Top 12 Chuncheon Attractions You must Visit
Chuncheon, well-known as a lakeside city, is a romantic travel spot. The city is just a short one-hour ride on the ITX-Cheongchun Train from Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul. Chuncheon holds the lovely meaning of “a stream that flows when spring comes,” but it is also beautiful when visited in fall. At this time of the year, the colorful fall foliage creates a picturesque sight. In order to get the most out of a trip to Chuncheon, a relaxing two-day schedule is recommended over a rushed one-day trip.
Chuncheon History
The area now occupied by the city was first settled about 1000 years ago. In 637 AD the city was called Usooju. In 757 AD it was renamed Saku and again in 940 AD as Chunju (춘주; 春州) before receiving its current name in 1413. In 1896, Chuncheon became the capital city of Gangwon province. The city was largely destroyed during the Korean War during the Battle of Chuncheon. Uiam Dam on the Bukhan River was completed in 1967. In 1995 Chuncheon city was merged with the government of the surrounding Chuncheon county.
Things to do here
- Nami Island
- Jade Garden
- Gugokpo Waterfalls
- Gangchon Railpark
- Kim You Jeong House of Literature
- Cheongpyeongsa Temple
- Dakgalbi Street
- Soyanggang Skywalk
- Gubongsan Mountain Observatory
- National museum of Chuncheon
- Gongjicheon Sculpture park
- Gangwon Provincial Arboretum
Nami Island
Namiseom Island in Chuncheon is the famous filming location for the drama, “Winter Sonata (2000).” The place was not originally an island, but formed as a result of being surrounded by water when the Cheongpyeong Dam was built. Although the island is small enough to be explored in half a day, it remains one of Chuncheon’s top attraction among international visitors. The many walking paths allow one to enjoy the seasonal beauty, and the island’s many other attractions keep visitors of all ages entertained.
The Metasequoia Road and Songpa Ginkgo Tree Lane are two of Namiseom Island’s most popular attractions and are frequently featured in dramas, movies and commercials. In particular, the beauty of Songpa Ginkgo Tree Lane reaches its peak in late October and early November. The entire area becomes colored in shades of yellow, delivering a scenic autumn landscape.
Not only is Namiseom Island famous for its nature, there are a variety of things to see and experience here. There are spots that cannot be left unvisited like the UNICEF Hall and the Song Museum, and visitors can even catch sight of various animals including ostriches, rabbits and squirrels. Visitors looking for a more active trip can rent a bicycle from the bike center. The crisp autumn air is great for taking a spin around the island on a bike.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours (Ferry): 07:30-21:40
* 07:30-09:00 (30 minute intervals) / 09:00-18:00 (10-20 minute intervals) / 18:00-21:40 (30 minute intervals) - Admission: Adults 13,000 won / Teenagers 10,000 won / Children 7,000 won
* Adults (ages 19-69) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 3-12)
* Free admission for preschoolers (ages 3 and younger)
* Admission includes ferry ride - Address: 1, Namiseom-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 남이섬길 1)
- Homepage: namisum.com
How to get here:
By [Bus+Taxy]
Take Shuttle bus to Gapyeong and taxi for approx. 4 min from Gapyeong Station to Namiseom Dock. Take a ferry to Namiseom Island
Jade Garden
Jade Garden Natural Arboretum is well-known as the filming location for the movie “You Are My Pet (2011)” and dramas “That Winter, the Wind Blows (2013)” and “Angels Last Mission: Love (2019).” Created with the theme of “Small Europe in the Forest,” a beautiful building stands right at the entrance. Designed in Tuscan style, this architecture gives a classical touch to its surroundings. The garden has a Tree Scent Trail, Maple Tree Trail, Forest Breeze Trail, and a recommended walking course that shows around the arboretum’s 24 beautiful themed gardens.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours: 09:00-19:30 / extended operations 09:00-22:00
- Admission: Adults 9,500 won / Teenagers 7,000 won / Children 6,000 won
* Adults (ages 19 & older) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 3-12)
* Free admission for preschoolers (ages 3 & younger) - Address: 80, Haetgol-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 햇골길 80)
- Homepage: www.hanwharesort.co.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take a free shuttle bus (first-come, first-served basis) from Gulbongsan Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1
* Shuttle bus service runs 11 times daily (10:45, 11:55, 12:45, 13:45, 14:45, 15:45, 16:45, 17:45, 18:45, 19:45, 20:45); additional operations added when necessary.
