ANDONG, North Gyeongsang Province -- Andong, a city in the center of North Gyeongsang Province, is a go-to destination for a truly traditional Korean experience where well-preserved cultural heritage abounds. Ranging from the historic Korean Confucian academy Byeongsan Seowon to the old homes of prominent "seonbi" -- virtuous scholars who tried to lead lives of integrity -- of the Joseon era (1392-1910), every corner of the city is a feast for the eyes. A cluster of traditional Korean houses in Andong Hahoe Folk Village beckons tourists, offering an aesthetic backdrop for visitors to capture the moment and take memorable photos.
But, the true charm of hanok is found inside where one can feel the serene atmosphere that results when nature is “borrowed.” “Koreans show distinct architectural characteristics when designing traditional houses. The key feature is the concept of 'borrowing' nature, which means the architect introduces trees, mountains, waterways and the sun into the house in a way that the owner can breathe in nature practically anywhere in the house,” Ahn Young-hwan, the president of Rakkojae, a major hanok hotel brand, told The Korea Herald on Wednesday.
Though many traditional Korean houses at popular tourist destinations allow overseas travelers to take a peek inside, that is not enough to convey the beauty of hanok, especially when surrounded by skyscrapers in bustling cities, according to the president. Ahn, a 21-year hanok hotel veteran who started hi.