Otgol Village

Mr. Choi In-yeong (1896–1951), whose courtesy name was Deogyong and pen name Hwajeon, was the twelfth-generation descendant of Mr. Choi Dong-jip, the founding ancestor of Otgol and known as Daeam. He was also the seventh-generation descendant of the great scholar Baekbulam Choi Heung-won. He was born the grandson of Mr. Choi Si-gyo, who played a leading role in the National Repayment Redemption Movement.

He was a moral gentleman, naturally kind-hearted and deeply self-sacrificing. When he saw the plight of others, he never turned a blind eye but always took the lead in providing relief. He used his personal wealth to assist the villagers in times of joy or sorrow. Furthermore, he personally funded the construction of the vast Gasan Pond, an agricultural reservoir, to help farmers who suffered from annual water shortages and were unable to cultivate their fields. This allowed the local residents to farm without worry. His virtuous deeds earned him widespread praise. The Hwajeon Old House was originally built with a hip-and-gable roof, consisting of a main hall (5 bays), a rear wing (3 bays), and a guest wing (5 bays). However, the guest wing was destroyed by fire after the Korean War. In 2014, the main hall and rear building were renovated to their current state and are now managed by the eldest grandson, Choi Yun-don.

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.