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.
Tours and Experiences Mentioned in This Andong to Seoul Route
If you’re travelling from Andong to Seoul and would like to make a few interesting stops along the way, I’ve listed the attractions and experiences mentioned throughout this guide below. These stops offer a chance to experience more of South Korea’s countryside, local traditions, and scenic viewpoints before arriving in the capital.
These are the experiences featured in this route:
🌿 Punggi Ginseng Market
Punggi is one of South Korea’s most famous regions for producing high-quality ginseng. Visiting the market is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional Korean products and pick up authentic souvenirs such as ginseng tea, candy, extracts, or fresh roots.
Punggi is one of South Korea’s most famous regions for producing high-quality ginseng. Visiting the market is a great opportunity to learn more about traditional Korean products and pick up authentic souvenirs such as ginseng tea, candy, extracts, or fresh roots.
🌄 Mancheonha Skywalk
Although the weather didn’t cooperate during our visit, the Mancheonha Skywalk is known for its panoramic mountain and river views. On a clear day, it looks like an incredible place for photography and enjoying South Korea’s natural scenery.
Although the weather didn’t cooperate during our visit, the Mancheonha Skywalk is known for its panoramic mountain and river views. On a clear day, it looks like an incredible place for photography and enjoying South Korea’s natural scenery.
📱 Stay Connected with an eSIM
Having mobile data throughout our journey made travelling around South Korea much easier. I used Airalo for maps, translations, transport information, and bookings, just as I have on trips to Japan, South Africa, and Indonesia.
→ [Airalo]
Having mobile data throughout our journey made travelling around South Korea much easier. I used Airalo for maps, translations, transport information, and bookings, just as I have on trips to Japan, South Africa, and Indonesia.
→ [Airalo]
Planning Your Journey from Andong to Seoul?
This route reminded me that some of the most interesting travel experiences happen between destinations. Stops like Punggi Ginseng Market and Mancheonha Skywalk offered a glimpse into rural South Korea and provided a quieter contrast before arriving in vibrant Seoul.
Some of the links above are affiliate links. If you book through one of them, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting MissWidjaja!
Continue Exploring South Korea 🇰🇷
This article is part of my South Korea travel series, where I share the exact route I followed across the country, along with honest tips, itineraries and experiences to help you plan your own adventure.
Continue your journey:
➡️ Busan 4-Day Itinerary
➡️Busan to Gyeongju Itinerary
➡️ Andong Travel Guide
➡️ Andong to Seoul Travel Route (current article)
➡️ 2-Day Seoul Itinerary
➡️Busan to Gyeongju Itinerary
➡️ Andong Travel Guide
➡️ Andong to Seoul Travel Route (current article)
➡️ 2-Day Seoul Itinerary
Or explore everything in one place on my South Korea Travel Hub.
