Ansan Travel Guide

Plan the perfect trip to Ansan with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore the top things to do, see, eat, and buy in this fascinating city of Gyeonggi, South Korea.


Ansan Travel Guide: Discover the Best of Gyeonggi, South Korea

Ansan is a charming city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, that offers a perfect blend of traditional culture and modern convenience. With a rich history, beautiful natural scenery, and a thriving food scene, Ansan has much to offer visitors.

Whether you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Ansan has many exciting places to visit and things to do. In this comprehensive travel guide, we’ll explore the top things to see, do, eat, and buy in Ansan, and help you plan the perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Ansan

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Ansan has an impressive collection of culturally important attractions, including museums and historical places. Whether you are interested in art, history, or religion, there is something for everyone in Ansan. Some of the top attractions include:

  • Ansan Arts Center: This first-class cultural institution showcases a variety of exhibitions, performances, and events throughout the year.
  • Hwarangdae Fortress Site: Historians and archeologists will enjoy visiting this ancient fortress, which dates back to the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-AD 660).
  • Dongmak Beach: This beautiful beach is a popular spot for swimming, enjoying the sun and sand, and watching the sunset.
  • Daebu Island: This beautiful island is located in the Yellow Sea and is a popular destination for water sports, fishing, and swimming.
  • Wolgot Harbor: This bustling harbor is a great place to watch the boats come and go, and to try out some of the local seafood.

Natural Attractions of Ansan: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Ansan is full of natural wonders, and has many opportunities for outdoor adventure and scenic views. Whether you are looking for a leisurely hike or a thrilling biking trail, there is something for everyone in Ansan. Some of the top natural attractions include:

  • Ansan Botanical Garden: This beautiful garden features over 2,000 species of plants and flowers, and is the perfect place to enjoy a leisurely walk and take in the scenery.
  • Hansol Recreation Forest: This expansive forest is full of hiking trails, streams, and picnic areas, making it a popular destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Magoksa Temple: This beautiful temple is nestled in the mountains and has breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can take a guided tour, participate in a meditation session, or try their hand at temple cuisine.
  • Jisan Ski Resort: During the winter months, this popular ski resort is a hub for winter sports enthusiasts, offering skiing, snowboarding, and other activities.
  • Doksanseong Fortress: History buffs will enjoy visiting this ancient fortress, which dates back to the Three Kingdoms era (57 BC – 668 AD). The fortress offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Ansan

Ansan is a great place to go hiking and biking, thanks to its many picturesque trails and routes. Whether you are looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging hike, there is something for everyone in Ansan. Some of the top hiking and biking routes include:

  • Jungang Park: This beautiful park offers a variety of hiking and biking trails, as well as playgrounds, picnic areas, and a botanical garden.
  • Ansan Mountain: This mountain offers stunning views of the city and is a popular spot for hiking and biking. Visitors can also try their hand at paragliding or rock climbing.
  • Seongho Mountain: This mountain features several well-marked hiking trails, including a trail that leads to a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city.
  • Oksan Mountain: This mountain offers a challenging hiking trail with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
  • Ansan Stream Trail: This picturesque trail follows the Ansan Stream and offers stunning views of the city.

Best Things to Do in Ansan: Activities and Tours

Ansan is full of exciting things to do and offers a wide range of activities and tours for visitors of all ages. Whether you are looking for a cultural experience or an outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone in Ansan. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Ansan Street Arts Festival: This annual festival is a celebration of street art and performance, with live music, dance, theater, and more.
  • Gwangmyeong Cave: This underground cave system was transformed into a tourist attraction and features stunning lighting displays, sculptures, and shops.
  • Ansan Wa~ Stadium: This multi-purpose stadium is home to the Ansan Wa~ football team and offers a variety of sporting events and concerts throughout the year.
  • Ansan Starlight Village: This beautiful village is decorated with thousands of colorful lights and is a popular destination for families and couples.
  • City Tours: Ansan offers a variety of guided tours that showcase the city’s historical, cultural, and natural attractions. Tours are available in several languages and can be customized to meet your needs.

