Known as the City of Masters, Anseong produces some of the finest arts and crafts in South Korea. The city takes you beyond Seoul and showcases the country through a local lens. Shop for handmade souvenirs, visit one of the most beautiful botanic gardens in Asia and enjoy delicious local cuisine from the Gyeonggi Province.
Things to do in Anseong
As you explore Anseong, you’ll see dozens of shops selling handmade arts and crafts. The city is famous for its beautifully forged kitchen knives made with carbon steel blades and hickory wood handles. Other souvenirs include gleaming brass kitchen and homewares.
Anseong is brimming with restaurants where you can try local cuisine from the Gyeonggi Province. Specialties include “galbi” grilled short ribs, “suyuk” steamed meat and “samgyetang” chicken soup. Finish your meal with a cup of ginseng tea brewed using a medicinal root packed with antioxidants.
Hantaek Botanical Garden is an easy day trip from Anseong and feels like a hidden sanctuary. Founded in 1979, it’s one of the largest botanical gardens in South Korea and features almost 10,000 plant species from around the world. There are several greenhouses to explore, including pavilions dedicated to lilies, herbs and Australian plants.
Movie buffs make a beeline for Yongin Daejanggeum Park, a working film set featuring recreated buildings from the Joseon, Samquk and Goryeo periods. Many South Korean movies and TV shows have been filmed here since the park opened in 2005. As well as getting a taste of the country’s filmmaking scene, the park is a great attraction for history enthusiasts.
Getting around Anseong
Anseong is located in Gyeonggi Province, a one-hour drive from Seoul. The city is pedestrian-friendly and easy to get around on foot while taxis are also a fast and efficient way to get around. Incheon Airport is a 1.5-hour drive away or three hours by bus.