The beginning of March always signals the beginnings of change in Korea.

Korean re-enactment at Cheonan Station

Winter is receding and hints of spring are in the air. A new school year begins and everyone seems a bit busier. After a busy work week, many people enjoy a bit more freedom on the weekends. Sometimes I enjoy resting at home, but on other weekends I take advantage of the freedom to travel to new cities in Korea.

In early March, I decided to visit Cheonan. On Saturday morning, I checked the Korail website, but train tickets were sold out. Thankfully, I was able to purchase a train ticket at the train station. I took a two-hour train ride to the city of Cheonan. As soon as I got out of the train station, I saw a man dressed in traditional Korean hanbok. He played some music on the speakers and performed what seemed to be a traditional sword dance or performance.

I enjoyed watching his performance for a few minutes, and I was beginning to see that Cheonan was a city of freedom to express yourself.

the outside of Arario Art Gallery

After watching the performance, my senses were inundated with the smells of the local specialty, hodu-gwaja, which are known as walnut balls, pastries, or even cookies. They are famous and commonly sold at Korean rest stops as a good snack for those on the go. Filled with red bean paste and shaped like walnuts, the snacks were invented in 1934 by someone who lived in Cheonan, and the ones made in Cheonan are known as Cheonan hodu-gwaja. I took my snacks along with me for my tour of Cheonan.

a cube sculpture inside in the gallery

I took a twenty-minute bus ride northeast to Arario Art Gallery. Located conveniently next to the bus terminal, the art gallery is surrounded by some impressive sculptures that allow you the freedom to guess the artists' intentions and meanings. The art gallery is open from 11 a.m.to 7 p.m. and promotes artists from Korea, India, and Southeast Asia. The gallery inside is somewhat small, but very impressive. I viewed sculptures and works of art that gave me a lot of freedom to interpret their meanings. The gallery has a clean and modern feel to it, and the gift shop contains colorful and fun things to browse and buy.

Next to the gallery is a giant statue of a man and his innards, almost giving the feel of a science museum. I thoroughly enjoyed exploring the art gallery and the works of art inside and outside.

exterior of the main temple of Gakwonsa Temple

After the gallery, I decided to take another bus for about twenty minutes northwest to the famous Gakwonsa Temple. Bus Number 24 dropped me off at the bottom of the hill and I walked past a lovely pond. There are two entrances to the temple: You can climb 203 steps to the big Buddha or walk up a hill. I chose the hill and came upon the breathtaking view of Gakwonsa Temple, located at the foot of Taejosan Mountain.

It was enshrined in 1977 as a temple to pray for the reunification of North and South Korea.

Currently, it is the second largest temple in Korea. As soon as I arrived, I noticed that two large busloads of elderly Koreans had come to pray at the temple. We all wandered around the complex, in awe of the beautiful architecture of the temple and the surrounding views. There were many tiles that were decorated by visitors from all around the world. I followed the tiles up the steps and at the top, I was able to view the giant bronze Buddha statue. It is 15 meters in height and 60 tons in weight and was also enshrined in 1977 for people to pray for unification at the time.

the big Buddha statue at Gakwonsa Temple

overlooking Gakwonsa Temple

You can enjoy a sweeping view of the temple from the top of the hill. I decided to eat few of my hodu-gwaja as I remained a bit awestruck by the temple scenery.

This temple and the Buddha were symbols of South Korea’s yearning for reunification and the freedom of their North Korean brethren.

Gakwonsa Temple

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I descended the 203 steps down to the base of temple and caught a bus that took me 40 minutes south to Cheonan Samgeori Park, also known as the Three-Way Intersection Park.

small Korean stone statues at Cheonan Samgeori Park

The park is a lively place, filled with children, couples, adults, and lots of dogs. You can enjoy many activities in the park. The park is filled with lovely pagodas, lakes, and statues. I meandered through the park and watched children ride bikes and play. I also enjoyed seeing many people bring their dogs in order to meet other furry friends. There was a huge swing in the park, and the laughter of children filled the air. Another fun surprise was seeing people riding unicycles and segways in a certain section of the park. Every September or October, parts of the Cheonan World Dance Festival are held in Cheonan Samgeori Park. This park is another place where people in Cheonan come to do a lot of things, such as have a picnic or meet new friends.

pavilion overlooking Cheonan Samgeori Park

Another bus ride took me to arguably the most famous of Cheonan’s tourist attractions: The Independence Hall of Korea. The expansive hall was established in 1987 to help people reflect on Korea’s history and the importance of their national freedom and independence.

