Cheonan

Understand

Cheonan is located in the northeastern area of Chungcheongnam-do Province. It is adjacent to Cheongju-si and Jincheon-gun of Chungchengbuk-do on the east, Asan-si on the west, Gongju-si and Sejong Metropolitan Autonomous City on the south, and Pyeongtaek-si and Anseong-si of Geonggi-do on the north. Cheonan, located at 83.6 km south of Seoul, is considered a central city, geographically speaking. It is a gateway to the Seoul National Capital Area and the western region of Chungnam, a transportation hub connecting national roads, railways, expressways and local roads, and a junction of the three southern provinces. Also, Cheonan is an important spot for the train of chungcheong.

Climate The average temperature in Cheonan city is 11.8 °C each year. The average annual rainfall is 1229 mm. Fine dust levels can affect travel. Cheonan has a lower density than Seoul, but due to the influence of a coal power plant in Chungcheongnam-do, it has a higher density than Gangwon-do. Therefore, it is necessary to check the concentration of fine dust here.

Districts

The yellow area in the map below is Dongnam-gu; the green area is Seobuk-gu.

Getting there

By train The KTX from Seoul takes just 35-40 (depending on which train) minutes to zip to Cheonan-Asan Station, but you'll need to connect to the painfully slow #20 or #13 bus (₩1,200 without a card) to get to central the Shingsegae/Bus Terminal area of Cheonan. Alternatively, you can walk about 200 m to Asan Station, where for ₩1,000 you can get a 5-minute subway (not underground) train ride into Cheonan Station. From here you can connect to both north lines going towards Suwon/Seoul or to the south lines heading to either Busan or Gwangju/Mokpo. Alternatively, you can take a 급행 (express) subway directly to Seoul or Yongsan stations in about an hour and a half. These trains run roughly once per hour. You can find the up-to-date timetables in the ticketing area of Cheonan station where you enter the subway-only lines. Reservations for train tickets can be made here. As the site runs in English, Chinese and Japanese, foreigners will also be able to book it easily. You can also see information about reservations, cancellations, refunds, and charges here.

1 Cheonan Station (천안역), Cheonan-si Dongnam-gu Daeheung-ro 239 Cheonan Station, ☏ +82 1544-7788. (updated Oct 2019) 2 Cheonan-Asan Station (천안아산역), Asan-si Baebang-eup Huimang-ro100 Cheonan-Asan Station, ☏ +82 1544-7788. Cheonan Asan Station is a KTX/SRT-only stop, and it is convenient to transfer to Saemaul, Mugunghwa, and Seoul Subway Line 1 (their stop is called Asan Station). (updated Oct 2019)

By bus Watching bus schedules and booking bus tickets can be done here. If it is difficult to book online, it is also possible to purchase tickets on the app or on-site. But be careful that bus tickets between Seoul and Cheonan can be sold out quickly.

3 The express bus terminal (고속버스터미널), cheonan-si Dongnam-gu Sinan-dong Mannam-ro 43 (left side of Shinsegae Department Store), ☏ +82 41-640-6400. (updated Oct 2019) From Seoul: 1hr, ₩6,200 4 The intercity bus terminal (시외버스터미널), cheonan-si Dongnam-gu Sinan-dong Mannam-ro 43 (first basement floor of Shinsegae Department Store), ☏ +82 41-640-6400. (updated Oct 2019) From Incheon Airport: 2 hr, ₩16,400 From Gimpo Airport: 100 min, ₩9,500

By taxi The call-taxi number is ☏ +82 41-554-1000. Tell the receptionist where you are and the receptionist will text you the taxi number. The taxi driver will then arrive there. Perhaps it is possible to communicate only in Korean. If you can't tell your current location in Korean, use the app. Download the Kakao T. It's like an Uber. Registering a card makes automatic payment without paying the driver, and you don't ha

Getting around

A complex and confusing system of buses covers the area, but there is no information whatsoever in English at the stops or in the buses themselves. However, nearly all services start from or terminate at the intercity bus terminal. Since 2005, Seoul Subway Line 1 has been extended from Cheonan Station to KTX Cheonan-Asan station and continuing to Asan.

