A total of 371 prehistoric artifacts discovered in Maae-ri, Pungsan-eup support the assumption that human occupation in Andong began in 40,000 BC. In 57 BC, Yeomsangdosa founded Changnyeongguk here. In 505, the 6^thyear of the reign of Jijeung of Silla, the name of Andong was Gotaya-gun. It was renamed Gochang-gun in 757, the 16^th year of the reign of Gyeongdeok of Unified Silla. During the 13^th year of the reign of Taejo of Goryeo, in 903, its name was changed to Yeongga.

Afterwards, it was called Gilju or Bokju. In 1362, the 11^th year of the reign of Gongmin of Goryeo, Andong Daedohobu, one of main provincial bodies, was installed. In 1895, during the Joseon Dynasty, Andong Gwanchalbu, which had jurisdiction over 17 counties in the northeastern region of Gyeongsang-do, was established. For over 1,000 years, Andong served as the administrative and cultural capital of Gyeongsang-do. In 1896, with local government reorganization, 23 Gwanchalbus, the were abolished and Andong Gwanchalbu was turned into Andong-gun. Andong-eup was elevated to Andong-si in 1963; Andong-gun was incorporated into Andong-si in 1995. Accordingly, Andong-si has become the largest city in Korea. As the Gyeongsangbuk-do government office is slated to be moved here in 2014, Andong is regaining its former glory and reputation.