A short walk took me to the impressive statue at the entrance of the Independence Hall. The Monument of the Nation sculpture represents praying hands and also wings lifting up to the sky, a monument to the progress and prayers of Koreans. I found myself in awe and humbled by the beautiful monument. Walking further in, I chose to explore the seven different exhibition halls that the Independence Hall had to offer.

the winged statue at the entrance of the Independence Hall of Korea

Each one is dedicated to a different part of Korea’s history: Korea’s origin, the struggle for national rights, and the March First Independence Movement. Just a few days before, Korea had celebrated the 100-year anniversary of the March First Independence Movement. I felt especially thoughtful as I wandered the exhibition halls, gaining knowledge and insight into Korea’s difficult past.

Even though many witnesses of the Japanese occupation are gone, Koreans and other nationalities today can feel the echoes of the struggle for freedom and the price that they paid for Korea’s freedom and independence.

a statue inside the Independence Hall of Korea

The Independence Hall of Korea is a must-see for people visiting Cheonan, and the Hall is a true symbol of Korea’s struggle and the importance of peace and freedom. I ended my day of sightseeing by reflecting on the spirit of Cheonan and the importance of freedom. Cheonan will forever remain an important and lovely memory in my mind, and I hope to visit again someday. The city seems to open its arms to you and offer you the freedom to explore, the freedom to express, the freedom to pray, the freedom to hope, the freedom to learn, and the freedom to enjoy your life.

Cheonan Samgeori Park

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The Independence Hall of Korea

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After a busy day of sightseeing in Cheonan, I was ready for a place to rest. I took a local city bus to my hotel.

a bed in a hotel

ON City Hotel is located in the busy city center of Buldang-dong in Cheonan. The hotel is located near many shopping facilities and restaurants. I arrived around dinnertime, and a friendly staff swiftly checked me in to the hotel. The lobby was spacious and clean, and had brightly lit décor. Located to the left of the lobby was a fine dining restaurant and café. The breakfast price seemed indicative of the hotel’s rates and level of comfort. I asked the friendly staff about ordering a delivery service. They were very kind and said that usually they discourage food in the rooms, but they offered to help me order a pizza. I chose the menu item that I wanted and they said they would call me when it was delivered. They impressed me with their hospitality.

I rode the elevator to the fourth floor and surveyed my standard double room.

the interior of the hotel room and TV

I was impressed by the clean lines of the room and the nice amenities. The room offered free Wi-Fi, satellite TV, bathrobes, slippers, and many nice toiletries including soap, toothpaste, lotion, and more. The bathtub was large and clean.
After putting my things on the bed, I felt like I could truly relax in this hotel. The staff called me and I paid the delivery man for the pizza. I was also able to print off some papers on the hotel lobby computers. I took the elevator to the thirteenth floor to view the coin laundry machines, rooftop café, and the small but efficient gym. I contemplated getting up early and working out.

the clean, spacious bathroom

After a delicious dinner and relaxing soak in the bath, I had a wonderful night’s rest in the comfortable bed. After a busy day in the city, this hotel was a perfect place to find comfort and rest.

The next morning I woke up and skipped the workout in favor of enjoying the hotel room for another hour. In the hotel brochure I found out that the hotel also has a ballroom, conference halls, and meeting centers for business, pleasure, or celebration. I was impressed that the hotel had so many different amenities to offer to a wide variety of guests.

ON City Hotel offered me a comforting stay in the heart of the bustling city of Cheonan, and I would definitely go back someday. It truly amps up the hospitality and level of comfort compared to other hotels, and I found comfort and relaxation after my busy day in the city.