Otgol Village

Mr. Choi Jong-eung (1873–1943), whose courtesy name was Seongmun and pen name Geumjeon, was a sixth-generation descendant of Baekbulam Choi Heung-won, a prominent figure of the Yeongnam Samro literary circle. He was also the nephew of Choi Si-gyo, the Daegu representative of the Confucian scholars during the National Debt Repayment Movement. In 1920, Mr. Choi Jong-eung was appointed by the Provisional Government of the Republic of Korea as the Gyeongbuk Regional Fundraiser for the independence movement. Alongside figures like Go Jeong-il, Yun Cheol, and Lee Tae-hun, he traveled throughout Gyeongsang, Chungcheong, and Jeolla provinces to raise military funds, actively rallying comrades and securing financial support. That same November, he received 8 million won in independence movement funds from individuals including Jo Seok-hwan and delivered it to Go Il-chi, a Provisional Government envoy.

In February 1921, he received 3 million won in military funds from Yun Byeong-don and others residing in Chilgok County, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and delivered it to Lee Tae-un, a Provisional Government official. For this act, he was arrested by Japanese police and sentenced to three years in prison by the Daegu District Court on March 30, 1922, enduring imprisonment. The government posthumously awarded him the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Patriotic Order, in 1990 to honor his meritorious service.

Mr. Choi Jong-eung's birthplace

The Geumjeon Old House in Daegu's Otgol Village is the birthplace of independence activist Choi Jong-eung, a space preserving both historical significance and the beauty of traditional Korean architecture. Located on Ottgol-ro in Dong-gu, Daegu Metropolitan City, Geumjeon Old House is one of the representative old houses in Ottgol Village. This was the home of Mr. Choi Jong-eung (1873~1943), who served as the treasurer for the independence movement during the Provisional Government era and endured imprisonment. He is known as a descendant of Choi Chi-won of Baekbulam. His contributions were honored posthumously in 1990 with the Order of Merit for National Foundation, Medal of Patriotism.

The house features a typical traditional hanok structure, characterized by its picturesque courtyard and a simple yet dignified building layout. With a floor area of approximately 13 pyeong (about 43 square meters), it offers two guest rooms—a formal room and a white room—accommodating up to six guests. The interior preserves traditional beauty while incorporating modern amenities for comfortable stays. Cooking and barbecue facilities are available, and the stay includes a village tour program, allowing visitors to experience the history and culture of Otgol Village.

Otgol Village is a traditional village with over 400 years of history, well-preserved with several old houses including Geumjeon House. Especially during autumn foliage season, the serene scenery blending with the traditional houses makes it a popular spot for pleasant walks. Surrounding attractions like Gyeonggeuk House and Pyeonggwang-dong Apple Village offer diverse sightseeing and experiential spaces, providing travelers with abundant enjoyment.

Geumjeon House transcends being a mere lodging space; it is a living historical space where one can experience both the spirit of the independence movement and the value of traditional culture. It is a meaningful place well worth visiting when exploring Otgol Village.

Located in Dunsan-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu, Otgol Village derives its name from its geographical setting: mountains encircle three sides of the village except the south, and the surrounding hills and fields are abundant with lacquer trees. In 1616 (the 8th year of King Gwanghae's reign), the scholar Daeam Choi Dong-jip of the mid-Joseon period settled here, forming a clan village of the Gyeongju Choi family.

The first thing you see on the road leading to the village is a zelkova tree estimated to be over 400 years old. Designated as a protected tree, it stands tall. As the village site is higher than the surrounding area, offering a clear view of the Geumho River tributary, a forest was planted in front of the village to block negative energy from entering. Passing the resting area by the pond and under the tree shade marks the true beginning of Maol.

Entering the village entrance, two massive zelkova trees, also over 400 years old, greet visitors. They are said to have been planted to pray for the village's peace and prosperity, and they reach a height of 12 meters.

Baekbulam Old House, the ancestral home of the Gyeongju Choi clan, is located at the very heart of the village. Built in 1630 by Choi Dong-jip, the founding ancestor of the clan, it is the oldest residential building among houses in the Daegu region. Baekbulam is the pen name of Choi Heung-won, a scholar during the reigns of King Jeongjo and King Yeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty. This house is currently designated as National Folk Cultural Heritage No. 261. Upon entering the main gate, the men's quarters and women's quarters are arranged in a ‘square’ shape. To the right of the house stands the Bopondang Hall. Built in 1753 for ancestral rites honoring the founding ancestor Daeam, it consists of a shrine, a ritual hall, and a kitchen for food preparation. During the Korean War, the Bobondang served as a temporary school. It is also where Baekbulam first proofread the Ban-gyesurok(A collection of jotting). Following the earthen wall path leads to the Jeongryeak Pavilion. Erected in 1789 by order of King Jeongjo to honor the filial devotion of Baekbulam Choi Heung-won, the pavilion houses the red plaque bestowed by the king.

