After experiencing traditional culture in Andong, from temples to the famous Mask Festival, our journey through South Korea continued toward the capital. This route from Andong to Seoul includes a couple of interesting stops along the way, showcasing another side of the country before arriving in the bustling city of Seoul.
If you haven’t read my previous posts yet, you can follow the full journey here:
- 4 Days in Busan Itinerary
- Busan to Gyeongju Itinerary: Temples, Culture & Coastal Beauty
- Andong Travel Guide with Nearby Villages and Temples
This route connects the cultural heart of Korea with its vibrant capital.
Stay Connected in South Korea
One thing that makes travelling through South Korea much easier is having internet access as soon as you arrive. I always use Airalo eSIM, which allows me to have data immediately when landing.
It’s extremely helpful for:
- Navigation with Naver Maps
- Instant translations with Papago
- Booking tickets and activities
- Checking train or bus routes
I’ve used Airalo in multiple countries, including Japan, South Africa, and Indonesia, and it always works perfectly.
If you’re using it for the first time, you can use my code DANIEL22410.
Stop 1: Punggi Ginseng Market in Yeongju
Our first stop on the way to Seoul was Punggi Ginseng Market, located in Yeongju.
This region is famous for producing high-quality Korean ginseng, thanks to the climate near the Sobaeksan Mountains. The soil and temperature here create ideal growing conditions, resulting in ginseng with a high saponin content, a compound responsible for many of its health benefits.
You can find many types of ginseng products here:
- Fresh ginseng roots
- Ginseng tea
- Ginseng candy
- Ginseng extracts and tonics
I bought six-year-old ginseng tar for around €30, which felt like a bargain considering the quality. It’s often used in traditional medicine and can help with things like energy levels and menstrual pain.
The ginseng candy is also surprisingly tasty and makes a great small souvenir.
Stop 2: Mancheonha Skywalk in Danyang
Our next stop was Mancheonha Skywalk, a glass observation deck high above the valley.
Normally, this skywalk offers 360-degree views of the mountains and river, making it one of the most scenic viewpoints in the region.
Unfortunately, when we visited, the weather had other plans. It was rainy and foggy, so the view completely disappeared into the mist.
Even though we couldn’t enjoy the panorama, the location still looked impressive. On a clear day, this must be an incredible stop for photos and mountain scenery.
Arrival in Seoul
After these stops, we continued our journey to Seoul.
Arriving in Seoul feels like stepping into a completely different atmosphere compared to the quieter countryside regions. The city is vibrant, modern, and full of energy.
In my next blog post, I’ll share how to explore the capital with a 2-day Seoul itinerary, including palaces, neighbourhoods, and food spots.
Travel Tips for the Route
🚍 How to Travel from Andong to Seoul
- Guided tour bus (like we did)
- Intercity buses
- Train connections via nearby cities.
Many travellers combine this route with stops like Yeongju or Danyang to experience more of rural Korea.
🎁 What to Buy Along the Way
- Six-year Korean ginseng
- Ginseng candy
- Local herbal products
These make authentic Korean souvenirs and are much cheaper here than in large cities.
Before you continue planning your trip, make sure to visit my South Korea travel hub, where you’ll find all my detailed South Korea itineraries, travel guides, and destination tips in one place. This hub makes it easy to follow my full route across the country and plan your own adventure step by step.
Upcoming posts will cover the 2-day Seoul itinerary, so bookmark the hub to easily navigate every destination in this South Korea series.
