Hwacheon Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Hwacheon, South Korea with this comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best places to visit, outdoor adventures, local food and drinks, where to stay, and more.


Introduction to Hwacheon

Looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination to explore in South Korea? Look no further than Hwacheon, a scenic town located in Gangwon Province, known for its breathtaking natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and impressive diversity of outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing escape in nature, a cultural immersion, or an adrenaline-fuelled adventure, Hwacheon has something for everyone. In this guide, we’ll take you on a tour of the best things to see and do in Hwacheon, so you can plan your perfect trip.

List of Places to Visit in Hwacheon

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Hwacheon Folk Museum: Learn about the local culture and history of Hwacheon through exhibits and artifacts showcasing traditional lifestyles, crafts, and customs of the region.
  2. Hwacheon Unification Observatory: Visit the observatory located just 2km from the DMZ and learn about the political and social conflicts, as well as the reunification hopes, of the divided Koreas.
  3. Jonghap Temple: Built in the Jin Dynasty, this Korean Buddhist temple houses historic relics and offers meditation programs that visitors can participate in.
  4. Okcheon Goindol Park: Admire the ancient dolmens, megalithic tombs that date back to the prehistoric era.

Natural Attractions of Hwacheon: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival: Experience the vibrant festival in winter where you can catch Sancheoneo, a type of trout that’s famous in Hwacheon, and enjoy various activities including ice fishing, sledding, and traditional games.
  2. Hwacheoncheon Stream: Stroll around the serene stream that flows through the town, and enjoy the scenic beauty of the surrounding forests, mountains, and waterfalls.
  3. Golgulsa Temple: Hike up to the temple located on the edge of a steep cliff, and admire the panoramic views of Hwacheon from the top.
  4. Deokgu Hot Springs: Unwind in the natural hot springs while enjoying the majestic views of the mountains and forests.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Hwacheon

  1. Seo-Rime Course: A 15km trail that takes you through stunning autumn-colored forests and valleys.
  2. Deokgu-Gosu Cave Course: A 9km route that rewards you with views of Gosu Cave, a historic cave designated as a scenic spot by the South Korean government.
  3. Hwacheon Yeongok Course: A 30km path that takes you through the rustic countryside, showcasing stunning sceneries of the mountains, valleys, and streams.

Best Things to Do in Hwacheon: Activities and Tours

  1. Sancheoneo Ice Fishing: Join in the annual festival and try your hand at catching Sancheoneo, a type of trout that’s famous in Hwacheon during winter.
  2. White Water Rafting: Take a thrilling adventure down the Hwacheoncheon Stream and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding scenery.
  3. Go-karting: Speed down the track while enjoying picturesque views of the countryside at Dreamland Resort.
  4. Paragliding: Soar through the air and get a bird’s eye view of the Hwacheon valley at OkGol Village.

Week-Long Itinerary for Hwacheon

Day 1 Arrive in Hwacheon and check-in at your accommodation. After settling in, head out for a visit to Hwacheon Folk Museum, followed by a stroll along Hwacheoncheon Stream. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 2 Enjoy a Korean-style breakfast at your accommodation, then embark on a hiking trip on the Seo-Rime Course. Return in the evening, and have a delicious meal at a local restaurant.
Day 3 Start the day off with a trip to the Unification Observatory. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and take a guided tour of Jonghap Temple. Return to your accommodation in the evening.
Day 4 Take part in the Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival in the morning. In the afternoon, soak in the natural hot springs at Deokgu Hot Springs.
Day 5 Rent a bicycle and explore the countryside using the Hwacheon Yeongok Course. Stop for lunch at a local eatery, and then go go-karting at Dreamland Resort.
Day 6 Take part in white-water rafting in the morning, and then go paragliding at OkGol Village in the afternoon.
Day 7 Depart Hwacheon and travel to your next destination.

Food and Drink Scene of Hwacheon

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Sancheoneo (Mt. Trout) Dish: Sancheoneo Sashimi or Grilled Sancheoneo is a must-try dish when in Hwacheon.
  2. Makguksu (Buckwheat Noodles): This cold noodle dish is perfect for summer days and is usually served with pickled radish and spicy sauce.
  3. Heuk-Dwaeji Gui (Grilled Black Pork): It is grilled over charcoal and served with ssamjang (spicy sauce) and vegetables.

Local Beverages

  1. Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that’s usually served with Korean-style pancakes (Jeon).
  2. Dong-Dong-Ju: A fermented rice beverage that’s slightly sweet and tangy.
  3. Bokbunja Ju: A sweet, raspberry-flavored traditional Korean wine that’s perfect for a dessert drink.