Week-Long Itinerary for Ansan

If you are planning a week-long trip to Ansan, here is a sample itinerary to help you make the most of your time:

  • Day 1: Visit the Ansan Arts Center, Hwarangdae Fortress Site, and Dongmak Beach.
  • Day 2: Explore the beautiful Ansan Botanical Garden and then take a leisurely stroll through Jungang Park.
  • Day 3: Visit Magoksa Temple and then take a challenging hike up Ansan Mountain.
  • Day 4: Enjoy a day of winter sports at Jisan Ski Resort.
  • Day 5: Take a guided city tour of Ansan and visit the Gwangmyeong Cave.
  • Day 6: Spend the day relaxing at Daebu Island, participating in water sports or simply enjoying the beautiful scenery.
  • Day 7: Explore the local food and drink scene by visiting popular restaurants and cafes, and shopping for souvenirs at local markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Ansan

Ansan is known for its delicious food scene, featuring traditional Korean dishes and international cuisine. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fine dining experience, there is something for everyone in Ansan.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Jjimdak: This savory dish features braised chicken or beef with vegetables, served over rice.
  • Bibimbap: A popular Korean dish that consists of rice, vegetables, and meat, topped with a fried egg and a spicy sauce.
  • Naengmyeon: A cold noodle dish served in a refreshing broth, often with sliced beef or chicken.
  • Bulgogi: Thinly sliced marinated beef that is grilled and served with rice and vegetables.
  • Ddukbokki: This spicy rice cake dish is a popular snack in Korea, made with chewy rice cakes in a spicy sauce.

Local Beverages

  • Soju: A clear, distilled Korean liquor made from rice, barley, or wheat. Often served with meat dishes or as a shot.
  • Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that is slightly sweet and fizzy. Often served with Korean pancakes or other snacks.
  • Green Tea: A popular Korean tea that is known for its health benefits and delicate flavor.
  • Coffee: Ansan has a thriving coffee scene, with many cafes offering locally roasted beans and creative drinks.

Where to Stay in Ansan: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Ansan offers a variety of accommodation options to fit any budget or preference. Whether you are looking for a luxurious hotel, a cozy guesthouse, or a budget hostel, there is something for everyone in Ansan. Some of the top accommodation options include:

  • Ansan M Motel: This beautifully designed motel offers modern rooms with a range of amenities, including free Wi-Fi and room service.
  • Santafe Motel: This stylish motel offers luxury accommodations, including spacious suites with Jacuzzis and massage chairs.
  • Benikea Ansan Hotel: This elegant hotel offers comfortable rooms and suites, as well as a fitness center, sauna, and lounge.
  • Ansan Guesthouse: This cozy guesthouse offers budget accommodations in a traditional Korean house, with a shared kitchen and lounge area.
  • K Guesthouse: This modern hostel offers clean and comfortable accommodations, as well as a communal kitchen and lounge area.

What to Buy in Ansan: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Ansan is known for its unique artisanal products, many of which make perfect souvenirs or gifts. Some of the top local products include:

  • Ansan Pottery: This traditional pottery is made from local clay and is known for its beautiful colors and unique shapes.
  • Jeom Mat: This local specialty is a fermented fish paste that is used in many Korean dishes, and makes a great addition to any kitchen.
  • Ansan Fabric: This colorful and unique fabric is woven in Ansan and is used to make traditional Korean clothing, as well as modern fashion items.
  • Fruit Jams and Preserves: Ansan is known for its fresh, seasonal fruit, which is often made into delicious jams and preserves.
  • Korean Traditional Sweets: Ansan is famous for its sweet rice cakes, cookies, and other traditional Korean sweets, which make great gifts for friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Ansan

Ansan has a rich cultural heritage, and visitors can often experience traditional customs and festivals during their stay. Here are some of the top cultural customs and festivals to keep in mind:

  • Seollal: This is the Korean lunar New Year, which is celebrated in late January or early February. During Seollal, families gather to perform ancestral rites and eat traditional foods.
  • Buddha’s Birthday: This is a major holiday in Korea, celebrated on the eighth day of the fourth lunar month. Many temples hold lantern festivals and other events to celebrate the occasion.
  • Chuseok: This is the Korean harvest festival, which is celebrated in late September or early October. Families gather to give thanks and eat traditional foods.

