| Yeonghoru
Pavilion (originally 14th century, rebuilt 1970s)
other
sites in Andong |
Andong, Korea |
Click on a thumbnail to enlarge
If you approach Andong from the main highway heading north, a long line of cliffs will emerge to your right as the road veers to the east. If you continue along for about two kilometers, just past the bridge, you will come upon Yeonghoru pavilion - a fairly unique structure. It is easy to miss, however. Perched high on a bluff above the river, it is barely visible through the thick trees.
Originally built in the late 14th century, the pavilion served as a banquet hall for the local nobility. It was destroyed a number of times in catastrophic floods that frequently ravage the Nakdong river. The last incident occurred in the 1970s, when the pavilion was completely washed away. Miraculously, after each flood the only item to be recovered has been the signboard written by King Gongmin, one of the last rulers of Goryeo. The signboard is the only original element of the pavilion. King Gongmin visited the pavilion frequently during his stay in Andong, where he remained to prevent his capture by marauding Mongol invaders.
Bibliography
All images copyright 2000 Abe Ahn and Tim Ciccone
Nilsen, Robert South Korea
Handbook
Moon Travel Publications.
Hong Kong. 1997
Additional information from signposts on site.