Top 10 Things to Do in Cheonan-si

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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 Art Center

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.

Cheonan-si is outlined in blue.

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.

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Tips for Rural Living and Travel

Gakwonsa Temple

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.

Cheonan Skate Park

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

The Independence Hall of Korea4.7

041-560-0114

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 목천읍 독립기념관로 1

The Independence Hall of Korea houses artifacts and documents from Koreas struggle for independence during the Japanese Colonial Period.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Gakwonsa Temple

Gakwonsa Temple5

041-561-3545

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 각원사길 245

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Taehaksan Recreational Forest

Taehaksan Recreational Forest4

041-529-5108

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 풍세면 휴양림길 105-2

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Arario Gallery

Arario Gallery 4

041-551-5100

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 만남로 43

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Shirim Art Gallery

Cheonan Shirim Art Gallery5

041-901-6611

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 185

A substantial modern art gallery with changing exhibitions.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Art Center

Cheonan Art Center0

1566-0155

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

주소 충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 185

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!

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Ocean Park Resort

Ocean Park Resort0

041-906-7000

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 성남면 종합휴양지로 200

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.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Sangnok Water Park

Cheonan Sangnok Water Park3

041-560-9114

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 수신면 수신로 576

A small, family focused indoor and outdoor water park that is open year round. Water parks require hats/swim caps and swimming goggles.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Cheonan Skate Park

Cheonan Skate Park4

Hangul Address

충청남도 천안시 동남구 천안대로 357

A terrifyingly difficult skate park.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

Shinsegae Mall Cheonan

Shinsegae Mall Cheonan5

1588-1234

Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions

Hangul Address

충남 천안시 동남구 만남로 43

A medium sized fancy mall will pretty much all the same shops as Seoul but way less people. Gorgeous outdoor sculpture park outside.

(Listing information provided by the South of Seoul app)

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