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DeutschAsan (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
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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. Asan is also home to Hyeonchungsa Shrine, which commemorates Admiral Yi Sun-sin.
- Tourist information center in front of Asan Station, ☏ +82 41-540-2517. Daily 09:00-18:00.
History
[edit | edit source]Asan is a city long cherished for its warm hot springs and peaceful scenery. Since the Baekje period (18 BC), it has grown as an important transportation hub, and during the Goryeo (918–1392) and Joseon (1392~1894) 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 (1910~1945), Asan’s administrative districts were reorganized, laying the foundation for its modern form. Onyang became a separate city in 1986. On 1 January 1995, Onyang City and Asan County merged to form the present-day city of 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
[edit | edit source]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.
Asan is served by Subway Line 1 and has five stations.
- 1 Asan Station (아산(선문대)), 90, Huimang-ro, Baebang-eup. Asan is the first subway station of Asan city. It is connected to KTX and SRT.
- 2 Tangjeong (탕정), 11, Handeulmulbit 6-ro, Tangjeong-myeon. Tangjeong Station is a newly built subway station between Asan Station and Baebang Station.
- 3 Baebang (배방), 1967, Oncheon-daero, Baebang-eup. This is a subway line 1 station in Asan City. Hoseo University's Asan Campus is nearby.
- 4 Onyangoncheon (Asanhyeonchungsa) (온양온천 (아산현충사)), 1496, Oncheon-daero. Onyangoncheon Station is a railway station on Subway Line 1. The station name listed refers to Hyeonchungsa Shrine.
- 5 Sinchang (Soonchunhyang Univ.) (신창 (순천향대)), 50, Haengmok-ro, Sinchang-myeon. Sinchang station is a railway station on Subway Line 1.
By bus
[edit | edit source]Buses run regularly from Cheonan and Seoul. There are buses that go to and from Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Cheonan Express Bus Terminal.
By taxi
[edit | edit source]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
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By bus
[edit | edit source]Asan does not have many buses.
By taxi
[edit | edit source]If you call the number below, you can connect the Asan call taxi right away.
- Asan Smart Call, ☏ +82 1558-0428.
On bicycle
[edit | edit source]There are two public bicycle rental stations in Asan.
- 6 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.
- 7 Sinjeongho Lake bicycle rental office (아산신정호 자전거 대여소), 467-5, Bangchuk-dong, ☏ +82 41 531-9793. 09:00~18:00, closed on Mon. 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 ₩8,000, youth ₩5,000, children ₩4,000, seniors ₩3,000, 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. Adults ₩2,000, youth or soldier ₩1,000, children ₩1,000, group discounts offered.
- 3 SinJung-ho (신정호), San 5, Jeomyang-dong, ☏ +82 41-540-2518. Daily 24 hours. Sinjeongho is an artificial lake created in 1926 and a scenic resort destination throughout all four seasons. On weekends, music events and various cultural performances are held. If you visit during the summer season, you can also use the outdoor pool facilities. Free.
- 4 Hyeonchungsa Gokgyo Ginkgo Tree Road (현충사곡교천은행나무길), 502-3 Baegam-ri, Yeomchi-eup. Daily 24 hours. Hyeonchungsa Gokgyo Ginkgo Tree Road is a landmark selected as one of the 'Top 10 Most Beautiful Tree-Lined Streets in the Nation.' Along the 2.2-kilometer road from Chungmugyo Bridge over Gokgyocheon to the entrance of Hyeonchungsa, about 350 ginkgo trees have been planted. In autumn, ginkgo trees create a stunning scene, and in spring, canola flowers offer a different kind of beauty. Free.
Temples
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- 5 Hyeonchungsa Shrine (현충사), 126 Hyeonchungsa-gil, Yeomchi-eup, ☏ +82 41-539-4600. Mar-Oct 09:00-18:00 (last admission 17:00); Nov-Feb 09:00-17:00 (last admission 16:00); closed Mon. Shrine commemorating Admiral Yi Sun-sin, first established in 1706. The grounds include a memorial museum with exhibits about Yi and the Imjin War. Free.
- 6 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.
- 7 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.
