[2025 Andong-si Attraction] Travel Guide for Dosan Seowon (Updated Mar)

Andong, a South Korean city steeped in history and cultural charm, is perfect for visitors interested in traditional Korean culture. Here's a detailed Andong travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip. ✅Recommended Attractions Andong Hahoe Folk Village: A World Heritage Site, featuring well-preserved hanoks (traditional Korean houses), offering a glimpse into the Joseon Dynasty lifestyle and traditional mask dance performances. Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy: Commemorating the Confucian scholar Yi Hwang, offering Confucian lectures and etiquette demonstrations in a beautiful setting. Woryeonggyo Bridge: Andong's iconic landmark, with lights reflecting on the river at night, resembling a full moon. Andong Folk Museum: Showcasing traditional Korean lifestyles, with activities like traditional tea ceremonies and hanji (Korean paper) crafts. Bongjeongsa Temple: Home to Geuknakjeon, the oldest existing wooden building in Korea, dating back to the 13th century. Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy: Known for its beautiful architecture and picturesque surroundings. 🍜Recommended Food Andong Jjimdak: A local specialty, a delicious combination of chicken, potatoes, carrots, and glass noodles. Ginseng Fried Chicken: A unique Korean-style fried chicken. Ribs Street: Sample various flavors of grilled ribs and beef stew. Hanok Courtyard Cafe: Enjoy coffee and cake while admiring the scenery. Full Moon Cafe: Try the hemp seed latte and mugwort rice cake milkshake. 🏨Accommodation Recommendations Gyeongju Hilton Hotel: Suitable for visitors on a 2-day historical tour, offering comfortable accommodation. Lakeside Accommodation in Andong: Convenient for enjoying the night view of Woryeonggyo Bridge, suitable for couples or those who appreciate night scenery. Hanok Stay: Experience traditional Korean living culture and immerse yourself in local life. ✅Itinerary Day 1: 1. Morning: Arrive in Andong and check in to the hotel. 2. Lunch: Enjoy ginseng fried chicken. 3. Afternoon: Visit the filming location of Mr. Sunshine and a hanok courtyard cafe. 4. Evening: Have dinner at Ribs Street, followed by a stroll on Woryeonggyo Bridge. Day 2: 1. Morning: Visit the Andong Folk Museum. 2. Lunch: Have brunch at a hanok-style restaurant. 3. Afternoon: Go to Andong Hahoe Folk Village and experience traditional culture. 4. Evening: Free time or continue enjoying the night view. Day 3: 1. Morning: Visit Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy. 2. Afternoon: Visit Byeongsan Seowon or other attractions of interest. 3. Evening: Prepare for departure.

📍My Trips Overview Day 1: Seoul → Hahoe Folk Village (World Heritage Site) → Wolyeonggyo Bridge Night View → Andong Jjimdak Street. Day 2: Nakdonggang River Park → Andong Market → Mammoth Bakery → Return. 💡An Eye-Opening Experience: This is not your typical Korea! 1️⃣ Uncovering 600 years of secrets at Hahoe Folk Village I departed from Seoul at 5am and took the KTX-emu train (which is super pretty, like a moving cafe!) for a 2-hour ride directly to Andong. Hahoe Folk Village is surrounded by the S-shaped Nakdonggang River, and villagers still live in thatched-roof houses. The most impressive sight was the 600-year-old Zelkova tree, covered in paper notes filled with wishes. I peeked at one where a father prayed for his daughter's happiness, and it brought tears to my eyes. ❗️Key Point: Don't miss the free mask dance at 2pm! The dancers wear asymmetrical masks and use exaggerated movements to satirize the aristocracy. It's even more captivating than a K-drama. 2️⃣ Wolyeonggyo Bridge at night: As beautiful as AI special effects The 387-meter-long wooden bridge is illuminated at night, with lights cascading like a starry river. We rented a Moon Boat (KRW 28,000 for 3 people), and the boatman rowed us through the bridge arches, with the lights scattering like gold foil on the water. My friend said, "This is enough for 10 social media posts!" 3️⃣ Andong Market: A foodie's paradise! Locals told us, "Forget Myeongdong, this is the ultimate Korean food haven!" ✅ Must-try list: Andong Jjimdak: We chose the restaurant with the most lively atmosphere in the market. The sauce was so rich I wanted to lick the plate! The chicken was tender, and the glass noodles soaked up all the flavor. We ate our fill for KRW 15,000 per person. Rice wine + Kimchi: The spicy and sour kimchi paired perfectly with the sweet rice wine. The grandma saw how much I enjoyed it and gave me an extra plate of her special radish kimchi. Cheese bread: Mammoth Bakery sells out by 4pm! We raced there and grabbed the last bag. The cheese pull was seriously 3 meters long. ⚠️Things to avoid: Lessons learned the hard way! Transportation: Taking a taxi from Andong Station to Hahoe Folk Village is more time-efficient (around KRW 22,000), as the bus schedule is infrequent and easy to miss. Photography: The "fairy photo spot" at Nakdonggang River Park is to the right of the fountain. Get there before 8am to avoid waiting in line for an hour or more. Tickets: Admission to Hahoe Folk Village is KRW 5,000 for adults, but the mask dance is free! Don't be fooled by scalpers selling overpriced package deals. 🌸Hidden photo spot recommendations! Buyongdae Cliff, Hahoe Folk Village: Climb to the top for a panoramic view of the village, with smoke curling from chimneys like an ink painting (the KRW 3,000 boat ticket is worth it). Woryeongjeong Pavilion, Wolyeonggyo Bridge: Wear a light-colored dress and stand in the center for a long-exposure shot that creates a "person among the stars" effect. Andong Market ceiling: Take photos of the fruit stalls from below, using the ceiling lights to create a film-like feel. ✨Afterword Andong is like a forgotten book of poetry. It lacks the hustle and bustle of Seoul but possesses a rustic charm you won't find in K-dramas. The villagers smile at you, shopkeepers offer extra side dishes, and even the 600-year-old tree exudes warmth. If you're tired of checklist-style travel, come here and experience a slower pace of life.

