Ch'unch'on Things to Do

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Like in nearby nami island, this hip street of Chuncheon City became more popular due to the "Winter Sonata" since this street is the setting where the lead characters shop and eat the famous gangwon province specialty, the Dak Galbi (Sweet and Spicy Chicken Wings).This popular street is in the heart of downtown Chuncheon and Fast-food restaurants, movie theaters, nightclubs, and more pack the streets of this hip and trendy area. The street was originally known as Joyang-dong Street. The current name, Myeong-dong Street, comes from Seoul’s hippest shopping district, Myeong-dong. The famous food street, with many tasty Dak galbi restaurants is located right behind this shopping street. (Again see my videos!)

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Besides Winter Sonata and Strolling around the island in Bikes, another popular thing to do is to watch assorted International Festivals which is all year round here. The motif in june was international childrens paintings and in July was a world ethnic music festival.

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this is Gapyeong Wharf, where you can buy tickets to go to Nami Island, it is located 30 minutes from Chuncheon City proper and about 1 hour from Seoul Suburbs.

A 5 minute ferry ride from the gapyeong wharf (included in the ticket) starts the adventure.

Admission: Adults: 5,000 won, Youths: 3,500 won, Children: 2,500 won
Hours: 08:00 ~ 21:00 (Open throughout the year)

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This is the main setting of the highly acclaimed Winter Sonata, which started the Hallyu (korean wave of television dramas that became popular in asia and North America) that is why you see that tourist here are mostly asian with just a few caucasians.

Due to this, General Nami (whose Exploits earned him the name of the island in the 1500's) was overshadowed hence nami island is more known as Winter Sonata Country!

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Bongwisan is a tiny mountain located right behind the provincial office in Chuncheon. To get there, simply follow the street signs leading to the provincial office. Next, face the office gate and turn right. There is a small road/alley that leads to the trailhead and on up to the mountain.

There is not much to see at the top, except some radio towers and a few peek-a-boo views through the trees. But it makes for a nice day trip and a little exercise. You can also come down on the other side and see a quaint little temple before heading back to town.

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Samak mountain (654 meters) is a very strenuous hike with some very good views of Chuncheon as well as the river running below. One side is about 2km straight up - ladders, ropes, chains, cables, and hand over hand climbing come into play. But it's not as bad as it sounds. I saw elementary school kids doing the same climb so it's not all that bad.

On the other side, at the bottom of the mountain, is a small waterfall as well as a few little mom and pop shops. This hike is great if you are short on time or just want to spend a few hours out of the city.