"Spend a Night at a World Cultural Heritage Site?"... 30,000 KRW Accommodation Fee at Andong Byeongsan Seowon

Recruiting 56 People at Korea Cultural Foundation

The planned program "Byeongsan Seowon Stay," which allows participants to experience the value and meaning of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, will be held four times in total, each for 1 night and 2 days, from September 8 to 17.

Byeongsan Seowon Stay is a 1-night, 2-day program set against the backdrop of Byeongsan Seowon, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site and a masterpiece of Korean seowon architecture. It offers storytelling about history and culture, along with special meals and a neat space to enhance the experience's dignity. The program is designed to let participants encounter nature in an old architectural setting, savor the spirit of the seonbi (Confucian scholars), and gain a unique feeling through special gourmet experiences.

Byeongsan Seowon

Byeongsan Seowon is a representative Confucian architectural site from the Joseon Dynasty located in Byeongsan-ri, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong City. It is a seowon dedicated to honoring Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong (柳成龍). The Mandaeru Pavilion of Byeongsan Seowon is known as an example of the traditional landscaping technique called 'chagyeong (借景),' which borrows natural scenery to enhance beauty. It is said that the long seven-kan (bay) wooden pavilion captures the beautiful views of the Nakdong River and Byeongsan Mountain like a seven-panel folding screen.

Participants of Byeongsan Seowon Stay can experience the aesthetic space of Byeongsan Seowon as it changes with the flow of time. They can enjoy the spectacular views of Byeongsan and the Nakdong River waterway, walk the Confucian cultural path between Hahoe and Byeongsan, and gain thoughtful reflection as a bonus.

They can also taste the distinctive Andong Jongga (head family) table setting, which reflects Confucian culture. The Onhyu Bansang, symbolizing hospitality with respect for ancestors of Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong’s family and offering a comfortable and warm rest, will be served. At Mandaeru, which is most beautiful at sunset with its golden light, an autumn tea table featuring three kinds of tea and sweets will be prepared.

Additionally, a soft three-colored warm porridge table featuring flavors of Chinese yam, spinach, and black sesame will be offered. This is created in collaboration with Kim Dong-gi, a Korean 'Gukdae' chef who expresses nature through Korean cuisine.

The concept of this stay is "Filling by Emptying." It introduces the wisdom of Neo-Confucianism, which encourages modern people?who often miss what is important due to excessive thoughts?to "take only what is necessary and let go."

On the first day, participants check in around 5 p.m., receive room assignments, and have a moment of silent prayer at Jondeoksa. Dinner is served at Gojiksa, followed by tea and reading sessions at Mandaeru. Accommodation is provided at Dongjae, Seojae, Ipgyodang, and Jeonsacheong. On the second day, breakfast is served at Gojiksa, followed by a walk along the Confucian cultural path, and participants return home around 11 a.m.

This event is a 2023 World Heritage Festival planned program hosted by the Cultural Heritage Administration and organized by the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation. Each session accommodates 14 people, with a total of 56 participants recruited through advance reservation. The fee is 30,000 KRW. Reservations can be made via Interpark starting at 2 p.m. on the 31st.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.