The city in Yeongnam region was a center for renowned scholars and nobility in Joseon dynasty and famously retains its cultural charms and folk traditions till today.
How To Get There
Andong is easily accessible through major metropolitan cities like Seoul, Busan and Daegu. If you take a train from Seoul, change lines at Yeongju to get to Andong and the ride takes around 3 to 4 hours. Otherwise, there are frequent buses to the city at Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.
Dosanseowon Confucian Academy. Photo from Adobe Stock
What To Do
Hahoe Folk Village is famed for its national treasures and houses from 16th century. Observe Korean’s folk culture there through the daily lives of villagers. There is also the oldest wooden building in Korea at Bongjeongsa Temple, a Budddhist sacred site with resident monks. Dosan Confucian Academy is a beautiful place for visitors to learn the lifestyle of Confucianism culture and scholars.
Photo from Andong Gurume Resort
Where To Stay
Stay at Andong Gurume Resort to remember their slowly-forgotten tradition. These renovated houses are close to Moonlight Bridge and Andong Folk Musuem in the city. Make your reservations at AirAsiaGo to experience their heritage lifestyle as this exclusive resort have limited guestrooms.
Andong Jjimdak. Photo from Adobe Stock
Where To Eat
The city is known for its grilled salted mackerel and soju (vodka). Dine at Andong Gan Godeungeo to taste a variation of the mackerel dish. Andong soju is a favourite drink for nobilities in the past and remains as a trademark for its special distillation technique that is handed down from the 6th century. Also try Andong Jjimdak, a local braised chicken served with glass noodles and rice cakes.
Hahoe masks. Photo from Adobe Stock
Good To Know
The annual Andong Mask Dance Festival will be held in the capital of Korean’s traditional culture from 28 September till 7 October 2018 at Hahao Folk Village.
Text by Jessy Wong