Otgol Village is a beautiful village where approximately 2.5km of earthen and stone walls remain. The Sungmogak Hall at Baekbulam Old House preserves various artifacts, including documents bestowed by King Jeongjo praising the achievements of Baekbulam Choi Heung-won, ancient books and nameplates passed down through the main family line, a folding screen depicting Toegye's Ten Diagrams of Confucian Learning, and ritual vessels.

Otgol Village is a traditional settlement where descendants of the Gwangjeonggong branch of the Gyeongju Choi clan have lived together for over 400 years.

The village was formed in 1616 when scholar Choi Dong-jip settled here during the mid-Joseon period. Descendants of the Gwangjeong Branch have resided here for generations, preserving its traditions and culture. Choi Dan, a Gwangjeong descendant, passed the military service examination, participated in the Wehwa Island Retreat, and was recorded as a Meritorious Subject of the Founding Dynasty. His descendants took root in Otgol Village, Dunsan-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu.

Otgol Village occupies a naturally blessed location surrounded by mountains and fields. Over 20 historic houses remain, including Baekbul House, Gyeomheon House, and Geumjeon House, vividly showcasing the lifestyle of Joseon-era yangban families. Particularly significant are the ancestral home and the Bobeondang shrine, buildings constructed reflecting feng shui principles and the yin-yang and five elements theory, holding great historical value.

Even today, descendants of the Gwangjeonggong branch reside here, preserving the village. Traditional houses and walls have been conserved through restoration projects by Daegu Metropolitan City. Otgol Village stands as a living cultural heritage, embodying the deep-rooted history and spirit of the Gwangjeonggong branch of the Gyeongju Choi clan.

The experiences at Otgol Village offer more than just a casual try—they provide a valuable opportunity to learn Korean traditions through hands-on participation. Discover why each experience is enjoyable and what you'll feel.

Hanbok Experience

• Meaning: An experience to wear and feel the beauty of everyday life in the Joseon Dynasty.

• What's Included: Rental of traditional hanbok for men and women, accessories (hat, norigae, baeja, etc.), dressing assistance, and photo spot guidance.

• Key Points: Photos taken in front of the hanok's wooden floor, stone wall path, or main gate look best. Colors that contrast sharply with the background look especially beautiful.

• Learning: Master dignified posture through adjusting clothing details (ribbons, collars, sashes) and practicing bowing and etiquette movements.

Traditional Korean DASIK(Tea Confectionery) Experience

• Meaning: Making traditional sweets using natural ingredients—a feast for the eyes first.

• Components: Dough made with mugwort, soybean, and black sesame powder; molding with dasik molds; coating with honey or rice syrup.

• Key Point: Controlling the dough's moisture is crucial. If it releases cleanly from the mold, the consistency is right. Color contrast can make patterns appear more vivid.

• Learning: Understand seasonal ingredients and the concept of yin-yang harmony; learn the aesthetic of serving (presentation) that complements tea.

Seodang Experience

• Meaning: A traditional class physically experiencing Confucian learning methods.

• Components: Reading the Thousand Character Classic and Four Books of Elementary Learning aloud, writing Chinese characters with a brush, etiquette education (greetings, seated posture).

• Key Points: Slow pronunciation and rhythmic recitation enhance immersion. Practice vertical strokes first when starting brushwork.

• Learning: The sages' philosophy that learning characters is the very act of rectifying one's mindset.

Rice Cake Pounding

• Meaning: A collaborative effort unifying rice grains through strength and breath.

• Structure: Steaming glutinous rice → Placing in mortar → Alternating blows with pestle → Shaping and topping.

• Key Point: Alternating strikes in rhythm with “One-two” maximizes elasticity and chewiness. A smooth surface signals completion.

• Learning: Understanding the rhythm of cooperation and the transformation of grains (starch gelatinization) through sensory experience.

Arrow Throwing Experience

• Meaning: The art of concentrating one's mind to strike the target with ‘precision and focus’.

• Setup: Throw arrows (sal) into a jar (ho) from a set distance; score per round.

• Key Point: Success hinges on breathing and fixed gaze, not arm strength. Low arcs yield higher success rates.

• Learning: Cultivating focus, restraint, and courtesy through play.

Jegi Chagi

• Meaning: A folk sport creating balance and rhythm with the toes.

• Structure: Continuously kicking a jegi (shuttlecock) with one foot, competing for individual and team records.

• Key Points: Strike the center of the instep with a ‘tap’ motion; continuous rhythm is more important than height. Keep eyes on the bottom of the jegi.

• Lessons: Core balance, sense of rhythm, and harmony between body and breath.

Stone Toss

• Meaning: An outdoor game connecting the senses of the ground and hands using flat stones.

• Structure: Tossing a flat stone placed on the back of the hand, clearing obstacles, competing for number of tosses.

• Key Points: Stone selection is half the battle—light yet balanced stones are advantageous. Aim for low, fast spins.