Located in North Gyeongsang Province, this calm city maintains centuries-old Korean Confucian traditions. The UNESCO-listed Hahoe Folk Village dates back to the 16th century.
In Andong, you can walk through the narrow alleys of Hahoe Village where aristocrats lived in tile-roofed houses while commoners dwelled in thatched homes - all preserved from the Joseon Dynasty. You'll find locals brewing soju using 400-year-old methods, smell the aromatic Andong jjimdak chicken simmering in soy sauce, and watch masked performers tell ancient stories through dance. When Queen Elizabeth II visited South Korea in 1999, she chose Andong after asking to see "the most Korean place in Korea."
Getting to Andong
From Seoul, take an express bus from either Gangnam Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal - the journey takes about three hours with departures every 30-60 minutes. Alternatively, take a train from Seoul Station to Dongdaegu Station, then transfer to a local train to Andong.
Exploring Hahoe Folk Village
Walk through this 600-year-old village, where the Nakdong River curves around the community in a U-shape. You'll find aristocratic tile-roofed mansions next to thatched-roof homes of common villagers - a rare example of social classes living side by side during the Joseon period. Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid tour groups and see local life at its most active.
Local Food and Drink
Try Andong jjimdak at the specialized restaurants near the central market - this braised chicken dish comes swimming in a garlicky soy sauce with glass noodles and vegetables. Local distillers make soju using methods from the 1700s, creating a spirit with 40% alcohol content compared to modern soju's 16%. For breakfast, try heotjesabap, Andong's version of bibimbap, made with dried fish and mountain vegetables.
Historical Buildings
Visit Bongjeongsa Temple to see Geungnakjeon Hall, built in the 7th century and now the second-oldest wooden structure in Korea. Cross the 387-meter Wolyeonggyo Bridge at sunset when lanterns illuminate its wooden walkway. At Dosan Seowon, a 1574 Confucian academy, you can see how scholars lived and studied - the buildings maintain their original layout and architecture.
Mask Dance Culture
Visit Andong during the International Mask Dance Festival in September to see performers wearing Hahoetal masks act out satirical stories about social class and human nature. Join daily mask-making workshops at the Mask Museum, where craftspeople demonstrate centuries-old techniques. Throughout the year, you can watch regular mask dance performances at the Folk Village on weekends.
