Things To Do
in Ansan

Ansan, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea, is a vibrant city known for its blend of urban and natural environments. It features a diverse community and is renowned for its industrial developments alongside beautiful parks. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, with various festivals and historical sites.

Ansan serves as a hub for travelers looking to explore the greater Seoul area while enjoying local attractions.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Ansan's Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to the Ansan Botanical Garden, where you can enjoy a peaceful stroll among diverse plant species.

afternoon
:

Head to the Ansan Arts Center to catch a local performance or art exhibition, then explore the nearby Ansan Central Park for a relaxing afternoon.

evening
:

Dine at a local barbecue restaurant and finish the day with a leisurely walk along the Ansan Lake, enjoying the night view.

day 2
Day 2: Nature and Local Delicacies
morning
:

Begin your day with a hike at Gwangmyeong Cave, an impressive site featuring stunning rock formations and historical significance.

afternoon
:

Visit the Ansan Street Market to try local street food delicacies and shop for unique souvenirs.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant and experience the local nightlife at a nearby bar or karaoke room.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at a local restaurant$7
Coffee at a café$3
🚇Subway ticket$1.20
🛍️Souvenir shopping$10
🍺Beer at a bar$5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Rich cultural experiences and local cuisine.
  • Proximity to Seoul while maintaining a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • Beautiful parks and outdoor activities.
  • Language barrier for non-Korean speakers.
  • Limited nightlife options compared to larger cities.
  • Less tourist infrastructure than major destinations.
  • "안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
  • "감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida)" - Thank you
  • "죄송합니다 (Joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
  • "얼마예요? (Eolmayeyo?)" - How much is this?
  • "화장실 어디예요? (Hwajangsil eodi-yeyo?)" - Where is the restroom?

Places to Visit in Ansan

Visit one of these nice places.

Ansan Lake Park

A picturesque park with beautiful lake views, ideal for capturing sunset reflections and vibrant flower beds.

Gwangmyeong Cave

An intriguing cave featuring illuminated pathways and unique rock formations, perfect for dramatic photography.

Ansan Central Park

A large urban park with colorful sculptures and walking paths, offering great opportunities for candid shots of local life.

Culinary Guide

Food in Ansan

Ansan offers a delightful culinary scene, blending traditional Korean flavors with modern twists. Visitors can enjoy a variety of local dishes that reflect the area's rich cultural heritage.

Ansan Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Kimchi Jjigae

A spicy kimchi stew made with pork, tofu, and various vegetables, perfect for warming up on cooler days.

Must-Try!

Sundubu Jjigae

Soft tofu stew served with various toppings; it's a comforting dish often enjoyed with rice.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Ansan Street Market

A bustling market where you can find an array of street food, including tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Climate Guide

Weather

Ansan experiences a temperate climate with four distinct seasons. Summers (June to August) are hot and humid, with temperatures averaging around 30°C (86°F). Winters (December to February) can be cold, dropping to -5°C (23°F) or lower. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are mild and pleasant, making them ideal for outdoor activities.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Always show respect to elders by using formal language and gestures, such as bowing slightly when greeting.

Removing Shoes

It is customary to remove shoes when entering someone's home or certain traditional establishments.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the eldest person to start the meal before eating, and avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

Safety Guide

Safety

Ansan is generally considered a safe city with low crime rates. However, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 119 for fire and medical emergencies, and 112 for police assistance.

Tipping in Ansan

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not common in South Korea; however, leaving small change at restaurants is appreciated.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but carrying cash is advisable for street markets and small vendors.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Mild temperatures and blooming flowers create a beautiful landscape, ideal for outdoor activities and festivals.

Summer

Hot and humid, summer is perfect for visiting water parks and enjoying cool treats; be prepared for occasional rain.

Autumn

The fall foliage is stunning, with vibrant colors across parks and mountains; it's a great time for hiking and photography.

Winter

Cold temperatures, often below freezing; winter sports and traditional celebrations, like the New Year, are prominent.

Nightlife Guide

Ansan at Night

Ansan offers a modest yet lively nightlife scene, with various bars, karaoke rooms, and clubs. The city is known for its friendly atmosphere, where locals and visitors gather to enjoy drinks and music. Popular areas include the Ansan-dong district, where you can find a mix of trendy lounges and traditional pubs.

Hiking in Ansan

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Suri Mountain Trail

A scenic hiking trail that offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes and is suitable for various skill levels.

Bongdong Mountain Trail

This trail provides a more challenging hike with diverse terrains, perfect for avid hikers seeking adventure.

Airports

How to reach Ansan by plane.

Incheon International Airport

Located about 60 km from Ansan, Incheon International Airport is one of the largest airports in South Korea, offering numerous international and domestic flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Ansan is relatively walkable, especially in areas like Ansan Central Park and the downtown region. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and many attractions are within walking distance of each other. However, some areas may require public transportation for longer distances.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local Residents

Ansan is home to a diverse population, including many young professionals and families, contributing to a vibrant community atmosphere.

Migrant Workers

The city also hosts a significant number of migrant workers who contribute to the local economy and cultural diversity.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is immensely popular in Korea, with local teams drawing large crowds during the season.

Soccer

Soccer enjoys a dedicated following, with many local clubs and community matches available for fans to enjoy.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Ansan can be busy during peak hours, especially on main roads leading to Seoul. Public transportation is well-developed, with an extensive subway and bus system that makes it easy to navigate the city and surrounding areas.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Ansan.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

While traditional Korean cuisine often includes meat, many restaurants offer vegetarian options; always ask for specific dishes.

Gluten-Free

Finding gluten-free options might be challenging; inquire about specific dishes and sauces, as many contain wheat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Ansan is accessible, with several hospitals and clinics available for both locals and visitors. Emergency services are efficient, and many medical professionals speak some English. It is advisable to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses.

Discover Korea, South

Read more in our Korea, South 2025 Travel Guide.

Korea, South Travel Guide