Asan (아산,牙山) is a city in South Chungcheong Province in South Korea. It serves as the location of the oldest hot springs in Korea, Onyang Hot Springs.
Understand
[edit]Asan is a city rich in history and culture in the northern part of Chungcheongnam-do. Onyang Hot Springs has long been a frequent destination for royalty. Also in Asan, there is Hyeonchungsa Shrine, which houses Admiral Lee Sun-shin, one of the most respected figures among Koreans. The east-west length is 29 km, the north-south length is 34 km, and the length of the coastline facing Asan Bay is 7.96 km. The area is 542.62㎢, accounting for 6.6% of the total area of Chungcheongnam-do. As of 2020, the population was 332,124, which is about 15% of the total population of Chungcheongnam-do.
- Tourist Information Center in front of Asan Station, ☏ +82 41-540-2517. 9AM-6PM.
History
[edit]Asan is a city long cherished for its warm hot springs and peaceful scenery. Since the Baekje period, it has grown as an important transportation hub, and during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, Onyang Hot Springs became a royal retreat visited by kings and travelers alike. Kings such as Sejong and Sukjong came here to rest, helping the city’s spa culture to flourish. During the Japanese colonial era, Asan’s administrative districts were reorganized, laying the foundation for its modern form. In 1986, Onyang City and Asan County were merged to create the present-day Asan. Today, Asan welcomes travelers with its soothing hot waters, where history and modern life blend into a calm yet vibrant destination.
Climate
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In Asan, the summers are warm, muggy, and wet; the winters are short, freezing, and snowy; and it is partly cloudy year round. Over the course of the year, the temperature typically varies from 18°F(-6°C) to 86°F(31°C) and is rarely below 7°F(-13°C) or above 92°F((33°C).
Get in
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By train
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You can get to Asan by taking the Janghang-seon Line Railway or Korail from Seoul. Pick up the Janghang-seon Line Railway train, which takes about 1 1/2 hours, at Yongsan Station, towards Onyang Hot Spring. The Korail train can be picked up at Yongsan Station as well, just take the train that will drop you off at Cheonan-Asan station.
If you are willing to spend time, Seoul Subway Line 1 gets you to Asan from Seoul in approximately 2 hours. By express train, the time gets shaved off at least 15-30 minutes, but you may have to transfer to an all-stop train at Cheonan Station.
By bus
[edit]Buses run regularly from Cheonan and Seoul. There are buses that go to and from Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Cheonan Express Bus Terminal. Please refer to the website[dead link] for a detailed timetable.
By taxi
[edit]It can be expensive to travel by taxi from Seoul to Asan. It's better to use the bus or train. When you pay the taxi fare, you only need to pay the one-way fare. The driver may ask you to pay the round trip fare. Using the train or bus is recommended to avoid such difficult situations.
Get around
[edit]By bus
[edit]Asan does not have many buses. If you want to know the route and time of the Asan city bus, you can refer to this site.
By Taxi
[edit]If you call the number below, you can connect the Asan call taxi right away.
- Asan Smart Call, ☏ +82 1558-0428.
On bicycle
[edit]There are two public bicycle rental stations in Asan.
- 1 Gokgyocheon Ginkgo Tree Road bicycle rental office (은행나무길 자전거 대여소), 502-11, Baegam-ri, Yeomchi-eup, ☏ +82 41-531-9226. 09:00~18:00 , Closed on Mondays. If you fill out the application form for public bicycle rental and show your ID, you can rent a bicycle. The rental time is two hours and you have to return it 10 minutes in advance. For general use: ₩ 1,000 / Two-seater: ₩ 2,000.
- 2 Sinjeongho Lake bicycle rental office (아산신정호 자전거 대여소), 467-5, Bangchuk-dong, ☏ +82 41 531-9793. 09:00~18:00, Closed on Monday. After filling out the application form, you can issue a ticket at the kiosk and apply for a rental at the reception desk. You can rent a bike when you receive your bike number and key. The basic usage time is two hours, and if you exceed two hours, you will be charged ₩ 500 per 30 minutes. For general use: ₩ 1,000 / Two-seater: ₩ 2,000.
