[Must Have Items] Top Four Shopping Items in Chungcheongnam-do

Chungcheongnam-do is full of diverse specialties and attractive tourist destinations. There are many unique products with peculiar flavors and styles that attract tourists. Let’s explore the colorful charms of Chungcheongnam-do with various specialties that showcase the pride of the region, including Cheonan walnut cakes, Boryeong mud cosmetics, Gongju chestnut desserts, and Hansan sogokju in Seocheon.

1. Cheonan Walnut Cakes

You can’t visit Cheonan without trying its famous walnut cakes. First created in 1934, these treats have been a local specialty for nearly a century, delighting the taste buds of all people. While they are now widely available across the country, including at highway rest stops, their origin traces back to Cheonan. The small round snacks, made with Cheonan’s specialty walnuts, went viral and gained popularity nationwide. If you’re curious about the authentic taste, why not plan a trip to Cheonan this weekend?

Hakhwa Walnut Cookies is a representative Cheonan walnut confectionery brand that has been preserving the tradition for 91 years since its establishment in 1934. Known for using whole walnut kernels and finely made red bean paste, its cookies are moderately sweet and soft, appealing to all people. They do not contain any artificial sweeteners or preservatives and can be stored at room temperature for several days, making them a great gift option. The retro design of the packaging box with a photo of the founder, the late Sim Bok-soon, gives it a touch of elegance. In addition to the usual red bean paste, there are various filling options including white paste with the bean skin removed, strawberry paste, red bean paste with butter, and Korean mugwort with bean powder, which allows you to choose your favorite.

- Address: 62 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-1811-6463 - Operating Hours: Every day 07:00–21:30 (closed when sold out) - Website: hakhwa1934.com - Price: A snack pack with 8 pieces about KRW 3,000, a box of 30 pieces about KRW 10,000 KRW

2. Boryeong Mud Cosmetics

If you’re looking to rejuvenate your skin after a sizzling summer day under the scorching sun, pay attention to the power of mud. Mud is rich in minerals and has an excellent effect on skin beauty. The Boryeong Mud Festival, a popular summer event that draws countless tourists, was originally organized to showcase the beauty-enhancing effects of the mud from Boryeong. But you don’t need to attend the festival to enjoy these benefits. This summer, try using cosmetics made from Boryeong’s natural mud to make your skin clearer.

This cute heart-shaped soap, available in three pastel colors, is enriched with minerals and hydrogen water derived from Boryeong mud. Initially launched for a trial sale in winter 2023, it sold out within two months, prompting a relaunch in May 2024. The addition of hydrogen water ensures a rich bubble and provides deep moisturization for the skin.

Made from Boryeong mud and with the scent from a well-known Korean fragrance company, this fabric deodorizer uses a special resin that consumes odor particles. Just a few sprays will remove an unpleasant smell, leaving behind a long-lasting fresh ocean scent as a bonus.

This sheet mask is perfect for soothing heated skin on hot summer days. Its mud and centella asiatica extract with cooling properties helps calm the skin.

- Inquiries: +82-41-932-2239 - Website: brmudcos.cafe24.com - Price: Mudsoap Heart Edition about KRW 10,000, Boryeong Mud Fabric Mist 200ml about KRW 9,000, Boryeong Mud Essence Mask about KRW 1,000

3. Gongju Chestnut Items

Gongju accounts for 15% of South Korea’s chestnut production. Produced in the pristine natural environment of the Charyeong Mountain Range and Gyeryongsan Mountain, Gongju chestnuts have firm flesh and high sugar content like honey. As many high-quality chestnuts are produced, there are various products that use them, such as chestnut bread, chestnut makgeolli, and chestnut honey. Let’s enjoy the sweet charm of Gongju chestnuts through a variety of tasty foods.

Bakery Marron Village offers a wide range of desserts made with Gongju chestnuts. The Chestnut Eclair, full of smooth chestnut cream in a crispy choux pastry, is filled fresh upon ordering, so you can enjoy it crispy. A quick freeze enhances its taste. The Chestnut Pie features a crispy pastry filled with homemade chestnut filling and whole chestnuts. Sold in sets of six or ten, it makes a good gift.

- Address: 5-9 Baengmigoeul-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-507-1428-3489 - Operating Hours: Everyday 09:00–21:00 - Price: Chestnut Pie (set of 10) about KRW 20,000, Chestnut Eclair about KRW 3,000 KRW, Chestnut Cream Cheese Tart (set of 6) about KRW 10,000 KRW, and Marron Village Latte about KRW 5,000 KRW

Gomagom is a modern interpretation of the bear from the folk tale of the Baekje era and serves as the mascot of Gongju-si, symbolizing the city’s history, culture, and also as the guardian of Gongju. Gongju, a girl character representing hope and prosperity, brings bright and positive energy to the city’s residents. Café Gongsanseong Arae offers cuddly stuffed Gomagom and Gongju dolls.

