- 홍성군 is also the name of a comic book writer: see Hong Seong-gun.
Hongseong (홍성군, 洪城郡, flood.castle.county) is a county in Chungcheongnam-do. The population as of 2004 was 91,699, including:
- 91,223 Koreans and
- 476 non-Koreans.
[edit] Overview
Hongseong might not be considered a small town by Western standards, but it has a small town atmosphere.
There are a few foreign English teachers. At one time, there were three foreign teachers from three English schools who were studying at a local self-defense academy.
Hongseong does not have a park close to the downtown area. A few years ago, they renovated a dingy old building downtown and moved their library there. Of course, it is not as good as a metropolitan library, but it is worth a look.
The closest thing to a park in Hongseong would be Hongju Fortress, which is located just behind the county hall. It has some open areas for picnicing, and you can stroll around the perimeter of the old stone fortress walls. Not much to it, but it's better than nothing.
[edit] Transportation
Getting there
By air
Incheon Airport is the closest to Hongseong. It takes about three hours by public transportation. The fastest way is to take the limousine bus from the airport to Yongsan Station, then the train from there.
By rail
Hongseong is on the Cheonan - Janghang line. There is frequent service to Cheonan and Yongsan station in Seoul. The trip to Cheonan takes about an hour, while Seoul takes a little over two hours. The cost of a reserved ticket to Cheonan is 3,500 won and to Yongsan it's 8,700 won (for mugunghwa trains). The train station is also conveniently located across the street from the bus station.
One train ticket for example to Hongseong from Suweon leaves at 8:28 AM and arrives at 10:13 AM.
To estimate for a trip between Hongseong and Seoul, add a few more minutes.
By bus
Hongseong has a single bus terminal, located directly across the street from the train station. There is frequent service to Cheonan, Daejeon, and Seoul Gangnam stations. The trip to both Seoul and Daejeon takes a little over two hours, and to Cheonan is anywhere from one hour to one and a half hours, depending on traffic and route. The cost is a bit more expensive than the trains.
Municipal transit
Bus
There is a new bus line called Hongju Yeogaek (홍주 여객).
[edit] Shopping
The hot spot for shopping is a downtown pedestrian walkway. There are clothing shops and eating places there.
Public markets
Sangseol Shijang (상설 시장) is a long-standing market downtown on the west side of the creek. It has a wide variety of food and household goods, and the public responds accordingly.
A few years ago, the archway for Hongseong Shijang (홍성 시장) was built. It doesn't seem to have gotten off the ground yet.
There is a 5 day market held near the center on days ending in 1 and 6. Typical stuff to be found here.
Department Stores
Sadly, none exist. There is only a Hi-Mart which sells electronics and home appliances. It is also
Grocery Stores
Hongju Mart is located on the main intersection downtown. It has a wide variety of food, including everything you need for a Western-style breakfast.
Convenience Stores
The usual suspects are everywhere. Mostly Family Marts and ma-and-pa stores.
Electronics Stores
Hi-Mart and Samsung stores are next to each other on the southwest side of town near the cultural center.
Book Stores
There are a few good book stores downtown. At Jeil Seojeom (제일 서점), you can order any book that is in print.
For English book shopping, you might have to take an out-of-town trip.
General Stores
There's a CNA a few blocks down from the Lotteria which is the city's best stationery store. There are also trinkets for the home and some specialty clothing downstairs.
Fast Food and Noodles
For Western-style fast food, there is Lotteria and Popeye's (popeye's didn't make it and is now a vacant store front) downtown. Across the street from Lotteria is West Pizza which has decent pastas and pizzas.
[edit] Accomodations
In the vicinity of the train station and bus station, there are several very nice hotels.
If economy is your motive, you might try one of the less expensive hotels in the market area.
I checked out all of the motels in town and the Cinema motel was by far the best. It's aptly located above the main movie theatre in town, near the General Han statue. It occupies the two floors immediately above the theatre, so the 5th floor can be a bit noisy. I'd ask for a room on the 6th. Rooms go for $40 per night.
[edit] Hair Styling
There's a Prada on the second floor of a building just a block down the street from Lotteria. They give decent men's haircuts for about $7.
[edit] Tailoring and Dry Cleaning
There are several scattered throughout the city. You can usually find them within or near the large apartment complexes. There are several on the street just next to the long-standing indoor market.
Veterinary Services
[edit] Festivals
On Children's Day, May 5, there is a festival at Namsan Park (남산공원). The festival lasts approximately from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. It is great fun.
Local businessses and organizations have booths. Western-acceptable snacks and beverages are served. There are children's art events, there is a children's singing contest, and there are performances by local music and dance groups.
[edit] Outdoor Activities
Hiking trails abound on nearby Namsan, Yongbongsan, and Weolsan. Yongbong is the most visited of the three mountains, and has some very beautiful granite formations. If you like cycling, there are many small country roads that go in all directions from the city, so you can easily spend days exploring the rural environment just outside Hongseong.
Parks
The downtown library has trees and park benches in front, but no restrooms except inside the library. There is also a small park in front of the county building.
There is an elementary school on either side of the creek. Each elementary school has a spacious playground, but neither playground exactly serves the function of a park.
There are small park areas in the vicinity of the train station and the bus terminal, but they lack restroom amenities and people seldom use those park areas.
Namsan Park (남산공원) is probably the park closest to the downtown area, but it is not close enough to serve as a break for weary shoppers.
[edit] External links
Information on the town:
Guides to tourist attractions:
For mountain climbing:
Agriculture in the area:
Geological information
