Cut Through the Lake Waters and Enjoy Summer

Instead of a typical summer getaway, how about an itinerary along the rivers and lakes of Chuncheon? Chuncheon offers plenty of refreshing waters that cool you down just by looking at them. This is not a trip where you merely admire views of rivers and lakes from afar. You can enjoy the summer floating over the water as naturally as walking on a road—paddling a wooden canoe, crossing Soyangho Lake by boat, and visiting Cheongpyeongsa Temple, a millennium-old sanctuary.

Along the way

1. 1

   Soyangho Lake

   소양호

   Created in October 1973 by damming the Soyanggang River, Soyangho Lake boasts a massive scale with a dam length of 530m, height of 123m, water surface linear distance of 60km, and curved surface distance of 120km. Soyangho Lake is well known for carp fishing. The 150-ri (approx. 60km) waterway from Soyang Dam to Inje is as picturesque as a painting, continuously drawing visitors. Surrounded by splendid natural scenery, along with Cheongpyeongsa Temple from the Goryeo Dynasty and Obongsan Mountain famous for its rocky crags, it is spotlighted as a great day-trip destination. Visitors can also enjoy fishing for freshwater fish and trout, as well as smelt in early winter. With an abundance of fish species, it excites anglers throughout all four seasons. Chugok Mineral Spring, famous for its great-tasting water, adds further delight to touring Soyangho Lake. At the Soyang Dam dock, passenger boats to Cheongpyeongsa Temple and Yanggu as well as sightseeing cruise ships operate; the cruise ships cutting through the water blend harmoniously with the surrounding landscape like a painting. At the top of the dam, convenient facilities such as restaurants, coffee shops, the Water Culture Hall, and rest areas are available.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Cheongpyeongsa Temple

   청평사

   Taking a boat from the Soyangho dock for about 10 minutes across the lake brings you to Cheongpyeongsa Temple, nestled warmly at the foot of scenic Obongsan Mountain (779m). It was first established by Master Yeonghyeon during the reign of King Gwangjong of Goryeo (973). In the 6th year of King Seonjong of Goryeo (1089), Yi Ja-hyeon, who passed the civil service examination, renounced his government post and entered Cheongpyeongsan Mountain to practice Seon (Zen) meditation in seclusion. He landscaped a large-scale garden around Cheongpyeongsa Temple that utilized the natural scenery. Stone embankments were built trapezoidally so they appeared square on the outside, valley water was channeled to create a pond, and Obongsan Mountain was reflected on the pond's surface. Master Bou restored and reconstructed the temple during the reign of King Myeongjong of Joseon. Cheongpyeongsa Temple borders Guseong Falls, which stands 9 meters high and is said to produce nine different sounds, as well as Cheongpyeongsa Valley, renowned for its crystal-clear water and outstanding landscape. Currently, Treasure No. 164 Hoejeonmun Gate and a three-story stone pagoda remain.MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Soyangho Makguksu Street

   소양호 막국수거리

   Makguksu, also known as memil makguksu, is thick noodles made from coarse buckwheat flour with only the outer husks removed. In the past, buckwheat noodles served to special guests in the Chuncheon region became popularized right after the Korean War as people began making and selling noodles everywhere to earn a living. The area around Soyangho Lake in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, is especially famous as a Makguksu Street. Famous restaurants frequented by Chuncheon locals gather here, bustling with customers on weekdays as well as weekends. Buckwheat makguksu can be enjoyed in cold kimchi or dongchimi broth, or mixed with vegetables and seasonings, complemented by vinegar, mustard, and broth. It also pairs wonderfully with other Gangwon-do local foods like memil buchim (buckwheat pancake) or memil jeonbyeong (buckwheat crepe rolls). Nearby Soyangho Makguksu Street, Jungdo Island Tourist Area, where you can soak in the atmosphere of Uiamho Lake, and the Animation Museum, the first animation-themed museum in Korea, make great additions to the trip.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Mulle-gil

   물레길

   Chuncheon Mulle-gil is a place where you can experience water sports such as canoeing and yachting with family across Korea's beautiful lakes and rivers, sharing happiness together. Mulle-gil represents eco-tourism. It signifies a journey to find the romance, leisure, and happiness offered by nature while preserving beautiful rivers and lakes in their natural state.MoreLess

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5. 5
   Uiamho Skywalk

   의암호 스카이워크

   A skywalk is a facility where the floor of a structure over high ground or water is made of transparent glass, providing the thrill of walking in the sky. Uiamho Skywalk in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, spans a length of 190 meters, making it the largest in the country. Built between fish sculptures in the middle of the lake, this skywalk has become a new attraction in Chuncheon, offering the thrill of seeing blue river waters rolling right underfoot while admiring the hidden scenic beauty of Uiamho Lake. The floor of the skywalk is made of three laminated sheets of 1cm-thick tempered glass with special film placed between each layer. Even if one layer breaks, it prevents further damage to ensure safety. In addition, it is designed to withstand a load of 13,000 tons per square meter so that visitors can tour the surroundings with peace of mind. Crafted entirely of transparent glass except for its narrow frame, Uiamho Skywalk serves as a special destination that delivers the thrilling experience of walking right over the Bukhangang River.MoreLess

   

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