Chuncheon by Train: A Healing Course of Lake Walks, Waterfalls and a Kiln Sauna at Gongjicheon Sculpture Park, Samaksan's Deungseon Falls and Namuhyanggi Kiln Sauna
A day of stepping off the ITX-Cheongchun train, walking along the waters of Uiamho Lake, and easing your fatigue at a canyon waterfall and an oak-firewood kiln sauna
Comparison table at a glance
| Place | Theme | Getting there from Chuncheon Station | Key appeal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gongjicheon Sculpture Park | Waterside art walk | By car / on foot | Lawns on the edge of Uiamho Lake and outdoor contemporary sculptures |
| Gongjicheon Recreation Area | Lakeside picnics and boating | Right next to the sculpture park | Duck boats, bike rides and lakeside roastery cafés |
| Deungseon Falls (Samaksan) | Rocky canyon & waterfalls | By car from Gangchon or Chuncheon Station | A huge rock canyon (Geumganggul) and refreshing cascades |
| Namuhyanggi Kiln Sauna | Traditional kiln sauna | By car from downtown | A traditional red-clay kiln sauna filled with the scent of pine and oak |
1. The Most Peaceful Greeting from the City of Lakes: Gongjicheon Sculpture Park & Recreation Area
Ride the ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station and get off at Chuncheon Station, and the first place to head for is the waterside park where Uiamho Lake meets the Gongjicheon Stream. Gongjicheon Sculpture Park, with a variety of sculptures placed naturally across its wide lawn plaza and beneath willow trees, is ideal for a stroll in the lake breeze.
On the way across the bridge to Gongjicheon Recreation Area, you can ride a nostalgic duck boat or pedal along the waterside bike path. Gaze at the lake glittering in the sunlight and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee at a bakery café near Gongjicheon, and it finally sinks in that you've arrived in Chuncheon.
Gongjicheon Jogak Park · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The bike path from Gongjicheon toward the Uiamho Skywalk has almost no slopes, making it one of the best in the country for riding a rented e-bike or regular bicycle.
2. A Fairy's Waterfall Splitting the Rock Cliffs: Deungseon Falls (Samaksan)
If you want to see the hidden scenery of a deep canyon without hiking gear, Deungseon Falls at the entrance to Samaksan Mountain is the answer. Pass the ticket booth and step between the vertical rock cliffs (the canyon) towering on both sides as if to hide the sky, and a mysterious landscape unfolds, so cool that a chill lingers even in midsummer.
Without climbing a rugged mountain path, a walk in from the entrance brings you to the First Falls (Deungseon Falls), which pours down a refreshing stream from a height of 10 m. Put in a little more legwork and stroll the gentle valley deck path on to Biseon Falls, Seunghak Falls and Oknyeotang Pool and back, and you'll come back down with your mind washed clear.
Deungseon Falls (Samaksan) · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 3 (no changes allowed)
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The mountain-vegetable restaurant village at the entrance to Deungseon Falls has a cluster of eateries selling crispy potato pancakes, dotorimuk (acorn jelly) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles), good for filling up right after your walk.
3. Fatigue Melting Away in the Scent of Oak Firewood: Namuhyanggi Kiln Sauna
If you've walked the lakeshore and diligently made your way to Nami Island or Deungseon Falls, leave the end of your trip to a traditional kiln sauna that warms you through. Unlike big urban spas, Namuhyanggi Kiln Sauna is a place of rest where you can fully feel the gentle heat and wood scent of a traditional kiln sauna heated by burning firewood.
Sweat it out in the hot kiln, then step outside, sip a cool sikhye (sweet rice drink) and breathe in the fresh air of the courtyard, and all your knotted muscles loosen into a pleasant drowsiness. Especially on a chilly autumn or winter trip to Chuncheon, or in a schedule with your parents, it becomes a hidden-card course that everyone applauds.
Namuhyanggi Hanjeungmak · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip You'll feel drowsy after the kiln sauna, so make it your last stop right before boarding the train home, or schedule it just before checking into your lodging.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. Is Deungseon Falls on Samaksan safe to visit with older travelers or kids?
If you don't climb all the way up the summit trail of Samaksan and only go from the First Falls to Seunghak Falls before coming back down, the valley deck paths and stone paths are well maintained, so anyone of any age can make an easy round trip.
Q. Can you see Gongjicheon Sculpture Park and Nami Island on the same day?
Yes. The most popular course is to tour Nami Island and Gyeonggang Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) in the morning, then head into downtown Chuncheon in the afternoon to stroll Gongjicheon Sculpture Park and the recreation area before dinner.
Q. How do you get to Gongjicheon after arriving at Chuncheon Station on the ITX-Cheongchun?
It's a base-fare taxi ride from Exit 1 of Chuncheon Station, and we also recommend picking up a shared or rental bike in front of Chuncheon Station and riding along the waterside trail.
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