Traditionally a center for the
yangban (aristocrat) class, this town and surrounding area have retained much of the old culture. When the Andong Dam was built in 1976, the resulting lake would have destroyed many cultural relics. Luckily, most were relocated to the Andong Folk Village and Folk Museum, both located near the foot of the dam. Some of the houses have been converted to restaurants serving traditional food—definitely worth a stop.
Located north of Andong, Dosan Seowon was one of the country's most famous Confucian institutes. West of the town you will find Hahoe Maeul, a living folk village with more than 100 traditional buildings.There is a popular Mask Dance Festival in the area each autumn, a combination of dance, drama, satire and traditional shamanistic rituals. 111 mi/180 km southeast of Seoul.
