Chuncheon: a lesser-visited South Korean city

When people think about visiting Cuncheon, many of the first recommendations they find are spots like Nami Island and Petit France, which are a long way from the city center. Rarely do people think there’s much to see and do in Chuncheon - but they couldn’t be further from the truth!

Chuncheon is much smaller than Seoul, and whilst most people here don’t speak much English, it’s easy to get around and the locals are friendly and helpful.If you’re looking to see the real side of Korea, then this is the spot for you, with a much more rural vibe than big cities like Seoul and Busan, and plenty of attractions that even Koreans travel to see,

Chuncheon is a great destination for those who love authentic culture, off-the-beaten-path destinations and truly breathtaking nature.

One of the best experiences in the country, the Gangchon Rail Park is our pick for the top attraction in Chuncheon. Whilst it’s not particularly a hotspot for foreign tourists, Koreans certainly make a day out of it! If you enjoy unique experiences and breathtaking nature then this is a must-do when you’re in Korea.

Situated just a couple of subway stops away from Chuncheon’s city centre is by far one of the best attractions nearby, Gangcheon Rail Park. Located by the entrance of Gimyujeong station, the Rail Park is a scenic and fun-filled ride through the South Korean farmland and mountains.

Choose between 2-person and 4-person carriages, (priced at 40,000 and 56,000 won respectively), and cycle your way through sweeping countryside views, gorgeous mountains and valleys, and fun tunnels with music and dancing lights.

After around a 45-minute journey, it’s time to disembark at a rest stop located in a valley between the mountains where you can use the bathroom, grab a coffee and enjoy some snacks. It's also one of the most scenic spots in South Korea (and you cannot visit by any means of public transport) so take in the stunning views of the river and mountains.

Once you’ve enjoyed a small rest here, a romantic, open-air train picks you up and takes you on a scenic trip along the rest of the track. A coach will be waiting near the end of the train journey to pick you up and take you back to the rail park entrance.The rail park is closed between the winter months of November and February, and on national holidays in Korea. Cycle carriages depart from the park hourly, and it’s recommended to book in advance to avoid missing out (particularly if you’re hoping to book a 2-person carriage!)

You can also combine Gangchon Rail Park and Nami Island on an organised day trip from Seoul.

Whilst you may see that one of the most popular spots in Chuncheon is Nami Island and its surrounding areas (such as Garden of the Morning Calm and Petit France), it’s recommended to visit this area on either a separate trip as part of an organised tour or set aside an extra day to spend exploring it if you’re visiting with a rental vehicle.

As it is located so far from the city centre, we will class this as a separate day trip and highlight some of the many outstanding, unique, and frequently overlooked attractions within the city.

Soyanggang Skywalk and Statue

Stretching out over the river, just a 20-minute walk from Chuncheon station is a 174-metre-long skywalk. Complete with a stretching glass floor down the walkway and a circular plaza and observatory at the end, it’s truly the perfect spot for viewing the landscape and taking a relaxing stroll. 

The Skywalk is open from 10 am until 9 pm during the summer months of March through to October, and 10 am until 6 pm during winter, November to February.

Whilst you’re there, be sure to visit the sculpture of the leopard mandarin fish, situated on the opposite side of the plaza, where you can view the fountain which activates at the top of every hour. You can also spend some time taking pictures at the designated photo zone and terrace by the entrance of the Skywalk.

If you’re visiting in summer, it’s best to visit at around sunset. This way you have the opportunity to view the stunning landscape and take some truly breathtaking pictures, but also to see the Soyang i(2)gyo Bridge, arguably Chuncheon’s most notable landmark, illuminated after dark.

Chuncheon Art Gallery

Chuncheon Art Gallery is a permanent exhibition space, featuring the works of local artists, making it a great place to visit if you’re a lover of artworks.

It is free to enter (other than extra charges for some specific exhibitions) and is open daily during exhibitions from 10 am until 6 pm. Be sure to check exhibition dates in advance of your visit to avoid disappointment!

Chuncheon National Museum

With Gangwon-do being such a notable area of South Korea (and home to the capital city of Seoul) what better way to honour the region’s history and culture than with a museum?

The Chuncheon National Museum does exactly this, and guests can enjoy exploring the Permanent Exhibition Hall, as well as two others, and even the Outdoor Exhibition Space. Whilst not a huge museum, it’s most definitely worth a visit if you’re interested in the history and culture of South Korea, as you can expect to see artefacts ranging from prehistoric to modern times. Guests can expect to spend just a couple of hours here.

It’s also a great spot to visit if you’re interested in modern architecture, as it won the Korean Institute of Architects “Best Architecture of the Year” award in 2003. Built in harmony with nature, and boasting a stunning circular glass ceiling at the center hall, guests can enjoy a rest at the cafe whilst soaking up the sunlight from this unique and beautiful skylight.

If you’re travelling with little ones, the Museum has recently opened a Children’s Museum in 2021, with the theme of “Children & Nature”, making it a great spot for all the family.

This free-to-enter museum is open every day except Mondays, from 9 am until 6 pm, and is closed on major national holidays.

LEGOLAND

A must-do if you’re looking for an action-packed trip with the little ones, this small theme park is located near the city centre, making it easily accessible, and a great attraction for families.

