[470 Trip] Chuncheon, Land of Adventure and Flavor

2025-05-12     Ku Ji-won
A symbolic tribute to Chuncheon’s dakgalbi heritage./Photography by Lee Jae-won

      Chuncheon is a city that seamlessly blends natural beauty with a variety of extreme activities. In 2024, the city attracted approximately 10 million visitors, with popular tourist destinations, such as Nami Island, drawing significant attention from both domestic and international travelers. Easily accessible via the Gyeongchun Line from Seoul, Chuncheon offers convenient transport connections, a significant advantage for visitors. Beyond its well-known attractions, the city also boasts a rich historical background and diverse cultural resources, providing tourists with a deeper and more immersive experience. These unique qualities have helped Chuncheon emerge as a rising destination of interest both within South Korea and abroad.

 

Foreign tourist taxi: Customized tourism service

   Chuncheon provides special services tailored for international tourists. The “Foreign Tourist Taxi Service” allows visitors to explore the city with ease, offering reservations both on-site and online. A passport is required to use the service, which can accommodate up to 4 people per taxi, with a fare of 30,000 KRW. The basic course includes a visit to Chuncheon’s traditional landmarks, such as the Central Market, Myeongdong Street, and Pungmul Market. For those seeking more personalized experience, the service also offers visits to other attractions like the Makguksu Museum, adding more variety to the trip. This service not only provides a convenient mode of transportation but also gives visitors the chance to experience the city’s vibrant culture and attractions firsthand.

 

Extreme sports and stunning scenery

   For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Chuncheon offers a variety of extreme sports and outdoor adventures set against breathtaking natural landscapes. The city’s rail bike ride, which runs along the Gyeongchun Line, offers a scenic route where visitors can enjoy the open beauty of nature while pedaling through tranquil surroundings. The Chuncheon cable car ride provides spectacular panoramic views of the city and mountains from above, offering an unforgettable experience.

   Chuncheon is also renowned for its extreme sports and experiential activities, including the Skywalk, suspension bridge, and canoeing. The 174-meter-long Skywalk, located above Soyang River, allows visitors to take in stunning views from a thrilling height, while canoeing along the Chungdo Water Trail offers an opportunity to experience nature up close. For those seeking unique adventures, special events like survival canoeing and party canoeing are also available, offering a fresh and exciting take on the typical outdoor experience.

 

The delights of Chuncheon’s cuisine

   Chuncheon’s culinary scene is equally exciting, with local specialties that reflect the city’s heritage and culture. Among the most popular dishes are Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and Makguksu (buckwheat noodles), both of which offer an authentic taste of Chuncheon’s culinary identity. Dakgalbi is a flavorful dish made by stir-frying chicken with spicy seasoning and fresh vegetables. It is known for its bold, spicy taste. The dish gained fame in the 1970s when a number of dakgalbi restaurants opened in the alleys behind Myeongdong in Chuncheon, making the most of the region’s thriving poultry industry. Today, the dish is synonymous with Chuncheon, and whenever Koreans think of dakgalbi, they often associate it with this city.

   Makguksu, another local favorite, is made from buckwheat noodles grown in the region, served cold with a clear, refreshing broth. This dish is typically enjoyed by mixing the noodles with a tangy sauce and water kimchi broth, creating a satisfying, cool meal perfect for the warmer months. Both dakgalbi and makguksu offer tourists a chance to savor the traditional flavors of the region, providing a culinary experience that reflects the city’s unique cultural identity.

 

   With its harmonious combination of natural beauty, exhilarating activities, and food, Chuncheon offers a well-rounded experience. The city’s customized services make exploring the area easier, while adventure seekers can enjoy activities like rail biking, cable cars, and the Skywalk for a thrilling experience. Additionally, Chuncheon’s iconic dishes, such as dakgalbi and makguksu, provide visitors with an unforgettable taste of the region’s culinary culture. Whether it is nature, adventure, or cuisine that draws you in, Chuncheon is an ideal destination for a well-rounded and memorable trip.