If you go to Chuncheon, about 100 kilometers from Seoul, it stirs. The cells of youthful memories. There, gazing at the lake shimmering with ripples, lies a time when we talked about a future that had not yet arrived, filled with the freshness of youth.
These days, among “young people,” Chuncheon is called a “city exceeding the limit of romance and emotion.” Literally, it means a city overflowing with romance and emotion. It is not static romance but romance earned through sweat. You can spend a fulfilling day here by running along the lakeside trail, cycling, paddling a canoe, exploring alleys that preserve an analog landscape, and enjoying “yajang” (outdoor dining).
This autumn, following the running boom, the trend of “runtrip” (a trip combined with running) has made Chuncheon even more vibrant. With the “2026 Chuncheon Marathon” (October 25), celebrating its 80th anniversary, October transforms Chuncheon into a paradise of festivals and activities. Even without moving, Chuncheon exceeds the limit of romance, and people run, dash, row, and walk through it.
◇Running Starts at Chuncheon Station, Market Days at Namchuncheon Station
Upon arriving in Chuncheon, tie your running shoes tightly. On days when you want to walk or run while embracing the cool breeze, head to “Chuncheon Station.” On market days (every 2nd and 7th of the month) when the Chuncheon Folk Market bustles, go to “Namchuncheon Station” and head to Gongjicheon. Near the stations, you can rent bicycles (10,000 Korean won for regular bikes, 20,000 Korean won for electric bikes per day) or use shared bikes along the way.
Crossing “Yeongseo-ro” from Chuncheon Station and approaching the Soyang River, you first encounter the “Geunhwa Riverbank Cultural Plaza Forest.” From there, walking south for about 20 minutes leads to the nostalgic “Gongjicheon Recreation Area,” while north for 20 minutes brings you to the tourist spot “Soyanggang Skywalk.” Both stations are about 1.5–2 kilometers from Gongjicheon, but Namchuncheon Station feels closer due to the vibrant market.
As autumn deepens, yellowing ginkgo trees welcome you at the entrance of Gongjicheon. The Gongjicheon Bridge area is the official starting point of the Chuncheon Marathon and an unofficial favorite among runners. Ahn Ye-ji (30), met near Gongjicheon Bridge on the 4th, said, “I came to Chuncheon to change my running course after hitting a slump from daily runs at ‘Guri Han River Citizen’s Park’ (Guri City, Gyeonggi Province). Though I failed to register for this year’s Chuncheon Marathon, I’ll run a 10-kilometer section while hoping for next year.” Hotels near Gongjicheon, popular for cost-effective stays among runners, report increased reservations due to runtrip trends.
The “Ethiopia Road,” parallel to Gongjicheon Recreation Area, resembles a running and marathon training ground. It is famous as the course where Hwang Young-jo, who won the 1992 Barcelona Olympics marathon, trained. Starting from Gongjicheon Bridge to Soyang 2 Bridge (2.5 kilometers), it is ideal for running. The road is named after Ethiopia, near the Ethiopian Korean War Memorial and the country’s first roastery coffee shop. In the 1970s–80s, young people traveling by the Gyeongchun Line would sing of romance over coffee here. The path, once a dating and outing spot, now bustles with marathoners, walkers, and cyclists. Crossing the “Chuncheon Sa-i-ro 248” suspension bridge or Gongjicheon Bridge leads to “Uiam Park,” a autumn foliage spot. While Gongjicheon is famous for spring cherry blossoms, Uiam Park dazzles in autumn.
◇Running Along the Water Trail to Uiamho Lake
From Gongjicheon Recreation Area or Uiam Park, cycling for 30 minutes along the “Water Trail” leads to “Uiam Ticket Office,” the entrance to Samaksan Mountain and Sangwonsa Temple. Though buses are available, cycling offers more romance. Bicycle rentals are available near the Ethiopia Road.
Pedaling slowly, you pass the “KT&G Sangsangmadang Chuncheon” cultural space, Hadangdo Island, and the Samaksan Lake Cable Car. The cool river wind is a bonus.
Continuing along the Chuncheon Water Trail, past a lakeside cafe, you enter a quiet forest path near Songam Sports Town. Connected to the Bukhangang Bicycle Path, it is beginner-friendly. However, some sections near Kim You-jung’s literary monument are under construction (as of October 8). After passing Uiam Tunnel, the scenery opens up near Uiam Dam, closer to Samaksan Mountain. As you approach the ticket office, cyclists and hikers increase, mostly heading to Sangwonsa Temple or hidden viewpoints.