Gugokpo Waterfalls
Gugokpokpo Falls is located near Bonghwasan Mountain in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do. The falls twist and turn nine different times before dropping down from a huge stone wall, ending in a magnificent 50 meter cascade. The falls are surrounded by interesting rock formations, one of which includes Haneulbyeokbawi Rock.
Gugokpokpo Falls was designated as one of Chuncheon’s official tourist attractions on February 13, 1981. It takes about 20 minutes on foot to get to the falls from the ticket booth located at the entrance. Gugokpokpo Falls is frequented by many hikers even during winter as a popular ice climbing spot. The hiking trail on the right of the falls leads to a small community called Munbae Village, located over Kkalttakgogae Pass. Visitors can purchase local products such as sanchae (wild vegetable) bibimbap and traditional liquor at Munbae Village.
Useful Informations
- Hiking Course
Gugokpokpo Falls Management Office (Ticket booth) – Doltap (Stone pagoda) – Gugokpokpo Falls – Munbae Village – Gugokpokpo Falls Management Office (7 km, approx. 2 hours) - Operating hours:08:30-17:30
* Subject to change depending on weather conditions - Admission Fees
General visitors: 2,000 won - Address: Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 남산면 - Phone: +82-33-261-0088
- Homepage: tour.chuncheon.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus]
From Gangchon Station, take Bus No. 50 or 50-1 and get off at Gugokpokpo Falls Bus Stop.
Gangchon Railpark
Gyeonggang Station, the filming location for the movie, “The Letter (1997),” is an abandoned train station on the border of Gyeonggi-do and Gangwon-do. This small way station has transformed into a location for riding rail bikes. Gangchon Rail Park offers a 50-minute, round-trip course from Gyeonggang Station to Gapyeong Railroad Bridge and back. Visitors can pedal along the old railroad tracks and enjoy being in a tranquil, rural environment. Gyeonggang Rail Bike is one of the three rail bike courses at Gangchon Rail Park; the other courses depart from Gimyujeong Station and Gapyeong Station.
Useful Informations
- Operating hours:
March-October 09:00-17:00 / November-February 09:00-15:30
Gyeonggang Rail Bike operates in 1 hour 30 minute intervals, with six departures daily spring-fall (09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30, 17:00) and five departures daily in winter (09:00, 10:30, 12:00, 14:00, 15:30) - Fee: 4-seater bike 35,000 won
- Address: 57, Seobaek-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 서백길 57)
- Homepage: www.railpark.co.kr
How to get here:
By [Taxy]
Take a taxi for approx. 2 min from Gulbongsan Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1
Kim You Jeong House of Literature
Known as one of Korea’s leading short story novelists, Kim You-jeong (1908-1937) was born in Sille Village in Chuncheon. A restoration of his birth house, Kim You-jeong House of Literature is part of an effort to turn the whole village into a literature village in honor of the novelist. The house has an exhibition hall, a walking path, and a hiking trail.
Kim You-jeong spent a great deal of his life in Seoul and returned to his hometown in 1931 at the age of 23. He published his first novel Sangol Nageune (The Wanderer) followed by numerous rural-based novels such as Dongbaekkkot (The Camellias) and Bom bom (Spring).
Inside the exhibition hall, his birth home and even a treadmill are reproduced in their original form. A variety of programs reproducing his works are on display.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
Winter 09:30-17:00
Summer 09:00-18:00
Closed onMondays, New Year’s Day, the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) - Fee: 2,000 won
- Address: 1430-14, Gimyujeong-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 신동면 김유정로 1430-14 - Phone: +82-33-261-4650
- Homepage: www.kimyoujeong.org
How to get here:
By [Subway]
From Gimyujeong Station (Gyeongchun Line), walk for approx. 3 min.
