[LCD Chungnam] Dream with ASAN

 https://english.visitkorea.or.kr/svc/contents/contentsView.do?menuSn=351&vcontsId=104573 

Asan (아산)

Location & Geography

• Located in South Chungcheong Province, about 1 hour south of Seoul by KTX (high-speed train).

• Inland city, surrounded by low mountains and hot spring areas.

• Compared to:

  • Singapore: flat, urbanized island.

  • Malaysia: has mountain ranges, similar in some way but warmer.

  • Hong Kong: hilly but very dense.

  • Asan: more balanced—urban + natural environment.

Climate

• Four seasons: snowy winters, warm summers, cherry blossoms in spring, colorful autumn.

• Very different from Singapore/Malaysia (tropical, no winter).

• Hong Kong has mild winter but still warmer → Asan offers “real winter experience”.

Population & Land Use

• Mid-sized city, less crowded than Seoul.

• Known for hot springs, education, and industry.

• Has Samsung Electronics factories nearby (industrial + residential balance).

• Land use: urban center, farmlands, hot spring resorts.

Economy & Activities

• Famous for hot springs (Onyang Hot Spring – Korea’s oldest, used by kings).

• Education hub: home to Soonchunhyang University and other institutions.

• Industry: part of Korea’s industrial belt (electronics, manufacturing).

• Tourism: hot springs, spas, traditional markets, historical sites (e.g., Hyeonchungsa Shrine of Admiral Yi Sun-sin).

Nicole's opinion:

For visitors seeking a blend of wellness, history, and modern convenience, Asan stands as a serene gateway to Korea’s cultural and natural treasures. Nestled at the foot of gentle mountains in South Chungcheong Province, and only an hour south of Seoul by KTX, Asan offers the rare combination of accessibility and escape.

At the heart of Asan’s charm are its renowned hot springs. Onyang Hot Spring, Korea’s oldest, has welcomed visitors for centuries, and today it continues to be a haven for wellness tourism. From bubbling mineral baths to traditional spa treatments, visitors are invited to immerse themselves in rituals that restore both body and spirit. The steam rising from the springs mirrors the calm, reflective pace of life that sets Asan apart from bustling metropolitan centers.

The city also boasts a deep historical and cultural lineage. Hyeonchungsa Shrine, dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, connects visitors to Korea’s storied naval past, offering an immersive lens into heroism and legacy. Traditional markets, local cuisine, and seasonal festivals provide a tactile, flavorful encounter with the living culture of Asan’s people.

Asan’s landscape is a mosaic of low mountains, verdant farmland, and modern urban developments. Cycling and hiking routes weave through these terrains, granting travelers moments of reflection and scenic delight. Education and innovation also mark the city’s identity, with Soonchunhyang University and nearby industrial hubs coexisting harmoniously with its cultural and natural offerings.

Autumn in Asan is a visual feast, as foliage paints the mountains in fiery reds and golds, complementing the gentle warmth of the hot springs. Winter’s chill encourages restorative stays, soaking in mineral waters and savoring local specialties such as fresh vegetables and hearty soups. Spring bursts forth with cherry blossoms, and the pace of life slows just enough for visitors to feel a genuine connection to both land and community.

In Asan, wellness, history, and nature converge. Visitors do not simply observe — they participate, whether through soaking in healing waters, exploring historical sites, or cycling along quiet trails. It is a city where mind, body, and culture harmonize, making Asan a destination as enriching as it is rejuvenating.

---

Why Suitable for Chinese Visitors?

1. Wellness & Health Tourism

   • Chinese tourists love hot springs (温泉文化), and Asan is one of Korea’s most famous hot spring cities.

   • Great for family, elderly, or wellness-focused travelers.

2. Easy Accessibility

   • Only ~1 hour from Seoul → convenient for short trips.

   • Good transportation links, unlike some rural areas.

3. Cultural & Historical Appeal

   • Connection to Admiral Yi Sun-sin (Korean naval hero vs Japan) → history lovers from China may find it meaningful.

   • Traditional Korean spa culture feels both familiar yet unique.

4. Climate Difference

   • Winter snow & autumn foliage = fresh experience for visitors from southern China.

   • Four-season scenery good for photography.

5. Shopping + Local Industry

   • Nearby areas have Samsung-related tech attractions → tech lovers & young Chinese travelers may be curious.

• 

World Flower Botanical Garden opened to the public in 2004 and sees 15,000~20,000 visitors every year. This internationally recognized garden is Korea's largest greenhouse garden that features over 3,000 species of plants and flowers. To cultivate gardening culture in Korea, the garden founded LIAF Garden Center, acronym for "Life is a Flower." The garden center offers diverse gardening programs and products.

• Address
  

  37-37, Asanman-ro, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

  충청남도 아산시 도고면 아산만로 37-37

• Website

  liaf.kr

• Operating hours

  09:00-18:00

• Holiday

  N/A (Open all year round)

• Inquiries

  • 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330
  (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
  • For more info: +82-41-544-0746

Fees

Admission voucher - 8,000 won

* Visitors must purchase admission voucher to enter and use the facilities
* The voucher can be used to to buy plants, food, or gardening products for the same amount

Attractive spots nearby: 

Aspect	Singapore	Malaysia	Hong Kong	Asan, Korea
Climate	Hot & humid all year	Tropical, hot & wet	Subtropical, mild winter	Four seasons, snowy winter
Geography	Flat island city	Mountains + coasts	Hilly, dense urban	Inland city, hot springs + hills
Economy focus	Finance, trade	Agriculture, industry	Finance, services	Industry (Samsung), hot springs, education
Tourism highlights	Marina Bay, Sentosa	Islands, rainforests	Victoria Peak, Disneyland	Hot springs, Admiral Yi shrine, local markets
Appeal for Chinese	Shopping, urban life	Nature, food	Shopping, modern city	Wellness, history, 4 seasons, relaxation