If you live near Cheonan-si this list of top 10 things to do in Cheonan-si is perfect for you. I’ve made the list diverse so that families, new arrivals, and friends can easily find something that appeals to them.
About Cheonan-si
Cheonan-si exists in Chungnam. Cheonan-si refers to an administrative district that includes many rural areas as well as a large centralized city. For the purpose of this blog post, I am referring to the administrative district of Cheonan as a whole and not simply the developed city area.
As you can see in the image below, Cheonan City is marked in red but the borders of the Cheonan-si administrative district extend quite far east through the mountains.
Information about Cheonan, and other Korean administrative districts, may be confusing due to the fact it’s easy to conflate the city with the administrative district when talking about a place in English. In fact, many English speakers do not realize the actual size of Cheonan-si.
Tips for Rural Living and Travel
Keep in mind that rural South Korean tourism and culture planning may not assume international foreigners will visit. This means there may be limited English in some more rural locations. Consider the small towns in your country. Generally, small communities don’t have the financial resources to create information in multiple languages and they focus on the needs of the immediate community. This remains true in rural South Korea.
However, rural areas in South Korea do welcome international visitors. You don’t need to feel uncomfortable visiting. The following tools may help you feel more comfortable and make it easier to engage in rural areas where English language information and speakers may not be available.
1330 For Additional Information
If you find a place you want to visit and have questions about ticketing, access for kids, parking, or other visitor information you can contact 1330. The tourist information line offers free English language support via phone or message.
Papago Translate App
Papago is the Naver translation app and it provides superior Korean to English to Korean translation. You can use it to read images, signs, menus, and much more. It even has a voice-to-text option.
Top 10 Things to Do in Cheonan
Obviously, everyone’s top 10 list looks different. Over the years these Cheonan places have remained on my list of places I go back for a day out. These locations provide perfect day trips for families, friends, and those who have just arrived in the area and want to get to know it better.
The Independence Hall of Korea
041-560-0114
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
독립기념관
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 목천읍 독립기념관로 1
Description:
The Independence Hall of Korea houses artifacts and documents from Koreas struggle for independence during the Japanese Colonial Period.
Gakwonsa Temple
041-561-3545
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
각원사
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 각원사길 245
Description:
One of the largest temples in Gyeongju, quiet Gakwonsa Temple is nestled at the foot of Mount Taejosan. Among the sights to see is a towering bronze Buddha, but there are also numerous nature trails winding through the forest and up the mountain. There are no admission fees, and there is plenty of parking. The temple is a lovely place to bring your family for an afternoon of exploration and reflection.
Taehaksan Recreational Forest
041-529-5108
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
태학산자연휴양림
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 풍세면 휴양림길 105-2
Description:
Serene, forested walking trails weave through many different types of native flowers and trees in this lovely park. It is also home to Beobwangsa Temple.
Arario Gallery
041-551-5100
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
아라리오갤러리
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 만남로 43
Description:
Located next to Shinsagae, this gallery is a must visit for contemporary art lovers. Owned by artist Ci Kim who also works out of a studio in the penthouse, this gallery/museum is an wonderful place to learn more about what art looks like in Korea in the present day. With only a 3,000 entrance fee its the perfect place to escape the heat and wrap yourself in creativity. Ci Kim is both an artist and a collector so the shows are well curated and documented. English language exhibition information is available. We love it here. The gallery is also who hosts the sculpture park located just outside. Pro Tip: If you click on the arrow in the header image you can also see a video of one of Ci Kims past solo-exhibitions at Arario Gallery in Cheonan.
Cheonan Shirim Art Gallery
041-901-6611
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
천안시림미술관
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 185
Description:
A substantial modern art gallery with changing exhibitions.
Cheonan Art Center
1566-0155
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
천안예술의전당
Hangul Address:
주소 충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 185
Description:
A hub of cultural expression, the Cheonan Art Center is the place to go to experience a wide variety of visual or performative art. Operas, musicals, concerts, theaters, museum exhibitions - this place has it all!
Ocean Park Resort
041-906-7000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
소노벨 천안 오션어드벤처
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 200
Description:
Part of Daemyung Resorts and located in the scenic mountains of Cheonan, Ocean Park is host to rejuvenating hot springs and a fun water park. There are indoor and outdoor playgrounds, a wave pool, outdoor themed pools, and much more! It is open year round, and parking is readily available. Search for "Tedin Resort" or "Tedin Water Park" in WAZE to pull up the proper pin. Cultural Notes for Swimming Pools: This is a Korean pool. They do not cater to foreigners. You will be expected to follow Korean customs when visiting. To enjoy the experience leave behind your expectations of home and be open to experiencing something new. Here are some basic rules to help you be successful: - Wearing bikinis, board shorts, or revealing clothing is not appropriate. Men must wear body conforming swim suits and women should wear a full coverage suit. Think competitive swimming wear. - Swim cap and googles are REQUIRED. You will NOT be allowed in the pool without them. - Free lap swim areas are often limited. Expect to be swimming in close quarters with others. - Consider your noise level. Try to avoid taking over the space. Be considerate of others around you.
Cheonan Sangnok Water Park
041-560-9114
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
천안상록리조트
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 수신면 수신로 576
Description:
A small, family focused indoor and outdoor water park that is open year round. Water parks require hats/swim caps and swimming goggles.
Cheonan Skate Park
Hangul Address:
충청남도 천안시 동남구 천안대로 357
Description:
A terrifyingly difficult skate park.
Shinsegae Mall Cheonan
1588-1234
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Name:
신세계백화점 아라리점
Hangul Address:
충남 천안시 동남구 만남로 43
Description:
A medium sized fancy mall will pretty much all the same shops as Seoul but way less people. Gorgeous outdoor sculpture park outside.
Current Air Quality in Cheonan-si
Air quality and weather change throughout the day. However, having an idea of what the air quality is right now can help make decisions easier. You can download the Air Matters App for your phone to keep current on changing air quality conditions throughout the day. You can even set up alerts.
Cheonan-si Air Quality
Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.