Chuncheon (Hangul: 춘천, Hanja: 春川市) is a South Korean city located in the north of South Korea and the capital of Gangwon Province, with a population of approximately 270,000. It is surrounded by lakes and mountains, and offers a variety of outdoor activities. It is best known for its local foods, such as dakgalbi and makguksu.
1 Animation Museum (애니메이션박물관) – South Korea’s only animation museum
is located in Chuncheon and is well worth a visit. The museum is located
next to an animation studio. Customers can purchase tickets to see a
screening of Korean animated short films for ₩ 4,000. The themes of
these short films mainly relate to the history of Korean animation,
although they also feature animation from other parts of the world, such
as North Korea, Europe, Japan, and the United States. Although most of
the exhibits are only in Korean, you can still enjoy the variety of
media presented with some knowledge of English. The sculptures outside
the museum that are made from used car parts are popular with tourists
for photo opportunities.
Chuncheon International Mime Festival
(춘천마임축제) It is a world-renowned artistic performance festival in Korea.
The main event is performances by local and international mime troupes,
and there are special events such as street performances, mime lessons,
body painting shows, and mime concerts throughout the festival. It
starts on Wednesday of the fourth week of May and lasts for five days.
Chuncheon International Marathon (조선일보 춘천 마라톤). The marathon circles
Lake Uiamho, famous for its beautiful scenery. This is considered to be
the most optimal marathon in terms of scenery, difficulty, and climate.
There is a full 42-kilometer stretch and smaller 5- and 10-kilometer
stretches. This is an international marathon that anyone can enjoy,
running alongside world-famous marathoners. Late October.
Jungdo
Island (A large island on the Soyang River). A ferry crosses to the
island every half hour, and the ticket price is ₩ 5,500 per adult. The
island is ideal for a day trip or picnic, and it is possible to go on
hikes and see the old Korean huts, or rent bicycles and ride on a paved
path that runs along one side of the island. Bicycle rentals cost
₩10,000 per hour, and surrey carriages and all-terrain vehicles are also
available for rent. The island has camping sites, and at the southern
end there are cabins for rent, at about ₩55,000 per night. You can ask
about these services at the tourist office, although no one at the
island office speaks Spanish or English.
Soyang Dam. Built in 1973,
the Soyag Dam is the largest loose-bed dam in Asia. Lake Soyang was
formed while the dam was being built and lies across Chuncheon, Yanggu
and Inje. It is known as the “ocean within the earth,” and forms an
ideal driving route for its outdoor panorama and beautiful scenery.
There is a ferry to Yanggu, a popular date trail. There are also boat
rides to tour the lake, and there is a boat ride that leads to a trail
to see a Buddhist temple. Along the promenade of the docks there are
food stalls selling boiled lake seafood, pancakes and fried
grasshoppers.
By Bus
The city can be reached from Incheon International Airport
in Seoul by intercity buses. Tickets can be purchased at the bus shop in
the airport arrivals terminal, and cost approximately ₩18,000. The bus
ride takes approximately two and a half hours (assuming there is no
traffic). From Seoul, buses depart from Dong Seoul Station and run
regularly every fifteen minutes between 6am and 9.20pm, charging a fare
of approximately ₩6,000. To reach Dong Seoul Bus Station, take the Seoul
Subway to Gangbyeon Station and exit at Exit 4. The station can be seen
from across the street. These buses take approximately 70 minutes
depending on traffic. Services to Chuncheon also depart from Sangbong
Terminal once every forty minutes between 5.40am and 9.30pm.
By
Subway
A new subway line recently opened that runs from Seoul to
Chumcheon. The Gyeongchun Line runs from Sangbong Station in northeast
Seoul to Namchuncheon and Chuncheon Stations. Trains leave every fifteen
minutes or so, and it takes just over an hour to reach Chuncheon. It is
a brand new, mostly surface-based subway line that runs through the
mountains, alongside the rivers and lakes that the Gongwon region is
known for. A one-way fare from Seoul Station costs ₩ 3,150.
By Taxi
The most efficient way to get around Chuncheon is by taxi.
