Recently I visited the beautiful Andong, a city around 3 hours southeast of Seoul. There was a lot on offer for photographers and we had a lot to cram into 2 days there. Andong has been on my radar ever since I followed the Four Rivers route last year when I cycled the length of Korea. Andong is a detour option where you can venture off course for a day and go and check out this amazing city. It's something we didn't do, but when looking at the photos, I knew I had to come and check this place out next autumn, and that's exactly what I did. So enjoy my Andong Travel Guide whether you're a photographer or just visiting!
Why Andong?
Andong offers a nice escape from the big cities of Korea, yet everything worth visiting is very accessible and the city has everything you need in terms of accommodation and restaurants. We got around by car, I suggest doing the same, but taxis are available as well as buses.
Andong lets you take a glimpse into the rural life of Korea. When I was doing the Four Rivers bike route, the rural farmlands and remote villages were something I had never experienced before, and while Andong and its surrounding areas aren't as remote, it did remind me of those locations that we passed on our bike trip.
There are plenty of temples, traditional villages, and views to be had, and all are perfect for photographers trying to capture a different side of South Korea that isn't shown as much.
Andong Travel Guide: Best Locations
Weolyeonggyo Bridge The bridge looks stunning against an autumnal backdrop. I visited at sunset and again early in the morning. The overcast sunset provided low light, which made shooting challenging as evening approached. It’s spectacular at night, but prepare for some tricky night photography. Due to its popularity, I returned at dawn when it was quieter and had a much easier time capturing clear shots. Google Maps Location
Andong Hahoe Folk Village We ran out of time and didn't enter the village, but we enjoyed a fantastic view from 'Buyongdae.' The village appears well-maintained and offers plenty to explore. The viewpoint is an easy walk from the parking area, less than five minutes and not steep. Google Maps Location
Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy I thoroughly enjoyed visiting this site, enhanced by my ideal shooting conditions: foggy and just after rain. Beyond photography, the historical aura of the old buildings is palpable. Google Maps Location
Nakgangmulgil Park Located very close to Weolyeonggyo Bridge, this park is worth checking out simultaneously. The hidden gem here is the temple that is just visible on the mountainside, so keep an eye out for that. To avoid crowds, visit early. The park’s stepping stones are particularly photogenic and the reason most people visit. We visited right after the bridge first thing in the morning and managed to get our shots just before the area became too crowded; to the point where as we were leaving queues were forming at the stepping stone spot. Google Maps Location
Gurume This charming spot combines a hanok village with a café, a library, a bookstore and a store offering local-made products. The café offers excellent coffee and cakes along with beautiful views through its large windows. There was a wedding during our visit, so access was restricted, but the surroundings were still picturesque and definitely worth the visit. Google Maps Location
Kwangheungsa Temple The temple is home to a magnificent tree which was in full bloom at the time of our visit. Behind the tree lies a serene old Buddhist monastery worth exploring. The drive to the temple was as scenic as the destination itself, providing a perfect conclusion to our trip. Google Maps Location
Gyeongsangbuk-do Provincial Office This might not feature in many Andong tour guides, as it's just a government office, but the buildings are impressive, built in traditional Korean architectural style. The surrounding gardens were stunning, and I captured some of my favourite shots here. It wasn’t on our itinerary, but a drive-by convinced us to stop and explore. Google Maps Location
South Korea's Hidden Gem
Lately, I've been exploring beyond Korea's typical tourist spots to discover a more authentic side of the country. Recently, we visited Goseong and Yeong-wol, and we’re planning more trips this winter. I'll be sure to write up my experiences to help others find hidden gems in Korea!
Autumn in Korea Lightroom Presets
I created a new Lightroom preset pack for both desktop and mobile, inspired by photos from this trip, but they are perfect for any autumn-themed shoot. The pack includes 10 presets designed to enhance the vibrant colors of foliage on both foggy and sunny days.
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