About Asan- Si Asan Municipal City (Asan-si / 아산시) in South Chungcheong Province or Chungcheongnam-do, includes Onyang and Asan County. Asan is bordered by Pyeongtaek-si, to the North, Dangjin-si, in the North West, Yesan County, in the West, Cheonan-si, in the East, and Gongju, in the South. Asan, the second most populated city in South Chungcheong Province, is located just South of Pyeongtaek & Camp Humphreys. The area of Asan includes many farms, orchards, small mountains, and beautiful rural areas. It’s an excellent spot to visit epic cafes, relax in space, and photograph nature. About Cafe Culture in South Korea The café experience in Korea is beyond compare. Just as we select our preferred movie genres on Watcha, we may also pick our preferred coffee experience, from themed cafes (such as museums or 3D cafes) to those epic-sized cafes, from tranquil country cafes to extravagant artsy cafes. Eventually, each cafe will be like a fingerprint, you may find similarities from afar but up close, no two will seem exactly alike. What does “Best” mean to me? As a mother of a toddler, I know there is a time and place for kid cafes, and as a cosplay-geek and Insta-gal, I also love the themed cafes here, but during the summer, my soul seeks silence and meditative views. The following Asan cafes will help you create the perfect mind-clearing experience while you enjoy the gorgeous Korean summer landscapes. Asan Cafes Cafe Loan A lovely view of Bongjae Lake that you can enjoy in any season. The experience doesn’t end there, the owner and barista, Thomas, has paintings that decorate the cafe, he often adds his own calligraphy to coffee sleeves. His wife, Suna, sells her own hats and bags but she also teaches others to sew, paint, or even make kimchi. After ordering, take a walk in her flower garden outside the cafe, sit in the swing chair, and let your cares fall away. Or, if you prefer a better view of the lake, sit on the swing chair on the rooftop. She also owns a few of the lakehouses on this side of the lake, in case you’re interested. My toddler loves the swing seats, the flower garden, and the rooftop. If you visit in the winter, beware the road may be slippery after snow. The owner recommends parking at the top of the street and walking down during that season. Warm Site Warm Site wins for the best view of Sinjeong Lake and the surrounding mountains. Excellent spot for brunch and dinner. If you love Sinjeong Lake, then also consider other cafes in this area. INJU Cafe INJU Cafe is uniquely tranquil because the architecture looks and feels like a traditional tea house, and if that’s the vibe you’re looking for, there’s a tea house on the property. The main cafe offers both indoor and outdoor seating, as well as table or floor seating. If you choose the latter, don’t forget to remove your shoes. They also have a diverse drink menu and both sweet and savory bakery items. Their signature drink, the INJU latte, is a creamy espresso iced latte, topped with mochi balls. After your coffee, if you’re feeling hungry, there’s a restaurant on the property where you can get an excellent lunch. The small concrete courtyard is great for kids who can’t sit while you’re enjoying a drink. Ganyanggil Many cafes have been described as “country cafes” but this is the first cafe that actually feels authentic. While there’s both indoor and outdoor seating, the indoor seating is floor only, so you will need to remove your shoes. Many of the enclosed rooms have large, open picture windows so the floors may even feel a little grainy. Don’t worry as they have industrial strength fans on hot days. Their brunch is large enough for two to share. The signature drink, the peanut cream latte, is exactly what it sounds like. It even has minced boiled peanuts on the bottom. It is served at room temperature, not hot nor iced, but I highly recommend it. The outdoor seating wraps around the cafe and there’s a small yard, again, in case you have kids who can’t sit. Monamour Monamour is difficult to describe but once you visit, you’ll feel the tranquility vibe as soon as you sit at the cafe OR take a walk around the property. The complex includes a fine-dining restaurant, which is actually the least interesting part of the property, a cafe, a couple of event rooms, an indoor museum, a sculpture park, a florist, and a children’s art area. You may think this location sounds too vibrant but I assure you, once you’re sitting around the artistic water-themed architecture, whether indoors or outdoors, you’ll find a serene spot. Sagak Sagak Cafe Despite being surrounded by a residential area, Sagak Sagak Cafe does a great job minimizing any external noise if you sit inside. There’s indoor and outdoor seating. Indoors, great for silence and to escape the heat. Outdoor seating wraps around most of the cafe so you can create your own space. Cafe Narnia The location, decor, and theme are enough to make you feel transported to a magical realm. The owner speaks English, Korean, and German. The drinks and pizza are what dreams are made of. Kids and Narnia fans will love the various displays around the large property. Aleffee Modern architecture and large glass windows facing the lake make this a lovely spot whether you choose indoor or outdoor, main floor or rooftop seating. The signature drink, the Asan Rice Cream Latte, has hints of rice and salt. Very tasty. [Naver Map]아레피충남 아산시 영인면 영인로 187-15 ALEFFEE (아레피)0507-1363-2568https://naver.me/I5o4AcqG Cafe Flower Dome Cafe and green house with limited parking space but the ambience is beyond compare. Small indoor spaces that allow for distancing and more private conversation. Small yard and lovely covered greenhouse out back with the a guitar, piano, and amazing acoustics. Also tasty drink and coiffle menu. Americ Hanok [Naver Map]Amerik Hanok충남 아산시 영인면 여민루길 66http://naver.me/xRCK7YbB Just minutes away from Yeongingsan Mountain Arboretum, is this lovely little hanok cafe with lots of parking and a small enclosed pebbled-courtyard for those traveling with littles. Cafe Soul Tea Adorable Studio Ghibli art and woodcrafts, order a take out drink and sit above a lovely, little lake. [Naver Map]Cafe Solti충남 아산시 배방읍 솔치로 200http://naver.me/5h3I2N41 Check out our other blog posts about cafes and bakeries. Explore Asan Beyond the Ginkgo Trees When most people think of Asan, the golden ginkgo tree road comes to mind—but there’s so much more to discover. From folk villages and mountain trails to markets and family-friendly attractions, Asan offers a perfect mix of history, culture, and outdoor adventure. Check out United on the RoK Magazine’s full guide here: Asan: Beyond the Ginkgo Trees. LeaDan Yee, M.EdLeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech. As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers.  She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors. Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.

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Are you looking for the best places for dinner near Songtan City Hall? Look no further, we have a list of ten of our favorite locations for you to enjoy. Pyeongtaek City Hall Location Pyeongtaek City Hall is situated in Seojeong-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. It’s about a 15-minute drive from Osan Air Force Base. About Songtan City Hall Area Many international residents refer to Pyeongtaek City Hall North as ‘Songtan City Hall”. The area is part of Seojeongri, but some folks may also refer to this area as Songtan. In short, the many different names used for this one small area can make it difficult to identify. The Songtan City Hall part of Seojeongri is a popular location for international residents due to the fact that it’s the location for 1) the Pyeongtaek branch of Suwon immigration, 2) Pyeongtaek City Hall North, 3) Lotte Cinema, 4) near Buraksan hiking trails, and 5) lots of places to hang out late at night. What “Best” Means to South of Seoul The word “best” means something different to everyone; it’s subjective and personal. We’ve chosen the following spots because they stand out to us for a variety of reasons. Maybe it’s the best soup when you’re feeling under the weather, the best date-night atmosphere, the best cold noodles in town, or maybe they’ve even won a Best of Pyeongtaek Award. Of course, there are many other restaurants in the area that are also “the best” in their own way. This list isn’t here to exclude them. Instead, it’s a starting point, a guide to help you explore the area and discover places that might just become your personal favorites too. If you also love our recommendations, please share your experience in the Pyeongtaek Food and Fun group on Facebook. We all help each other build our lives in Pyeongtaek-si and across South Korea—one great meal at a time. 10 of the Best Restaurants Near Songtan City Hall Updated: June 2025 There are many wonderful restaurants in the area. However, we are sharing our best places for dinner near Songtan City Hall for you to enjoy. As a reminder, everyone has their own idea of what is “best” to them. Also, we tried to include a nice mix of options so there is something for everyone. Where to Park Near Songtan City Hall Since this is a very popular area, parking used to be truly terrible, but they have been adding parking locations. Most folks will park in the Songtan City Hall lots rather than hunt for parking on the streets. Additionally, at Songtan City Hall, you can still pay for parking with cash. Additionally, there are a few other public parking lots in the Songtan City Hall area. Join the Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group If you head out to one of these locations or any others, make sure to share your adventures with our community at Pyeongtaek Food & Fun Facebook Group. The South of Seoul moderated community of active and friendly Pyeongtaek international residents makes moving to Pyeongtaek easier. With so many different voices and opinions, it is always refreshing to see everyone’s adventures in our local community. In addition, all of the posts shared introduce our community to new places and old places that can feel new all over again. Volunteer with South of Seoul Interested in working with a fun team of talented volunteers? The South of Seoul volunteer team is always looking for other like-minded folks to research information, compile blogs, and edit content. South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Whenever you are moving anywhere, leaving behind a hairdresser that you love and trying to find a new hairdresser feels like so much work. It is an even bigger struggle when you are moving to a new country and you add in language difficulties and differences in hair. There are differences in Korean hair salons and what Americans might expect from hair salon experiences in the states. Knowing that your hairstylist understands your hair type will help with the difficulties at Korean hair salons. Where is Osan Air Base? Osan Air Base is a US Air Force Base located in Singjang-dong, Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. The area may also be called Songtan by both international residents and many Koreans who work with international residents. However, when people reference Songtan they may also be referencing Seojeong-dong, Jisan-dong, or parts of Godeok as well. Clarifying locations with exact addresses becomes important when sharing information for locations in this area. My first experience at a Korean hair salon When I first moved to Korea, I took a chance one day and got my hair cut at a salon that