Those who make culture the focus of a visit to Asan-si can choose from science, folklore, a market and church history. Some destinations are in the municipality itself, while others are in the surrounding area. To help you choose, start by asking what you are looking for: exhibitions and hands-on activities, historical collections, or an opportunity to explore the history of a church? The sites offer different focal points, giving you several ways to plan your stay.
Art, Folklore and Experiences
Among the destinations in the municipality itself is the Gujeong Art Center, a venue for performances and exhibitions. It was designed by architect Itami Jun (1937–2011; Yu Dong-ryong). If you want to focus on performing and exhibition culture, this offers a different experience from museums or historical sites.
Oeam Folk Village, in the surrounding area of Asan-si, has a history of more than 500 years. The village is associated with agricultural experiences, overnight stays in hanok houses and the Rice Straw Cultural Festival. Alongside its historical character, the village is also connected with activities and accommodation. Before making specific plans, check whether overnight stays are available and when the festival takes place.
Science at the Jang Yeong-sil Science Museum
A description from August 2024 lists a science play area for children, a science workshop, a special exhibition room and a 4D cinema on the first floor of the Jang Yeong-sil Science Museum. The second floor is described as offering hands-on activities related to water, wind, metal, light and space. These cover both Jang Yeong-sil’s achievements and inventions and modern science. The floors therefore have different emphases: the first has several facilities alongside one another, while the second offers five themed areas with practical activities. Check which facilities and activities are currently available before visiting.
Church History and Folklore Collections
Gongseri Catholic Church, in the surrounding area, was the first Catholic church in Chungcheongnam-do. It was founded in 1894 as the main parish of the Diocese of Daejeon in Gongse-ri, Inju-myeon. The church has a church museum and a martyrs’ cemetery. Its founding year and its former role as the main parish provide historical context; the museum and cemetery add further specific points of interest. Those interested in church history can explore several such connections here.
Onyang Folk Museum is also in the municipality itself. It opened on October 25, 1978, and collects, preserves and displays tangible and intangible materials relating to folklore. This gives it a different focus from the Science Museum: folklore and its collections take center stage here, while the Science Museum focuses on scientific topics and hands-on activities.
Market and Hot Springs
Onyang Hot Springs Market comprises a permanent market and the themed streets “맛내는 거리,” “멋내는 거리” and “샘솟는 거리.” The market is described as a destination accessible by train. If you plan to travel there this way, check the current train schedule before departure. The themed streets give the market a clearly defined layout alongside its permanent market.
The water at Onyang Hot Springs is reported to have a temperature of about 44 to 60 °C. This offers a different way to experience the region from the collections at Onyang Folk Museum or the market’s themed streets: the springs are characterized by a specific property of the water, while the museum and market focus on cultural history and how the offerings are organized, respectively.
Choose a Focus for Your Stay
When planning your trip, you can start by deciding which topic matters most to you: science and hands-on activities, folklore, a visit to the market or church history. It is also a good idea to confirm current dates and availability before your trip for the overnight stays at Oeam Folk Village, the festival and the museum facilities described here.
Discover more destinations: Geumsan-gun, Buyeo-gun, Gongju-si, Nonsan-si
Return to the main travel overview: Chungcheongnam-Do.
