When most foreign students are talking about traveling in Korea, they are often looking forward to visiting the historical former capital, Gyeongju. However, I would also like to recommend Chuncheon in Gangwon-do, where you can feel tranquil and enjoy fresh air and nature. Because of the rugged mountain terrain of Gangwon-do, it takes a long time to get there, but you can certainly enjoy the views on the way. I want to tell you about the beautiful sights of Chuncheon that I saw as I walked along the Soyang river and Bukhan river.


① Namchuncheon Station
The last station is Chuncheon station on the Gyeongchun Line connecting Seoul to Chuncheon. However, Chuncheon station isn’t open at the moment because of construction work. Therefore, all trains are currently terminating at Namchuncheon station. When you arrive at the station, exhale deeply, and you can be refreshed by the air. Also, there are many pretty buildings here unlike the tall, grey ones that we often encounter in cities. Let’s look around Chuncheon from Namchuncheon Station as a starting point.


② Animation Museum
☞ Address: Hyeonam-ri 367, Seo-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
☞ Tel: (033) 245-6444, 6470
☞ Admission fee: Adult 4,000 won; Adolescent and younger 3,000 won
☞ Opening Hours: A.M 10:00~P.M 18:00
☞ Closed days: Mondays; the day after a public holiday)
* Admission to the museum is available until the final hour.
In the Animation Museum of Chuncheon, you can learn everything about animation. You can see animations from South Korea, North Korea, Europe, America, and so on. Furthermore, you can make sound effects by yourself in the Sound Studio and learn the principles of animation. I hope that you can relive your childhood here.



③ Chuncheon Makguksu Museum

☞ Address: Sancheon-ri 342-1, Sinbuk-eup, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
☞ Tel: (033) 250-4134, 4135
☞ Admission fee: Adult 1,000 won; Soldier, Adolescent 700 won; Child 500 won
☞ Opening Hours: A.M 09:00~P.M 18:00
☞ Experience Hours: A.M 10:00~P.M 17:00 (excluding lunchtime 12:00~13:00)
☞ Closed days: New Year’s day; the day after a public holiday)
Makguksu is the most famous dish of Chuncheon. Mountainous areas of Gangwon-do have barren soil and so the main crop is buckwheat. Makguksu is made with buckwheat. The museum introduces buckwheat and exhibits other dishes of Chuncheon. When you go up to the second floor, you can experience making Makguksu. It should taste better because you made it! The experience program is available for four groups, and a reservation should be made in advance through the Internet, while five groups can be accepted in order of arrival.


④ The statue of Soyanggang Cheonyeo (girl)
☞ Address: Geunhwa-dong 6-7, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
‘Soyanggang Cheonyeo’ is the most famous song of Chuncheon. There are many statues of Soyanggang Cheonyeo on Soyang Bridge. The statues look like they are missing someone like the lyrics of the song. Also, if you want to listen to ‘Soyanggang Cheonyeo’, push the button on a monument beside a statue.


⑤ Chuncheon Chiken-galbi
☞ Address: Onui-dong 329-1, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Along with Makguksu, Chuncheon Chicken-galbi is another famous food of Chuncheon. There is a Chicken-galbi Street in Jungangno 1-ga. However, it is in the process of moving next to Chuncheon Cross-country Bus Terminal to make it more convenient for people to visit. I recommend that you try Chuncheon Chiken-galbi when you go to Chuncheon.