Last reviewed: · Prices are approximate and for orientation only.
Overview
Andong (안동) is one of the essential stops in South Korea, located in the North Gyeongsang region. UNESCO Hahoe Folk Village, Confucian academies (Seowon), mask dance heritage and jjimdak.
With direct connections via KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail, Andong rewards a stay of 1–2 days so you can balance major landmarks with neighborhood cafés, markets, and easy half-day excursions.
Neighbourhoods & areas
Andong Hahoe Folk Village
UNESCO-listed 600-year-old Ryu clan village nestled inside a dramatic S-bend of the Nakdong River opposite Buyongdae Cliff.
Woryeonggyo Bridge & Andong Dam
Lakefront district featuring Korea's longest wooden pedestrian footbridge, misty morning walks, and folklore museums.
Downtown Andong & Gu Market (Jjimdak Alley)
Historic market arcades near the former station where Andong's famous braised soy-sauce chicken originated.
Top sights & experiences
Andong Hahoe Folk Village & Buyongdae Cliff (UNESCO)
Living Confucian clan village of tiled yangban residences and thatched cottages, home to the Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori mask dance drama.
Dosan Seowon & Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academies
UNESCO-inscribed 16th-century Neo-Confucian academies founded by Toegye Yi Hwang, featuring the open Mandaeru pavilion overlooking the river.
Woryeonggyo Wooden Footbridge & Manhyujeong Pavilion
387-meter timber bridge lit beautifully at night, plus the forest waterfall pavilion featured in Mr. Sunshine.
What to eat
Andong Jjimdak (Braised Soy-Garlic Chicken with Glass Noodles)
Generous platter of chicken braised in sweet-savory soy sauce with dried chilies, potatoes, carrots, and wide chewy dangmyeon sweet-potato noodles.
Andong Gan-godeungeo (Salted Grilled Mackerel) & Heotjesabap
Wood-grilled salted mackerel cured on the inland mountain road, and Confucian ceremonial bibimbap served without red chili paste.
Andong Soju (Traditional Distilled Rice Spirit)
40–45% ABV artisanal distilled rice liquor designated as an Intangible Cultural Heritage craft.
Where to stay by budget
Budget
Well-connected hostels and guesthouses within a 10-minute walk of Andong's central station or metro lines.
Mid-range
Boutique 3-to-4-star hotels near the historic center and pedestrian promenade.
Luxury
Heritage 5-star grand hotels and design properties with concierge access and views.
Rough nightly ranges: guesthouses and hostels typically run ₩25,000–₩50,000 per person; 3-to-4-star hotels and traditional hanok stays commonly run ₩90,000–₩220,000 per room; 5-star luxury hotels run ₩300,000+. See our accommodation guide.
Getting there
Andong is served by KORAIL KTX & SRT High-Speed Rail and intercity express trains as well as regional airport transfers. Book high-speed legs 2–6 weeks ahead for early-bird fares.
Getting around
The historic core of Andong is best explored on foot, supplemented by contactless tap-to-pay metro, tram, or bus lines.
Day trips & side trips
Buseoksa Temple (Yeongju)
45 minutes north to one of Korea's greatest mountain temples, famous for Muryangsujeon Hall's ancient wooden pillars and sunset ridge views.
Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park
Walk the unpaved Joseon-era mountain pass road through three historic stone gates.
Best time to visit
Spring (April–June) and autumn (September–October) bring mild walking weather and harvest festivals to Andong. Summer offers long daylight hours, while winter brings festive markets and lower hotel rates.
Local tips
- KTX-Eum trains on the Jungang Line run directly from Seoul (Cheongnyangni Station) to Andong Station in ~2 hours.
- Check the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama schedule (usually 2:00 PM on Tue–Sun at the Hahoe Village theater; free with village admission).
- Bus #210 runs directly from outside Andong KTX Station & Bus Terminal to Hahoe Folk Village.
Official sources & further reading
Rules, prices and schedules change. Confirm details here before you travel: