Various things to see, including the Mask Day Festival

[Andong Old Market Union]

 Located near the banks of the Nakdonggang River in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong is rich in products. It has also been called the "town of the yangban (nobles)" since generations of prestigious families have lived in this region. A market dealing with ritual service goods was created and in the 17th century, 11 markets were very active in Andong. Among them, Andong Old Market, located in the center of the original town of Andong, is the oldest in this region.                 
 

[Andong]

 A salting method naturally developed as it was needed to preserve seafood such as octopus, shark, and yellow corvina so that it could be used for rituals to worship ancestors. Today, salted Andong mackerel is well-known across Korea. In addition, the boiled Andong octopus won recognition from gourmets as one of the best dishes. Andong jjimdak (braised chicken) is a modern reinterpretation of the dish whose recipe is found in Eumsik Dimibang (Korean cookbook written around 1670). From special foods used for weddings to the steady seller tteokbokki (sweet spicy rice cake stew), tradition and modernity are well blended in Andong Market.

[Andong]

 Currently, Andong Old Market, Southwest Shopping Street, and Culture Street are united to grow into a complex that combines tradition and modernity and offers street performances and various events. Such events include the Mask Day Festival, Art Free Market, which sells handicrafts made by local artists, and Saturday Pungmuljang, where you can taste local foods including Andong makgeolli (rice liquor) and Andong beer. The multi-purpose traveler's rest area on the first floor of the customer support center features a traditional wedding photo zone. Here, you can try on the traditional wedding clothing of Korea and take a beautiful commemorative photo as if you were the bride or bridegroom.                 
 

  [Andong]

Address: 55, Beonyeong 1-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Operating hours: 09:00-22:00
Closed: Varies by shop
It takes 20 minutes by bus from Andong Station or Andong Bus Terminal 

【Top 3 Eateries at Andong Old Market Union】

Andong Jjimdak       
There are many theories about the origin of Andong jjimdak (braised chicken), but the most likely one is that this fusion dish was first created by the merchants in the chicken alley of Andong Old Market, who felt a sense of crisis from the Western-style fried chicken shops. The combination of low-fat lean chicken, spicy seasoning, and various vegetables is excellent and rich in taste and nutrition.
 

Mammoth Bakery       
Mammoth Bakery has baked bread in the same place for more than 40 years. It is one of the few local bakeries listed on both the Michelin Guide and Lonely Planet. If you find yourself confused not knowing which bread to choose, try the cream cheese bread which looks like a baby's butt and citron pound cake with a sweet & sour scent.
 

Salted Andong Mackerel
Located inland, Andong had mackerels transported from Ganggu Port in Yeongdeok, which usually took two days. That was the reason why they salted the fish. Preserving fish for a long transportation was the beginning of salted Andong mackerel. The combination of salt and enzymes secreted from the fish is said to enhance the flavor of the fish.
 

【Places to Visit】

Wolyeonggyo Bridge
This bridge was inspired by the story of a woman, who pulled out her hair to make shoes for her dead husband. It is the longest wooden footbridge in Korea with a length of 387 m and a width of 3.6 m. You can take a rest at Wolyeongjeong Pavilion in the middle of the bridge which commands a beautiful view of the Nakdonggang River. This spot is quite popular among couples and its night view is something you should not miss. Riding a moon boat is one of the best ways to enjoy this place to the fullest. You can drive the boat with a crescent-shaped sculpture to Wolyeonggyo Bridge and come back. It is more romantic than expected if you ride against the background of sweet music of your own choice using the Bluetooth speaker.
Address: 569, Sanga-dong, Andong-si, Geongsangbuk-do
Inquiries: +82-54-852-6800

Hahoe Village   
This is a clan village where the Pungsan Ryu family has lived for generations. Well-known Confucian scholars of the Joseon dynasty (Ryu, Un-ryong and Seong-ryong) were born in this village. Historical treasures abound throughout the village, including Yangjindang, where Goryeo and Joseon architectural styles coexist. Chunghyodang has a tree planted in commemoration of the visit by Queen Elizabeth II of England. Gwichon Old House, which is the house of the head family of Pungsan Ryu Clan, and Bukchon and Namchon family houses are all in this village. Don't miss the Nakdonggang River flowing leisurely in front of the village, the wonderful Buyongdae, the endless white sandy beach, the dense old pine forest, and the mask play performance (Hahoe Byeolsingut) held at 2 p.m. every day except Mondays.

Address: 2-1, Hahoejongga-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Inquiries: Village Tourist Information +82-54-852-3588, Cultural Tourism Commentary and Interpretation Guide +82-54-840-3803, Andong Hahoe Village Administration Office +82-54-854-3669
Operating hours: Summer 09:00-18:00 / Winter 09:00-17:00
Closed: N/A (open all year round)
 

Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy
During the Goryeo dynasty, Ryu Seong-ryong relocated Pungak Confucian Academy in Pungsan-hyeon to Andong. Later in 1863, it was promoted to Seowon Confucian Academy under the name of Byeongsan. It is considered the most beautiful Confucian academy in Korea, thanks to Byeongsan Mountain, which stands like a folding screen behind it, behind the Confucian academy, and the architectural beauty of the building itself. Sitting on the floor of Ipgyodang, the center of the academy, you can see the Nakdonggang River and Byeongsan Mountain unfolding like a kaleidoscope between the pillars of Mandaru Pavilion. Behind Ipgyodang and Dongjae lies a crape myrtle forest. From summer to early autumn, red flowers bloom from 120 crape myrtle trees.

Address: 386, Byeongsan-gil, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Inquiries: +82- 54-858-5929
Operating hours: Summer 09:00-18:00 / Winter 09:00-17:00
Closed: N/A (open all year round)