Threads weaving time, a thousand-year-old secret blooming in Andongpo Village

How many ‘firsts’ do we live forgetting? Things that began at someone’s fingertips, gradually losing their value in the currents of time. However, in Andong, there is a special village that quietly endured a thousand years of time, preserving its legacy. This is the story of Andongpo Village.

Andongpo, a fabric that embodied the bravery of Silla Hwarang and the dignity of the Joseon royal court. How has its noble spirit been passed down to this day? It’s not merely a tradition on the verge of disappearing, but we embark on a journey to discover its hidden stories and what it means in our time.

Unforgettable time, Andongpo’s thousand-year history

The story of Andongpo Village is not merely about a regional specialty. Andongpo, used as fabric for Hwarang in the Silla period and renowned as a royal tribute during the Joseon period, is a precious cultural heritage that graces a page in Korean textile history. Each bolt of Andongpo fully embodies the lives and spirit of our ancestors.

The dignity of Andongpo, loved by royalty and scholars

• It was used as a fabric symbolizing the strength and nobility of Hwarang in the Silla period, adding to its historical value.
• As a precious item offered to the royal court in the Joseon period, it established itself as a luxury textile representing the dignity and sophistication of the highest social class.

Andongpo, with such a long history, was more than just a fabric; it was a precious entity that encapsulated the spirit and culture of its era. Today, Andongpo Village continues its efforts to revive this thousand-year-old value in modern times.

The sound of weaving, permeating the village: The secret of Andongpo’s production process

Behind Andongpo’s continuous legacy throughout the long passage of time lie the special natural conditions of this region. Thanks to the climate and soil conducive to growing hemp, the raw material for hemp fabric, high-quality Andongpo could be produced.

Geumsori’s land, ideal for growing hemp

• Well-drained sandy soil provides optimal soil conditions for hemp to grow well.
• Andong’s climate is favorable for hemp growth, forming the basis for producing high-quality hemp fabric.

From hemp cultivation to spinning threads and weaving fabric, every step is imbued with the artisan’s sweat and dedication. Andongpo is thus a piece of art born from the harmony between nature and humans.

A piece of art crafted by fingertips

1. Hemp harvesting: Well-grown hemp is carefully harvested and dried.
2. Peeling the bark: The hemp bark is peeled to extract the fibers.
3. Steaming & tearing hemp: The extracted fibers are steamed and finely torn into thread-like forms.
4. Spinning thread: Fine and uniform threads are skillfully spun.
5. Weaving fabric: Each strand is carefully woven with the skilled hands of an artisan.

Beyond the old to new values: The present and future of Andongpo Village

Although Andongpo boasts a thousand-year history, in modern times it has faced double hardships, such as small-scale production and the import of Chinese hemp fabric. However, Andongpo Village has not succumbed to these challenges, and continues its efforts to preserve tradition and create new value.

Tearful efforts to preserve tradition

• Overcoming small-scale production: By continuing limited production and arduous manual processes, the legacy of tradition is being preserved.
• Competition with imported hemp fabric: Against cheap imported hemp fabric, Andongpo is securing competitiveness by emphasizing its unique quality and value.

Andong City is also providing active support to restore Andongpo’s former prestige. Investments for the future continue, such as designating the Geumsori area as a specialized rural product complex, expanding hemp cultivation areas, and promoting the high-value addition of Andongpo.

Andong City’s support and Bitaraegilssam Village

• Designation as a specialized rural product complex: This creates a stable hemp cultivation environment and strengthens the production base.
• High-value addition: Market competitiveness is being enhanced through the development of modern designs and product diversification using Andongpo.
• Andongpo Exhibition Hall: It promotes the value of Andongpo by exhibiting and selling its history, production methods, and various products.
• Bitaraegilssam Village: It leads the future by serving as an educational and research hub for the transmission, development, and revitalization of Andongpo.

Andongpo Village, where and how to find it?

Andongpo Village, where the breath of a thousand years lives and breathes, is located at 37-12 Geumso-gil, Imha-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. When using public transportation, take a village bus from Andong Station or Andong Terminal, or if using a personal car, you can easily find it by entering the address into your navigation system. Enjoy the tranquil surrounding scenery and visit at your leisure.

Nearby attractions to enjoy together

• Hahoe Village: A representative traditional Korean village designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it’s a great place to visit along with Andongpo Village.
• Byeongsan Seowon: An architectural masterpiece representing the beauty of Korean seowon (Confucian academies), where you can feel the depth of Confucian culture.
• Woryeonggyo Bridge: A wooden bridge built over Andong Dam, where you can enjoy beautiful night views, especially after dark.

Andongpo experienced with all five senses: Tips for visitors

A visit to Andongpo Village can be more than just seeing with your eyes; it can be an experience that satisfies all five senses—touching with your hands and listening with your ears. Knowing a few things before your visit can help you make the most of your time.

Good to know before your visit

1. Visiting the Andongpo Exhibition Hall: You can see the history and production process of Andongpo in detail, so it’s a good idea to check the operating hours in advance.
2. Participating in experience programs: Inquire if it’s possible to touch hemp thread directly or make Andongpo accessories. (Checking whether it’s paid/free and if prior reservation is required is recommended.)
3. Opportunity to purchase products: You can directly see and purchase various clothing, household items, and more made from Andongpo.
4. Visiting Bitaraegilssam Village: Don’t miss this place where you can gain in-depth information about Andongpo’s transmission activities.
5. Consider seasonal visits: If you visit during the hemp cultivation season (primarily summer), you might encounter the unique scenery of green hemp fields.

All these experiences will go beyond simple viewing, allowing you to reflect on the preciousness of our traditional culture and deeply understand the charm of Andongpo Village, where past and present coexist.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What kind of fabric is Andongpo?
Andongpo is a high-quality hemp fabric that was used as Hwarang’s clothing in the Silla period and as a royal tribute during the Joseon period. It was made by cultivating high-quality hemp, thanks to Andong’s well-drained sandy soil and climatic conditions, and is a traditional Korean textile boasting a thousand years of history.

Q2. What can be seen in Andongpo Village?
Andongpo Village has the Andongpo Exhibition Hall, which displays the history and production methods of Andongpo, as well as various products. You can also visit Bitaraegilssam Village, dedicated to the transmission and development of Andongpo, to get related information.

Q3. Are experience activities possible in Andongpo Village?
Yes, Andongpo Village sometimes operates experience programs related to Andongpo. It is recommended to inquire before your visit whether it’s possible to experience touching hemp thread directly or making accessories, and to check for reservation requirements and costs (paid/free).

Q4. Are there any nearby places worth visiting around Andongpo Village?
Around Andongpo Village, there are various attractions in Andong, such as the UNESCO World Heritage site Hahoe Village, the beautifully constructed Byeongsan Seowon, and the Woryeonggyo Bridge with its splendid night views, making them great additions to a combined travel itinerary.

Q5. Where can I get additional information about Andongpo Village?
More detailed information about Andongpo Village and Andongpo can be obtained by directly inquiring at the Andongpo Exhibition Hall or Bitaraegilssam Village, or by checking the Andong City Hall’s culture and tourism-related website.