- 8 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.
- 9 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.
- 10 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.
- 11 Mahavihara Buddhist Temple (마하위하라 불교사원), 297, Eumbong-myeon-ro, Eumbong-myeon, ☏ +82 41-544-0106. Mahavihara Temple is the first Sri Lankan-style Buddhist temple built in Korea. You can tour the Southern Buddhist-style temple buildings and the indoor greenhouse. We also offer meditation programs to help manage stress.
Mountains
[edit | edit source]Asan has many famous mountains. The most famous mountain is Sulwhasan Mountain. ' Sulwhasan Mountain' is named because it is beautifully covered with snow from early fall to late spring. If you go up in the evening, you can see the night view of Asan City at a glance.
- 12 Yeonginsan Mountain (영인산), Yeongin-myeon, ☏ +82 41-538-1958.
- 13 Baebangsan Mountain (배방산), Hoeryong-ri, Baebang-eup.
- 14 Goyongsan Mountain (고용산), Shinhwa-ri, Yeongin-myeon.
- 15 Dogosan Mountain (도고산), San 17-2 Sijeon-ri, Dogo-myeon.
- 16 Sulwhasan Mountain (설화산), Jwabu-dong, ☏ +82 41-540-2423.
Do
[edit | edit source]Hot springs
[edit | edit source]- 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.
- 3 Paradise Spa Dogo (파라다이스스파도고), 176 Dogoonsen-ro, Dogo-myeon, ☏ +82 41-537-7100. Continuously changing. Paradise Spa Dogo is a resort where you can enjoy the charm of nature and a healthy relaxation experience. Enjoy mineral-rich hot spring water, a variety of indoor and outdoor pools, and a large public bath. Spa prices vary by season, but they usually range from ₩40,000-₩60,000. Adding the hot spring costs an additional ₩13,000 to the ticket price..
Festival
[edit | edit source]- 4 Yeonginsan Azalea Festival (영인산 철쭉제), 16-24 Asanoncheon-ro, Yeongin-myeon, ☏ 1422-42Country code missing. 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.
- 5 Asan Admiral Yi Sun-sin Festival (아산 성웅 이순신축제), Throughout Asan City. The Asan Admiral Yi Sun-sin Festival is a representative festival of Asan, Chungnam, held annually around the birthday of Admiral Yi Sun-sin, April 28. This is an interactive cultural tourism festival that offers a variety of attractions and activities, including experience events and parades themed around General Yi Sun-sin, as well as academic seminars and talk concerts to help visitors learn about and reflect on his spirit.
Buy
[edit | edit source]- 1 Onyang Oncheon Market (온양온천시장), 29, Sijang-gil (get off at Onyang Hot Spring Station Exit 2 and go straight for 5 minutes), ☏ +82 41-541-1189. permanent market. It is a traditional market where you can buy food, agricultural and fishery products, side dishes, fruits, butchers, rice cakes, and bread.
Eat
[edit | edit source]Regional specialties
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- Walnut cakes (호두과자) are traditional in Korea. Asan and Cheonan are famous for them, and they are one of the most famous items in Korea.
- Sauna eggs (맥반석 계란) are commonly eaten in hot springs and jjimjilbangs, and refer to eggs cooked slowly at high temperatures.
- Asan pear (아산 배) special product of Asan, which is high in sugar and soft. It is especially delicious from September to November.
Restaurants
[edit | edit source]- 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: Mon).
- 3 Mosan Sujebi (모산수제비), 148 Mosan-ro, Baebang-eup, ☏ +82 41-548-5252. 10:00 - 20:00 / Break time: 15:00 - 16:00; closed Sun.
- 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.
- 7 Ongi (온기), 68 Chungmu-ro, Asan-si, ☏ +82 70-4122-4299. Tue-Sat 11:00-21:00, closed Sun Mon. This restaurant serves fresh pasta along with a variety of Western-style dishes. You can make a reservation and enjoy a comfortable meal in the dining area.