See

1 Independence Hall of Korea (독립기념관), 95 Sambang-ro, Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu (12 km east of Cheonan), ☏ +82-41-560-0114, [email protected]. Mar-Oct: Tu-Su 09:00-17:00; Nov-Feb: Tu-Su 09:30~16:00. The largest museum in Korea, The Independence Hall of Korea shows the spirit and efforts of the Korean people in overcoming the national crises they faced in the modern period and especially during the Japanese colonial era. At the same time, the Hall conducts research on the history of Korean national efforts while educating the Korean people about their history. This is a privately funded operation and thus even more slanted towards a nationalist version of history than usual. Most 3xx/4xx-series buses pass by, board them either at Cheonan Station or in front of the intercity bus terminal (₩1350, 30 minutes). If you take a taxi from Cheonan Station, you have to pay ₩10,000 to the Independence Hall. free. (updated Oct 2019) 2 Gakwon Buddhist Temple (각원사), Gakwonsagil 245, Dongnam-gu (At Taejosan (Mt. Taejo) 태조산), ☏ +82 41-561-3545. It's quite a big temple in Cheonan. The Buddhist temple has a very large sitting Buddha. A nice place to go hiking. Admission is free. (updated Oct 2019) 3 ARARIO Small City (아라리오 광장), Mannam-ro 43, Dongnam-gu. In 2007, ARARIO Small City was selected as the most beautiful square in Korea, for which it was awarded the Prime Minister Award. There are 28 contemporary installation artworks. (updated Oct 2019) 4 ARARIO Gallery (아라리오 갤러리), Mannam-ro 43, Dongnam-gu (right side of Arario Small City), ☏ +82 41-551-5100. Daily 11:00-19:00. For years ARARIO Gallery collected significant artworks which have been internationally acknowledged. It is also where BTS' RM visited. Adult ₩3,000, youth ₩2,000, preschool child free. (updated Oct 2019) 5 Statue of Peace (평화의 소녀상), 815 Sinbu-Dong, Dongnam-gu. A Statue of peace was made to solve the problem of Japanese military sexual slavery victims. It has held regular protests every Wednesday since 1992 and Statue of Peace was first built in front of the Japanese Embassy in central Seoul on Dec. 14, 2011, the 1,000th anniversary of the demand rally. There are 129 statues in the country and several in other countries. The statue in Cheonan is one of them. (updated Oct 2019) 6 Byeongcheon Sundae Street (병천 순대거리), 82 Aunaesundae-gil, Byeongcheon-myeon, Dongnam-gu. There is a famous sundae (Korean sausage) street situated near the Aunae (Byeongcheon) Market, where patriotic martyr Yu Gwan-sun led an independence movement. With the establishment of a ham manufacturing plant near Byeongcheon in the 1960s,

Do

Waterpark 1 cheon-ansanglog-akuapia (천안상록아쿠아피아), susinlo, susinmyeon, dongnamgu, ☏ +82 41 560-9114. 10:00-19:00. There is an indoor pool and an outdoor pool. The indoor pool has a variety of water facilities such as flowride, master blaster, wave pool and spa. The outdoor pool is much quieter and more comfortable than the indoor pool. Surrounding green environment is also good. Adult ₩55,000, child ₩45,000. (updated Dec 2019) 2 Teddin Water Park (테딘워터파크), 200 jonghabhyuyangjilo, seongnammyeon, dongnamgu, ☏ +82 41 906-7000. 09:00-20:00. Teddin Water Park is a water park in summer and a spa in winter. There is an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, and there's plenty to eat inside so you can have fun with your family. There are facilities for family members such as therapy centers, healing shelters, kids zones and cafeterias. Adult ₩33,000, child ₩27,000. (updated Dec 2019)

