July 2023

Local

Written by
Jang Heejoo

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Local

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Pristine Nature,
Pure Water

Chuncheon, surrounded by lakes and mountains, boasts beautiful natural scenery. Particularly, the well-maintained paths around the lakes of Chuncheon are great for cycling or walking. At dawn, a mist rises from the water, showing an even more picturesque landscape. Samaksan Mountain, with its three peaks, is a great spot for an overview of Chuncheon. Such landscapes can be enjoyed alongside a variety of activities.

Chuncheon has four man-made lakes that were created by dams. Uiamho Lake is located in the middle of the city, while Cheongpyeongho Lake, Soyangho Lake and Chuncheonho Lake run up against the nearby mountains and valleys, creating scenic views you can only find in Chuncheon.

You’ll soon realize that this scenery is even more beautiful when you combine it with various kinds of leisure and sports activities. The scenery you can view when you are riding on a canoe, riding a cable car or taking a railbike along the Bukhangang River, all make Chuncheon feel more colorful. Being able to see the same scenery from different angles makes it even more beautiful.

Having Fun in Chuncheon

Railbikes are perfect for taking in the beautiful views of Bukhangang River. Rails are located all along the banks of the river, which allows you to enjoy fresh, powerful breezes. While on the rails, you can also go through various kinds of tunnels.

Railbikes can be driven along an 8kilometer course along the Bukhangang River. After buying a ticket, you head to the boarding station at the designated time. Railbikes leave the boarding station at exact times, so be sure you arrive right on time. You can start riding after you listen to basic safety instructions and fasten your seatbelt. The railbikes go much faster than you’d think once you start pedaling. After you go through two or three tunnels along the winding railway, you’ll reach the Bukhangang River. The river stretches out before you to the lower right of the railway. Chuncheon is the only place in Korea where you can get a panorama view of the Bukhangang River. You can briefly take a rest at a rest area, which is where you can take in the Bukhangang River closeup. You take a train—not a railbike—back to where you started. With your hair flying in the strong winds, the background music and scenic views will make you feel like your experiencing something new.

Kim Yu-jeong Station is not too far from the railbiking area. Kim (1908-1938) was one of Korea’s most prominent novelists. Chuncheon is the only place in Korea where a railway station has been named after a writer. The station is no longer operating, but in the past, it was a favorite place for Korea’s young people.

Several years ago, a large number of pathways were built in Korea after walking for exercise gained popularity. Chuncheon’s most famous pathway is called the Mullegil. You can take a canoe and experience the beauty of the city’s lakes. Uiamho Lake is the closest lake to do that in Chuncheon. The lake is full of water plants and is surrounded by trees. You can take a canoe through the lake’s reed and silver grass forests, making you feel like you’re in the Amazon. The canoes are made of wood, so they make no noise on the water. The only place to enjoy yourself on such a gentle lake is in Chuncheon.

Land of Tranquility

Why not take a leisurely trip around Chuncheon? A good way to do that is to ride the Samaksan Mountain cable car, getting off at the viewing point to see the city’s beautiful scenery. The cable car line connecting Uiamho Lake and Samaksan Mountain is Korea’s longest at 3.61 kilometers. It takes around 20 minutes to reach the top of the mountain. Cable car riders can view the ever-changing scenery of Chuncheon as they head up towards the top of the mountain. Around two kilometers of the cable car line goes over the lake, with the rest going over the mountain. That will allow you to take in the tranquil, leisurely aspects of Chuncheon. Samaksan Mountain is one of the city’s most famous mountains, with some 100,000 visitors per year. After getting off the cable car, you can walk along the pathway to the viewing point. Take in the phytoncide while enjoying your stroll along the path. Once you’ve arrived at the viewing point, you’ll see the Samaksan Mountain backgrounding the jade-colored water of Uiamho Lake, along with the beautiful scenery of Chuncheon.

You also can’t miss the Soyanggang River and Gongjicheon Stream, either. The Soyanggang River Skywalk lets you experience the feeling of walking on top of the river. With overshoes on your feet, you’ll be able to see the Soyanggang River flowing below as you walk across the Skywalk. Each step will tense you up because you’ll feel like you’re being sucked into the water. Gongjicheon Stream, which is not too far from the Soyanggang River, is a good place to enjoy a leisurely stroll. It is the city’s most prominent place for leisure, and features walkways, a bicycle pathway and park. It’s a great place to get some rest away from the busy routines of everyday life. Except when there’s rain, there is a festival of LED lights held every night there.

As all of this shows, Chuncheon will give you a full taste of the beauty of water. Be sure to slow down and take in the tranquil yet energetic city of water, Chuncheon.