Cheongpyeongsa Temple
Cheongpyeongsa Temple is located on the beautiful misty slopes of Obongsan Mountain, and can be reached after enjoying a 10minute ferry ride from Soyang Lake Ferry Dock. The temple was built in 973 during the reign of King Gwangjong of the Goryeo dynasty. In the sixth year of Goryeo King Seonjong (1089), Lee Ja-hyun stepped down from his government post and came to Cheongpyeongsan Mountain to retreat from the world and enjoy peace. In his time on the mountain, Lee created a vast garden near Cheongpyeongsa Temple. Trapesoidal stone walls surround the garden to create a square shape when viewed from outside, and water from the valley was redirected into the garden to form a pond that would reflect the image of Obongsan Mountain.
During the Korean War, Gugwangjeon and Saseongjeon of the temple were damaged, but the Cheongpyeongsa Revolving Door (Treasure No.164), which symbolizes the transmigration of Souls, and Geukrakbojeon remains today. Near Cheongpyeongsa Temple is Cheongpyeongsa Valley, which is known for its clean water and Guseong Waterfall, known to make nine different sounds.
Useful Informations
- Admission Fees
Individuals – Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,200 won / Children 800 won - Facility Utilization Fees
[Ferry (Round-trip)]
Adults: 6,000 won / Children: 4,000 won - Address: 810, Obongsan-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 북산면 오봉산길 810 - Phone: +82-33-244-1095
- Homepage: cheongpyeongsa.co.kr
How to get here:
By [Bus + Ferry]
Across from Chuncheon Station, take Bus No. 11 or 12 to Soyang Dam Bus Stop.
From Soyang Dam Dock, take a ferry to Cheongpyeongsa Temple.
Walk for approx. 30 min.
Dakgalbi Street
Chuncheon Myeongdong Street, the busiest street in the city, is lined with shops selling clothing, shoes, and accessories, as well as a movie theater. The bustling street resembles a miniature version of Myeong-dong in Seoul, which is where it got its name. Dakgalbi Street, another one of Chuncheon’s famous attractions, is also found here, along with statues and handprints of the main actors from the popular drama “Winter Sonata.”
Useful Informations
- Address: 55, Jungang-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 중앙로 55)
How to get here:
By [Bus]
Take Bus No. 11, 12, 31, 83, or 150 from Chuncheon Station Bus Stop to Soyang-ro Post Office Bus Stop and walk for approx. 4 min
Soyanggang Skywalk
Soyanggang Skywalk is an observatory facilty set up on Uiamho Lake. The walking path, comprised of transparent glass, is 156 meters long and offers a thrill to tourists to feel as if they are walking over the lake.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
March-October 10:00-21:00
November-February 10:00-18:00 - Admission Fees
Adults & Children (ages 7 and older) 2,000 won - Address: 2675, Yeongseo-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 영서로 2675 (근화동) - Phone: +82-33-240-1695
- Homepage: tour.chuncheon.go.kr
How to get here:
By [Train + Bus]
Chuncheon Station (Gyeongchun Line), Exit 1.
Cross the street to take Bus No. 11 and get off at Statue of Soyanggang Maid Bus Stop.
Walk for approx. 200m.
Gubongsan Mountain Observatory cafe Street
Gubongsan Mountain Observatory is one of the most scenic driving courses in Chuncheon, stunning with its breathtaking views overlooking the downtown area. Interestingly, it does not feature the usual observation deck. Instead, Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Café Street was formed, lining the area with cafés that are great for taking in the sights. In other words, the cafés here are the observatories. Each café is decorated with different themes and styles, but they all offer a spot to gaze out on the beauty of Chuncheon.
