Okyeon Jeongsa

Imagine sitting in front of your room at a traditional Korean villa from the Joseon Dynasty, savoring a smooth glass of homemade makgeolli. There is no noise, only the gentle whisper of the breeze rustling through the blooming cherry trees, while you breathe in the pure, fresh air of the countryside. In front of you, the serene landscape of the Andong folk village, separated only by a low-flowing river at this time of year. It is spring, the second week of April, and the weather feels like a perfect gift from nature. Night falls, wrapping everything in complete calm. We slept as they did in ancient times, on comfortable futons laid on the floor, warm and cozy, enjoying a deep and restorative rest, as if time itself had stopped. At dawn, before the sun even rises, we step once again onto the small porch outside our room. With a cup of coffee in hand, we watch the morning mist slowly dissolve among the cherry trees, creating a scene that feels almost magical. Then, breakfast awaits. We are welcomed into a private room, where two large cushions invite us to sit around a low table filled with a wonderful array of traditional Korean dishes. Kimchi is never missing, nor is a delicious cup of tea to complete the feast. Every bite feels like a celebration of authentic, simple flavors. Okyeon Pavilion is not just a place to stay; it is an experience that transported us to another era, to a different rhythm of life, guided by the care and hospitality of a descendant in the 16th generation of the original family. For my sister and me, it was without a doubt the most special experience of our entire trip to South Korea.

A mix of old-fashioned charm and modern comforts. The view of the river was stunning, and having modern bathrooms was a relief. We loved the traditional breakfast, especially the tasty mackerel fish. Don't miss taking a short walk to the cliff for an amazing view of the area. The owner was very nice and helped us.

This place is very special. Staying here was the highlight of our trip. This 500 year old pavilion was built by a former prime minister and a Confucian scholar for his retirement. I could imagine him sitting on the terrace, looking at Hahoe Village across the river. The beautiful old pine tree, breeze and chirping of birds took us back time to 500 year ago. This is a place to experience history, and it is worth putting up with a few minor inconvenience. (They actually had nice modern bathroom.) The breakfast was very good with real hand painted porcelain and carefully made cutlery. The friendly manager speaks English and he was very helpful with our requests.