The best route to Andong is from the north along National Route 35 out of Bonghwa County in North Gyeongsang Province. Ride along with us in the Genesis GV80 as we make our way through scenic vistas drenched in autumn colors that have inspired scholars for centuries.

The GV80 comes with a standard 5-seater setup for everyday drives with a generous 735 liters of cargo space — perfect for traveling with family or a large group of friends. The lush interior provides luxury and comfort while touring the Korean countryside.

First Stop: Dosan Seowon
Location: 154 Dosanseowon-gil, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

En route to Andong is the most recognized of Korea’s nine UNESCO World Heritage historical sites, Dosan Seowon.  “Seowon” is the Korean term for a Confucian academy. An image of Dosan Seowon can be found the 1,000 won bill alongside Yi Hwang, the philosopher who built it in 1576 during the Joseon dynasty. Yi Hwang was also known by his pen name “Toegye,” meaning “Retreating Creek,” and is commonly regarded as one of the most important philosophers in Korean history.

The GV80 delivers exceptional performance and handling, making it an ideal choice for navigating winding mountain roads. Equipped with the innovative Terrain Mode, the GV80 ensures stability and safety in challenging driving conditions. Its advanced Auto Mode intelligently detects road conditions and adjusts the driving force with precision to prevent wheel slippage.

A tranquil space, Dosan Seowon is surrounded by mountains, comprising 14 buildings built to harmonize seamlessly with nature.  The complex includes “Jeongyodang,” a square lotus pond, “Nongun Jeongsa,” a dormitory for students, and “Dosan Seodang,” the main lecture hall where Toegye himself taught. The lecture hall also contains a tablet with the name of the academy written on it, a gift from King Seonjo, who was a proponent of Confucianism.

Second Stop: Andong Hahoe Folk Village
Location: 1164-1 Hahoe Village, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

Andong Hahoe Folk Village is one of the most well-preserved historical clan villages on the Korean peninsula. Built in the 14^th and 15^th centuries, the location and layout of the village is said to be determined according to Confucian values to receive both physical and spiritual vigor from the surrounding landscape.

Across the river to the north is a large cliff, called Buyongdae Cliff, and to the east is a grove of trees called “Mansongjeong,” or “The Grove of Ten Thousand Pines,” specifically planted by government official Unyong Ryu during the Joseon Dynasty to serve as a windbreak for the village.

Third Stop: Byeongsan Seowon
Location: 386 Byeongsan-gil, Pungcheon-myeon, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

Just a few kilometers upriver from Andong Hahoe Folk Village lies another renowned Confucian academy, Byeongsan Seowon. This location is famous for its intentional design as an empty space to inspire reflection and learning. It also houses about 3,000 books, including a collection written by Yu Songnyong, a noted scholar of the Joseon period.

The main feature of this seowon is Mandaeru pavilion. The pavilion was designed simply, with only few pillars and a roof, to maximize the view of the surrounding natural beauty. This minimalism was intentional, as the beauty of empty space is deeply rooted in Confucian thought. Genesis practices a similar philosophy when designing the interiors of its vehicles, the “Beauty of White Space,” which emphasizes simplicity and elegance.

Fourth Stop: Gunja Village
Location: 33-6 Gunjari-gil, Waryong-myeon, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

Andong preserves not just Confucian academies, but historical (and delicious) cuisine. A few kilometers north of the city is Gunja Village. It is the current home of a famous cookbook older than the nearby academies, as it was written in 1540, the early Joseon era, by the scholar Yu Kim. The name of the book, “Suunjapbang,” translates to “ways of making food fit for a man of refined taste.” This historic treasure has weathered countless challenges over the centuries to find its way to Yu Kim’s descendant, Doeun Kim, the head of Seolwoldang Hall, where she still uses the recipes today.

On a neatly set table in Seolwoldang Hall, dishes described in the first chapter of Suunjapbang are beautifully presented: “Samhaeju,” a traditional liquor, accompanies the vibrantly colored Three-Color Fish Egg Soup, which is the only hotpot dish in Korea made with freshwater fish. It is a mixture of sweetfish, shrimp, mung bean jelly and small rice cake balls made by coating sweetfish meat in mung bean flour. When warmed by the hotpot, these ingredients pair perfectly with the strong liquor – a comforting meal for a chilly season, soothing both body and soul.