Festival There are several regular festivals in Cheonan

3 Heungtaryeong festival (흥타령 축제), Samgeori Park, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-900-7020. It is held every September for four days. It is the biggest dance festival in Korea. (updated Nov 2019) 4 Gwangdeok Walnut Festival (광덕 호두축제), 250, Gwangpung-ro, Gwangdeok-myeon, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-1544-1122. What comes to mind when it comes to Cheonan is a nutcracker. This is because good quality walnut is produced, and because of this history, walnut festivals are held. (updated Nov 2019) 5 Cheonan Buk-myeon Wirye Cherry Blossom Festival (천안 북면 위례 벚꽃 축제), 10, Yongam 3-gil, Buk-myeon, Dongnam-gu. The Wirye Cherry Blossom Festival is held for 2 days every April in Buk-myeon. The Buk-myeon Beokkotgil (cherry blossom street) stretching 15 km from Yeonchun-ri to Unyong-ri becomes surrounded by cherry blossoms. (updated Nov 2019) 6 Ipjang Geobong Grape Festival (입장 거봉 포도 축제), 19, Hajang 4-gil, Ipjang-myeon, Seobuk-gu. free tasting booths offering grapes and food made with grapes. This festival is held on a yearly basis in September. (updated Nov 2019)

Movie theaters 7 CGV Cheonan (씨지브이 천안), Fifth floor, 47Myeongdong-gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-1544-1122. 8 screens and 1,017 of seating capacity ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2019) 8 CGV Cheonan terminal (씨지브이 천안터미널), 4th floor, Shinsegae Department Store Building B, 43 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-1544-1122. 10 screens and 1,648 of seating capacity ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2019) 9 CGV Pentaport (씨지브이 펜타포트), Fifth floor, 196 Gongwon-ro, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-1544-1122. 11 screens and 1,422 of seating capacity ₩10,000. (updated Nov 2019) 10 Megabox Cheonan (메가박스 천안), 3rd floor, 52 1Gongdan1-gil, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-1544-0070. 9

Buy

The Shingsegae shopping center is where most Cheonanites go for their local shopping of luxury items in Cheonan. The Galleria is an architectural marvel. It's won many design awards and is set over 9 floors. Definitely worth a taxi ride of ten minutes just to see the building. (If you go planning to buy take a LOT of money). There is an Emart in the basement of the Shinsegae shopping complex. Across the street from Shinsegae Department Store is a whole host of other venues to buy you much needed items. Once you exit the Bus Terminal, you'll see the crowds flowing across the street at every green pedestrian light. Over there you'll also find many more food options awaiting your tongue and stomach.

1 Shinsegae Department Store (신세계백화점), 43 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-1588-1234. Daily 10:30 – 20:00. (updated Nov 2019) 2 Galleria Department Store (갤러리아백화점), 227, Gongwon-ro, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-1544-6600. Daily 10:30 - 20:00. (updated Nov 2019) 3 E-Mart (이마트 천안터미널점), 43 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-411-1234. Daily 10:00 - 22:00 closed on every Sunday of 3rd week of the month. It is located in the basement of Shinsegae Department Store. (updated Nov 2019) 4 Costco (코스트코), 77, 3 Gongdan6-ro, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-1899-9900. Daily 10:00 - 22:00. (updated Nov 2019)

Eat

Cheonan is famous for Sundae and Hodu-gwaja. Sundae is made by adding seonji, perilla seeds, cabbage, green onions, red pepper, and glutinous rice to the pig's intestines. In the early 1960s, a ham factory was built around Byeongcheon. There were many shops that made sundae to deal with the pig by-products. That's why Cheonan's Sundae became famous. There are many famous sundae gukbap shops in Cheonan. Sundae gukbap is a Korean soup with sundae. But it can be a strange food for foreigners. Some people dislike the unique flavor and taste of Sundae gukbap, so please refer to it. Hodu-gwaja was first made in 1934 by Cho Gui-geum of Cheonan. So it is a famous dessert in Cheonan. You can see shops selling Hodu-gwaja at the entrance of the highway to Cheonan. And there is a very famous bakery in Cheonan. If you visit Cheonan, you must go there. The place is famous for 'Turtle Bread'. This bread goes well with coffee. The price is a little high.