Best Time to Visit Ansan

Ansan has a temperate climate, with mild winters and hot summers. The best time to visit is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. Summer can be hot and humid, and winter can be cold and snowy.

Do’s and Don’ts of Ansan

Here are some general do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Ansan:

Do:

  • Learn some basic Korean phrases before you go, as not all locals speak English.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples and other religious places.
  • Take off your shoes when entering someone’s home or a traditional Korean restaurant.

Don’t:

  • Don’t speak loudly or cause a disturbance in public places.
  • Don’t tip at restaurants or other service establishments, as this is not customary in Korea.
  • Don’t ignore social cues or non-verbal communication, as Koreans often communicate indirectly.

Safety and Health

Safety in Ansan

Ansan is generally a safe city, with low crime rates and a friendly and welcoming population. That said, visitors should take basic safety precautions, such as avoiding dark or deserted areas at night, and keeping valuables secure.

Health in Ansan

Ansan has a good healthcare system, with several hospitals and clinics throughout the city. Visitors should take basic health precautions, such as drinking bottled water, and getting any necessary vaccinations before traveling.

Getting to Ansan: Transportation Options and Logistics

Ansan is located about 30 km southwest of Seoul, and is easily accessible by several transportation options.

Airports Near Ansan

  • Incheon International Airport: This is the main international airport serving Seoul, located about 60 km from Ansan.

Bus Stations Near Ansan

  • Ansan Bus Terminal: This is the main bus station serving Ansan, with buses connecting to other cities in Korea.

Other Options

  • Train: Ansan has its own train station, with trains connecting to other cities in Korea.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Ansan, and are a convenient way to get around the city.

How to Get Around in Ansan

Ansan has several transportation options for getting around the city, including:

  • Bus: Ansan has a comprehensive network of bus routes, with regular service throughout the city.
  • Subway: Ansan has a subway line that connects to other cities in Gyeonggi Province, as well as a light rail system that connects to other parts of the city.
  • Taxi: Taxis are widely available in Ansan, and are a convenient way to get around the city.

Where to Go Next from Ansan: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Ansan is located in the heart of Gyeonggi Province, and offers easy access to other nearby destinations and excursions.

  • Seoul: The bustling capital city of Seoul is located about 30 km northeast of Ansan, and offers a wide range of cultural, historical, and modern attractions.
  • Incheon: This port city is located about 30 km northwest of Ansan, and offers a blend of cultural and modern attractions, as well as easy access to Incheon International Airport.
  • Suwon: This historic city is about 25 km southeast of Ansan, and features an impressive fortress and several cultural attractions.

Conclusion

Ansan is a fascinating city in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, that offers a unique blend of traditional culture and modern convenience. From its stunning natural scenery and outdoor adventures to its rich history and delicious food scene, Ansan has much to offer visitors.

Whether you are a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, Ansan is a great destination for a memorable and enjoyable trip. Plan your visit today and experience all that Ansan has to offer!

Ansan River (Ansancheon) in Hosu(in English, 'lake') Park Ansan River (Ansancheon) in Hosu(in English, 'lake') Park Ansan bus terminal Ansan bus terminal Pedalro station Pedalro station Pedalro Kiosk Pedalro Kiosk a bus stop in Ansan a bus stop in Ansan Taxi Stand in Ansan Taxi Stand in Ansan Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art Gyeonggi Museum of Modern Art Ansan Arts Center Ansan Arts Center Hwarang Recreation Area Hwarang Recreation Area Daebu Island Daebu Island A view of Seoul from Ansan A view of Seoul from Ansan Inside Sangroksu Volleyball Stadium Inside Sangroksu Volleyball Stadium Ansan Wa Stadium Ansan Wa Stadium Ansan city hall Ansan city hall The main gate of Hanyang University ERICA campus The main gate of Hanyang University ERICA campus Hanyang University ERICA Campus entrance Hanyang University ERICA Campus entrance Seafood rose pasta from BISTRO TA BOM in front of the Hanyang University in Ansan. Seafood rose pasta from BISTRO TA BOM in front of the Hanyang University in Ansan. Guest house in Hanyang University Guest house in Hanyang University