See
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- 1 Onyang Folk Museum (온양민속박물관), 117, Chungmu-ro, ☏ +82 41-542-6001. 09:30-17:30; last admission 30 minutes before closing. The largest folklore museum in Korea, the Onyang includes architectural installations of Korean traditional homes and housewares, and experience hands-on activities such as fishing, farming, and witness traditional wedding ceremonies. Adults ₩5,000, youth ₩4,000, children ₩3,000, seniors & disabled ₩1,000, group discounts offered.
- 2 Oeam-ri Folk Village (외암민속마을), 5 Oeam Folk Road, Songak-myeon, ☏ +82 41-540-2110. Summer season: 09:00~18:00 Winter: 09:00~17:00. A 500-year old site. Numerous films have been shot there.
Temples
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- 3 Hyeonchungsa Shrine (현충사), Baekam-ri 100, Yeomchi-eup, ☏ +82 41-539-4600. 09:00-18:00 (March–October) / 09:00-17:00 (November–February), entrance closes 1 hour before closing time. Built in 1706, this shrine is dedicated to General Lee Sun-Shin (1545-1598). Objects on display include official Korean national treasures, such as Sun-Shin's diary and long sword. It's also the site of his home, shooting range, and childhood home, which were all relocated to the site upon its building. Closed on Tuesdays. Adults: ₩500, children: ₩300, seniors & disabled: free.
- 4 Bonggoksa Temple (봉곡사), 138, Dosong-ro 632beon-gil, Songak-myeon, ☏ +82 41-543-4004. 09:00 - 20:00/ Break time : 12:00 - 13:00. It is a tranquil temple with a history of more than 1,300 years, and a combination of dense forests and clear valleys provides a tranquil nature. With a legend related to the Silla Uisang Temple, it is an important attraction that preserved Buddhist cultural properties and traditional architectural styles.
- 5 Sesimsa Temple (세심사), 221 Sanyang-ri, Yeomchi-eup, ☏ +82 41-543-2696. As its name implies, it is known as a place to wash and purify the mind. Sesimsa Temple is said to have been built during the Silla Dynasty, and thereafter, several reconstructions and repairs were made. The temple is located deep in the mountains, creating a calm and peaceful atmosphere, especially Daeungjeon Hall and various Buddha statues are protected as important cultural properties.
- 6 Songamsa Temple (송암사), 111, Oeam-ro 1096beon-gil, Songak-myeon, ☏ +82 41-543-3947. The name is said to have originated from the 'pine rock'. The temple was built during the Silla Dynasty and has since been rebuilt several times. The main buildings of the temple include Daeungjeon Hall and a number of Buddha statues, and it is a place that preserves the traditions and historical values of Buddhism.
- 7 Hyemyeongsa (혜명사), 133-7 Ssangjuk-gil, Yeomchi-eup, ☏ +82 41-543-1477. 08:00 - 18:00. The temple is said to have been built during the Goryeo Dynasty, and 'Hyemyeong' means 'life of wisdom'. Located deep in the mountains, Hyemyeongsa Temple is known as a place of meditation and practice where you can find peace of mind in harmony with nature.
- 8 Suamsa Temple (수암사), 66 Seowonan-gil, Yeomchi-eup, ☏ +82 41-543-7435. The temple is said to have been built during the Silla Dynasty, and Suam means "a mind that has become as solid as a rock through training." Suamsa Temple is particularly scenic, and Daeungjeon Hall and various Buddhist relics are protected as important cultural properties.
Mountains
[edit]- 9 Yeonginsan Mountain (영인산), Yeongin-myeon, ☏ +82 41-538-1958.
- 10 Baebangsan Mountain (배방산), Hoeryong-ri, Baebang-eup.
- 11 Goyongsan Mountain (고용산), Shinhwa-ri, Yeongin-myeon.
- 12 Dogosan Mountain (도고산), San 17-2 Sijeon-ri, Dogo-myeon.
- 13 Sulwhasan Mountain (설화산), Jwabu-dong, ☏ +82 41-540-2423.
Do
[edit]Hot Spring
[edit]- 1 Asan Spavis (아산 스파비스), 288-6 Shinsu-ri, Eumbong-myeon, ☏ +82 41-539-2000. Varies. A contemporary hot spring that focuses on sports treatment and family experiences. They even offer snow sledding and traditional spa treatments. Spa & sauna range from ₩24,000-29,000 for children and ₩33,000-40,000 for adults, sauna only ranges from ₩6,000-8,000.