1 Cheonghwagip Sundae (청화집 순대), 1749, Chungjeol-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-564-1588. Daily 08:30-19:00. This place is said to be the first Sundaegukbap restaurant. There are only two dishes, Sundaegukbap and sundae. Sundae ₩11,000, Sundaegukbap ₩7,000. (updated Oct 2019) 2 Hakhwa hodugwaja (학화호두과자), 62, Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-1599-3370. This is the shop opened by Mr. Cho Gwi-geum. There is a very big picture of grandmother in front of the store. 20 piece: ₩5,000. (updated Oct 2019) 3 Toujours (뚜쥬루), 69-22, Bongseosan-ro, Seobbuk-gu, ☏ +82-41-563-0086. 08:00-23:00. It is a very famous place, so there may be no bread in the evening. And in the morning, they sell bread cheaply that was not sold the day before. (updated Oct 2019) 4 Mount Fishtail (마운틴피시텔레스토랑), 4 Beodeul-ro, Dongnam-gu (near Cheonan Station (천안역); walk out the east exit of Cheonan Station and cross the street and it's on the building on the right on the second floor), ☏ +82 41-555-3612. A South Asian curry restaurant, which is decidedly uncommon in Cheonon. It's owned by a lovely Nepalese couple. Curries around ₩8,000-10,000.. (updated Oct 2019) 5 Sam-ukga (삼육가), 21-1 Meokgeori-Gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-552-1937. Daily 12:00-01:00. It's a good place for foreign travelers who are not used to Korean BBQ. Because the staff cook it all. ₩13,000. (updated Oct 2019) 6 Dono marco (도노마르코), 20 Mukgeori3-gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-553-4554. M-Sa 11:30-21:00. It's an Italian restaurant suitable for a date. ₩20,000. (updated Oct 2019) 7 Mr. veteran (미스터 베테랑), 22 Mukgeori9-gil, Dongnam-gu. M-Sa. It is a tteokbokki restaurant that has been loved for a long time in Che

Drink & nightlife

My Beer Choice, Buldang-dong. Foreigner friendly bar. You can easily find them on Instagram. Drinks are good but it can be a little more pricey as it is one of the only places in Seobuk-gu area to get liquor. The owner (Rooney) and his staff speak English well, and you're more than likely to see other English speakers here. (updated Nov 2021) 1 Slowbrewpub (느린마을양조장), 45, Buldang33-gil, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-41-552-0600. This is where handmade makgeolli and soju are sold. Foreigners can easily get access to traditional liquor. (updated Nov 2019) 2 Banana Bar (바나나 바), 29, Meokgeori9-gil, Dongnam-gu. Banana Bar in Shinbudong, across the road from Shinsegae Department Store is a great place to fellow expats and Koreans. Pool competitions, open mic night, quiz night and a full stage for performers and bands are available. You can call 010-3424-6309 and speak to Mr Oh. (updated Nov 2019) 3 Dolce Bar (돌체), 12, Beodeul-ro, Jung-ang-dong, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-565-5863. Daily 18:00-02:00. Dolce Bar is another really good bar near Cheonan Station. Walk out the east exit and walk towards Mount Fishtail Indian Restaurant. A few stores past Mount Fishtail is Dolce bar on the basement level. They usually have some kind of theme on Fridays or Saturday nights, decent selection of bottled beers and usually flat draft Korean beer. Complementary chips and salsa and peanuts are common. The owner is Korean and speaks very good English. He's a good guy to talk if you happen to stroll in by yourself. (updated Nov 2019) 4 Susanghan Hong cafe (수상한 홍카페), 28, Meokgeori9-gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-552-0400. There are various cakes and milk tea is delicious. (updated Nov 2019) 5 The cat (더캣), 2, Meokgeori 7-gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-70-7738-7780. There are many cats living here. You can watch or touch a cat while drinking a drink. (updated Nov 2019) 6 Aziteu Boardgame cafe (아지트보드게임카페), 23, Chungjeol-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-567-0606. Daily 13:00-02:00. It is a cafe where you can play board games. (updated Nov 2019) 7 BURNT (번트), 25, Meokgeori8-gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-622-0334. ~22:00. It is said that Madeleine is delicious. ₩5,000. (updated Nov 2019) 8 Gil (길), 29, Meokgeori9-gil, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-553-6133. It's a nice cocktail bar. (updated Nov 2019) 9 Sister's cafe (시스터즈 카페), 3 Buldang 16-gil, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-41-565-1993. M-F 10:00-22:00. It is easy to get near the department store. (updated Nov 2019) 10 Café Pino (피노카페), 99-23 Hyuyangnim-gil, Pungse-myeon, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82-41-578-0036. 10:00–22:00. Countryside café nestled in Pungse-myeon with scenic surroundings and a cozy inter

