Along Andong Lake, in Search of Toegye

Andong is a land of yangban scholars and the spiritual heart of Korean Confucianism. From Dosan Seowon, where the presence of Toegye Yi Hwang still lingers, to his birthplace and head house, Andong offers a glimpse into the entire life of Toegye. Also not to be missed in Andong are Imcheonggak, in the city center, the birthplace of Seokju Yi Sang-ryong, first Prime Minister (Gukmuryeong) of the Provisional Government, and, nearby, the seven-story brick pagoda at the Beopheungsa temple site, Korea's oldest and largest brick pagoda.

Along the way

1. 1
   Andong Imcheonggak

   안동 임청각

   Imcheonggak is the largest surviving residential house in Korea, the head house of the Andong Goseong Lee clan with a history spanning 500 years. Lee Jeung, the sixth son of Lee Won, who served as chief state councilor under King Sejong of Joseon, and himself magistrate of Yeongsan, was captivated by the beauty of this spot and settled here, becoming the clan's founding ancestor at this location. Imcheonggak is a detached-pavilion-style annex later built by Lee Myeong, Lee Jeung's third son, who served as a junior official in the Ministry of Justice under King Jungjong. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Andong Beopheungsa Site Seven-Story Brick Pagoda

   안동 법흥사지 칠층전탑

   The seven-story brick pagoda at the Beopheungsa site in Andong is Korea's largest and oldest Unified Silla-era brick pagoda, standing 17m tall with a 7.5m base. Since this area is still called Beopheung-ri, the pagoda is presumed to have belonged to Beopheungsa Temple, said to have been founded during the Unified Silla period. The pagoda was rebuilt in 1487 (the 18th year of King Seongjong). MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Yeonmisa Temple

   연미사

   Yeonmisa Temple sits on Mt. Odosan at San 21, Icheon-dong, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and is a branch temple of Gounsa, head temple of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. Andong, the spiritual and cultural heartland of Korea, has long had Confucian culture deeply rooted in it. Yet Andong has also long been a place where Buddhist culture flourished. Even today, Andong is dotted with numerous temples that set it apart from other regions, foremost among them Bongjeongsa, which was visited by Britain's Queen Elizabeth. MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Bongjeongsa Temple

   봉정사

   Bongjeongsa Temple on Mt. Cheondeungsan is a wonderful place, neither too far nor too rugged to reach, where you can leave the busy city behind for a quiet moment of leisure. Home to Korea's oldest wooden building, it is also a source of great pride for the people of Andong. It is also a place where you can drink in the clean water and clean air that people today crave. MoreLess

   

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5. 5
   Dosan Seowon

   도산서원

   Dosan Seowon is a Confucian academy built in 1574 (the 7th year of King Seonjo) to honor and commemorate the scholarship and virtue of Toegye Yi Hwang (1501–1570). It is located in Togye-ri, Dosan-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do. MoreLess

   

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