Andong walking tour & city guide
The capital of Korean tradition, with a UNESCO folk village.
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Andong, in the mountains of North Gyeongsang Province, calls itself the 'capital of Korean spirit'. It is the heartland of Confucian scholarship in Korea, with centuries-old academies, aristocratic clan villages and traditions such as the famous Hahoe mask dance that are still alive today.
Hahoe Folk Village
Hahoe Folk Village, set in a bend of the Nakdong River, has been home to the Ryu clan for over 600 years. Its tiled-roof yangban houses and thatched cottages are still lived in, and together with Yangdong Village near Gyeongju it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Climbing Buyongdae Cliff across the river offers a beautiful view over the village.
The Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori, a satirical masked dance drama from the village, is performed regularly, and the Andong Mask Dance Festival each autumn brings mask troupes from around the world.
Confucian academies
Andong's seowon, private Confucian academies, are some of the finest in Korea. Dosan Seowon was founded in honor of the great scholar Yi Hwang, who appears on the 1,000-won banknote, and Byeongsan Seowon, with its open pavilion facing cliffs and the river, is considered a masterpiece of Korean architecture. Both are part of a UNESCO World Heritage listing.
The city and tips
In the city, Woryeonggyo, the longest wooden footbridge in Korea, crosses a lake and is beautifully lit at night. Andong is reachable from Seoul in about two hours by KTX-Eum train and is often combined with Gyeongju and Daegu.
Top sights in Andong
- 1
Hahoe Folk Village
A UNESCO-listed clan village of traditional houses.
- 2
Buyongdae Cliff
A cliff with a view over Hahoe Village.
- 3
Byeongsan Seowon
A Confucian academy with a riverside pavilion.
- 4
Dosan Seowon
An academy founded in honor of scholar Yi Hwang.
- 5
Woryeonggyo Bridge
Korea's longest wooden footbridge, lit at night.
- 6
Hahoe Mask Museum
Masks from Korea and around the world.
Food markets & where to eat in Andong
Andong Gu-sijang jjimdak alley
The original home of Andong's braised chicken.
Hahoe Village restaurants
Traditional meals near the folk village.
Heotjesabap restaurants
Restaurants serving Andong's traditional ceremonial-style rice.
Andong Soju Museum
Learn about and taste the region's famous liquor.
Food to try in Andong
Andong jjimdak
Braised chicken with glass noodles in a savory soy sauce.
Ganggodeungeo
Salted grilled mackerel, an Andong specialty.
Heotjesabap
Bibimbap-style rice inspired by ancestral rites.
Andong soju
A strong, traditionally distilled rice liquor.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Andong
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in AndongCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Andong.
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