Hiroshima to Andong Road Trip Guide: Routes, Stops & Tips

Driving Hiroshima to Andong means one crossing to South Korea, via the Busan port. This guide covers the 760 km route, including a ferry ride, and highlights the best stops Hiroshima to Andong. Learn how long to drive Hiroshima to Andong, and decide is it worth driving Hiroshima to Andong with our research.

The drive begins on Japan's Sanyo Expressway (E2) to Shimonoseki, then uses the Kanmon Bridge. Ferry from Hakata or Busan? Most choose the overnight JR Kyushu Ferry from Hakata to Busan, but you can also use international car ferry from Shimonoseki. In Korea, take the Gyeongbu Expressway (1) from Busan to Andong.

• Fuel costs: Japan ~¥1.60/L, Korea ~₩1,700/L (as of 2025). Budget for 45,000 yen and 60,000 won total fuel.
• Tolls: Japan E2 to Shimonoseki ~¥6,000; Korea Gyeongbu ~₩15,000.
• Ferry fare for car + 2 passengers: ~¥35,000 one-way (Shimonoseki-Busan).
• International Driving Permit required in both countries; ferry requires car shipping documents.

On the Japanese side, the route passes through the Chugoku Mountains, with scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea. After Busan, you enter the Nakdong River basin, then rise to the Gyeongsangbuk-do plateau. Andong is along the Nakdong, with mountains and river valleys.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way: Haeinsa Temple (Janggyeong Panjeon) near Hapcheon, a slight detour from the direct route. Andong's Hahoe Folk Village is also a UNESCO site. Both offer deep cultural immersion.

Culinary infrastructure: Japanese side has service areas with local specialties like fuku (blowfish) near Shimonoseki. Korean rest areas offer noodles, rice dishes, and famous Andong jjimdak. Local markets in Andong sell woodcraft and masks.

For hidden off-route spots, consider Goryeong (rock art) or the Juwangsan National Park southeast of Andong, known for waterfall hikes.

The climate shifts from Japan's humid subtropical to Korea's continental: wetter winters in Japan, and a distinct monsoon from June to August on both sides. Autumn (October) offers crisp air and foliage.

Both countries have excellent road safety records. In Japan, drive on the left; in Korea, on the right. Roads are well-maintained, but heavy traffic near Busan. Rest areas are frequent: every 30-40 km on expressways.

For family suitability: service areas in Korea have playgrounds and feeding rooms. Ferries are family-friendly with cabins. Andong Hahoe Village is kid-approved with traditional performances.

Pet-friendly: Korean rest areas allow leashed pets, but ferries may have pet restrictions; check with operator. Some accommodations in Andong welcome pets.

Fatigue management: take breaks every 2 hours. Japanese and Korean service areas offer coffee, snacks, and quiet lounges. Driving at night is possible but less scenic, and ferry cabins allow rest.

Local commerce: stop at Sasebo (Japan) for ceramics, and in Korea, Daegu's markets for textiles. Andong's Soju and mask market are worthwhile.

For discovering how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities, use local blogs and map tools.