Things To Do
in Ansan
Ansan is a coastal city in Gyeonggi Province just southwest of Seoul, offering a blend of industrial zones, riverfronts, and accessible nature. It has a diverse population and a growing array of parks, markets, and waterfront attractions around Daebu Island. The city serves as a practical base for exploring western Gyeonggi and nearby Incheon, with affordable dining and lodging options.
Expect a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere with easy access to Seoul via regional transit.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day at the Ansan Botanical Garden, a tranquil oasis filled with diverse plant species. Stroll along the walking paths, breathing in the crisp morning air as the sun filters through the leaves. Make sure to visit the themed gardens and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before the crowds arrive.
After enjoying lunch at a nearby café, continue your exploration at the park's educational pavilion for interactive exhibits about flora and fauna. Take your time to appreciate the serene landscapes and perhaps catch a glimpse of local wildlife. Don't forget to take photos of the vibrant flowers in full bloom.
As the sun begins to set, find a cozy spot in the garden to reflect on your day or enjoy a picnic dinner. The ambiance shifts as the garden lights illuminate the pathways, creating a magical atmosphere. End your evening with a relaxing walk, soaking in the beauty of the natural surroundings.
Start your morning with a visit to the Ansan Arts Center, known for its striking architecture and variety of art exhibits. You can explore contemporary artworks and perhaps attend an early workshop to ignite your creativity. The peaceful ambiance of the center is perfect for soaking in artistic inspiration.
After lunch in the on-site café, catch a matinee performance or art film at the center’s theater. Engage with local artists and learn more about the vibrant arts scene in Ansan, fostering a deeper appreciation for Korean culture. There's often an interactive element, allowing you to connect with the art and performers directly.
As evening descends, consider catching a musical or theater performance if available. The combination of spectacular performances and a cheerful atmosphere makes for an unforgettable night out. Wrap up your evening with a leisurely stroll around the center, absorbing the creative energy that fills the air.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| 🍱Meal at mid-range restaurant | $12-25 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🚆Public transport ride (one-way) | $1-2 |
| 🛍️Groceries for a week | $40-80 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Accessible from Seoul and surrounding areas
- Coastal scenery, parks, and family-friendly attractions
- Affordability and a mix of local cuisine with Korean-Chinese influences
- Good transit links for day trips to nearby Incheon and Gyeonggi coast
- Nightlife can be quieter compared to central Seoul
- Some areas are industrial or residential with less tourism infrastructure
- Traffic can be heavy during peak commute times
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "실례합니다" - Excuse me
- "영어 하실 수 있나요?" - Do you speak English?
- "이것은 어디인가요?" - Where is this?
- "주문할게요" - I would like to order
Places to Visit in Ansan
Visit one of these nice places.
Wide mudflats and a calm horizon offering dramatic color during golden hour, with wind turbines sometimes visible in the distance.
A tranquil lake with bridges and lotus ponds; ideal for reflections, early morning mist, and family photography.
Glossy salt ponds and shallow pools that create geometric patterns and mirror-like surfaces at low tide.
Industrial silhouettes against the sky plus working boats provide a cinematic cityscape at blue hour.
Food in Ansan
Ansan Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Noodles with a rich black bean sauce, a staple in Korean-Chinese cuisine commonly found in Ansan eateries.
Must-Try!
Savory seafood pancake with scallions, a popular dish for sharing in local restaurants and markets.
Seasonal grilled seafood often served simply with rice and small banchan at coastal spots.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Fresh seafood stalls, where you can buy live seafood and have it prepared at nearby eateries.
Coastal market offering seasonal specialties, snacks, and ingredients typical of the Daebu coastline.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Use polite language, bow slightly when greeting, and address people with formal terms, especially with seniors.
Remove shoes when entering homes or certain traditional spaces; follow local cues.
Offer and receive items with both hands or one hand supported by the other to show respect.
Safety
Tipping in Ansan
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in Korea; most service charges are included. If you wish to show appreciation, a small tip is accepted at some tourist-centric venues, but it is not expected.
Credit/debit cards are widely accepted; cash is useful for markets. Mobile payments like KakaoPay and Naver Pay are common in urban areas, and foreign cards are often supported at larger establishments.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Milder temperatures with blooming trees; great for outdoor walks and city photography with soft light.
Warm to hot and humid with occasional heavy rain; plan outdoor activities for early morning or late evening and enjoy coastal breezes.
Comfortable temperatures and autumn foliage; ideal for hiking on Surisan and sunlit photography in parks.
Cool to cold with occasional rain or light snow; indoor attractions and markets become appealing, with crisp clear days for photography after cold fronts.
Ansan at Night
Hiking in Ansan
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Forested ridges and city views; a popular day hike accessible from Ansan.
Light to moderate hikes along mudflats and coastal scenery with expansive horizons.
Airports
How to reach Ansan by plane.
Primary international hub for the region, roughly 40-70 minutes by car or rail depending on traffic.
Nearby gateway serving domestic and some international routes, closer to western Seoul.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
A sizeable population from universities and local campuses, contributing to a lively daytime atmosphere.
A diverse community contributing to cultural variety in markets, restaurants, and events.
Residential neighborhoods with schools, parks, and slower-paced areas ideal for family travel.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Popular sport in Korea with local school and community leagues near Ansan.
Widely followed with local clubs and recreational teams in the area.
Common martial arts activity and classes in community centers and sports facilities.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ansan.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Many Korean dishes can be adapted; look for vegetable bibimbap, tofu dishes, mushroom jjigae, and noodles with vegetable toppings. Ask for no fish sauce in banchan and request oil-free cooking when possible; many restaurants are accommodating but may default to meat or seafood broths.