By Lee Jihae

British Prince Andrew on May 14 visited Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. He is the first member of the British royal family to go there since his mother, Queen Elizabeth II, did in 1999.

The prince attended an event hosted by locals to commemorate the queen's visit two decades ago. He also stopped by Chunghyodang House, the residence of Ryu Seong-ryong (1542-1607), a scholar and government official during the Joseon Dynasty era (1392-1910), and saw there the Korean fir tree that his mother planted.



Prince Andrew also dropped by Damyeonjae House, a traditional Korean abode where his mother received a birthday banquet two decades before. He read a message on behalf of the queen.

"It is over 20 years since the Duke of Edinburgh and I paid a state visit to the Republic of Korea, and I recall with great fondness the many places we visited in 1999," he read.

"In particular, I remember the very warm welcome that I received in Hahoe Village on the occasion of my 73rd birthday. In the months and years ahead, Prince Philip and I wish you every good fortune and happiness."

The prince said his mother told him to report to her everything he saw, felt and learned in Andong.

He also went to Bongjeongsa Temple, which was registered last year as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Inside, he looked around Geuknakjeon Hall, Korea's oldest wooden building, and practiced a few Buddhist rites as his mother did such as ringing the bell and laying a pile of stones.

The 32-km section spanning the village, Andong Agriculture and Marine Product Market and the temple was formerly called "Queen's Road" after the British queen visited in 1999. The city of Andong decided to rename it "Royal Way" after Prince Andrew's visit, and installed a sign bearing the new name.

jihlee08@korea.kr