Fall Andong itinerary |
Your complete guide to the “Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit” and the September–October festivals
Written by
Jigu Byeol Sigoljwi, a book-loving travel lifestyle blogger and YouTuber
<Korea Heritage Agency Bangcamz 4th Cohort>
[Best places to visit this fall | Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea]
If you’re planning a fall trip to Andong, South Korea, follow the official Korea Heritage visit route called the “Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit” to see Bongjeongsa, Dosan Seowon, and Hahoe Village.
From September 24 to October 4, 2026, the Andong International Mask Dance Festival will take over the city, and from October 9 to 25, World Heritage Festival Andong will follow. Hahoe Village will also host Seonyu Julbul Nori, making September and October one of the best times to experience Andong’s UNESCO heritage and traditional culture together.
Q. What is included in the Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit in Andong?
Among Korea’s official heritage travel routes, Andong’s Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit connects Bongjeongsa, Dosan Seowon, and Hahoe Village. Add Byeongsan Seowon, which is close to Hahoe Village, and you’ve got a full Andong World Heritage trip that brings together a mountain temple, Confucian academies, and a traditional village.
Andong Bongjeongsa
Q. Can you visit everything in one day?
Technically yes, but the sites are spread out, so if you want time to really enjoy each one, I’d recommend a 1-night, 2-day road trip. A great plan would be Bongjeongsa and Dosan Seowon on day one, followed by the downtown festival in the evening, then Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon on day two.
I actually spent 1 night and 2 days in Andong myself 🙂
A thousand years of spirit in Andong
The serene atmosphere of Andong Bongjeongsa
Andong feels different from destinations where you rush through a list of famous artifacts. At the mountain temples, you feel the passage of faith and spiritual practice. At the seowon, you step into the world of scholarship and the Confucian scholar spirit. And in Hahoe Village, you get a glimpse of a community life that has continued for generations.
Looking out at the slopes of Cheondeungsan from Andong Bongjeongsa,,
Bongjeongsa is wonderfully calm for a slow walk, with historic wooden architecture tucked into the foothills of Cheondeungsan. At Dosan Seowon, you can reflect on the life and philosophy of Yi Hwang, known by his pen name Toegye, while taking in views of the Nakdong River.
<Toegye Yi Hwang’s Dosan Seowon>
And at Andong Hahoe Village, you’ll find beautiful scenes shaped by old hanok homes, winding alleys, Mansongjeong Pavilion, and Buyongdae Cliff.
As you pass Mansongjeong and Buyongdae in Andong Hahoe Village, you can trace the long history of this old hanok village.
From Mandaeru Pavilion at Byeongsan Seowon, you can really feel how architecture embraces the surrounding landscape.
You can also collect the official heritage route stamp here.
Location | In front of the entrance to Byeongsan Seowon
Bongjeongsa | 222 Bongjeongsa-gil, Seohu-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Dosan Seowon | 154 Dosanseowon-gil, Dosan-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Hahoe Village | 186 Jeonseo-ro, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Byeongsan Seowon | 386 Byeongsan-gil, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
If you’re driving, each heritage site has its own parking lot, but during the September–October fall festival season, Hahoe Village and the old downtown area can get very crowded, so public transportation may actually be easier.
A 1-night, 2-day Andong trip in Gyeongsangbuk-do without a car
If you’re traveling by car, it’s best to arrive earlier than usual.
In September: the Andong International Mask Dance Festival
Most people already know that one of Andong’s treasured cultural symbols is the Hahoe mask.
At the entrance to Andong Hahoe Village, one of the key stops on the Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit, there’s even the Hahoe World Mask Museum, which shows how actively Andong promotes its mask culture to visitors.
Fall is peak season in Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
In particular, the 2026 Andong International Mask Dance Festival will run from September 24 to October 4 at Jungang Line 1942 Andong Station, Talchum Park, the old downtown area, and Hahoe Village.
Jungang Line 1942 Andong Station
Downtown Andong old town
This year’s theme is “Memories of the Mask, Everyone’s Dance.”
The program is expected to include Korean and international mask dance performances, street parades, madanggeuk outdoor theater, original productions, the World Maskdance Competition, and even Daedong Nanjang, a big communal dance celebration where visitors can join in.
If you want to catch the electric opening atmosphere, keep an eye on September 25. If you want the competition finals and the closing fireworks, October 4 is the date to watch.
Since the festival venues are spread across several locations, it’s important to check the performance schedule and venue in advance before heading out—especially since you’ve come all the way to Andong, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
Andong Byeongsan Seowon
One nice plan would be to visit Bongjeongsa or Dosan Seowon, both major stops on the Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit, during the day, then continue into the downtown festival at night.
After September, October turns Andong itself into the stage for the World Heritage Festival.
From October 9 to 25, the Korea Heritage Agency will host the World Heritage Festival under the theme “World Heritage of Reflection, Future Values of Convergence.”
Every place I’ve mentioned so far—Hahoe Village, Bongjeongsa, Dosan Seowon, and Byeongsan Seowon—will become part of the festival stage. Performances and exhibitions by local cultural groups are scheduled to continue in the historic homes of Hahoe Village and within the grounds of Dosan Seowon.
Mandaeru at Byeongsan Seowon, where I wanted to stay for hours
According to a press release from the Korea Heritage Service dated August 10, Andong Byeongsan Seowon will host “Pungryu Byeongsan,” a nighttime program that brings Mandaeru and the surrounding scenery to life through lighting and performances.
At Bongjeongsa, they’re also preparing programs like “Meditation, and Bongjeongsa” and “One Night at Bongjeongsa,” both designed to let visitors experience the quiet stillness of a mountain temple.
Andong Bongjeongsa, also visited by Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom
What makes the World Heritage Festival so appealing is that it goes beyond simply looking at cultural heritage—you get to stay, listen, and reflect within it.
Night in Hahoe Village: Seonyu Julbul Nori
If you want a truly memorable evening on your fall Andong trip, check out Hahoe Seonyu Julbul Nori. It’s one of Andong’s most beloved traditional events, with lines of fire stretching between Buyongdae and Mansongjeong, glowing embers falling below the cliff, egg lanterns floating over the river, and boats drifting through the scene.
https://www.gb-voyage.com/ (Gyeongbuk Voyaji link)
Remaining dates are September 26 and October 3, 10, 17, 24, and 31, and because advance reservations are highly competitive, it’s best to check Gyeongbuk Voyaji for booking notices for each session.
If you visit Hahoe Village, make sure you also walk over to the folk games yard.
There’s even a giant swing in Andong Hahoe Village if you want a little thrill.
Who I recommend this for
The Path of a Thousand Years of Spirit is a great fit for a history trip with parents, a cultural heritage outing with kids, or travelers interested in traditional architecture and Korean culture. Especially this fall, you can spend the day walking through world heritage sites and the evening enjoying mask dance performances and Julbul Nori, which is more than enough reason to slow down and stay overnight in Andong.
I also found out that there are places to stay inside Andong Hahoe Village.
From the stillness of Bongjeongsa to the contemplative mood of Dosan Seowon, the lived-in beauty of Hahoe Village, and the refined elegance of Byeongsan Seowon—
this fall, why not go one step beyond simply sightseeing and experience the thousand-year spirit that still lives on in Andong for yourself?
Traditional Bongsan mask, Malttugi mask, traditional mask, gift for foreigners
Gyeongil Munhwa Store
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I’m continuing to share my travels on YouTube as well.
I’d love your support there too.
Written by
Jigu Byeol Sigoljwi, a book-loving travel lifestyle blogger and YouTuber
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