- 8 Hongdukkye Kalguksu (홍두깨칼국수), 19 Sijangnam-gil, ☏ +82 41-546-0151. 09:30-20:00 (Last Order 19:00). A restaurant where you can enjoy traditional Korean noodles at affordable prices. Despite the low price, it’s a local favorite among nearby residents because of its great taste. ￦4,000-￦7,000.
- 9 Nampo-dong Jikhwa Jjukkumi Sinjeongho Branch (남포동 직화 쭈꾸미 신정호점), 2nd Floor, 33-25 Sinjeongho-gil, ☏ +82 507-1326-6481. 11:30-21:00 (Last Order 19:00) (Break Time 15:00-17:00), Closed on Wednesdays. This is a restaurant serving spicy webfoot octopus where you can enjoy your meal while overlooking Lake Sinjung. A favorite among locals, it is characterized by its spicy flavor and deep smoky taste. Spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste. Teppan hot pot (￦48,000-￦50,000), Lunch Special (￦37,000), Single-serving menu (￦14,000-￦20,000).
Bakeries
[edit | edit source]- 10 Haru Bakery (하루 베이커리), 4-10 Yonghwa-ro 48beon-gil, ☏ +82 41-541-1104. 08:00 - 22:00; closed Sun.
Drink
[edit | edit source]Cafes
[edit | edit source]- 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.
- 3 Cafe Annak (카페 안낙), 496-2 Sinjeong-ro, ☏ +82 507-1340-0308. Large café in Asan offering a spacious and relaxing atmosphere, known for its bakery items, desserts, and comfortable seating areas.
- 4 Eondeok (언덕), 175, Seonmun-ro 254beon-gil, Tangjeong-myeon, ☏ +82 41-546-3700. Café in Asan serving siphon-brewed coffee in a quiet and relaxed setting, offering visitors a distinctive specialty coffee experience.
- 5 Cafe Brick (카페 브릭), 88-18, Seonmun-ro 254beon-gil, Tangjeong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1344-1987. Café in Asan known for its fresh fruit-based beverages and desserts.
- 6 Leepresso (리프레소), 146, Eumbong-ro, Eumbong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1364-5417. Rooftop café in Asan offering scenic views of rice fields and countryside landscapes, known for its relaxing atmosphere and specialty coffee.
- 7 Crossway (크로스웨이), 55, Eumbong-ro, Eumbong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1372-2343. Specialty café in Asan known for its in-house coffee roasting, offering carefully crafted coffee and desserts in a comfortable setting.
- 8 Inju Cafe Hanok Branch (인주카페 한옥점), 1608 Asanman-ro, Inju-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1380-1356. It is a café with a beautiful traditional hanok interior. They sell traditional Korean drinks and traditional desserts here. They also offer menus that reinterpret traditional foods in a modern way.
- 9 Inju Cafe Field Branch (인주카페 필드점), 272 Hoseo-ro, Baebang-eup, ☏ +82 507-1497-3481. This café features a lotus garden where you can enjoy coffee and various desserts while admiring the lotus flowers. The outdoor garden spans about 2,000 pyeong, making it a great place for a day out. Many customers say the coffee tastes great because it is roasted by an international coffee assessor.
- 10 Magaret (마가렛), 15 Maegokhandle 12-gil, Tangjeong-myeon, 1st Floor, ☏ +82 507-1429-1535. A café with handmade Greek yogurt, granola, brunch, and desserts.
Sleep
[edit | edit source]Budget
[edit | edit source]- 1 Brown Dot Asan Terminal Branch (브라운도트 아산터미널점), 6, Beonyeong-ro 205beon-gil, ☏ +82 507-1318-5301. Check-in: 17:00, check-out: 12:00. This hotel is located within a 5-minute walk of Asan Terminal. It is popular among office workers because of its relatively affordable price. All rooms are equipped with a Styler, Air Purifier, Water Purifier, and a Large TV. Self-service laundry and drying are available, and you can enjoy toast and cereal at the cafeteria. ₩70,000-110,000.
Mid-range
[edit | edit source]- 2 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 | edit source]- 3 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 | edit source]| Routes through Asan |
| Seoul ← Yongsan ← | NW  SE | → Shintanjin → Daejeon → Busan |
| Suwon ← Cheonan ← | NE  SW | → END |