Andong sits in the North Gyeongsang highlands, a region of steep valleys and Confucian heritage. The city is not on the main KTX network, which means travel times to bigger cities are longer than from Gyeongju or Daegu - but the surrounding area is unusually rich. Hahoe Folk Village, one of Korea’s best-preserved traditional settlements, is 30 minutes west. Gyeongju is reachable in 90 minutes by bus. Busan is a two-hour journey for those willing to start early.
For where to stay in Andong, see the Andong accommodation guide. For the full guide to Hahoe Village with entry fees and walking routes, see our dedicated Hahoe Village page.
Hahoe Village: Korea’s Best-Preserved Traditional Settlement
Hahoe Folk Village - Hahoe Maeul - is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 25 km west of Andong, built on a river bend where the Nakdong River curves completely around a village peninsula. The village is still inhabited by descendants of the original Ryu clan families, and the mud-walled thatched and tile-roof houses have been maintained rather than reconstructed. It’s one of the few traditional Korean villages where the setting - river, forested hills, working farmland - remains intact.
Getting there:
- Taxi (recommended): Taxis from Andong Bus Terminal or Andong Station take 25–35 minutes and cost approximately KRW 20,000–28,000 one way as of 2026. Ask for Hahoe Maeul (하회마을). Return taxis can be arranged through the village ticketing office or by calling a local company.
- Bus 46: Local bus 46 departs from Andong Bus Terminal (platform near the main entrance) and runs to Hahoe Village in approximately 40–50 minutes for about KRW 1,700 as of 2026. Buses run roughly every 60–90 minutes throughout the day; the schedule has gaps in mid-afternoon, so check departure times at the terminal before you go. The last bus back to Andong typically departs Hahoe around 18:00–19:00.
At Hahoe Village:
- Entry fee: approximately KRW 3,000–5,000 as of 2026
- Opening hours: 09:00–18:00 (last entry 17:00); closed during major traditional ceremonies
- The village is navigable on foot - the main circuit from the entry gate past the central tile-roof manors, the Confucian shrine, and along the riverbank takes about 90 minutes at a relaxed pace. The Binyeongjeong Pavilion on the hill above the village gives a view over the river bend.
- Hahoe Byeolsingut Talnori (mask dance performance): traditional mask dance performances are held at the outdoor stage in the village, typically on weekends and holidays. Check the village website or Andong tourism office for current performance schedules; free with village entry.
- Across the river, Buyongdae Cliff provides a bird’s-eye view of the village from the opposite bank - accessible by a small ferry (approximately KRW 1,000–1,500 round trip) from the village waterfront.
A comfortable visit is 2.5–3 hours including the river view. Combine with the Hahoe Mask Museum in Andong city on return - it holds the largest collection of traditional Korean masks in the country and is free to enter.
Gyeongju: Ancient Capital of the Silla Kingdom
Gyeongju is the most rewarding day trip from Andong for historical depth. Where Andong represents Confucian Joseon culture, Gyeongju preserves the Silla period (57 BCE–935 CE) - a different civilisation, a thousand years earlier, with royal tombs rising above the city like green mounds and temple ruins stretching into forested hills.
Getting there:
- Express bus (recommended): Direct express buses from Andong Bus Terminal to Gyeongju Bus Terminal run several times daily. Journey time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes; fares are approximately KRW 10,000–14,000 as of 2026. Check schedules at Andong Bus Terminal - frequency varies by day of week.
- Train via Yeongcheon: Some rail options route through Yeongcheon with a change; total journey time is similar but involves more coordination. The bus is generally more direct.
What to prioritise: Gyeongju’s main sites divide into city-centre (Tumuli Park royal tombs, Cheomseongdae Observatory, Anapji Pond) and eastern outskirts (Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto). On a day trip from Andong, choose one cluster rather than attempting both.
- City-centre route: Tumuli Park (approximately KRW 3,000 entry, 60 minutes), Cheomseongdae (free exterior, 20 minutes), Anapji Pond (approximately KRW 3,000, particularly beautiful at dusk). All walkable within a compact area.
- Eastern temple route: Bulguksa Temple (approximately KRW 5,000, 90 minutes) plus Seokguram Grotto above it (approximately KRW 5,000, 45 minutes, requires a shuttle bus from Bulguksa). Take city bus 10 or 11 from Gyeongju Bus Terminal to reach Bulguksa in about 30 minutes.
Full detail on Gyeongju’s sites is in the Gyeongju travel guide.
Busan: Korea’s Second City
Busan from Andong is a longer day - approximately two hours each way - but the contrast between Andong’s quiet traditional atmosphere and Korea’s biggest port city makes it worthwhile for travellers who want urban variety.
Getting there:
- Express bus (recommended): Express buses from Andong Bus Terminal to Busan Nopo Bus Terminal run several times daily and take approximately 2 hours for approximately KRW 17,000–22,000 as of 2026. Nopo Bus Terminal connects to Nopo metro station on Line 1, giving direct access to central Busan.
- Train via Yeongcheon: Train options with a transfer at Yeongcheon take a similar time; the bus is more straightforward unless you specifically want to travel by rail.
What to do in Busan: A day in Busan from Andong works best with a single focused area. The most efficient options:
- Nampodong and Jagalchi Fish Market: Walk from Jagalchi metro station to the waterfront fish market, eat at an upstairs stall (raw fish set for two approximately KRW 40,000–80,000 as of 2026), then continue to BIFF Square for street food. Two to three hours.
- Gamcheon Culture Village: Hillside village of painted houses and murals in the Saha district. Taxi from Busan Station (approximately 20 minutes) or Bus 1-1 from Toseong metro station. Map available at the entrance for KRW 2,000; allow 90 minutes.
- Haeundae Beach: A long sand beach on the east side of the city - good for a walk and lunch at the nearby restaurants. Take metro Line 2 to Haeundae station.
For full Busan coverage see the Busan guide. For combined day tours from the North Gyeongsang region, browse GetYourGuide options for Andong.
This page is part of our Andong travel guide, and our guides to Andong hanok guesthouses and getting to Andong pair well with it.
For accommodation in Andong during your stay, search hotels on Booking.com.