Useful Informations
- Address: 1154-113, Sunhwan-daero, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 동면 순환대로 1154-113)
How to get here:
By [Taxy]
Take a taxi for approx. 20 min from Namchuncheon Station
National Museum of Chuncheon
Opened on October 30, 2002, the Chuncheon National Museum is a storehouse of the cultural heritage of Gangwon-do. It preserves and exhibits the archaeological and artistic treasures of the region, which range in date from the prehistoric era to modern times, and serves as a vital center for academic research and education. In 2003, the museum building was selected as the “Best Architecture of the Year.”
Exhibition Hall Information
[Exhibition Hall I] Prehistoric Culture
[Exhibition Hall II] Ancient Culture
[Exhibition Hall III] Goryeo Era
[Exhibition Hall IV] Joseon Era & Modern Times
Useful Informations
- Address: 70, Useok-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 우석로 70 (석사동) - Phone: +82-33-260-1500
- Operating Hours
Weekdays 10:00-18:00
Weekends & Public holidays 10:00-19:00
* Saturdays (April-October) 10:00-21:00
* Last Wednesday of every month 10:00-21:00
* Last admission 1 hour before closing
Closed on Mondays, New Year’s Day, the Day of Seollal (Lunar New Year’s Day) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) - Homepage: chuncheon.museum.go.kr
How to get here:
[Taxi]
Approx. 10 min. from Namchuncheon Station or Chuncheon Intercity Bus Terminal.
[Local Bus]
Take Bus No. 7, 9 or 63 and get off at Chuncheon National Museum Bus Stop.
Gongjicheon Sculpture Park
Originally named Gongji Park, the park is located near Gongjicheon Stream and has been decorated with sculptures since 1997. Twenty-nine pieces are displayed and a water clock was installed in 2001. Gongjicheon Resort is located nearby the park with an outdoor stage and fountain. Water sports such as boat-riding can be enjoyed on the lake. The lake and the fountain are great locations to spend time with family and friends. Every year diverse cultural art events such as the Spring Art Performance as well as the Soyangjae Chuncheon Poetry Recital take place in the park and Gongjicheon area. A Children’s Center and War Memorial are also located nearby.
Useful Informations
- Address: 25, Ethiopia-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 이디오피아길 25 (근화동) - Phone: +82-33-250-4312
- Homepage: tour.chuncheon.go.kr
How to get here:
[Subway + Bus]
From Namchuncheon Station, take Bus No. 67 or 12 to Gongjicheon Bus Stop.
Gangwon Provincial Arboretum
Gangwon Provincial Arboretum is located approx. 5 kilometers from downtown Chuncheon, surrounded by a variety of leisure attractions and retreats. The arboretum was formed with the intention to create and display Gangwon region’s local flowers as well as to preserve nature, distribute and experiment. Since the public opening on May 20, 1999, the garden has been used as nature observation for kids as well as a place to relax.
Useful Informations
- Operating Hours
10:00–18:00 (November-February 10:00-17:00)
Closed on January 1, Seollal (Lunar New Year) & Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving Day) holidays, the first Monday of every month
* If the first Monday of the month happens to be a public holiday, garden will be closed on the following day. - Admission Fees
Individuals – Adults 1,000 won / Teenagers 700 won / Children 500 won - Facility Utilization Fees
[4D Theater (one-time viewing only)]
Individuals – Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won - Available Facilities
Theme park 1: Family resting area, Tropical/Foliage/World gardens, Experience center, etc.
Theme park 2 : Local specialty stores, Gardens, Flower beds, Resting area, Accupressure Trail, etc.
Theme park 3 : Artificial waterfall, Rock garden, Open grass, etc. - Address: 24, Hwamokwon-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
강원도 춘천시 화목원길 24 (사농동) - Phone: +82-33-248-6685
- Homepage: www.gwpa.kr
How to get here:
[Bus]
From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Chuncheon Bus Terminal.
From Chuncheon Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Yongsan/Chuncheon Dam and get off at Gangwon Provincial Arboretum Bus Stop.