🌏 After seeing Andong featured on so many Korean variety shows, I finally made it! Unlike the hustle and bustle of Seoul, Andong offers a taste of authentic Korea. It's a unique and treasured destination. Join me on this Andong adventure. 📍 Hahoe Folk Village Step back in time to the Joseon Dynasty in this charming village. Traditional Korean houses line the streets, offering an immersive experience of Hanok culture. Dress up in Hanbok and stroll along the stone paths – every moment is picture-perfect.📸 If you're lucky, you might even catch a traditional folk performance. 📍 Andong Market A foodie's paradise! From fish cake soup to Andong jjimdak (braised chicken), every bite is a burst of authentic Korean flavor. Indulge in the local street food scene and savor the vibrant atmosphere.🎇 The snacks are affordable, so you can eat to your heart's content. 📍 Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy This serene and dignified academy exudes the essence of Confucian culture. As you wander through its grounds, you'll gain a deeper appreciation for Korea's rich heritage and respect for tradition. A must-visit for history buffs. 🚗 Getting there: Take the KTX from Seoul to Andong Station, then transfer to a local bus to reach the attractions. 🏠 Accommodation: I recommend staying in downtown Andong for easy access to transportation and dining options. Andong truly fulfilled all my expectations for an off-the-beaten-path Korean destination. No overwhelming crowds, just pure joy and heartwarming experiences.💕 Add Andong to your travel bucket list now!

1. Gyeongsangbuk-do (Korean: 경북, Gyeongbuk) covers an area of 19,031 square kilometers and has a population of over 2.6 million. Its capital is Andong. Gyeongsangbuk-do was originally the land of Jinhan and the center of Silla. During the Goryeo period, it began to be called "Gyeongsang-do" along with Gyeongsangnam-do. 2. During the Joseon Dynasty, Gyeongsang-do was divided into two provinces: Gyeongsangbuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. The capital of Gyeongsangbuk-do was located in Daegu for a long time. After Daegu became a directly-controlled municipality in 1981, it separated from Gyeongsangbuk-do. In February 2016, the provincial office of Gyeongsangbuk-do was officially relocated from Daegu to Andong. Gyeongsangbuk-do is one of Korea's representative cultural regions and the birthplace of Silla Buddhist culture, Gaya culture, and Joseon Confucian culture. 20% of Korea's cultural heritage is located in Gyeongsangbuk-do. 3. Gyeongsangbuk-do is also the birthplace of Korea's Saemaul Undong (New Village Movement) and nature conservation movement. Gyeongsangbuk-do has successfully hosted the "Gyeongju World Culture Expo," the "World Confucian Culture Festival," and the 3rd World Congress of the International Organization of Folk Art (IOV). 4. Gyeongju was the capital of Silla for 992 years and is known as the "museum without a roof." Andong is the hometown of Korean traditional culture and a member city of the League of Historical Cities. It preserves rich cultural heritage, such as the Dosan Seowon, built by Yi Hwang (Toegye), a Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, the World Heritage Site Hahoe Folk Village, and Korean traditional masked dance drama. Andong is also the founding place of the World Mask Culture and Arts Alliance and holds the Andong International Mask Dance Festival every year. 5. Overall, these past two days have been quite interesting, but the weather is way too hot!! It feels like 50°C... I'm not exaggerating. I was also bold enough not to use any sunscreen, and I came back two shades darker, haha.

