“Lost in the mountains north of Pohang?” you might ask. Not quite, but close. We’re in Sangok-ri, a small village nestled deep within the folds of these mountains, practically neighbors with Neyeon Mountain. Sangok-ri isn’t just any village. It’s a place where time seems to slow down, where the air is clean, and nature thrives. Sangok-ri is actually divided into two wards: Sangok and Haok. Imagine living here, surrounded by trees, mountain streams, and an arboretum so large it dwarfs all others in Asia. That’s right, Sangok-ri is home to Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum, a sprawling 3,222 hectares bursting with over 179,000 plants from more than 1,500 different species. It’s a botanist’s dream and a nature lover’s paradise. But Sangok-ri is more than just natural beauty. It has a vibrant community spirit, evident in its unique festivals. Think juicy tomatoes at the Sangok Tomato Festival and frosty fun at the Ice Sled Festival, which drew a whopping 20,000 people in 2012. Now, let’s talk education. Sangok-ri has two schools: Sangok Elementary and Sangok Middle School. Both schools, while small, are rich in tradition and community spirit. They even share a special connection through Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art, fostering not only physical strength but also cultural pride. For a small village, Sangok-ri has some surprising amenities. Need to grab some groceries? Pop into the Sangok Slow Village Vegetable Shop for fresh, locally grown produce, or visit NH Mart or Sangok Mart. Need to fill up your car? NH Mart has a gas station too. And when hunger strikes, Sangok-ri has you covered. O-bok Restaurant and Sangok Restaurant both offer delicious Korean cuisine. Finally, getting to Sangok-ri is an adventure in itself. With limited bus service from Chungha-myun Transfer Station and a single bus from Daegu, reaching this hidden gem feels like discovering a secret. Sangok-ri: a place where nature, tradition, and community intertwine.
Центральный дом работников искусств
Step through the grand wooden doors of the Central House of the Workers of Art, and you’ll be transported to