Andong Travel Guide 2025 — Where Heritage Meets Royal History
Andong Travel Guide — Follow Queen Elizabeth II’s Route through Korea’s Heritage Capital
Walk the “Queen’s Route” in Andong: Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO), Confucian academies, riverside bridges, and classic Andong dishes. Transport, hotels, food and a smooth 2-day itinerary included.
👑 The Queen’s Route (1999)
On April 21, 1999, during her state visit to Korea, Queen Elizabeth II spent her 73rd birthday in Andong’s Hahoe Folk Village, where locals prepared a traditional birthday feast with dozens of royal-style dishes. She also toured nearby heritage sites that showcase Andong’s Confucian traditions. Hahoe Village Birthday Feast Royal Visit
🚆 Transportation — How to Get to Andong
| Mode | From Seoul | Typical Cost | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTX-Eum (Korail) to Andong | ~2h–2h 20m (Cheongnyangni ↔ Andong) | ₩21,000–₩36,000 | Fastest & comfortable; direct trains several times daily |
| Express Bus | ~2h 30m–3h (Dong Seoul ↔ Andong) | ₩18,000–₩32,000 | Budget-friendly and frequent departures |
| Self-drive | ~2h 40m | Tolls + fuel | Flexible for countryside stops and sunset bridges |
Local buses & taxis connect Andong Station to Hahoe Village (approx. 40–50 min). Book trains early on weekends/holidays.
🏨 Where to Stay in Andong
Hahoe & Riverside Hanok Stays
Atmospheric hanok guesthouses near the village or along the Nakdong River.
- Best for: culture lovers, sunrise photographers
- Price: mid to high
Downtown (Andong Station)
Convenient for buses, markets and jjimdak alley; widest dining choices.
- Best for: first-timers, budget
- Price: budget to mid
🍽️ What to Eat in Andong
- Heotjesabap — ceremonial-style set meal (Queen-visit tie-in), rice with assorted seasonal sides.
- Andong Jjimdak — savory braised chicken with glass noodles; try the market’s “Jjimdak Alley.”
- Andong Soju — traditional distilled liquor; look for heritage distilleries.
- Sikhye & local snacks — folk markets and festival stalls.
Tip: Book hanok dinners in advance; lunch crowds peak after tour buses arrive at Hahoe.
📍 Top Attractions in Andong
Hahoe Folk Village (UNESCO)
Classic clan village preserving Joseon-era homes, rituals and Hahoe masks; centerpiece of the Queen’s visit.
Byeongsanseowon (UNESCO)
Scenic Confucian academy by the river; listed under both the Historic Villages (2010) and Seowon Academies (2019) inscriptions.
Mask Dance (Hahoe Talchum) & Museum
Catch performances and learn about the National Treasure Hahoe Masks; festival season adds market vibes.
Woryeonggyo & Folk Museum
Romantic wooden bridge lights up at night; pair with the nearby museum for context.
Andong Old Market & Jjimdak Alley
Best place to try the city’s signature braised chicken and pick up local snacks.
🗓️ Polished 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Queen’s Route & Village Life
- Arrive by KTX-Eum → check-in
- Hahoe Folk Village tour & mask dance time-slot
- Lunch: heotjesabap near the village
- Sunset: Woryeonggyo riverside walk
Day 2 — UNESCO & Markets
- Morning: Byeongsanseowon (quiet photos before crowds)
- Afternoon: Andong Folk Museum or cafés
- Dinner: Jjimdak Alley + Andong soju tasting
🗺️ Map & Directions
Naver Map: Hahoe Folk Village · Naver Map: Byeongsanseowon · Google Maps (custom list)
❓ FAQ
Did Queen Elizabeth II really celebrate her birthday in Andong?
Yes—on April 21, 1999, she marked her 73rd birthday at Hahoe Folk Village with a traditional Korean feast and cultural performances.
When is the best time to visit?
Spring and fall for mild weather and clear views; festival season adds mask performances and markets.
Do I need a car?
Not required—buses/taxis connect the station to heritage sites; a car helps if you plan multiple countryside stops in one day.
Related Guides
Explore more in Korea: Gyeongju UNESCO Itinerary · Jeonju Hanok Village · Daegu Travel Guide
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