An Invitation to a Warm, Soul-Soothing Retreat | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

Onyang Oncheon is the oldest recorded hot spring in Korea, with a history spanning about 1,300 years from the Baekje and Silla periods. It has been functioning as an actual hot spring bath for about 600 years. Notably, during the Joseon Dynasty, several kings including King Sejong, Sejo, Hyeonjong, Sukjong, Myeongjong, Yeongjo, and Jeongjo built royal palaces here and stayed for rest or treatment; records and relics of this remain today. The spring water has a high temperature of around 57℃. Its main component is radium-containing manitaon, featuring slightly alkaline quality and abundant quantity. It is known to be highly effective for neuralgia, arthritis, skin diseases, gastrointestinal diseases, hypertension, and various adult diseases as well as skin beautification. Besides excellent water quality, over 120 lodging facilities and hot spring baths are concentrated here, making it a major tourist attraction. The district also includes cultural properties such as 'Sinjeongbi,' built by Sejo to auspiciously mark the spring's emergence, and 'Yeonggodae,' built to commemorate Crown Prince Jangheon (Sado Seja) who practiced martial arts here.

Onyang Oncheon Traditional Market, Asan's representative hotspot with history and tradition, holds market days on the 4th and 9th of every month. The market spans a 500m section from the alley near Asan Police Station to Sijanggyo, attracting residents from Asan and nearby Yesan and Gongju. It offers rice, fruits (grapes, pears, persimmons, apples, watermelons, strawberries, etc.), garlic, chili peppers, livestock products, freshwater fish, medicinal herbs, agricultural, fishery and livestock products, clothing, miscellaneous goods, and food, making it convenient for shopping. With the nearby clean Onyang Oncheon hot springs, it is a great place to shop and enjoy a warm hot spring bath. At the Wish Fountain, 'Spring of Health,' you can also enjoy foot baths.

Asan Gongseri Catholic Church, belonging to the Daejeon Diocese, is located on a hill in Gongseri, Inju-myeon, connecting Asan Bay and Sapgyo Stream. It is where early missionaries first landed at the port and began evangelizing, with the church established in 1894. Initially, a private house in the village was used as a church, but a rectory was built in 1897, and the main church was completed in 1922, becoming the first main church in Chungcheongnam-do. Gongseri served as the parent parish for Gongju, Anseong, Onyang, and Dunpo parishes that were later separated. On the grounds are graves of three martyrs from the Byeongin Persecution. The site includes a 429.75㎡ (130-pyeong) main church, rectory, retreat house, and meeting rooms, surrounded by centuries-old zelkova trees and various forests, creating a beautiful Catholic pilgrimage site. Gongseri was historically a coastal point sending taxes from 39 counties including Asan, Seosan, Hansan, Cheongju, and Okcheon to Gyeongchang in Seoul via transport vessels during the Joseon Dynasty. ◎ Travel info to enjoy the charm of Korean Wave: The church’s red brick Gothic style with a tall spire looks picturesque and was selected in 2005 by the Korea Tourism Organization as one of the most beautiful churches representing Korea. It houses many cultural assets and nationally protected trees, boasting over 130 years of history. Its unique lyrical atmosphere has made it a popular location for many films, dramas, and commercials. It is recommended to visit together with the Gongseri Catholic Church Pilgrimage Museum.

Hyeonchungsa Shrine is a shrine dedicated to Admiral Yi Sun-sin, the hero who saved the nation during the Imjin War. It was first established in 1706 (32nd year of King Sukjong's reign). In 1932, the Yi Chungmugong Historic Preservation Society was formed and rebuilt the shrine. From 1966 to 1974, it was sanctified and designated as a historic site by the government. The site preserves Admiral Yi's portrait and the 'Sipgyeongdo' (Ten Scenes Paintings) depicting his life, as well as historical artifacts such as the 'Nanjung Ilgi' (War Diary, a National Treasure) and swords (Treasures). The Chungmugong Yi Sun-sin Memorial Hall, a history-themed center, collects and exhibits naval war records from the Imjin War for education. Additionally, the site includes Admiral Yi's old residence, an archery range, and a Jeongryeo (commemorative monument). Group guided tours are available six times daily for 5 to 30 people, and archery experience programs operate seasonally except in winter. About a 15-minute drive from here, at Sambong-ri in Sambong-myeon, is Admiral Yi Sun-sin's tomb. Nearby attractions include Onyang Hot Springs, Asan Gokgyocheon Camping Site, Yeomchi Reservoir and Chungmu Recreation Area, and the Mediterranean Village, offering opportunities for combined tourism.