advertised that they spoke English. I explained that I did not want my hair thinned out because I understood that Korean hair is thicker and often hairdressers will thin it when cutting. I told the hairdresser that I had layers and wanted to keep them. When I left the salon, not only had they thinned my hair out, but they also took layers to be just cutting a straight line across the back of my hair. I ended up wearing my hair in a ponytail for a few days because it looked terrible. Finally finding a hair salon that met my needs I had a Korean friend who took pity on me and brought me to her hairdresser who did not speak much English. He did a fabulous job of fixing my cut and I continued to see him after my friend moved away. There were quite a few difficulties with this because my Korean is so minimal and his English was as well. We occasionally chatted using Google translate. Hurdles I faced with my hair salon in South Korea The biggest issue came when I decided to dye my hair back to my original color (strawberry blonde) after it had been a darker red for the winter. I tried unsuccessfully four different times to get my hair lighter but each time I walked out with a version of red much darker than the strawberry blonde I craved. I tried showing many different pictures of the color and even used his book with hair samples to show the color I wanted, but it just did not work. Finally discovering my “forever” hair salon in South Korea After the last unsuccessful attempt, I asked a friend to recommend someone. Without a doubt, she told me to get an appointment with Sophie Lee from Sun’s Hair Salon. I first contacted Sophie via Facebook to get an appointment. I sent her pictures of my current hair color and pictures of the color I was trying to get back. After consulting with her, we scheduled an appointment and she worked her magic. I was back to strawberry blonde again! About Sophie as my “forever” hair stylist I have been with Sophie for quite a while now. I enjoy going in for my appointments and catching up with her. Sophie is very kind and listens to whatever concerns I have about my hair. She will recommend products if I need them and helps me keep my hair very healthy. Sophie Lee has been a hairdresser for over 17 years. She has been working with spouses from the Osan and Humphreys bases for about 15 years but also has many other ex-pat clients as well. Sophie explained that part of the reason why the previous Korean hairdresser had been unsuccessful in achieving the color I wanted is that there are not a lot of products for blonde haircare here in Korea and because Korean and Caucasian are very different you have to know how to work with them to achieve the desired color. Sophie is very skilled and understands many of the cuts and colors that those coming from America are looking to get. Due to her amazing skills, she does not accept walk-ins and her book tends to fill up quickly. It is recommended to book at least a month in advance to get an appointment. Your other choice is to watch her Facebook page consistently for last-minute cancellations. You can request to join Sophie’s group here: (https://www.facebook.com/groups/1118168995376889). I personally book out my next appointment while I am there to make sure I stay on the books 🙂 Sophie has also worked hard to keep the salon clean and sanitized. She provides masks for her clients to wear while they are in the salon. She is very careful to try to keep her family and yours safe during these crazy times. 5 Tips that will make your hair appointment easier My hair journey taught me many things about finding a “forever” stylist. Here are 5 things I know can help you find the perfect spot for you. 1. Be realistic with your expectations. You cannot healthily go from black hair to blonde overnight. Sometimes what you want to do may take several services to get there or might destroy your hair. No hairdresser wants to ruin your hair or send you away unhappy. And be realistic about how much time it may take to get your service done. 2. Be specific with your hair history. If you are consulting a new hairdresser, please let them know what you have done with your hair. This is so crucial. Many people don’t tell their hairdresser the true history of what they have done and this can cause damage to your hair or even the color to go on incorrectly. (And yes, you should tell them if you are using box dye which is different from professional dye). 3. Have a consultation. Send pictures and be specific as to what you are looking to have done. Once I told a hairdresser I wanted a cut when I meant trim. I got a cut…oops! Remember that when a person speaks a second language they often will lack an understanding of nuance or they may have a different conceptual understanding of a word in English. For example, it might be hard for them to understand things like “blunt cut” or even “layers”. Bring as many visuals as possible from photos to videos. 