Getting to Jirye Art Village – Part 2

The road to Jirye Art Village starts with a chance discovery on the KNTO website followed by reservations through e-mail to JAV owner, Mr Kim Wong-gil. It’s easy to get access to JAV on the Internet or a landline. But actually getting there is another matter.

First, I find my way to Andong by bus. It’s a short walk from the bus terminal to the TIC in front of the Andong train station. One call to Mr Kim ( 054) 822 2590 and soon his SUV appears to transport me to JAV. Easy enough or so I think.

The 40 minute drive from Andong to JAV takes us on a road that overlooks the Imhaho Dam and past apple orchards begging to be photographed. The hillsides are in a riot of autumn shades. The road narrows to a series of hairpin bends that test the driver’s steering skills & the passengers’ stomachs. Even driving through the main entrance of JAV is tricky as there are just a few inches to spare on both sides of the vehicle as it squeezes past the wooden portals decorated with Hanji characters painted on red paper.

If you have your own set of wheels, you could drive or pedal to JAV via Cheonjeon – Sugokgyo – Bakgok ( 30 km). Or if you prefer a more leisurely route, then take bus No. 28 from Andong to the Giran bus stop and then walk 10 km, mostly uphill, to JAV.

Source of map: KNTO website