Exploring the Hidden Gem of Bonghwa: A Journey Through a Small City in Gyeongbuk
▶ A Journey to Bonghwa, a Small City in Gyeongbuk
Located at the northernmost tip of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Bonghwa is still an unfamiliar name to many.
Although places like Bunchun Santa Village and Cheongnyangsan are known, few travelers venture deep into the small village within Bonghwa.
This is precisely what makes Bonghwa special.
This time, I visited Hwangjeon Village in Geochon-ri, Bonghwa-eup.
With a long history as a clan village of the Uiseong Kim family, this village is home to Doamjeong and Gyeongamheon House, both designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Folk Cultural Heritage.
A landscape that feels like time has stopped, so different from flashy tourist spots, awaited me.
▶ Bonghwa in Summer – Cool and Clear Air Welcomes You
Bonghwa is a cool place that has never recorded a tropical night since weather observations began.
Thanks to its basin topography surrounded by the Baekdu-daegan and Sobaek Mountains, the air here is entirely different from the heat of big cities.
As soon as I arrived in Bonghwa, I felt that refreshing air. A pleasant breeze greeted me the moment I stepped out of the car.
Surrounded by mountains, the rich green energy they emit envelops the entire village.
I naturally felt, 'Ah, this place is different.'
▶ Doamjeong – A Pavilion by the Lotus Pond, 370 Years Old
Upon entering Hwangjeon Village, the first thing that caught my eye was Doamjeong.
Designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Folk Cultural Heritage No. 54, this pavilion was built around 1650 by Kim Jong-gyeol of the Hwangpa clan.
It served as a space for the scholarly discussions and cultural activities of the Confucian scholars of the time.
In front of the pavilion lies a rectangular pond, filled with lotus flowers in July.
On a small artificial island in the middle of the pond, a solitary pine tree stands elegantly, while a centuries-old zelkova tree leans over the pavilion.
The name Doamjeong comes from a large rock beside the pond, resembling a big jar.
Surrounding this rock are other rocks known as rice jars, wine jars, and money jars, which the villagers have believed to bring prosperity and abundance.
The pavilion has a simple structure with a thatched roof and a small railing surrounding the porch. The view of the lotus pond, the pine tree on the island, the jar rocks, and the ancient zelkova tree framed together was stunning, making it hard to believe it was not artificially arranged.
▶ Gyeongamheon House – A 350-Year-Old House Found Within the Village
Walking about 200 meters from Doamjeong into the village, you will find Gyeongamheon House.
Designated as Gyeongsangbuk-do Folk Cultural Heritage No. 53 in 1984, this house belongs to the Uiseong Kim family and is a living cultural heritage where the clan head still resides.
The building features a traditional layout typical of the Yeongnam region, combining a ㄷ-shaped main house and a 一-shaped sarangchae.
The plaque 'Gyeongamheon' hangs in the sarangchae, representing the house's name.
The neat structure, built on a stone foundation with natural stone pillars, exudes a restrained elegance rather than flamboyance.
Sitting on the porch in front of the sarangchae, I gazed at the courtyard. Beyond the low wall of the old house, the village fields stretched out, followed by green mountains.
Despite being hundreds of years old, the courtyard was well-kept, and the summer sunlight gently rested on the tiles.
What impressed me most about this house was the tranquility felt throughout the space.
Unlike tourist spots bustling with signs and crowds, this old house stood quietly in its place.
It had a unique calmness that only places known to a few possess.
▶ Strolling the Village Path – A Slow Walk Through Hwangjeon Village
After exploring Doamjeong and Gyeongamheon House, I walked slowly along the village path. Hwangjeon Village is not large or flashy.
With low stone walls, rural alleys, and fields stretching in front of the village, it is all quite simple. Yet, that simplicity made my steps slow down.
Walking through the old village in the clear air and cool breeze of Bonghwa was much more leisurely and enjoyable than I had expected.
The landscape, devoid of complexity, brought a sense of relaxation to my eyes and peace to my heart.
I began to understand why Bonghwa has long been known as a land of seclusion and refuge.
▶ Bonghwa Sangun Elementary School Playground – A Nostalgic Visit!
While exploring the village, I passed by Bonghwa Sangun Elementary School.
The quiet and quaint atmosphere typical of a small rural school naturally made me stop.
Since it was vacation time, the playground was empty, and I ventured into the play area.
Slides, swings, and monkey bars—these analog playground equipment, now rare in urban parks, were still there.
Sitting on the swing briefly brought back memories of my childhood.
I recalled playing in the schoolyard with friends after class and swinging until sunset. I never expected to encounter such unexpected emotions during my small city trip to Bonghwa.
The playground of a small school brought back old memories.
Its simplicity was delightful, and standing alone in the empty playground will likely remain a cherished memory.
▶ Bonghwa Small City Travel – Recommended for Those Who Enjoy Peace!
Hwangjeon Village in Geochon-ri, Bonghwa, may not be a place full of attractions or experiences.
However, it is the perfect spot for those who want to walk quietly, gaze at the old, and breathe in the fresh air.
It is a place where you can travel at your own pace without being crowded or waiting in lines.
Bonghwa is about a 40-minute drive from Andong and 30 minutes from Yeongju.
After exploring Hwangjeon Village (Doamjeong + Gyeongamheon House) as a day trip, you can head to the National Baekdu-daegan Arboretum or Bunchun Station to experience Bonghwa's various charms in a single day.
If you're tired of complicated travel, I recommend a small city trip to Bonghwa, a quiet gem in Gyeongbuk known only to a few.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/gyeongbuk_official/224368600372
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