Hwagae Traditional Market>
A blacksmith's workshop may be hard to find nowadays in Korea, but you can easily spot one at the Hwagae Traditional Market. The old-fashioned scenes of the blacksmith tempering iron on an anvil are quite a picture you wouldn't want to miss!
There are also aisles of herbal medicines, most of which vendors offer free tasting to shoppers. There’s no need to refuse, really, because the tasting trials are free of charge.
▶Choichampandaek (Choichampan’s house)
Are you interested in spending a night in a Korean traditional house, and looking for a place with magnificent natural scenery to get yourself absorbed in the oriental vibe? Then Choichampandaek is your answer because the venue boasts a spectacular view of Sumjin River. The location was also the previous film set of the Korean drama, “Moon Embracing the Sun” (2012).
<Accommodation is available at Choichampandaek.>
There are 14 buildings at Choichampandaek, including traditional houses and straw-roofed houses. Foreigners in particular enjoy the exotic experience.
Of the 14 buildings, visitors can sleep in four. Each establishment has a different maximum number of people it can accommodate, but normally that number ranges between two to 10.
Some of the key features of Choichampandaek that makes it so authentic are the wooden doors, stone stairs, multicolored flowers and shimmery night stars.
Costs for a single night are around 35,000 won during the weekdays and 50,000 won during the weekends. If you’re up for a real Korean experience, you can choose the houses with a restroom separated from the main building and save expenses.
For more information, call 055-880-2654 or 055-880-2960.
※ Relevant information
▶ Ssanggye Temple
Address: 208 Unsu-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongnam
Contact: 055-883-1901
Homepage: http://www.ssanggyesa.net
▶Hwagae Traditional Market
Address: Tap-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongnam
Contact: 055-880-2383
▶Choi Champandaek
Address: Pyeongsa-ri, Akyang-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongnam
Contact: 055-880-2654
▶Hadong cultural tour
Homepage: http://tour.hadong.go.kr
Contact: 1588-3186
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