- 2 Onyang Hot Spring (온양온천), Oncheon-dong. Onyang Hot Spring is the oldest hot spring in Korea, with a history dating back from the Three Kingdoms period to the Joseon Dynasty. It is available at Onyang Hot Spring Hotel and The Cheil Hotel Onyang.
Festival
[edit]- 3 Yeonginsan Azalea Festival (영인산 철쭉제)), 16-24 Asanoncheon-ro, Yeongin-myeon, ☏ 1422-42. 10:30~16:00. This festival is held annually in April on Yeonginsan Mountain. In 2025, it was held on April 19th. Various hands-on activities, such as woodworking and crafts, as well as recreational sports, are available. ₩ 4,000.
Buy
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- Walnut cakes (호두과자) Walnut cakes are traditional cakes in Korea. Asan and Cheonan are famous for them. It is one of the most famous items in Korea too.
Eat
[edit]Restaurants
[edit]- 1 Yinesikdang (이내식당), 95-4 Buksu-ro, Baebang-eup (06:00-23:00/ Break time: 15:00-16:30 (Regularly closed on the 2nd and 4th Sundays every month)), ☏ +82 507-1444-1599.
- 2 moghwabanjeom (목화반점), 28-8 Onju-gil (If you take Onyang Elementary School and enter Gyeongin Mart Alley at the main gate of Oshim, you will see amoghwabanjeom.), ☏ +82 41-545-8052. 11:00 - 18:00 (Closed: Monday).
- 3 Mosan Sujebi (모산수제비), 148 Mosan-ro, Baebang-eup, ☏ +82 41-548-5252. 10:00 - 20:00 / Break time: 15:00 - 16:00 (Closed: Sunday).
- 4 Sodam (소담), 822, Suncheonhyang-ro, ☏ +82 41-545-0084. 09:00 - 21:00.
- 5 Old Mill (올드밀), 532 Sinjeong-ro, ☏ +82 41-546-1080. 11:00 - 21:30/ Break time: 15:00 - 16:30 /Last order: 20:30.
- 6 Myeongseong Galbi (명성갈비), 15 Gyeoncheon-ro, ☏ +82 507-1471-3432. 09:00 - 23:00.
Bakerys
[edit]- 7 Haru Bakery (하루 베이커리), 4-10 Yonghwa-ro 48beon-gil, ☏ +82 41-541-1104. 08:00 - 22:00 (Closes: Sunday).
Drink
[edit]cafes
[edit]- 1 Cafe Jisaeul (카페지새울), 90 Oncheon-daero 595beon-gil, Dogo-myeon (If you turn right at the sign of the Camco Human Resources Development Institute, there is a milestone to stay up.), ☏ +82 507-1344-5643. 10:30 - 20:00.
- 2 2nae (이내), 19-6, Baebang-ro 13-beon-gil, Baebang-eup, ☏ +82 41-544-2220. 10:00 - 23:00.
Sleep
[edit]Budget
[edit]Mid-range
[edit]- 1 Onyang Hot Spring Hotel (온양관광호텔), 1459, Oncheon-daero, ☏ +82 41-545-2141, fax: +82 41-540-1234. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. This hotel features traditional Korean and Western style sleeping options. It features hot springs, a sauna, and a history museum. Other facilities include a gym, a spa, banquet space, restaurants and a beer garden. It's very close to the Onyang Hot Spring Station. from ₩140,000.
Splurge
[edit]- 2 The Cheil Hotel Onyang (온양제일호텔), 1462 Oncheon-daero, ☏ +82 41 547-2500. Check-in: 14:00 of the very day, check-out: 12:00 of the next day. The hotel can use up to the 9th floor. There is a hot spring sauna in the basement and facilities such as a banquet room and a convenience store on the 1st floor. ₩169,400/standard, ₩242,400/deluxe, ₩302,500/junior suite, ₩700,000/royal suite.
Go next
[edit]| Routes through Asan |
| Seoul ← Yongsan ← | NW  SE
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→ Shintanjin → Daejeon → Busan |
| Suwon ← Cheonan ← | NE  SW
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→ END |