Taxis are plentiful in the city and you can find one within minutes if
you wait on the sidewalk of the city's busiest streets. You may have
trouble finding one if you are on the outskirts of Chuncheon or during
rush hour when most are in use. The word "Taxi" is used in Korean, so it
will be easy to ask someone to tell you where a taxi might be.
Taxis can be identified by a sign located on the top of the car,
although they also have a red LED sign with Hangul characters inside
their windshield. If this sign is on, it means that the taxi is
available to be hailed. This sign will be off when they are already
transporting a customer. To hail a taxi, simply reach out to the street
when an available taxi approaches, and it will then stop.
Taxis
are the best option for short trips around the city and are ideal for
when you need door-to-door service. They are especially useful when you
go shopping and take your groceries with you, as you can put your
purchases in the back seat or in the trunk. Another benefit is when
traveling in a group, as the fare is the same regardless of the number
of people on the trip.
Most taxi drivers do not speak English,
much less Spanish, so it is a good idea to carry the address of your
destination written in Korean to show the taxi driver.
By bus
While bus numbers are clearly marked and always run the same routes,
most do not follow any kind of schedule and a traveler could wait at the
stop for five minutes or more than an hour. In addition, buses can be
very crowded, having to wait for people to get off along the way to get
a seat. Bus stops are located throughout the city, but it may be
necessary to walk a bit from where you are to the stop or from the stop
to the destination. However, buses are cheaper when traveling alone or
going quite far outside the city. The fare is usually ₩1,100 per person.
Most Koreans who travel by bus regularly have a card with a chip that
they scan when boarding to pay the fare. As a traveler, you will need to
put the exact amount of cash into a slot at the front when boarding.
As you approach your destination stop, press the red button to the
right of the passenger-side exit door halfway down the road. This will
alert the driver to stop and open the doors. You should get off quickly,
as they often close quickly and start again before the passenger has
even reached the ground.
By bike
It is possible to rent bikes
at several shops in the city. One is located near Namchuncheon Station,
once you exit Exit No. 1, you must walk two hundred meters under the
railway line. Another shop is located at Exit No. 2 of Chuncheon
Station. The rental costs ₩3,000 per hour or ₩10,000 per day.
Koreans rely heavily on small, individual stores to provide goods and
services for specific things. The idea of a mega store that sells
everything is newer, but it is growing in popularity. There are a few of
these types of "mega" stores in Chuncheon, making it easy for a
foreigner to find most of the groceries and general household items they
need.
Emart - The closest thing to a Walmart equivalent, Emart is
a large shopping mall with most everything you could need. The lower
level is a food court and grocery center, the second level a department
store, and additional levels for parking. Emart is located on the south
side of Chuncheon.
GS Mart - A bit smaller than Emart, GS mart offers
much of the same in terms of products and prices. GS Mart also has a
food court upstairs that includes a McDonald's. Some local Koreans seem
to prefer GS Mart due to its "cleaner" and less crowded nature, but it
doesn't offer as wide a selection of groceries and household items as
Emart. GS Mart can be found in Seoksadong on the east side of Chuncheon.
Home Plus ,Toegye-dong 144-1. 10am-midnight. It is E-mart's main
competitor in Korea. It is, for the most part, exactly like Wal-mart or
E-mart. It has all the essentials you could ever need in a four-story
building. Produce, groceries, electronics, hardware, household items,
kitchen supplies, beauty products, cleaning supplies... obviously the
list goes on. If you live in Toegye-dong, it's the best and probably the
most enclosed market you can get to. It even has a really delicious food
court in B1 and an American-style restaurant (buffet style) in B2.
Chuncheon has several restaurant-rich districts. One such area is
Dakgalbi Street, which is packed with restaurants that specialize in the
dish. Dakgalbi (Hangul: 닭갈비) is a delicious grilled chicken dish with
vegetables and topped with a spicy Gochujang sauce. Most restaurants
will offer tables with chairs and tables with floor seating. Chicken,
rice cakes, vegetables are grilled before you in the pan on the table.
