Chuncheon Food Course at Gyeonggang Makguksu and Gomok, Plus The Jackson Nines Hotel vs Elysian Gangchon
From nutty buckwheat makguksu on the way to Nami Island and Deungseon Falls to choosing between a downtown hotel staycation and a Gangchon resort
Comparison table at a glance
| Place | Area | Key features | Suggested combined course |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeonggang Makguksu | Namsan-myeon (on the way to Gangchon and Nami Island) | Nutty buckwheat makguksu, buckwheat pancakes, and sliced boiled pork | Lunch on the way between the Nami Island ferry dock ↔ Deungseon Falls (Samaksan Mountain) |
| Gomok | Chuncheon area | Neatly prepared local meals in a relaxed atmosphere | Before or after walks at the Gongjicheon Recreation Area and Gongjicheon Sculpture Park |
| The Jackson Nines Hotel | Downtown Chuncheon (near Gongjicheon) | Large business and family hotel within walking distance of Gongjicheon | Travelers using ITX-Cheongchun to Chuncheon Station; downtown lakeside walks |
| Elysian Gangchon | Gangchon, Namsan-myeon | Four-season all-in-one resort next to Baegyang-ri Station | Family getaways around Nami Island and Gangchon, with golf and skiing |
1. Between Nami Island and Deungseon Falls: Buckwheat-Scented Gyeonggang Makguksu
Gyeonggang Makguksu, which you'll come across driving the Bukhangang riverside road between the Nami Island ferry dock, Chuncheon's western gateway, and Deungseon Falls (Samaksan Mountain), solves travelers' lunch-route dilemma in one go. Pour a little mild seasoning sauce and cool dongchimi (radish water kimchi) broth over the nutty, short-snapping buckwheat noodles and mix, and the natural toasty flavor of buckwheat comes alive in your mouth.
Add tender pyeonyuk (sliced boiled pork) or a crispy buckwheat pancake, and you can fill up properly after working up an appetite walking around Nami Island.
Gyeonggangmak Guksu · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The smoothest route is to enter Nami Island early in the morning, come out around 12:00 for lunch at Gyeonggang Makguksu, then move on to Deungseon Falls or Gongjicheon in the afternoon.
2. A Downtown Dining Base That Pairs with Lakeside Walks at Gongjicheon: Gomok
Pass the Nami Island and Gangchon area at the start of the Bukhangang River and enter downtown Chuncheon, and you'll see calm waterside scenery where Uiamho Lake meets the Gongjicheon Stream. After a leisurely meal at a downtown spot such as 'Gomok,' take a walk along Gongjicheon Sculpture Park and the waterside promenade of the Gongjicheon Recreation Area.
Gongjicheon, with its wide lawns, willow trees, and duck boats on the lake, is peaceful to walk in any season, and a hidden way to enjoy Chuncheon is to stop by the Namuhyanggi Kiln Sauna at the end of your trip and soak away your travel fatigue in its warm heat.
Gomok · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 3 (no changes allowed)
Yeohaenggak editor's tip Gongjicheon Sculpture Park is most beautiful when the sunset reflects off the water at dusk, so slot it in as a walk between 4–6 p.m.
3. Downtown Lakeside 'The Jackson Nines Hotel' vs Nature Resort 'Elysian Gangchon'
Lodging for a 2-day, 1-night trip to Chuncheon broadly falls into two areas: 'downtown Chuncheon (the Gongjicheon area)' and 'the Gangchon resort area.' The Jackson Nines Hotel is a large hotel near the Gongjicheon Recreation Area and Chuncheon Station, making it very convenient for evening walks to see Gongjicheon at night or for visiting the downtown dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and makguksu alleys.
Elysian Gangchon, on the other hand, is a resort complex surrounded by the Bukhangang River and forest, with a free shuttle from Baegyang-ri Station on the Gyeongchun Line, making it a perfect fit for families who want to relax in nature around Nami Island and Gangchon.
Deojaekseunnainseu Hotel · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip If you're traveling by ITX-Cheongchun train, we recommend either getting off at Baegyang-ri Station or Gangchon Station on day one to enjoy Nami Island, Gyeonggang Makguksu, and Elysian Gangchon, or getting off at Chuncheon Station and pairing The Jackson Nines Hotel with Gongjicheon.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. How do I get from Nami Island to Gyeonggang Makguksu?
From the Nami Island ferry dock and Gapyeong Station area, drive across Gyeonggang Bridge; it pairs well as a place to eat right after visiting Nami Island.
Q. Can I walk from The Jackson Nines Hotel to Gongjicheon Sculpture Park?
Yes, the area right in front of the hotel connects to the Gongjicheon waterside promenade, so you can enjoy morning walks or evening night-view strolls on foot.
Q. How do I get to Elysian Gangchon without a car?
Get off the Gyeongchun Line subway at Baegyang-ri Station and you can easily take the shuttle bus that runs between the station and the resort.
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