Autumn in Andong: Walking Through Golden Roads of Memory

- By Farin Khatoon

Every time autumn arrives in South Korea, I feel an irresistible pull to travel—and this time, it led me to Andong. I’m Farin, and as someone who finds meaning in slow journeys and quiet places, Andong felt like the kind of city that listens as much as it speaks.

I visited Andong during peak autumn, and honestly, I wasn’t prepared for how beautiful it would be.

When the Roads Turn Yellow

From the moment I arrived, it felt like I had stepped into an autumn postcard. Every road was covered with yellow ginkgo leaves, glowing under soft sunlight. The trees stood tall and proud, shedding their leaves as if welcoming visitors into their seasonal ritual.   

I walked slowly—intentionally slowly—because how could you rush through roads that look like they’ve been painted by nature itself? Each step felt grounding, peaceful, and deeply comforting. For me, this was not just travel; it was therapy.

Why Andong Feels Different

Andong is not loud or flashy. It doesn’t try to impress you the way big cities do. Instead, it embraces tradition, silence, and depth.

The city is famous for:

• Hahoe Folk Village, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that preserves traditional Korean life

• Confucian culture that still shapes daily living

• Old hanok houses, masked dances, and centuries-old values

Walking through Andong, I felt like time had slowed down—something I didn’t know I needed until I experienced it.

Let’s Talk About Food (Because We Always Do)

Of course, I couldn’t leave Andong without trying its most famous dish—Andong Jjimdak.

The chicken was tender, the sauce rich and comforting, and the glass noodles soaked up every bit of flavor. It was delicious—no doubt about that.

But here’s my honest traveler confession:

👉 The portion was not enough for two people.

Yes, it’s famous. Yes, it tastes great. But after walking through golden streets all day, we were still a little hungry. Maybe that’s just Andong’s way of reminding you to slow down—even while eating.

My Honest Takeaway

As Farin, traveling through Andong during autumn felt like a gentle pause in life. No rush. No noise. Just:

• falling ginkgo leaves,

• calm streets,

• warm food,

• and quiet reflection.

Andong didn’t overwhelm me—it comforted me. And sometimes, that’s exactly what a journey should do.

If you’re in South Korea during autumn and want to experience a softer, deeper side of the country, I wholeheartedly recommend Andong.

Some places you visit.

Others stay with you.

And Andong—especially in autumn—stayed with me.

— Farin Khatoon 🌿