If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination in South Korea that is rich in culture, history, and scenic beauty, Andong is the place to go. I visited this charming province in autumn 2023, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Here’s a list of things you shouldn’t miss when exploring Andong!
READ: Traveling to Andong: Downtown Andong + End of My Goshiwon & Bunk Beds Era
1. Stay in a Hanok Home
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in Andong’s traditional atmosphere is by staying in a hanok (traditional Korean house). This was my favorite part of the trip! I stayed in two different hanok homes, just because I decided to extend my stay in the village and the first hanok was already fully booked during my travel extension.
The warm hospitality of the hosts, the delicious homemade breakfast, and the breathtaking morning views made it a highlight. It was an adventure on its own—especially navigating my way to the outdoor toilet at night after finishing my online work! I will never forget my Andong hanok experiences.
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| My first hanok accommodation for this trip! |
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| Space is just right for one person stay, and it's also very clean! |
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| Woke up to a misty Andong, so so magical irl! |
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| Flowers were frozen as if it snowed the night before |
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| Had to go out to enter the private toilet and bath of my first hanok. It was very clean, and even has Japanese bidet. |
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| Shower of my first hanok (private restroom) vs second hanok (shared bathroom) |
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| Second hanok was very rustic, very legit! Reviews were saying owner said they were a filming location but he won't say for what Kdrama--there were guesses it was for Kingdom lol. |
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| Humbler but very warm and homey second hanok |
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| Have to cross to get to the toilet! There was a night that I was the only one booked here and had to just suck all my fears coz I needed to toilet after my work and before going to bed hehehe. |
2. Eat at a Local Market
Andong is known for its delicious traditional dishes. But if you’re staying in a hanok house for the night, make sure to have dinner early or grab takeout from the local market, which is a bus ride away from the village. I learned this the hard way on my first night when I didn't get on a bus to the market before sun down, and ended up having only drinks for dinner! After that, I made sure to eat or take out hot meals like kimchi jeon, steaming rice, and Andong Guksu (handmade wheat noodles) at the market before the last bus.
While I wasn’t able to try some of the famous Andong dishes myself as a vegetarian, I highly recommend trying Andong Jjimdak (braised chicken in a savory soy-based sauce) if you can, or take a sip of the Andong Soju, a strong traditional liquor that locals take pride in.
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| First meal in the market after a night of just drinks for dinner! |
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| My take home dinner so I won't starve that night (then I forgot to buy water haha) |
3. Catch the Free Hahoe Mask Dance Performance
A must-see cultural experience is the Hahoe Mask Dance, a traditional performance held in the historic Hahoe Folk Village. It’s free and offers an engaging way to learn about Korea’s mask dance heritage. The performances tell old folktales with humor, satire, and lively music, making them enjoyable even if you don’t speak Korean. I found this activity very amusing, seated next to locals who were clapping their hands to the beat of the traditional instruments, and having a hearty laugh from the performers acting. Everybody's happy, an instant serotonin boost for me!
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| The performance was actually very entertaining, and storyline is still relevant |
4. Try on a Traditional Costume and Mask
After watching the mesmerizing Hahoe Mask Dance performance, visitors are given the chance to try on the traditional masks and costumes for free! At first I was shy to approach the stage, but YOLO! I had so much fun taking pictures in these beautiful outfits, making the experience even more immersive. It’s a great way to feel connected to Andong’s rich cultural heritage while capturing some fantastic memories. I also got to talk to the actors and people behind the scenes, and they were amazed I was traveling alone!
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| I just had too! |
5. Visit the Hahoe Mask Museum
If you’re interested in the history and meaning behind Andong’s iconic masks, the Hahoe Mask Museum is worth a visit. It showcases masks not only from Korea but also from different parts of the world. There's also a cafe at the ground floor where you can chill and have snacks. They also have a souvenir shop, and a DIY room where you can make your own Andong Mask inspired crafts!
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| Uy Pilipins! Philippines masks were featured in the Andong Hahoe Mask Museum, along with other masks around the world! |
6. Make Your Own Andong Mask
Get hands-on with Andong’s artistic traditions by making your own mask! This creative activity is perfect for all ages and gives you a personalized souvenir. For a minimal fee, I picked the keychain version (anik anik hehe) so I can easily finish it before catching the Hahoe Mask Dance schedule, and then take a piece of Andong home with me.
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| A little arts and crafts was fun during travels |
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| My own mini Andong Mask |
7. Walk or Bike Around the Village
Hahoe Folk Village is best explored on foot or by bike. The well-preserved traditional houses, scenic landscapes, and peaceful rural setting make it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll or a bike ride. As you wander through the village, you might come across beautiful lanes of cotton plants, which add to the rustic charm of the area, especially in autumn when the white cotton contrasts beautifully with the fall foliage. This amazed me so much, I think it was my first time to see cotton in its source.
Trivia: Andong has a history of cotton production, and in the past, it played a significant role in providing high-quality cotton for traditional Korean textiles.
8. Visit Historical Landmarks
Andong is home to sites associated with the Ryu family, one of the most influential noble families in Korean history. Hahoe Village, in particular, was established by the Ryu clan and has been preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcasing centuries of Korean traditions and architecture.
Kdrama lovers will also appreciate spotting filming locations for historical dramas in the village. Andong’s well-preserved traditional settings make it a popular backdrop for period dramas such as Mr. Sunshine and Kingdom. Truly, walking through these sites feels like stepping into the scenes of your favorite historical dramas!
Travel Tips for Andong
Best Time to Visit:
I highly recommend visiting Andong in autumn. The fall foliage enhances the beauty of the traditional village and historical sites, making it the perfect season to explore.
How to Get to Andong from Seoul:
Although it takes longer, the most convenient way to reach Andong for me is by bus, since I came from the airport. From Seoul, you can also take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal. My destination was Downtown Andong, which took about 4 hours. I stayed for a night before taking another bus to Andong Hahoe Village, which is another 1-hour ride.
Alternatively, you can take the KTX from Seoul, which shortens the travel time by about an hour, though it is slightly more expensive.
How Long to Stay:
To fully appreciate Andong’s rich cultural offerings, stay at least 1-2 nights. Since it takes a while to get there, an overnight stay allows you to explore at a relaxed pace. Bonus is you also catch the beautiful sunrise and sunset at the village when you stay there for the night!
Andong offers a one-of-a-kind experience, blending history, culture, and scenic beauty. Whether you’re staying in a hanok home, watching the mesmerizing mask dance, or biking through the village, this destination has something special for everyone. If you’re planning a trip to Korea, don’t overlook this cultural gem!
Did you know? Queen Elizabeth II visited Andong, South Korea, in 1999 and celebrated her 73rd birthday there? She enjoyed a traditional Korean royal-style feast, including Andong soju and heotjesabap, in the historic Hahoe Folk Village!
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| Photo from Korea Times |
Instagram Reel:
Check out more Andong stories on Instagram #AnagonAndong!
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