Andong is also well-known for its own type of soju, a popular Korean liquor. Andong-style soju is a 45 percent ABV spirit distilled from wheat that originated during the Silla period. It pairs well with “jjimdak,” the region’s most famous dish: chicken, vegetable and glass noodles braised in a pan with soy sauce, garlic and chili peppers.

Fifth Stop: Woryeonggyo Bridge
Location: 569 Sanga-dong, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

Just northeast and upriver of Andong is Woryeonggyo Bridge — arguably one of the most beautiful sights in Korea. It is the longest wooden bridge on the peninsula, stretching 387 meters. There is a pavilion at the bridge’s halfway point. During late autumn, as the temperature variations grow, early morning mist often hovers over the water. At night, the bridge is festooned with lights that dance along the lake’s surface.

Sixth Stop: Andongho Lake
Location: 437-7 Wolcheon-gil, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

Andongho Lake is a man-made reservoir created by the construction of Andong Dam in 1976. Located east and upriver of Andong, it offers breathtaking views with the tranquil scenery of trees and mountains along its shoreline and mists that converge over the lake in late autumn mornings.

Final Stop: Musil Village
Location: Sugok-ri, Imdong-myeon, Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

The final stop on the journey is Musil Village. Situated a few kilometers east of Andong, it offers a quiet and serene oasis of tranquility.

Travelers can spend the night in a traditional hanok stay in Musil Village. The selection of traditional and contemporary hanok allow visitors to appreciate the scenic natural beauty of the secluded Musil Village, bringing them close to the beauty of the past.

As the sun sets over Andong, the Genesis GV80 has proven itself a reliable companion and a showcase of refined luxury and comfort on the road. From winding mountain roads to tranquil lakeshores, the GV80 seamlessly blends advanced technology, cutting-edge performance and timeless design to enhance every aspect of the travel experience.

Andong’s rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural treasures offer a profound connection to Korea’s heritage, while the GV80 ensures every mile is met with elegance and ease. This adventure is a testament to how travel, when paired with the right vehicle, becomes a journey not just through places but through time itself — effortless, memorable and deeply inspiring.

“For me, driving is freedom... allowing me to [go] wherever my heart desires,” says keyboardist Inho Jo. Vocalist Minho Jin echoes his bandmates’ sentiments. “Driving is a form of respite. While moving in my own space — the car — I take the time to reflect on musical thoughts or aspects of life.”

The three musicians, who together make up the indie band Bleur, were invited by Genesis to share their love of touring on a road trip with the redesigned GV60.

Korea is an ideal destination for touring enthusiasts, offering a seamless blend of breathtaking landscapes, cultural richness and modern conveniences. In addition, the country’s exceptional infrastructure, including expansive, well-maintained highways, abundant rest stops and roadside attractions, makes grand touring here both accessible and memorable.

In this first edition of Genesis’ Korea Travelogues, join Bleur as they explore the historical coastal city of Yeosu on the southern tip of the Korean peninsula. They show that there is no better way to do it than with the Genesis GV60.

The Adventure Begins: Departing Seoul

The GV60, with its sleek lines and modern design, stands out as the perfect companion for this journey. The deceptively small size of the crossover utility vehicle (CUV) conceals a spacious trunk large enough to carry the essentials and musical gear for the three bandmates on their two-day trip.

After about four and a half hours of cruising in the comfortable cabin of the GV60, the band arrives in Yeosu energized for their adventure.

First Stop: Hamel Lighthouse
Location: 458-7 Jonghwa-dong, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

The first destination within Yeosu is the historic Hamel Lighthouse, a bright red beacon standing tall against the backdrop of Yeosu's coastline.

Hendrick Hamel, for which the lighthouse is named, was a Dutchman who sailed for the East India Company 375 years ago. He was shipwrecked during a voyage to Japan and washed ashore in Joseon, which was what Korea was called at that time. Not allowed to leave the country, he and his fellow crew members lived here for 13 years before escaping from Yeosu on a small fishing boat. An account of his time on the Korean peninsula was published in 1668, the first written record of Korea in the West.

