Chuncheon(South Korea) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

In Chuncheon, recommend staying at Chuncheon Hanok Stay, a traditional Korean-style inn renovated from a historic hanok. Located near Namhan River, it features wooden beams, paper sliding doors, and private courtyard gardens. Families can enjoy free Hanbok rental, take part in local rice wine brewing workshops, and explore nearby attractions like Chuncheon Cultural Plaza and Chuncheon Rice Wine Museum. The hotel also offers kid-friendly menus with local ingredients, making it ideal for intergenerational travel and immersive cultural experiences in Gangwon Province.

The downtown Chuncheon district is the optimal choice for lodging, situated close to Chuncheon Station and the scenic Namhan River. This vibrant area boasts easy access to restaurants, art galleries, and local markets such as Chuncheon Old Street and Chuncheon Art Center. Guests can stroll along the riverside night trail or visit nearby Seoraksan National Park and Pyeongchang Olympic Sites within an hour. With excellent public transport and walkability, downtown provides the perfect base for exploring both urban charm and natural beauty in Gangwon-do.

In Chuncheon, immerse yourself in authentic rice wine-making workshops at the Chuncheon Rice Wine Museum, where you’ll learn the entire fermentation process. Participate in the seasonal Gangwon Farming Festival, try traditional tools, and taste Chuncheon cold noodles made from local wheat. During spring, join the Cherry Blossom Festival at Chuncheon Central Park, featuring folk dances and lantern displays. These activities offer deep insight into Gangwon’s rural heritage, seasonal rhythms, and community traditions.

Chuncheon hanok hotels stand out by blending traditional Joseon-era architecture with modern comfort. Each room features original wooden beams, paper sliding doors (shoji), and underfloor heating (ondol). Many are run by local cultural stewards who host daily tea ceremonies and traditional music performances. Some rooms include private hanok courtyards and offer Hanbok photo sessions. Guests can also attend nighttime tours explaining how these homes adapt to Korea’s four seasons, showcasing Gangwon architectural wisdom and sustainable living principles.

For couples, stay at Starlight Riverside Hotel, a riverside retreat with glass-roofed rooms offering panoramic views of the Namhan River at night. Each suite includes a private hot spring bath and candlelit dinner packages featuring Gangwon beef and wild mountain vegetables. Couples can walk hand-in-hand across Chuncheon Bridge under soft lights, or book a customized Korean wedding ceremony experience. The hotel’s tranquil ambiance and intimate settings make it ideal for creating lasting memories in a culturally rich environment.

Winter in Chuncheon brings the Seoraksan Ski Festival, where visitors enjoy world-class slopes and cable cars at Chuncheon Ski Resort. Don’t miss the Ice Lantern Festival held along the Namhan River, featuring massive ice sculptures illuminated by colorful lights. Warm up with a Korean-style hot pot party in a traditional hanok, savoring spicy seafood stew and local rice wine. For peace and reflection, try a Zen meditation retreat at Chuncheon Cheongjeongsa Temple, complete with morning gongs and mindfulness practices.

Capture stunning shots at Namhan River Bridge during golden hour, when reflections stretch across the water. The Chuncheon Central Park cherry blossom tunnel in spring creates dreamy, pastel-lit scenes. Explore Chuncheon Old Streets for vintage signage and textured alleyways. Visit the ice sculpture garden at the Ice Lantern Festival or photograph the serene Mirror Lake at Seoraksan’s foothills during misty mornings. Bring a tripod—early sunrise visits to the riverbank yield breathtaking compositions of city lights and sky gradients.

Must-try dishes in Chuncheon include Chuncheon Cold Noodles—made from locally grown wheat, served in a refreshing pear-based broth with pickled radish. Head to Chuncheon Naengmyeon Old Store for authentic flavor. Also sample Gangwon Beef, especially grilled at Chuncheon BBQ Street, paired with fresh kimchi and lettuce. In winter, indulge in Jjamppong Hot Pot, packed with seafood, tofu, and spicy gochujang. For a true local experience, book a homestay meal workshop to cook a full Gangwon-style farmhouse meal using seasonal ingredients.

Travel to Chuncheon via KTX high-speed train from Seoul—just 1 hour away. Upon arrival, use electric bicycles or walk to explore the city center. For day trips to Seoraksan or Pyeongchang, take Gangwon Bus services, which are frequent and affordable. Many hotels offer free shuttle buses to major sites. Use T-Money card or KakaoPay for seamless payments on transit. No need for a car—public transport and bike-sharing make it easy to navigate Chuncheon’s highlights efficiently.

Discover hidden gems like the Chuncheon Water Culture Center, which exhibits the region’s ancient water systems through interactive models and historical maps. The Abandoned School Art Space transforms a former elementary school into a dynamic venue for street art and light installations. Explore back-alley craft shops in Chuncheon Old Streets, including century-old sake breweries and handmade paper workshops. For nature lovers, visit the Chuncheon Nature Education Center for guided stargazing and ecological hikes, offering peaceful retreats beyond the tourist trail.