Tired of the usual tourist traps? This time, we'll take you on a unique and amazing one-day tour of World Heritage sites in Korea. Follow the route from Hahoe Folk Village, Buyongdae Cliff, Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy, Bongjeongsa Temple, Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy to Wolyeonggyo Bridge, and experience the unique charm of history intertwined with culture. This is definitely a blessing for those who love in-depth travel! Hahoe Folk Village: An Ancient Village Favored by Famous People Hahoe Folk Village gained fame after Queen Elizabeth II visited in 1999, and both Bush presidents have also visited. This is the hometown of the great Confucian scholar Ryu Un-ryong and Prime Minister Ryu Seong-ryong of the Joseon Dynasty. The Pungsan Ryu clan has thrived here, and the village is filled with a sense of history. Stepping into the Mask Museum at the ticket office is like starting a journey through time, with exquisite masks telling ancient stories. When you're tired of sightseeing, take a break at the cafe and enjoy a delicious red bean shaved ice or hot red bean drink. The sweet taste will melt away your fatigue. Ascend Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of the entire village. The scattered houses and lush trees create a peaceful and beautiful idyllic scene. Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy: A Cultural Shrine Commemorating Sages Byeongsan Seowon was built in memory of Ryu Seong-ryong. It not only houses woodblocks that have been inscribed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Register, but also boasts stunning surrounding scenery. The mountain opposite the academy stands tall like a screen, complementing the academy and forming a unique landscape. Strolling through the academy, you can almost hear the resounding voices of students studying and feel the rich cultural atmosphere. Here, you can immerse yourself in the charm of history and appreciate the culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Bongjeongsa Temple: Ancient Architecture that Has Witnessed the Passage of Time The Geuknakjeon Hall of Bongjeongsa Temple, along with the Muryangsujeon Hall of Buseoksa Temple in Yeongju and the Daeungbojeon Hall of Sudeoksa Temple in Yesan, are considered the oldest wooden buildings in Korea. Stepping into Bongjeongsa Temple, the ancient architecture exudes a solemn atmosphere, as if narrating the vicissitudes of thousands of years. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating patches of light on the ground, adding a touch of mystery to this ancient temple. Here, you can feel the accumulation of history and the gentleness of time, allowing your soul to be deeply cleansed. Dosan Seowon Confucian Academy: A Spiritual Hall of Education and Heritage Dosan Seowon is where Yi Hwang, a prominent scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, taught. The thoughts of Yi Eon-jeok, the figure on the 1,000 won bill, were passed down here and further developed by Ryu Seong-ryong and others. Walking into the academy, you can almost see Yi Hwang lecturing and feel his dedication to knowledge and passion for education. This is not only a historical site but also a spiritual symbol of education and heritage from the Joseon Dynasty, inspiring future generations to continuously pursue knowledge and inherit culture. Wolyeonggyo Bridge: A Perfect Blend of Food and Scenery On the 600-meter commercial street near Wolyeonggyo Bridge, there is Andong Jjimdak Street, where the aroma of braised chicken makes your mouth water. There is also the Michelin-recommended bakery Mammoth. Be sure to try their signature white bread, which is fluffy, soft, and full of wheat flavor. It's definitely worth checking out. After enjoying the delicious food, take a stroll on Wolyeonggyo Bridge, admire the surrounding scenery, and feel the gentle breeze. All the fatigue of the day will vanish. On this one-day World Heritage tour, you can not only appreciate the history and culture of Korea but also taste the local cuisine and create wonderful memories. Embark on this unique journey and let these World Heritage sites become the most dazzling jewels of your trip!

#koreatrip This place was a private educational institution of Joseon dynasty. 'Seowon' was constructed all over the country for cultivating talented people. They studied mostly learning of Confucianism. Seowon also performed a role of holding a memorial service for Confucianism saints. 'Dosan Seowon' is one of the most famous Seowon in Korea. Andong was a seat of learning in Joseon dynasty because its beautiful scenery and calming atmosphere. Thanks to this atmosphere people could focus on their studying. When you visit Dosan Seowon, you can realize why lots of Joseon people came to Andong to study. This Seowon is famous because its 'Seodang'. Dosan Seodang was established by Lee Hwang who is a most famous Confucian scholar. If you visit Andong, please come to Dosan Seowon and feel the nobility of confucian scholar in Joseon Dynasty.

#wintertrip Sisadan can be seen across the river. It was built in 1796 to celebrate the civil service entrance exam testing location of 1792. A civil service exam was held here, giving local residents the opportunity to enter public service. King Jungjo directly graded the exam. So many people showed up that they were forced to move the location. Of the 7,200 applicants, only 11 scholars passed the exam. The building was rebuilt in 1824. After the construction of the Andong dam, Sisadan was submerged. The embankment had to be raised in 1974 to keep it above water.

#wintertrip At the top of the complex, there is a shrine (Sangdeoksa Shrine) for Yi Hwang's ancestral tablet. The shrine (National Treasure no. 211) was built by his follower Jo Mok and is considered a sacred place. Unlike most shrines, this one has an elaborate style with a hip-and-gable roof. Ceremonies to honor Yi Hwang are held here twice a year. To enter the stone walls, you need to pass through the 3-door gate. The center door is reserved for the spirits of those honored in the shrine while the outer doors are used by participants. Unfortunately, gate was closed when I went.

#wintertrip The history of Dosan Seowon can't be written without mentioning Yi Hwang. Yi Hwang (pen name Toegye) is considered by many to be the most important Korean philosopher, writer, and Confucian scholar during the Joseon dynasty. The academy was established (1574) four years after Hwang's death by some of his followers. Yi Hwang had retired to this location in 1549 and had started construction of the academy. It is said that Hwang used to walk along the cliffs here to think about the fundamental principles of nature.