A Healing Journey Where Beautiful Lake Scenery Soothes the Heart

Chuncheon is known as the city of lakes. As the Bukhangang River was dammed to build Chuncheondam, Uiamdam, and Soyangdam, huge lakes such as Chuncheonho, Uiamho, and Soyangho were formed. Yi Jung-hwan even ranked the Soyanggang river basin as the second-best place to live, after the Daedonggang basin in Pyongyang. From Soyangdam to the historic Cheongpyeongsa Temple, reached by excursion boat, this makes for a special lake journey through the lakeside city of Chuncheon.

Along the way

1. 1

   Soyangdam

   소양댐

   Soyangho, Korea's largest artificial lake along with Chungjuho, is the largest rockfill dam in Asia and the fourth largest in the world. Bordering Chuncheon, Hongcheon, Yanggu, and Inje, it is often called an inland sea. Completed in October 1973, the dam stands 123m high and 530m long, holds 2.9 billion tons of water, and generates 200,000kW/h, contributing greatly as a multipurpose dam supplying domestic water, agricultural and light-industrial water, and flood control for the Chuncheon, Gyeonggi, and Seoul areas. A tourist speedboat runs the long 60km waterway to Yanggu and Inje, connecting as far as Naeseorak, and the lake is also well known as a freshwater fishing spot for smelt, Israeli carp, and trout. MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Soyangho Excursion Boat

   소양호 유람선

   Covering 1,608ha with a storage capacity of 2.7 billion tons, a straight-line water distance of 60km, and a winding shoreline of 120km, Soyangho was formed in 1973 when Soyanggang Dam, then Asia's largest rockfill dam, was built. It is Korea's largest lake by area and storage, and is also called an inland sea. As a waterway, a tourist speedboat covers the 27km from Soyanggang Dam to Seokhyeon-ri Pier in Yanggu-eup in just 30 minutes, and another runs the 64km to Bupyeong-ri Pier in Inje-gun in two hours while taking in the scenery of Naeseorak; both operate twice a day from May to October each year. MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Cheongpyeongsa Temple

   청평사

   About 10 minutes by boat across the lake from the Soyangho pier, Cheongpyeongsa Temple appears, nestled at the foot of beautiful Mt. Obongsan (779m). It was first built in 973, in the reign of King Gwangjong of Goryeo, by the monk Yeonghyeon. In the 6th year of King Seonjong of Goryeo (1089), Yi Ja-hyeon, who had passed the state examination, gave up his official post and came to live in seclusion here at Cheongpyeongsan, devoting himself to Seon (Zen) meditation. He built a large garden around Cheongpyeongsa that made the most of the natural scenery. The temple sits beside Guseong Falls, 9m high and said to make nine different sounds, and Cheongpyeongsa Valley, known for its crystal-clear water and outstanding scenery. Hoejeonmun Gate, Treasure No. 164, and a three-story stone pagoda still remain today. MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Lunch (Tongnamujip Dakgalbi, Myeongga Makguksu)

   점심식사(통나무집닭갈비, 명가막국수)

   [Tongnamujip Dakgalbi] Tongnamujip Dakgalbi is a local restaurant near the entrance to Soyangdam with a café-like atmosphere that blends well with its natural surroundings. [Myeongga Makguksu] Since long ago, Saembat has been known for the abundance brought by the clear water of the Soyanggang River, growing all kinds of grains and fruit, and it has long been famous for its many good restaurants. Myeongga Makguksu, previously known as Hoban Makguksu, has long been a beloved buckwheat-noodle restaurant among Chuncheon locals. Besides its makguksu, it is also well known for the flavor of its young radish-green kimchi. MoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Golden Scale Theme Street

   황금비늘테마거리

   Chuncheon is often called the city of lakes because it is surrounded by Uiamho, Chuncheonho, and Soyangho. National Route 46 runs alongside the Bukhangang River on the way to Chuncheon, making for a pleasant drive, and the Gyeongchun Line train offers the romance of a train journey. Gongjicheon Lake has boating facilities for visitors of all ages, so for three seasons of the year, excluding winter, you can enjoy the water while admiring the scenery of Jungdo Island and the shores of Uiamho. MoreLess

   

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6. 6
   Gubongsan Observatory

   구봉산전망대

   One of Chuncheon's best driving courses, Gubongsan Observatory surprises visitors both day and night. Centered on the observatory at the summit, it is a renowned spot for taking in Chuncheon's spectacular night view. In the twilight hours, Chuncheon's night scenery puts on a spectacle unlike any other city. MoreLess

   

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