Near the back gate of Kangwon National University are several places for
Korean and foreign cuisine. One block east of the bus terminal, you'll
find dozens of restaurants serving a wide variety of Korean dishes. The
downtown market has several inexpensive food stalls serving all kinds of
Korean food. Also get fresh fruit, sweets, rice cake, meat, and seasonal
gaegogi (dog meat) here. A five-day market near the main post office
also has delicious dishes, as well as produce, fish, etc.
Hajukol. This upmarket restaurant on the eastern edge of the Chuncheon
urban area serves lunch for around ₩18,000 per person. The menu comes
with many dishes, appealing both to the eye and the taste.
Outback
Steakhouse (Across the street from the E-Mart bus terminal.) The
Australian restaurant. Many different types of appetizers and meats.
Around ₩10,000 for burgers and ₩35,000 for steak.
Peace of Mind
Bakery and Book Cafe, 200-933 Gangwon-do Chuncheon-si Soksadong 114-12
(Hangul: 200-933 강원도 준 전시 석사동 114-12) (take a taxi), ☏ [33-262-7864] ,
[11-9129-4706]. This cafe is filled with so many books that it can be
considered a library. They serve bread as a side dish and offer meat,
Italian food, and specialty teas. Before leaving, the customer has the
option to buy baked snacks to go (like cookies) and specialty teas.
Relaxing music plays in the background from a satellite service. The
shop owner is a gentleman who speaks fluent English and is extremely
friendly, he loves what he does.
Vips . A western-style buffet with a
Korean twist. Here, customers can order steak, an all-you-can-eat salad
bar (with free drinks included), tacos, fried chicken, and more.
American music plays in the background. Buffet, around ₩25,000.
Chuncheon has many bars and small local establishments serving beer
and coffee and a limited selection of food. These small establishments
are called "Hof's".
Sheriff's (Back gate of Kangwon National
University.) Decent music, a couple of darts and a good selection of
cocktails and beer, this western-styled and themed bar is a popular
hangout for university students and foreign expats working in Chuncheon.
Tudari - A major chain of Hof's serving mostly Korean beer and bar
food. Generally nice and clean inside and fairly inexpensive. Tudari
establishments can be found all over Chuncheon without much searching.
Hard Rock (Back gate of Kangwon University across from Johnny's Bar
on the main "bar street".) A good 'western' bar with a great selection
of cocktails and imported beers, both bottled and on tap. Guinness,
Heineken and Sapporo on tap – they'll even do a 'black and tan'. They
also carry some hard-to-find import bottles, such as Duvel, XXXX, German
weizens and even North Korean-made "Taedonggang", along with the regular
Korean bar food and Korean beer.
Motels can be found in many places in Chuncheon. While they vary in
price, they tend to be around £40,000.
Jjim Jil Bang (찜질방),
Yagsa-dong 150-10. A South Korean cultural experience that is not common
anywhere else. If one is a visitor, the pleasurable experience depends
on how well one can sleep. Essentially, the setting contains different
rooms in a common area for family and friends to sleep. These rooms
include: lockers, gender-separated showers and bathrooms, common
sleeping area on the floor, gender-separated dormitories, saunas (hot
rooms), snack shops, and massage rooms. It is advised that the first
night will most likely be difficult to sleep if one is not used to
sleeping on hard floors or sleeping with snoring.
Jasujung Bool Sauna
(자수정불 사우나). The lobby will provide customers with a pair of pajamas.
This place includes blankets for rent, but must be done before 00:30
(otherwise the shop will be closed). It also includes an indoor Bang PC,
an exercise room, and a restaurant. ₩8,000.
1 Zak's Guest House ,☏
[10-4048-8139], ✉ . Zak is a friendly Texan who will give you a warm
welcome. The clean house has a large kitchen and a small garden. Dorm:
₩22,000-27,000, Double: ₩50,000-65,000.
Chuncheon Sejong Hotel ,☏
[33-252-1191].
Chuncheon Bears Tourist Hotel ,☏ [33-256-2525].
