Andong Embraces Summit Diplomacy, Bets on Stay-Type Tourism

Hahoe Village, Traditional Cuisine, and Julbulnori Capture Global Attention

"A Shift Toward a Stay-Type Tourism City"

Andong City in North Gyeongsang Province is accelerating its transition into a stay-type tourism city by integrating traditional culture, cuisine, and night tourism, spurred by the recent Korea-Japan summit.

Accelerating the Leap to a ‘Global Extended-Stay Tourism City’ on the Occasion of the Korea-Japan Summit in Andong [Photo by Andong City]

On May 20, Andong City announced, "The Korea-Japan summit held in the Hahoe Village area, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has provided an opportunity to promote Andong’s cultural and tourism assets to the international community. We will use this as a turning point to leap forward as a global tourism city."

This summit drew international attention as it was held in Hahoe Village, a symbol of Korean traditional culture.

Hahoe Village is a traditional settlement harmoniously set among the Nakdong River, Buyongdae Cliff, and Mansongjeong Forest, and is acclaimed as a tourist destination representing Korea’s historical significance and cultural elegance.

During the summit, Andong’s traditional culinary offerings also stood out.

The banquet held at the Hanok hotel Rakkojae featured regional specialties such as ‘Jeongyea’ (the original form of Andong Jjimdak reinterpreted from the ancient cookbook Suunjapbang), Andong Korean beef, and Andong Soju.

Notably, Suunjapbang and Eumsikdimibang were selected last year as Korea’s national candidates for the UNESCO Memory of the World Asia-Pacific Regional Register, and with the final decision on their inscription scheduled for July, interest in Andong’s traditional food culture is rising.

Hahoe Seonyu Julbulnori is a traditional fireworks display centered around "Julbul," which involves hanging charcoal sacks on a rope connecting the Mansonjeong Forest and Buyongdae to scatter sparks. It harmoniously combines Seonyu, Yeonhwa, and Nakhwa elements.
[Photo by Andong City]

Hahoe Seonyu Julbulnori, Andong’s signature night tourism attraction, has also emerged as a key resource enhancing the city’s tourism competitiveness.

Hahoe Seonyu Julbulnori is a traditional fireworks display centered on the ‘Julbul’—charcoal bags hung on a rope stretched between Mansongjeong Forest and Buyongdae, scattering sparks—combined with elements such as Seonyu, Yeonhwa, and Nakhwa. The spectacle of lights over the night sky and the surface of the Nakdong River creates a breathtaking scene that captivates both domestic and international tourists.

Going forward, Andong City plans to connect local tourism resources such as Hahoe Village, traditional house accommodations, clan cuisine, Andong Soju, and the night views of Wolyeonggyo Bridge to extend visitor stays and promote night tourism.

Hahoe Village, Traditional Cuisine, Night Tourism Gain International Attention “Leap to a Global Cultural Tourism City”
Photo by Andong City

Additionally, while maintaining the charm of traditional Hanok lodging, the city will focus on expanding accommodation infrastructure and enhancing tourism convenience facilities to meet diverse visitor needs.

Bae Yongsoo, acting mayor of Andong, stated, "This summit demonstrated that Andong’s traditional culture, cuisine, and night tourism content possess global competitiveness. We will systematically link Andong’s unique cultural and tourism assets to foster growth as a stay-type tourism city attracting visitors from around the world."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.