If you’re a thrill seeker looking to experience one of South Korea’s great theme parks, you may want to give this one a miss though, as most of the rides are quite small.

That said, it still makes for a great day out and boasts some amazing Lego sculptures of famous Korean landmarks and destinations, including Gyeongbokgung Palace, Jeju Island, Busan, Seoul, Danyang, Yeouido, Gangwondo, and Haeundae. You can book tickets online or buy them at the gate.

Whilst there’s plenty of delicious food to be found in South Korea, when you’re in Chuncheon it’s a great time to eat some of the region’s most famous dishes.

Dakgalbi

Whilst Dakgalbi can be found anywhere you visit in Korea, Chuncheon is especially famous for it. It originated when people began to marinate chicken instead of pork back in the 1960s, grilling it using charcoal, similar to how pork ribs were cooked.

The dish is stir-fried on an iron plate, and includes chicken and vegetables such as onions and cabbage, and is marinated in a delicious spicy sauce.

If you’re looking for the best spot to eat this, head to The Dakgalbi Alley, also known as Myeongdong (not to be confused with the Myeongdong in Seoul!), this alley is lined with dakgalbi restaurants which opened back in the 1970s and 80s, creating a 150-meter road with delicious dakgalbi joints!

Makguksu (Buckwheat noodles)

Makguksu, a type of buckwheat noodle dish, is the local dish of Chuncheon and is in fact so famous that there is an entire museum dedicated to the dish, located in the northern part of the city.

The dish of buckwheat noodles is served in a chilled broth and is combined with seasonings such as sugar, mustard, sesame oil and vinegar, making it a unique and delicious food to try, and it really hits the spot during summer!

Chuncheon is one of the furthest cities from Seoul which is accessible by the Seoul subway. But there is a great variety of other ways to get there too. Depending on the amount of time you have to spare, and what kind of a budget you’re travelling on, will depend on the mode of transport you choose to take.

By car

If you’re planning on renting a car to explore the country whilst you’re in Korea then this is usually one of the best ways of getting to see Chuncheon. If you leave Seoul early in the morning, then you’ll even have a chance to visit Nami Island and Petit France for a short while on your way there (though we do recommend making this a separate trip if you won’t be driving!)

From Seoul city centre to Chuncheon City centre is around a two-hour drive, though most of this is through the countryside on the highway, meaning you’ll get to see some truly unique and beautiful views of Korea.

By subway

Travelling to Chuncheon by Subway can be quite the journey. Depending on where you’re traveling from you can expect to make multiple transfers, and for the journey to take upwards of two hours. 

That said, if you’re travelling on a budget, you can expect this to be the cheapest way to travel, with the total fare costing around 3,300 won (that’s less than $3 USD!)

Don’t worry about missing out on any of the sights though, as when you head out through the countryside, the subway sits above ground, so you can still enjoy all the gorgeous views around you.

By train

For those looking to get to Chuncheon a little faster, taking the ITX train will get you from Yongsan Station to Chuncheon in around 1 hour and 15 minutes. For this mode of transport, you cannot use a Korean travel money card (t-money card), instead, tickets must be purchased either at the station or booked online.

With comfortable seats you can reserve, travelling to Chuncheon by train is a more relaxed and speedy way of travelling, but it’s important to keep in mind that it is a more expensive option than riding the subway or taking the bus.

By bus

Travelling by bus is hailed by many as the best way of getting to Chuncheon, as it isn’t too expensive (although it still costs more than the subway) and is the fastest at only 70 minutes travel time.

Dongseoul Bus Terminal is the main terminal in Seoul for buses heading towards cities in the East, and nonstop buses leave here regularly every 15 minutes between 6 am and midnight. The cost is just under 8,000 won, and 8,500 won if you’re departing after 10 pm. 

Tickets can be purchased at the bus terminal or online, but ensure that you’re booking a non-stop train otherwise your journey will take a while longer.

South Korea is known for having quite distinctive seasons, with harsh winters and sweltering humid summers, it’s important to plan your trip to Chuncheon at the right time so that you can enjoy it in all of its glory!

As Chuncheon is located north of Seoul, you should avoid visiting during the peak winter months, as not only will you be walking around a lot during the day, but due to its location, Chuncheon will be even colder than the capital city!

Summer is a better time to visit, but the perfect time to head over to this city is during the springtime (during cherry blossom season), or during the autumn when the trees are full of golden leaves. This is especially important if you’re visiting Nami Island as part of your trip, as you’ll be able to see the stunning trees at their most beautiful, but it also means less chance of rain and a better temperature for walking around and exploring!

Not many people in Chuncheon speak English, making it a tricky place to navigate as a tourist. For this reason, choosing the perfect place to stay if you’re spending a night or two here can be important if you don’t speak any Korean.

As Chuncheon is only small, you’ll want to pick a hotel in the city's centre. As transport and buses to the surrounding areas can be a little unreliable, it’s important that your hotel is easy enough to get to by foot.

For those who love nature and are travelling via a rental car, you may also be able to find some great glamping spots near Nami Island, though you’ll want to ensure you pick up some basic Korean phrases before staying there.

Some good hotels in Chuncheon are:

• Hotel Gongjicheon (parking available and near Legoland)

• Number25 Hotel Namchuncheon

• Browndot Hotel Namchuncheon