The Andong Hahoe Folk Village | Andong Travel Tips

If you’re going to Andong South Korea, you’re in for a treat. It is one of my favourite cities in Korea with so much to visit. The main site is obviously the UNESCO Andong Hahoe Folk Village, an extremely rich source of history with famous descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and an abundance of traditional houses from the Joseon Dynasty.

Quick Facts About Andong Hahoe Village

Andong Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in Andong City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province. The village is known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses or “hanok” that date back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The history of the village goes back to the early 16th century when the Ryu clan, a prominent noble family, settled in the area and built their residences. Over time, the village grew and became a cultural and intellectual center for the region, with many scholars, artists, and craftsmen calling it their home. During the Korean War, many of the houses were destroyed, but efforts were made to rebuild and preserve the village’s cultural heritage. Today, Andong Hanok Village is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world who come to experience the beauty and charm of traditional Korean architecture and culture.

• Andong Hahoe folk village dates back to the Koryo period (918-1392) and is home to the Ryu clan.
• Surprisingly unlike other Hanok villages, the upper class and commoners lived in the same village.
• On the 21st of April 1999, Elizabeth, the Queen of England visited this Korean folk village. During her visit she planted a tree; since then the village become even more popular outside Korea.

Traditions And Culture In The Andong Hahoe Folk Village

The village is situated 24 km on the west of Andong, but is very easily accessible by bus from Andong bus terminal and Andong city center. The village lays in a curve of the Nakdong River and at the foothill of Hwasan Mountain. Hahoe, the name of the Andong Folk village, literally translates to “Village Enveloped by Water”. This traditional village filled with old Korean houses is one of the most popular villages in south korea; for Korean and international travellers.

1. Andong Mask Dance Performance

The Andong Hahoe Folk Village is the home to the ‘must see’ Andong Mask Dance Festival, hosted once a year in autumn. Not to worry if you are visiting Korea during the other seasons, you can get a taste of the Korean traditional mask festival as there are performances Jan–Feb / every Sat-Sun and Mar–Dec / every Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun from 2pm to 3pm. The Korean Hahoe mask show has the typical characters like the Evil Stepmother, the Grandmother, the Monk, the Innocent Girl, the Joker, the Wise Men and the Drunken Men.

The Andong Mask Festival is an annual cultural event that takes place in Andong, a city in the Gyeongsangbuk-do province of South Korea. This festival showcases traditional Korean masks, dances, and music, and is a celebration of Korean heritage and culture. During the festival, visitors can watch various performances and competitions, including the famous mask dance performances, which feature dancers wearing colorful masks and traditional clothing. The festival also offers a variety of other cultural experiences, such as workshops on traditional crafts and local food tastings. The Andong Mask Festival is a unique and exciting way to experience the rich cultural history of Korea and is a must-see for anyone interested in Korean culture.

2. Where To Eat In The Village

At the entrance of the village you can find a couple of souvenir shops, restaurants and the mask museum. Once entering the Hahoe Village, you won’t be able to find many lunch options. There are a few local delicacies that are definitly worth trying like the Andong Soju, Heotjesabap (an Andong Bibimbap eaten by Joseon nobles), Jimdak , Gangodeungeo ( salted mackerel) and Andong Guksu (a typical Andong noodle dish).

Getting To Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Andong Hanok Village is a traditional Korean village located in Andong, South Korea. To get to Andong Hanok Village, there are several options available. If you are traveling from Seoul, you can take a direct bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Andong Bus Terminal, which takes about 3-4 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or a local bus to Andong Hanok Village, which is about 10-15 minutes away. Alternatively, you can also take a train from Seoul to Andong Station and then take a taxi or a bus to the village. Once you arrive, you can explore the narrow alleys and traditional houses of Andong Hanok Village, and experience the rich culture and history of Korea.

1. Getting To Andong

From Seoul to Andong Korea you can get the express bus, this will take around 3 hours and should cost 16 000 won. There are two bus terminals that have buses to Andong, namely the Gangnam Express Bus Terminal and East Express Bus Terminal (also called Dong Seoul). The buses are running every 30~60 minutes. If you are travelling in weekends, make sure to book your ticket in advance as buses are easily fully booked. Check timetables and prices here.

You can also take the KTX from Seoul to Daegu and then take the express bus from Andong to Daegu. The KTX takes 1,5 – 2 hours and costs 40 000 krw. The bus from Daegu takes 1,5 hours and costs 12 000 krw. You wouldn’t save much time by dividing up your trip, but it’s worth making a stop in Daegu.

2. Getting To The Hahoe Village

From Andong bus terminal you can take bus 46 straight to the Hahoe Village, this should take around 30 minutes. The bus runs from 06:20-18:20, 10 times a day.

Opening Hours And Prices Of The Traditional Village

Summer season: 09:00-18:00
Winter season: 09:00-17:00

Twice a week you can see the mask dance performance in the village; make sure to plan your visit accordingly.
January–February: Saturdays & Sundays 14:00
March–December: Wednesday-Sunday 14:00

Next to the village bus stop you can find the ticket office, free luggage storage and tourist information center.
The ticket entrance price is 2500krw.

Your visit will take around 2 hours. If you’re feeling adventurous you can a take the boat to the other side of the river, and hike the small mountain that will give you a view of the whole village; this should prolong your visit with 2 more hours.

From the ticket office it’s a  15 minute walk to the entrance of the park. It’s a lovely walk with view of the river. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs every 15 minutes.

Accommodation Near Andong Hahoe Folk Village

Looking for accommodation in Andong? Why not try one of these?

• Rakkojae Hanok is located inside the Hahoe village, just in from of the Nakdong River looking out on the Buyongjeong Cliff and Mansongjeong. This is the only hanok stay with a private bathroom in each guestroom in the Hahoe Folk Village. Rakkojae also has a hanok located in the Seoul Bukchon Village.
• Gotaya Guesthouse is a cute guest house close to Andong Station in central Andong. It is the perfect place to stay for solo backpackers on a budget. Check latest prices here.
• Suaedang Hanok Stay is a great hanok guesthouse for people who are looking for the perfect Hanok experience? It is located quite far outside the city so only recommended for people travelling by car. Check latest prices here.
• Okyeon Jeongsa is a traditional Hanok in the center of the traditional Hahoe village. The guesthouse serves a traditional Korean breakfast to the guests. Check latest prices here.

Other Tips

• Visit the Andong Mask Museum located next to the Andong Hahoe Village ticket office.
• At the end of September and beginning of October the Andong mask festival takes places all around the city and the Hahoe village. Hahoe mask dance performances are held in the city center of Andong and in the Hahoe Village.
• Andong is famous for its signature dish Jjimdak, a spicy chicken dish. There are multiple restaurants around the village that serve Jjimdak, or you can go to Andong market downtown.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Have any questions? Have you been to Andong Hahoe Village? Let me know in the comment section!