Doosan Resort, ☏ [33-240-8000].
Buses run regularly to most major cities, including Seoul, from
Chuncheon Bus Station on the south side of the city. It may be worth
asking in advance at the station if you're unsure of bus times.
A
popular spot for locals and other East Asian tourists is Nam-i Island,
which consists of tree-lined boulevards that are among the set locations
for the popular Korean drama series Winter Sonata. Particularly romantic
when it snows in winter and popular with couples.
Prehistoric and Ancient Beginnings (Before 57 BCE)
Chuncheon’s
history begins in prehistoric times, with evidence of human habitation
dating back thousands of years. Archaeological discoveries, such as
stone tools and pottery, housed in the Chuncheon National Museum and
Hallym University Museum, indicate that the region was settled during
the Paleolithic and Neolithic periods. The fertile basin formed by the
Soyang and Han Rivers provided ideal conditions for early communities,
supporting hunting, gathering, and rudimentary agriculture.
During the Bronze Age (circa 1500–300 BCE), the area saw the development
of more structured settlements, with dolmens and other megalithic
structures suggesting organized social systems. These findings align
with broader Korean Peninsula patterns, where river valleys were cradles
for early cultures. By the Iron Age, Chuncheon’s strategic location made
it a focal point for emerging tribal societies, setting the stage for
its role in Korea’s ancient kingdoms.
Three Kingdoms and Early
Historic Period (57 BCE–935 CE)
Chuncheon’s historical significance
grew during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE–668 CE), when the kingdoms
of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla vied for control of the Korean Peninsula.
The region, located in what was then the northern frontier, was
primarily under Goguryeo’s influence due to its proximity to the Han
River basin, a critical strategic and economic corridor.
Goguryeo
Dominance (37 BCE–668 CE): Goguryeo, a powerful northern kingdom,
controlled much of present-day Gangwon Province, including Chuncheon.
The city’s riverine location facilitated trade and military movements,
and Goguryeo likely established fortifications in the area to secure its
southern borders. Archaeological evidence, such as pottery and iron
weapons, supports Goguryeo’s presence.
Silla’s Expansion (668–935
CE): After Silla unified the peninsula under the Unified Silla period
(668–935 CE), Chuncheon was integrated into Silla’s administrative
system. The region’s Buddhist culture flourished, with temples like
Cheongpyeongsa (founded in the 7th century, though rebuilt later)
becoming spiritual centers. Silla’s influence is evident in artifacts
like gilt-bronze Buddha statues found in the region, displayed in the
Chuncheon National Museum.
During this period, Chuncheon’s role was
primarily as a regional outpost, supporting agriculture and serving as a
defensive buffer against northern tribes like the Jurchens. Its
isolation due to surrounding mountains preserved local traditions but
limited its prominence compared to capitals like Gyeongju or Gaegyeong.
Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392)
The Goryeo Dynasty marked a significant
phase in Chuncheon’s development, as the region was formally organized
under the name "Gangwon" in 983 CE during King Seongjong’s reign.
Chuncheon emerged as an administrative center within Gangwon Province,
benefiting from Goryeo’s centralized bureaucracy.
Administrative
Role: Chuncheon was designated as a key regional hub, with local
officials overseeing taxation, agriculture, and defense. The city’s
fertile lands supported rice and barley production, contributing to
Goryeo’s economy.
Buddhist Influence: Goryeo’s strong Buddhist
culture left a lasting mark on Chuncheon. Temples like Woljeongsa (in
nearby Odaesan, founded 643 CE but expanded under Goryeo) influenced
local religious life, and Chuncheon became a pilgrimage destination for
monks and laypeople.
Military Significance: The city’s proximity to
northern borders made it a defensive outpost against Khitan and Jurchen
incursions. Fortifications were built along the Soyang and Han Rivers,
though few remnants survive today.
Chuncheon’s relative isolation
during Goryeo preserved its rural character, but its strategic location
ensured its inclusion in national defense and trade networks,
particularly via river routes to the Han River.
