A Healing Journey to Anseong: Taking a Comma from Busy Days
A memory of serene landscapes and a warm meal spent in the small city of Anseong, home to 180,000 residents.
I Discovered a Peaceful Anseong for the Mind
Not too far from Seoul, Anseong is a place where you feel a completely different atmosphere the moment the scenery outside the train window changes to fields and paddies. It's a cozy little city with a population of about 186,000, so it's never crowded and wonderful for a leisurely walk wherever your feet take you. It's that warm neighborhood that suddenly comes to mind when you want to quietly clear your head on the weekend.
A Place Where the Traces of History Naturally Soak In
Since ancient times, Anseong was a vital transportation hub and a thriving center of commerce. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was so bustling that it was counted among the 'Top 3 Marketplaces in the Nation' along with Pyongyang and Daegu. Although the vibrant energy of merchants who gathered from all over the country back then has faded, the local Confucian schools, temples, and old ruins left behind quietly tell the stories of that era. You don't need to open a history book to encounter these old traces just by strolling through the neighborhood, which makes it even more endearing.
Picturesque Anseong Attractions Where Every Step Stops
Here are some of my favorite spots from my time in Anseong. From serene temples embracing long histories to wide-open lakes and parks, landscapes that demand a shutter click await you. In particular, there are many walking courses that calm the mind, making them perfect for washing away urban fatigue.
한국관광공사Search →A cozy space quietly nestled in the city center, loved by residents as a light walking course.
한국관광공사Search →A place where serene hanok buildings and large ginkgo trees harmonize, letting you feel the spirit of Joseon Dynasty scholars.
한국관광공사Search →Quietly standing in the middle of a wide field while completely preserving the breath of the Goryeo Dynasty.
한국관광공사Search →A sacred shrine enveloped in a quiet energy beneath dense tree shades, great for emptying the mind and meditating in silence.
한국관광공사Search →A serene temple nestled deep in the valleys of Seowunsan Mountain, it is a beautiful mountain temple also famous as a filming location for TV dramas.
한국관광공사Search →Featuring expansive lawns and well-maintained walking trails, it's a great place to enjoy leisure time with children.
한국관광공사Search →A complex cultural space where you can charmingly enjoy various art pieces and craft workshops amidst nature.
Anseong's Beautiful Scenery That Captures Your Steps
Anseong's nature may not be flashy, but it has a charm that makes you gaze at it steadily. The scenery combining lakes and forests is especially superb, and thanks to the mountains and watersides changing their clothes every season, you can feel new emotions no matter when you visit. Walking along the lakeside around sunset allows you to fully receive the comfort offered by nature.
Art Blossoming from Fingertips and Warm-Hearted Hospitality
When talking about Anseong, you cannot leave out the skill of brassware (yugi) artisans, which originated the expression 'Anseongmatchum' (custom-made/perfect fit). Workshops carrying on traditions and local artists harmonize to create a unique cultural texture. The warm tone and hospitality of the locals you meet during your travels are a bonus. Every autumn, the Namsadang Baudeogi Festival is held on a grand scale, where you can watch traditional tightrope walking and exciting Korean traditional music performances, so be sure to drop by if the timing works out.
True Local Restaurants That Captured Local Palates
The completion of a trip is, of course, delicious food. Rather than flashy tourist attraction restaurants, I visited true local eateries that have been loved by neighborhood residents for a long time. Thanks to simple yet sincere meals, the memories of the trip remained much warmer.
A place alive with vintage old-shop sensibilities, featuring nostalgic handmade pork cutlet as its signature menu. Prices are around the 10,000 KRW range.
A cozy restaurant where you can taste hearty restorative foods like spicy braised chicken (dakbokke탕) or boiled chicken (baeksuk) amidst a rustic atmosphere.
A Chinese restaurant frequented by local residents, popular for its clean and rich-broth jjamppong and tangsuyuk.
A healing space with a great atmosphere where you can enjoy fragrant coffee while appreciating art pieces.
Useful Travel Tips for Anseong
Anseong can be traveled using public transportation, but to comfortably explore the hidden gems tucked away in winding corners, renting a car or driving is recommended. Located just 1 to 2 hours south of Seoul, it makes for a stress-free weekend outing course. Cherry blossoms in spring and foliage in autumn are gorgeous, so head out on a day with nice weather.