Where to Stay in Hwacheon: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  1. Softhills Pension: A cozy and picturesque pension that offers scenic views of the mountains and Hwacheoncheon Stream.
  2. Dreamland Resort: A family-friendly resort that offers various activities such as go-karting, ATV riding, and fishing.
  3. Photo Pension: A unique and artistic guesthouse with rooms designed for guests who love photography.

What to Buy in Hwacheon: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  1. Sancheoneo Products: Take home souvenirs made of Sancheoneo, such as bone crafts, keychains, and magnets.
  2. Bokbunja Vinegar: Made from the fruit of the Bokbunja plant native to Hwacheon, this vinegar is known for its health benefits.
  3. Traditional Crafts: Hwacheon is also known for its traditional crafts such as Hwacheon Hanji (Korean handmade paper) and Hwacheon Janchi (Korean traditional sprang braids).

Local Culture and Customs of Hwacheon

Hwacheon is known for its vibrant festivals and traditions. One of the most famous ones is the Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival, which takes place annually in January. Visitors can enjoy ice fishing, sledding, traditional games, and local food. Other cultural events in Hwacheon include the Hwacheon Tomato Festival and Hwacheon Traditional Market.

Best Time to Visit Hwacheon

The best time to visit Hwacheon is from December to February when the Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival is held. However, Hwacheon is a year-round destination that offers unique seasonal experiences. Spring brings cherry blossoms, while summer offers water activities and outdoor recreation. Fall showcases the colorful autumn foliage, and winter offers winter sports and hot springs.

Do’s and Don’ts of Hwacheon

Do:

  1. Respect local customs and traditions.
  2. Try local cuisine.
  3. Dress accordingly depending on the season.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage the environment.
  2. Smoke in non-designated areas.
  3. Touch or disturb the wild animals and plants.

Safety and Health

Safety in Hwacheon

Hwacheon is a generally safe region, however, always take precautions as you would with any overseas destination. Watch your valuables, and keep your passport and other travel documents secure. Take extra care when participating in outdoor activities, and make sure to follow the safety guidelines provided by the activity providers.

Health in Hwacheon

Hwacheon has access to quality medical facilities, and there are pharmacies available throughout the town. However, make sure you have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies before you embark on your journey.

Getting to Hwacheon: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Hwacheon

The nearest airport to Hwacheon is Yangyang International Airport, which offers flights to and from Seoul and Busan. From Yangyang airport, you can take a taxi or bus to Hwacheon. Another option is to fly to Incheon International Airport, which is located approximately three hours from Hwacheon, and then take a bus or train to Hwacheon.

Bus Stations Near Hwacheon

Hwacheon Bus Terminal offers regular bus services from major cities in Korea, including Seoul, Chuncheon, Gangneung, and Cheorwon. Other nearby bus stations include Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, which offers regular services, and Cheongnyangni Bus Terminal.

Other Options

If you’re traveling by car, Hwacheon is located approximately 2.5 hours from Seoul, and the drive offers scenic views of the countryside. Another option is to take the train to Cheorwon, which is just 20 minutes from Hwacheon by bus or taxi.

How to Get Around in Hwacheon

The best way to get around Hwacheon is by car or taxi. Alternatively, you can rent a bicycle or take a leisurely stroll along the Hwacheoncheon Stream. Public transportation options include buses and taxis, while private transportation options include rental cars or motorbikes.

Where to Go Next from Hwacheon: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  1. Chuncheon City: Just a 1-hour drive from Hwacheon, Chuncheon City is known for its beautiful scenery and delicious cuisine, particularly its famous Dakgalbi (spicy chicken stir-fry).
  2. Cheorwon City: Explore the historic and cultural heritage of Cheorwon City, which is located just 20 minutes away from Hwacheon by bus or taxi.
  3. Goseong County: Enjoy a scenic coastal drive to Goseong County, overlooking the East Sea, and admire the natural beauty of the region.

Conclusion

Hwacheon is a hidden gem in South Korea that offers a perfect blend of cultural immersion, outdoor adventures, and scenic beauty. With this comprehensive travel guide, we hope you have all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Hwacheon. From the Hwacheon Folk Museum to the Sancheoneo Ice Fishing Festival, there’s something for every type of traveler in this charming town. Don’t forget to try the local cuisine, take part in the outdoor activities, and bring home some unique souvenirs to remember your trip to Hwacheon.