Joseon Dynasty
(1392–1897)
The Joseon Dynasty brought significant administrative and
cultural changes to Chuncheon, reinforcing its role as a regional
capital within Gangwon Province. Joseon’s Confucian policies shaped the
city’s social and political life, while its natural resources supported
economic stability.
Administrative Center: Chuncheon was
designated the seat of Gangwon’s provincial government, with the Gangwon
Provincial Office overseeing regional affairs. The city’s magistrates
managed agriculture, taxation, and local law enforcement, maintaining
order in a mountainous region prone to banditry.
Confucian Influence:
Joseon’s emphasis on Confucianism led to the establishment of hyanggyo
(local Confucian schools) in Chuncheon, educating the yangban
(scholar-official) class. The city’s elites contributed to Joseon’s
bureaucratic system, though Chuncheon remained secondary to Seoul’s
political stage.
Economic Base: The region’s economy relied on
agriculture, with rice, barley, and soybeans as staples. Chuncheon’s
rivers supported fishing and trade, while its forests provided timber.
Local markets, precursors to modern Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street, began to
flourish, trading goods like buckwheat noodles (makguksu).
Military
Role: Chuncheon’s proximity to northern borders made it a military hub.
Fortresses were maintained to deter invasions, particularly during the
Imjin War (1592–1598), when Japanese forces under Toyotomi Hideyoshi
invaded Korea. While Chuncheon itself was not a major battleground, it
supplied troops and resources to Joseon’s defense efforts.
During the
late Joseon period, Chuncheon faced challenges from natural disasters
and economic stagnation, common in rural regions. However, its cultural
traditions, including folk music and storytelling, thrived, laying the
groundwork for modern festivals like the Chuncheon International Early
Music Festival.
Japanese Colonial Period (1910–1945)
The
Japanese colonial period was a tumultuous time for Chuncheon, as Korea
lost its sovereignty. The Japanese administration reorganized Gangwon
Province, exploiting Chuncheon’s resources and reshaping its social
fabric.
Resource Exploitation: The Japanese extracted timber and
minerals from Chuncheon’s forests and mountains, particularly jade from
the Oksanga jade mine. Agricultural output, especially rice, was
diverted to Japan, causing economic hardship for locals.
Administrative Changes: Chuncheon remained a regional administrative
center, but Japanese officials imposed strict controls, suppressing
Korean cultural practices. Local schools were forced to teach in
Japanese, and Confucian traditions were undermined.
Resistance
Movements: Chuncheon saw pockets of resistance, with locals
participating in the March 1st Movement (1919) and other anti-colonial
activities. The city’s mountainous terrain provided hiding spots for
independence fighters, though overt rebellion was limited due to
Japanese surveillance.
Infrastructure Development: The Japanese built
early rail and road networks, including parts of the Gyeongchun Line, to
facilitate resource extraction and military movements. These
developments inadvertently laid the foundation for modern transportation
in Chuncheon.
The colonial period left Chuncheon economically
depleted but culturally resilient, with locals preserving traditions
like dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), which emerged as a comfort
food during hard times.
Post-Liberation and Korean War
(1945–1953)
After Japan’s surrender in 1945, Chuncheon entered a
period of transition and conflict. The division of Korea along the 38th
parallel placed Chuncheon in South Korea, close to the newly formed
Demilitarized Zone (DMZ).
Post-Liberation Recovery: Chuncheon
struggled with economic recovery as Korea transitioned from colonial
rule. The Gangwon Provincial Office, located in Chuncheon, played a key
role in rebuilding the region’s administration.
Korean War
(1950–1953): Chuncheon was a significant battleground during the Korean
War due to its proximity to the 38th parallel. The city changed hands
multiple times between North Korean, South Korean, and UN forces. Key
battles, such as the Battle of Chuncheon (June–October 1950), saw
intense fighting, with North Korean forces initially capturing the city
before UN counteroffensives, including the Incheon Landing, reclaimed
it. The war devastated Chuncheon’s infrastructure, with much of the city
reduced to rubble.
Humanitarian Impact: The war displaced thousands
of Chuncheon residents, and the city became a refuge for North Korean
defectors, some of whom settled in Abai Village (now a cultural site).