Locking your bike, a short hike to Sangwonsa Temple (2,000 Korean won entry, with a 2,000 Korean won local voucher) rewards you with a mystical view of Uiamho Lake. Early mornings offer calm waters reflecting the sky.
Though Samaksan’s terrain is rugged, the path from Uiam Ticket Office to Sangwonsa is manageable for beginners. After climbing, you reach the temple, with a view so grand it justifies the effort. Founded in 1314 during King Chungsuk’s reign, the temple was rebuilt after fires and the Korean War, with major renovations in 2022. A remaining Goryeo-era stone pagament and a trail to Deungseon Falls add to its charm. If hiking is tiring, the “Samaksan Villa” midway offers lake views. Returning via the Bukhangang Bicycle Path to Dasa Village and Sinmae Bridge takes over two hours, so retracing the cable car route is advisable.
The 3.61-kilometer Samaksan Lake Cable Car, Korea’s longest lake cable car, offers easy access to Samaksan and views of Uiamho Lake and Bukhangang River. Featured in K-pop stars’ “youth courses,” it attracts many foreign tourists. Crystal cabins provide bird’s-eye views of autumn mountains and lakes. Though the solar panels on Bungeo Island seem out of place, from afar they resemble fish scales. After the cable car ride, a 10-minute walk to the deck and skywalk reveals panoramic views of the lake, river, and Chuncheon.
◇Evening ‘Sunset Canoe’ Ride
As the sun sets, continue to “Chuncheon Jungdo Water Trail” for the “Sunset Canoe” (reservations required, 30,000 Korean won for two adults). Located 10 minutes on foot or 5–6 minutes by bike from the cable car ticket office, it offers an exotic wooden canoe experience.
Cho Yoon-ho, representative of Chuncheon Jungdo Water Trail, said, “The best time for the sunset canoe is around 5 p.m., when ripples shimmer on the lake.” Paddling to Hadangdo Island and back (40–50 minutes) combines scenery with the soothing sounds of water and wood. The reflection of the sky on the lake adds to the romance.
As the sun hides behind Samaksan, fatigue sets in. Near Uiam Park, “Namuhyanghan Jeungmak” (12,000 Korean won for 3 hours, open 11 a.m.–9:50 p.m., closed on regular days) offers charcoal sauna relaxation. For marathoners, “Hwasan Spa Land” near Namchuncheon Station is a post-race spot, near chicken galbi restaurants and “Onui Chicken Galbi Street.”
◇Night Markets at Hupyeong Market
Beyond chicken galbi and makguksu, Chuncheon’s food scene expands. “Gamsa Ireland” near Namchuncheon Station serves potato beer and “Chuncheon Chicken Galbi Pizza.” “Lamos Burger,” a three-generation burger joint near Gongjicheon and Uiam Park, is a must-visit.
Evening dining (“yajang”) is trendy. The “Chunpung Night Market” under the Gyeongchun Line (October 16, 6 p.m.–11 p.m.) is a romantic finale. If it ends early, head to “Hupyeong Eoull Night Market” (until late October) in Hupyeong Market. Though smaller, its casual atmosphere, with raw meat, dumplings, and chicken feet, is lively. Nearby, the analog-themed “Romance Alley” in Hyojadong adds to the charm.
[From ‘Makdak’ to ‘Chunma,’ Festivals Overflow with Popularity]
Chuncheon’s Festivals in October
October, festival season, sees events across Chuncheon. The “2026 Gongjicheon Lake Festival” (until November 1) integrates coffee, jazz, and garden events. Enjoy coffee, desserts, and jazz performances at night. Brands like Soyang Food, Wear Coffee, and Vera Cabin participate, along with local desserts. Activities include latte art challenges and drip bag making.
The “76th K-Military Festival” at Suvaren Park commemorates the Chuncheon Battle victory, with military performances and equipment experiences. The “Chuncheon Pet Festival” at the Animation Museum celebrates pets.
The “Chuncheon Makdak Festival” (October 14–18), awarded for excellence, offers discounts (3,000 Korean won for chicken galbi, 1,500 Korean won for makguksu) and events like stamp tours and AR experiences. The “Soyanggang Cultural Festival” (October 17–18) at Chuncheon City Hall Square showcases local culture.
- 월 5900원 멤버십, 신문 독자에게는 2900원, 조선멤버십
- 55000원 상당의 신문-잡지 8종 마음껏 보기, 조선멤버십
- 현금처럼 쓸 7000포인트 받아 알뜰한 쇼핑, 조선멤버십