Sleep

There are plenty of motels in the alleys across the street from the bus terminals and near the train station. Most motels cost around ₩50,000 per night. It's better to choose a motel on the main street. If you want a clean and quiet place, go to the hotel. The hotel costs ₩80,000-150,000 per night.

1 Joatel (조아텔), 455-8, Sinbu-dong, Dongnam-gu (cross street from bus terminal, straight one block, turn right), ☏ +82 41-622-7942. This clean motel has spacious, well-equipped rooms, including PCs, fancy showers and big round bathtubs. No room keys, but the staff will let you in and out on request. Some English spoken. ₩40,000-60,000, plus ₩10,000 on weekends. (updated Dec 2019) 2 Metro Tourist Hotel (메트로 관광호텔), 241-11, Daeheung-ro, Jungag-dong, Dngnam-gu, ☏ +82 41-622-8211. ₩70,000 per night. (updated Dec 2019) 3 Shilla_Stay Cheonan (신라스테이 천안), 177, Dongseo-daero, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-41-415-9000, +82-2-2230-0700 (Reservation). Located 15 minutes from the KTX Cheonan Asan Station and seven minutes from Cheonan Express Bus Terminal, it is convenient to access and easy to move to nearby tourist attractions. (updated Dec 2019) 4 E-Cheonan Hotel (이 천안 호텔), 53, Yangji1-gil, Seobuk-gu. Check-in: 14:00, check-out: 12:00. It takes five minutes to walk to Cheonan station. The room is said to be quiet, although it may be noisy around the accommodation. ₩70,000 per night. (updated Dec 2019) 5 Rex hotel (렉스호텔), 10-4, Yangji8-gil, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82-41-578-7617, [email protected]. You can easily get to the Gakwon-temple and Independence Hall from here. (updated Dec 2019) 6 Sono Belle Cheonan (소노벨 천안), 200, Jonghaphyuyangji-ro, Seongnam-myeon, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82 1588-4888. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. Family-friendly resort hotel in Cheonan featuring a water park, hot springs, spa facilities, and various leisure activities. (updated May 2026) 7 Ramada Encore by Wyndham Cheonan (라마다앙코르바이윈덤 천안), 12 Chadoldeul-gil, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82 41-570-3000. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Business hotel located in downtown Cheonan, featuring large-scale conference facilities and convenient access to the city center. (updated May 2026) 8 ON City Hotel (오엔 시티 호텔), 105 Buldang 4-ro, Seobuk-gu, ☏ +82 41-553-8080. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Business hotel located near industrial complexes and business districts, making it a convenient choice for business travelers visiting Cheonan. (updated May 2026) 9 The Mains Hotel (더메인즈호텔), 34 Cheongsu 11-ro, Dongnam-gu, ☏ +82 1877-2552. Check-in: 2PM, check-out: 11AM. Hotel located about 10 minutes by car from Cheonan-Asan Station and Cheonan Station

Go next

Asan - Hot-spring resort with which Cheonan shares its KTX station. Cheongju - Provincial capital of North Chungcheong, and historic town in its own right. Birthplace of jikji, the world's oldest moving metal type print book. Chungju - Gateway to Danyang and Suanbo, two hours by direct bus from the intercity terminal Gongju - City to the south, and former capital of Baekje, known for its Beakje tombs. Also the gateway to hiking a nearby national park. Suwon - Satellite city of Seoul, and sporting a World Heritage fortress.