Traveling to Andong: Downtown Andong + End of My Goshiwon & Bunk Beds Era

Nov 12-13, 2023

During autumn last year, I fulfilled one item on my ever-growing bucket list, which was to go to Andong. Andong is a traditional, provincial area in South Korea, known for preserving its heritage. When I first entered the UNESCO World Heritage Andong Hahoe Village, it felt like stepping onto a movie set for a Joseon dynasty drama.  

I have a lot to share about last year's adventure, and hopefully, it will also inspire you to plan an itinerary outside the city. Let's start with my transit story.

November 12, Sunday - Day Zero

I realized that most of my post-pandemic flights to Incheon International Airport are red eye flights. Flight was 2:50am, so I was at the airport by around 10pm the night before.

I honestly can't remember the details of this flight, but as usual, I had to sleep on the plane so I could be energized the next day. 

November 13, Monday - Transit Day

When I reached Incheon International Airport it was already day time at around 8am. I have clips on my phone that remind me that I also went to Spa On Air for a quick shower before figuring out the bus to Andong. It’s always a good idea to freshen up after a night flight.

Incheon Airport Errands:

• Claim my local unlimited Data Sim card, booked via Klook
• Withdraw Korean Won 
• Refill T-Money Card (around KRW 20,000)
• Eat in CU before the bus ride

It was a looong but comfortable ride. Slept so much hehe.

When I spotted a taxi stand at the bus terminal, I did not overthink it because I was tired. I’ve been traveling solo for years now, and sometimes when I can afford things that I used to avoid before, I quietly say thank You Lord!

So I booked a hotel via Agoda called Andong Kara Hotel (Around PHP 3300+ per night). I showed the taxi driver the pin, and was dropped at the back of the building. Something that I realized from past Korea travels outside of Seoul is it's common that the budget hotel you booked online will turn out to be a motel. It's not a bad thing though, it doesn't have the negative connotation of motels we know here in Manila. It's actually just how they call their affordable and convenient accommodation options for travelers.

Since I was dropped at the back of the building, I just assumed that I missed checking before booking if the accommodation has an elevator. So I carried my luggage to the stairs....

Only to find out that THERE IS an elevator in front of the building!!! 😅 

Since I arrived quite later than the usual check-in time, it took me a while to realize that my key was already left in a box next to the reception window. Lol.

My clean and spacious room! 

This room was actually the start of my "bigger space" era in Korea. I used to book bunk beds (common room with other travelers) with shared baths or the notorious tiny rooms they call goshiwon. Sobrang affordable, but super sikip talaga that I can't even open my luggage! But during my 2022 trip, I realized that I am already a tita, and I felt the discomfort and fatigue from ultra-budget accommodations, so I needed an upgrade. Honestly, I still feel guilty when I book rooms higher than PHP 2000 per night, nasanay talaga ako. I still think of my dorm and goshiwon adventures back when Php 500 was enough for a room for a night in Korea. I am actually thankful I got to experience those before. 🙏

My fellow travelers, have you experienced something like this in your travel life? What upgrades have you been treating yourself to that contrast with your first travels?

This way to the toilet and bath:

Trippy tiles, but at least it's clean and not bad na for a night!

My agenda upon arrival was just to chill and walk around my "neighborhood". Oh, I remember booking for this room because it's just walking distance from famous food places in Downtown Andong, but when I went out, it didn't feel like the "central" place that I know from my Seoul visits. There's no large crowds with cameras held up, no signs of tourists too. I actually secretly liked it! 😂

The quiet Downtown Andong on a Monday night (might be why there weren't so much people?)

I brought some of these back to my hotel for dinner and breakfast:

The white bread is so soft and has a cream cheese filling, so, so good!

Second purchase, it was the first time I tried tanghulu, or candied fruits skewered on a stick. It became popular in Korea during summer last year.

I bought a lot and feasted on them in my room for my first night in Andong!