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Andong
East Asia · South Korea
Did you know?
- The city preserves Hahoe Folk Village, Confucian schools, and more than 280 cultural assets.
- The traditional spirit can reach 45% alcohol, and a museum offers tastings.
- Jjimdak Golmok is the clue for chicken with cellophane noodles; heotjesabap is another local specialty.
See also
Overview
Andong preserves traditional Korean culture through historic villages, Confucian schools, and the Hahoe Folk Village. October brings the Mask Dance Festival in mild autumn weather.
Languages: Korean
Why go?
Andong is a city in North Gyeongsang Province, self-proclaimed 'Capital City of Korean Spiritual Culture'. It has over 280 cultural assets and was visited by Queen Elizabeth II. The city maintains traditional Korean culture, with historic villages, Confucian schools, and the famous Hahoe Folk Village.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Getting around
The downtown area of Andong is very small and can be walked across in under 10 minutes. Taxis are available but best ordered by phone. Buses from the terminal serve surrounding attractions; fares range from ₩1,000 to ₩2,500. Seoul T-money cards are accepted.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
When to go
Andong has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. The best time to visit is during the Andong International Mask Dance Festival in October, when the weather is mild and the festival showcases traditional dances. Spring and autumn are pleasant, but summer can be rainy.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Where to stay
Accommodation options range from traditional hanok stays like Chiam-gotaek (₩50,000-200,000) to modern jimjillbangs like Oncheon (₩6,000 per night). Temple stays are available at Bongjeongsa (₩50,000). Camping is possible at Danho Sand Park. Reservations recommended for traditional houses.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Food and drink
Local specialties include Andong jjimdak (chicken with cellophane noodles), heotjesabap (false funerary rice dish, ₩9,000), and grilled salted mackerel. The Jjimdak Golmok street is full of chicken restaurants. Andong Soju, with up to 45% alcohol, is a traditional distilled liquor. The Andong Soju Museum offers tastings.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Things to do
Key attractions include Hahoe Folk Village, Byongdae cliff (with ferry access), the Andong International Mask Dance Festival (₩5,000 day-pass), and Bongjeongsa Temple. Andeok Apple Village is known for honey-sweet apples. Various hot springs and golf clubs are available.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Connectivity
Internet cafes (PC Bang) are plentiful, offering high-speed access for around US$1 per hour. The Gyeongbuk Provincial Government Office may have free WiFi.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Budget
A backpacker can get by on a daily budget of around ₩30,000-50,000: bus fares ₩1,000-2,500, dorm bed at jimjillbang ₩6,000, meals from ₩9,000, museum entry ₩2,500-5,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Day trips
Day trips include Yeongju (40 min by bus), Buseok Temple (₩4,000 each way, entrance ₩2,500), Sosu Seowan (₩2,500), and Sobaeksan National Park (hiking trails).
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Go next
Onward destinations include Yeongju, Buseok Temple, Sosu Seowan, and Sobaeksan National Park. Buses from Andong terminal connect regularly.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0
Field guide adapted from Wikivoyage contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0. Text has been adapted and organized for this guide. About our sources.
Places to know
A few starting points from the guide. Check current hours and prices before you go.
- sleep
Bongjeongsa Temple
A great place to visit and experience Korean traditional Buddhist life. It is important to respect the Buddhist rules of the temple, if you want to stay there. For more information on Temple Stay, this website is helpful: http://eng.templestay.com/.
Recorded price: ₩50,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Chiam-gotaek
A great place to experience a Korean traditional noble house. Chiam-gotaek is located in the city of Andong. It costs less than ₩3,000 to get there from the train station. The house itself is a cultural heritage, which was built hundreds of years ago. Staying several nights in this fabulous house offers a real experience of traditional lifestyle of a Korean family. There are two small rooms which are ₩50,000, which are suitable for backpackers or a couple. Rooms are very clean and cozy. Breakfast is not provided. Reservation is required in advance by e-mail.
Recorded price: ₩50,000-200,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Danho Sand Park Camping Site
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Jirye artist's colony
It is a really quiet & peaceful small village. You can experience a life of two upper classes of old Korea or working classes.
Recorded price: ₩50,000-120,000
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- sleep
Oncheon
Andong's most central jimjillbang is Oncheon aka Andong Spaland. It's situated about one block north of the train station. From the Intercity bus terminal, facing outwards, turn right, go about two blocks and you'll reach the Train station. From the train station, facing out, travel down the road about 1-2 blocks, looking to the right. It's tucked down a backstreet but is such a tall building with a stupidly large neon sign on top proudly proclaiming jimjillbang and sauna that you cannot miss it. Combined shower and stay rates are ₩6,000.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Andong Godunga
This restaurant specialises in salted mackerel, and many locations can be found across Andong. As well, they run a mail-order system for sending out Andong mackerel. The restaurant serves mackerel roasted or in a very mild (but spicy looking) soup.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Andong Jjimdak Jongson
Andong Old Market, or Jjimdak Golmok, is crammed with Andong jjimdak restaurants. All the food is cooked in booths out front of the restaurant, so you can tour around and choose a favourite. Andong Jjimdak Jongson stands out because its menu contains a variety of different styles of Andong jjimdak.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
- eat
Kkachi Gumeong Jib
Kkachi Gumeong Jib, or Magpie Hole House, specialises in heotjesabap (₩9,000), which is a local variation of bibimbap flavoured with soy sauce instead of hot pepper sauce. If you get the Yangban Meal (₩15,000) you get a variety of dishes including fish and some very excellent shark meat. All food is served in heavy bronze tableware.
Adapted from Wikivoyage contributors
Before you go
Connectivity
PC Bang internet cafes cost ~US$1/hour.
Culture
Mask Dance Festival in October; Andong Soju is strong.
Food
Try Andong jjimdak and heotjesabap.
Money
Daily backpacker budget around ₩30,000-50,000.
Transport
Bus fares ₩1,000-2,500; T-money cards accepted.