The Ethiopian Veterans Memorial Hall in Chuncheon commemorates the
contributions of Ethiopian soldiers who fought alongside UN forces.
The Korean War left deep scars on Chuncheon, but it also marked the
beginning of its transformation into a modern city, as post-war
reconstruction efforts prioritized infrastructure and education.
Post-War Reconstruction and Modernization (1953–2000)
In the decades
following the Korean War, Chuncheon embarked on a remarkable journey of
recovery and modernization, leveraging its natural beauty and strategic
location.
Infrastructure Development: The construction of the
Soyang Dam (1967–1973), Asia’s largest gravel dam, was a pivotal moment.
The dam created Soyang Lake, dubbed the "ocean within the land," which
boosted tourism and provided hydroelectric power. The Gyeongchun Line
and later the Seoul-Chuncheon Expressway (now Seoul-Yangyang Expressway)
improved connectivity to Seoul, making Chuncheon a viable day-trip
destination.
Educational Hub: Chuncheon became a center for
education, with institutions like Kangwon National University (founded
1947) and Hallym University (1982) attracting students and fostering
research. These universities contributed to the city’s intellectual and
cultural vibrancy.
Cultural Preservation: Despite modernization,
Chuncheon preserved its historical sites. The Chuncheon National Museum
(opened 2002) showcases artifacts from prehistoric times to the Joseon
period, while temples like Cheongpyeongsa were restored. The city’s
traditional cuisine, particularly dakgalbi and makguksu, gained national
recognition, with Chuncheon Dakgalbi Street becoming a culinary
landmark.
Tourism Boom: Chuncheon’s natural attractions, including
Namiseom Island, Uiam Lake, and Jade Garden Natural Arboretum, drew
domestic tourists. The city’s profile rose further after being featured
in the 2002 K-drama Winter Sonata, which sparked Hallyu (Korean Wave)
tourism, particularly from East Asia. Namiseom, a filming location,
became a global romantic destination.
During this period, Chuncheon
balanced modernization with cultural preservation, transforming from a
war-torn city into a hub of education, culture, and tourism. Festivals
like the Chuncheon International Mime Festival (started in the 1980s)
and the Chuncheon Dakgalbi & Makguksu Festival (launched in the 1990s)
highlighted its vibrant arts and culinary scenes.
Contemporary
Chuncheon (2000–Present)
Since the turn of the millennium, Chuncheon
has solidified its status as a cultural and tourism powerhouse while
navigating modern challenges. Its population, approximately 280,000 as
of 2023, reflects a stable, mid-sized city with a slower pace than
Seoul.
Hallyu and Global Recognition: The success of Winter
Sonata made Chuncheon a pilgrimage site for K-drama fans, boosting
tourism to Namiseom, Gangchon Rail Park, and other filming locations.
The city capitalized on this by promoting cultural events like the
Chuncheon International AniTown Festival, which celebrates Korean
animation, and the Soyang Festival, highlighting the dam’s cultural
history.
Economic Diversification: While tourism remains a
cornerstone, Chuncheon has diversified its economy. The KT&G
Sangsangmadang Chuncheon Arts Center supports local artists and K-pop
culture, while Legoland Korea Resort (opened 2022) attracts families.
The city also fosters small-scale industries, including animation
(evidenced by the Animation Museum) and traditional liquor production
(soju, makgeolli).
International Engagement: Chuncheon has engaged in
global cultural exchange, hosting international festivals and athletes
like Jin Jong-oh (Olympic shooter) and producing stars like Son
Heung-min (footballer). However, it also faced diplomatic tensions, such
as suspending its sister-city relationship with Kakamigahara, Japan, in
2005 over the Dokdo Islands dispute.
Modern Challenges: Chuncheon
faces issues like rural depopulation, as younger residents move to
Seoul, and environmental concerns tied to tourism and dam maintenance.
The city is investing in sustainable tourism and green initiatives, such
as eco-friendly trails and the Chuncheon Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable
Car, to balance growth with preservation.