4. Speak up if you are unhappy with your results. Communication is key. If you have given an accurate history of your hair and the results still do not come out correctly, speak up. Your hair is a billboard for your stylist. So, they do not want it to turn out badly or for you to be unhappy. If you speak up politely at the time of the service, they may be able to correct it on the spot. 5. Respect your hairdresser’s time. If you will be late, realize that this is putting their day behind and may impact how much time is available. Also, if you have to cancel your appointment, do it as soon as possible. Having last-minute cancellations not only messes up the schedule but also affects their income. And do not no show, just don’t. To find out more about hair and beauty in South Korea check out our blog posts on the topic. KimchiRednecksAbout Melissa Edwards-Whittington & Chuck Whittington (KimchiRednecks) Chuck and Melissa—also known as the KimchiRednecks—have been living in Korea since 2017 and documenting their life abroad since launching their YouTube channel in 2018. Originally created to share their adventures with friends and family back in the U.S., KimchiRednecks has since grown into a vibrant and dynamic platform that reflects their love for Korean culture, food, travel, and everyday life. From foodie explorations and recipe experiments to gaming, tech, and car projects (especially the BRZ), their content offers a fun and honest window into expat life. Chuck Whittington is a graduate of Francis Marion University with a degree in Information Systems Management. With over two decades of experience in IT, Chuck combines his technical expertise with a long-standing fascination with Korea—having visited many times before moving permanently. He’s the tech-savvy side of KimchiRednecks and brings a love for innovation, gaming, and cars to the channel. Melissa Edwards-Whittington holds a degree in Bible with a minor in Elementary Education from Mid-Atlantic Christian University. She has worn many hats over the years—working in customer service, marketing, and now also serving as a volunteer Co-Editor and Social Media Marketing Manager for United on the RoK Magazine. Her writing and digital work focus on building community and supporting military-connected and expatriate populations in Korea. Melissa also volunteers with South of Seoul, where she helps manage online social media groups, supports local language exchanges, and creates original content to assist newcomers and long-term residents alike. Together, Chuck and Melissa share their lives with their three beloved Shih Tzu daughters—Minion, Sookie (forever in their hearts), and Mayhem—who are frequently featured in their videos and social media posts. Whether they’re sipping coffee at a neighborhood café, exploring hidden corners of Korea, or experimenting with homemade whiskey and brandy on their second channel, Shining with KimchiRednecks, Chuck and Melissa are passionate about sharing the real and ever-evolving journey of life abroad. One of their greatest joys is cooking, and they frequently document their culinary adventures—especially their experiences learning to prepare Korean dishes and other global cuisines—on their YouTube channel, inviting others to celebrate food, culture, and connection alongside them. Follow Chuck, Melissa & the KimchiRednecks Adventures: YouTube: @kimchirednecks YouTube: @shiningwithkimchirednecks Instagram: @kimchirednecks Facebook: KimchiRednecks United on the RoK Magazine: www.unitedontherokmag.com

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Want to learn more about the local farming culture? Visiting local farms is the perfect way to connect with your new home. About picking your own fruit in near Pyeongtaek, South Korea South Koreans love to visit farms with friends and families to pick their own fruit. Some farms charge an entry fee per person and then by the weight of fruit that you pick, while other farms may only charge for the weight of fruit you pick. Many even offer “all-you-can-eat” fruit while you pick fruit to go home. You can call 1330 to clarify the rules before visiting a farm. Both Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base are located in Pyeongtaek, South Korea. That means that all of the fruit-picking farms recommended in this blog are near Camp Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Force Base. We recommend using Naver Maps or Kakao Maps to Navigate around Korea. Making Reservations for Fruit Picking You can make a reservation to pick-your-own fruit by using a bi-lingual concierge service. Since fruit picking is a popular activity in South Korea, you will need to make reservations at most farms – especially if you have a group or plan to go on the weekend. Making a reservation usually requires the ability to speak Korean or use Korean booking sites like Naver. Common fruit that you can pick in South Korea The common pick-your-own farms you can find across South Korea include: Pyeongtaek and surrounding areas have excellent pick-your-own farms because it’s a farming area with many old orchards and vines. Fruit picking seasons near Pyeongtaek Every fruit needs picked during a different time of year. You will want to confirm the season before visiting a farm because seasons can change based on the weather. These are the estimated seasons of each fruit: What to wear on your farm adventure It’s a farm. Wear comfortable shoes, and clothes that can get dirty, and take bug spray. Obviously, long pants and long-sleeved shirts are ideal yet many folks will still be dressed for Instagram. Just don’t get pressed if you get tons of bug bites and scratches picking fruit in a sundress. 7 most popular places to pick your own fruit near Pyeongtaek Watch these experience videos to learn more South of SeoulFounded in 2015, the South of Seoul team consists of volunteers on three continents working together to support English-speaking people traveling or living in South Korea. South of Seoul volunteers work with organizations and individuals across South Korea to improve equitable access to information across South Korea. Much of South of Seoul’s information focuses on Pyeongtaek, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea. Blogs published under the authorship of “South of Seoul” include blogs compiled by multiple volunteers to improve access to standardized information unrelated to individualized personal experiences. www.southofseoul.net

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Relaxing on with friends while riding a rail bike in Asan.

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