- Address: 1F, Gongju Albam Center, 7 Minari 2-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-507-1416-6668 - Operating Hours: Tuesday–Friday 09:00–19:00 Saturday–Sunday 09:00–20:00, closed on Mondays - Price: Gomagom doll about KRW 30,000, Gongju doll about KRW 20,000, eco tote bags about KRW 10,000

4. Seocheon Hansan Sogokju

Hansan Sogokju is a traditional Korean fermented liquor with over 1,500 years of history in the area around Hansan-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. It’s usually around 18 proof and has a sweet taste with a subtle grainy aroma. It’s also known as a “sit-down drink,” meaning that it tastes so good you continue to drink it until you can’t get up from the table. At the Hansan Sogokju Festival, held every October, you can taste Sogokju from various breweries on site, so if you’re a thirsty soul, you should join in and enjoy the flavor.

This Sogokju is made by master artisan Woo Hee-yeol, holder of the Chungcheongnam-do Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 3 and the 19th Grand Master of Traditional Korean Food. It is made with no artificial additives, only domestic ingredients. In addition to the main ingredient, glutinous rice, it also contains soybeans, ginger, chili, chrysanthemum, and other herbal flavors, making it taste like herbal medicine. The luxurious packaging makes it a great gift.

- Address: 1118 Chungjeol-ro, Hansan-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-41-951-0290 - Operating Hours: Contact the store by phone - Website: https://www.sogokju.co.kr/ - Price: Pasteurized or Non-Pasteurized Hansan Sogokju 700ml about KRW 20,000, Bul Sogokju 700ml about KRW 30,000

Enjoy It All in One Bus Ride: Chungnam’s Shopping Districts

Cheonan Central Terminal is more than just a bus station—it’s a comprehensive shopping, cultural, and leisure complex. With department stores, shopping malls, movie theaters, cafés, and restaurants all in one location, it offers a wide range of entertainment for both travelers and locals. In particular, the Arario Sculpture Plaza in front of the terminal is a hidden gem recognized as one of the “must-see places in Korea” by Art, a German art magazine. Here, visitors can enjoy artworks by renowned international artists, including Damien Hirst, Keith Haring, and Kim In-bai.

- Address: 43 Mannam-ro, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-41-640-6400

This is the largest market in Gongju, conveniently located near the city bus terminal. While the market usually operates on days ending in 1 and 6, many stores are open daily. On Friday and Saturday afternoons, a night market is open to offer a unique experience for a night walk. The night market recreates the atmosphere of the Baekje-era market streets, where visitors can savor delicious chestnut-based dishes, a local specialty, and enjoy a variety of performances.

- Address: 22 Yongdang-gil, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-41-856-5427 (merchant association) - Operating Hours: Summer season 08:00–20:00, winter season 08:00–19:00 - Gongju Night Walk Market Period : May 10, 2024 (Friday)–September 28, 2024 (Saturday), 17:00–22:00 (excluding Chuseok holidays)

A Lush, Green Destinations Near Chungnam

This is Korea’s largest indoor greenhouse botanical garden, home to thousands of horticultural plants. It’s also a hotspot for photography, featuring numerous photo spots perfect for brightening up your social media feed. With a wide variety of horticultural plants available at relatively affordable prices, it’s a must-visit for anyone interested in planterior design.

- Address: 37-37 Asanman-ro, Dogo-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-41-544-0746 - Operating Hours: Every day 09:00–18:00 (last admission is at 16:30) - Website: http://liaf.kr

Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress is a relic from the Baekje Dynasty, with the remains of the Geumseoru Gate Pavilion, the South Gate, and the ruins of a well, offering a vivid glimpse into Baekje’s history. The view of the Geumgang River from the fortress is very beautiful. Every autumn, the area hosts the Baekje Cultural Festival, allowing you to enjoy various cultural events. It is a charming destination that harmoniously combines history, nature, and culture and is a great place to visit with family, friends, and lovers.

- Address: 280 Ungjin-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do - Inquiries: +82-41-856-7700 - Operating Hours: Summer season (March–October) 09:00–18:00, winter season (November–February) 09:00–17:00 (last admission is allowed 30 minutes before closing.) - Website: http://gongju.go.kr