Korea: Soonchunhyang University, Asan Chungnam

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Asan is located in the north western region of Chungnam, less than 60 miles south of Korea’s capital Seoul, a 40 minute ride on Korea’s newest high speed railroad, the KTX. Asan is dynamically expanding with its population being expected to reach over 500, 000 in a few years and is home for world class semi conductor and automobile manufacturers, Samsung and Hyundai.

Asan is also famous for its natural hot springs rich in minerals and healing properties. Many visitors from around the world look forward to relaxing in Asan’s hot springs, especially in Asan’s Dogo hot springs complex, where they can not only benefit from one of Asia’s top sulfur hot springs, but also enjoy swimming, horse riding and a round of golf.

For those who enjoy a hardy walk in idyllic woodlands, Mt.Yeongin offers over 130,000 ㎢ of beautiful forest to invigorate both leisurely walkers and serious hikers. Tourists can enjoy the serenity of the natural forests by spending time in one of the 15 lodging facilities or camping grounds and take time to gaze at the immense splendor of the two towers at the top of the mountain, which were erected to commemorate cultural values and reflect on the history of the surrounding areas.

Korea is rich in cultural heritage through which the past communicates with the present, transcending time, and Asan is no exception with many tourist attractions. Among them are Hyeonchungsa Shrine and Maeng Sasung residence. Every year the President of Korea makes a special visit to Asan to commemorate the birth of Korea’s most famous and loved military figure, Admiral Yi Sunsin. It is the final resting place of Admiral Yi and is listed as a site of historical interest. The shrine grounds are both extensive and beautiful, adorned with many verities of shrubs and trees. The place offers a good occasion for a quiet afternoon and a moment of meditation.

Maeng Sasung residence was originally built by General Choi Young, a famous military figure in Koryo dynasty (918-1392) and later was purchased by MaengHido, grand sun-in-law of General Choi Young and father of MaengSasung. The residence was later inherited by MaengSasung (1360-1438), who was one of the highest ranking government officials in the court of King Sejong the Great of the Li dynasty (1392-1912). The residence is well preserved, bearing all the weight of time in its structure. It also shows the leisurely life led by an official who was famous for humility and integrity.

Eating out in Asan is also quite a pleasant experience. One can taste exquisite Korean cuisine in many restaurants in Asan. Even for those who are price-conscious, dining out need not be a pain in the wallet since one can have barbeque style meal for only less than eight dollars in most of these restaurants. For more information about the history, culture and attractions in the city of Asan visit: http://www.asan.go.kr/eng/about/sub_01.asp

Excerpt Courtesy of SCH

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