Standing at the edge of the breakwater, the lighthouse offers breathtaking views of the sea and the harbor, a hub for travel to the surrounding islands and a port of return for fishing boats in the area. It also serves as a reminder of the many comings and goings that have shaped this region, both a literal and metaphorical beacon for travelers. 

Second Stop: Turtle Ship Bridge 
Location: Jonghwa-dong, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

Within sight of the lighthouse is the 744-meter-long Turtle Ship Bridge, connecting Yeosu’s vibrant downtown to the tranquil island of Dolsando, full of preserved natural beauty. The GV60’s optional panoramic sunroof stretches across almost the entire top of the vehicle, allowing both front and back passengers to feel open and connected to the vistas around them. The trio snaps a photo with the bridge, lighthouse and breakwater providing a stunning backdrop for the GV60, its pylons towering over the deep blue waters below dotted with fishing boats and crossed by the occasional ferry.

Third Stop: Goso-dong 
Location: 64 Goso 3-gil, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

Next, the travelers head to Yeosu’s artistic and historic Goso-dong neighborhood, known for its unique bistros and workshops. The winding roads of the neighborhood also feature many vibrantly painted murals along a route that starts way up at the historical Jinnamgwan Hall and winds down all the way to Yeosu Marine Park. Jinnamgwan Hall is a pavilion famously used as a headquarters by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin War. Yeosu Marine Park, right next to the bay, attracts an eclectic selection of cafes and restaurants with its beautiful views.

Fourth Stop: Musulmok Beach 
Location: 2876 Dolsan-ro, Dolsan-eup, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

After their neighborhood adventure, the travelers make their way to Musulmok Beach, a place steeped in both history and tranquility. The GV60’s excellent suspension smooths out the ride down the bumpy coastal track.

This beach is known as one of the battlefields of Admiral Yi Sun-sin. He is a national hero for his many naval victories against vastly superior numbers of Japanese maritime forces. He is well-known for using turtle ships, an early form of armored ship with cannons, in his fleet actions against invaders.

Final Stretch: Nangdo Trail 
Location: 499-24 Nangdo-ri, Hwajeong-myeon, Yeosu, South Jeolla Province 

Finally, the group ventures to Nangdo, an island accessible by a series of breathtaking bridges connecting the mainland to multiple islands. First is Hwayang Bridge connecting the mainland and Jobaldo Island. The road continues over Dunbyeong Bridge to Dunbyeongdo Island. From there, a third bridge, Nangdo Bridge, connects to the third island in the chain, Nangdo Island.

On Nangdo Island they find a place to park the GV60 and set off on Nangdo Trail, which winds leisurely through the island’s forested and coastal areas. With the sea to their left and land to their right, they walk west and soon enter a lush forest — the scent of acacia fills the air, and the sounds of nature surround them.

Hiking along the southern coast of the island, they eventually arrive at a small lighthouse. Cut off from the mainland at high tide, Nangdo Lighthouse is surrounded by the sea and beyond their reach.

Continuing their westerly hike, the trio eventually finds a collection of basalt columns, hexagonal structures left over from an ancient volcanic eruption, now worn down with the tide. Known as Cheonseondae, the cliffs are said to be a place where celestial beings descended from the heavens and lingered here, enchanted by the island’s beauty. Along the trail the fossilized footprints of dinosaurs can also be occasionally spotted, inspiring the imaginations of visitors.

The Essence of Travel                                                                              

Before they start the final leg of their journey, the bandmates decide to commemorate their trip the best way they know how — with a sunset jam session. They leave Nangdo Island and drive to the other side of Yeosu’s bay, to its easternmost Baekyado Island.  There they take advantage of a unique property of their electric GV60, its vehicle-to-load (V2L) system. Taking out their electric keyboard, guitar, microphone and speakers, they plug them right into their car and have an instant sound stage. The Genesis GV60’s V2L system can power a variety of external devices, from instruments to lights, camping gear and even electronics.

Planning a trip to Korea? Be sure to rent a Genesis to explore destinations beyond Seoul and experience all that the country has to offer. And stay tuned for the next travelogue.

For more on the group’s journey in Yeosu, watch the video below: