Things To Do
in Chuncheon

Chuncheon, South Korea, is a picturesque city known for its beautiful lakes and mountains, making it a popular destination for nature lovers. The city is steeped in culture and history, with various museums and historical sites to explore. Chuncheon is famous for its vibrant food scene, particularly its signature dish, dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken).

With its stunning landscapes and rich culinary traditions, Chuncheon offers visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventures and cultural experiences.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Day 1: Exploring Nature and Culture
morning
:

Start your day with a visit to Nami Island, a beautiful half-moon shaped island known for its tree-lined avenues and stunning scenery. Take a leisurely walk or rent a bike to explore the island.

afternoon
:

Head back to Chuncheon and visit the Chuncheon Myeongdong Street, where you can shop for local crafts and souvenirs. Enjoy a late lunch at a local restaurant serving dakgalbi.

evening
:

Visit the Soyang Dam for sunset views and enjoy a peaceful evening by the lake. For dinner, try one of the local barbecue restaurants.

day 2
Day 2: Adventure and Relaxation
morning
:

Begin your day at the Chuncheon National Museum, where you can learn about the region's history and culture. Afterward, take a stroll around the beautiful Lake Uiam.

afternoon
:

Engage in outdoor activities like paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Uiam. Afterward, indulge in a late lunch at a lakeside café.

evening
:

Wrap up your visit with a night walk along the Chuncheon Stream, followed by dinner at a traditional Korean restaurant. Consider trying out some local craft beers at a nearby pub.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍜Meal at a local restaurant$8
Cup of coffee$3
🚍Public transport ticket$1
🏨Hotel room per night$50
🍺Craft beer$5

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning natural scenery and outdoor activities.
  • Rich cultural experiences and historical sites.
  • Delicious local cuisine, especially dakgalbi.
  • Public transport may be limited in rural areas.
  • Language barrier may pose challenges for non-Korean speakers.
  • Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
  • "안녕하세요" - Hello
  • "감사합니다" - Thank you
  • "화장실 어디에요?" - Where is the bathroom?
  • "도와주세요" - Help me, please
  • "얼마에요?" - How much is this?

Places to Visit in Chuncheon

Visit one of these nice places.

Nami Island

An iconic location with stunning tree-lined paths and seasonal foliage, perfect for capturing breathtaking landscapes.

Soyang Dam

A picturesque site with panoramic views of the lake and surrounding mountains, especially beautiful at sunset.

Chuncheon Stream

The stream offers beautiful views along its banks, particularly enchanting during the cherry blossom season.

Culinary Guide

Food in Chuncheon

Chuncheon is a food lover's paradise, renowned for its delicious local dishes and vibrant street food culture. Visitors can enjoy a variety of flavors, from savory to sweet.

Chuncheon Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Dakgalbi

A spicy stir-fried chicken dish cooked with vegetables and rice cakes, often enjoyed at communal tables.

Must-Try!

Makguksu

Cold buckwheat noodles served with a spicy sauce and topped with vegetables, perfect for a hot day.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Chuncheon Myeongdong Street

A bustling street filled with food stalls offering various local snacks such as tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) and hotteok (sweet pancakes).

Climate Guide

Weather

Chuncheon experiences four distinct seasons. Spring (March to May) is mild, with temperatures ranging from 10°C to 20°C. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Autumn (September to November) is cool and clear, with temperatures dropping to around 10°C to 20°C and beautiful foliage. Winter (December to February) is cold, with temperatures often falling below 0°C, and snowfall is common.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Respect for Elders

Koreans show great respect for elders; it’s customary to bow when greeting someone older.

Dining Etiquette

Wait for the oldest person to start eating before you begin. Avoid sticking chopsticks upright in rice.

Public Behavior

Maintain a quiet demeanor in public places, and avoid loud conversations or phone calls.

Safety Guide

Safety

Chuncheon is generally a safe city with low crime rates. However, it's always wise to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas. Emergency services can be reached by dialing 112 for police and 119 for medical assistance.

Tipping in Chuncheon

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Customs

Tipping is not common in South Korea, but round up the bill or leave small change as a gesture of appreciation.

Payment Methods

Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's advisable to carry cash, especially in smaller shops and markets.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Spring is ideal for viewing cherry blossoms, especially in April. The weather is mild, making outdoor activities enjoyable.

Summer

Summer can be hot and humid, but it's perfect for water sports on the lakes. Be prepared for occasional rain.

Autumn

Autumn features stunning foliage, with vibrant colors from late September to November. It's a great time for hiking.

Winter

Winter can be cold, but the snowy landscapes offer beautiful scenery. Skiing and winter sports are popular in nearby resorts.

Nightlife Guide

Chuncheon at Night

Chuncheon's nightlife offers a mix of laid-back bars, lively pubs, and karaoke rooms. Popular among locals and tourists, the nightlife scene centers around Chuncheon Myeongdong Street, where you can find various venues serving craft beers and cocktails. Enjoying a late-night snack of street food is also a favorite activity, with many stalls open until late.

Hiking in Chuncheon

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Bukhansan National Park

Located about an hour's drive from Chuncheon, it offers various trails with breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna.

Seoraksan National Park

Around a two-hour drive from Chuncheon, this park is famous for its rugged peaks and beautiful landscapes, ideal for hiking enthusiasts.

Airports

How to reach Chuncheon by plane.

Wonju Airport

Located about 37 km from Chuncheon, Wonju Airport offers domestic flights and is the closest airport to the city.

Getting Around

Walkability

Chuncheon is relatively walkable, especially in the downtown area where many attractions are located within walking distance. Sidewalks are well-maintained, and pedestrian crossings are common. However, some areas may require transportation to reach more remote attractions.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Students

Chuncheon has a significant student population due to the presence of universities, contributing to the vibrant atmosphere.

Tourists

The city attracts numerous tourists throughout the year, particularly during the cherry blossom and autumn foliage seasons.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Baseball

Baseball is hugely popular in South Korea, and Chuncheon has its own team that draws enthusiastic crowds during the season.

Soccer

Soccer is another favorite sport among locals, with community matches and leagues frequently organized.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic in Chuncheon can vary; while it’s generally manageable, rush hours may see increased congestion. Public transportation, including buses and taxis, is reliable and affordable, making it easy to navigate the city without a car.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Chuncheon.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian Options

Chuncheon has some vegetarian-friendly restaurants, but it's advisable to communicate your dietary needs clearly.

Gluten-Free Options

Gluten-free options may be limited; it’s best to check with restaurant staff to avoid dishes containing wheat.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare in Chuncheon is accessible, with several hospitals and clinics available for both locals and tourists. Emergency services are prompt, and many doctors speak basic English. It's advisable to have travel insurance to cover any medical expenses.

Discover Korea, South

Read more in our Korea, South 2025 Travel Guide.

Korea, South Travel Guide