Hwacheon (화천) is a county in Gangwon. Located north of Chuncheon and close to the border region, it is one of the northernmost civilian areas in South Korea. The county is known for its quiet rural atmosphere, clear rivers, and small mountain villages that draw visitors looking for a peaceful, nature-focused escape. The landscape is shaped by winding river roads, dense forests, and cool mountain air, giving the area a distinct charm throughout the year.
Although Hwacheon is modest in size, its strong identity as a slow-paced countryside destination sets it apart from many urbanized regions nearby. Its northern location brings crisp winters, mild summers, and well-preserved natural scenery, while neighboring cities such as Chuncheon provide convenient access to the area.
Understand
[edit]Hwacheon gun has many high mountains such as Mt. Daeseongsan, Mt. Hwaaksan, Mt. Baekamsan, etc, which its beautiful valleys flow clean and cold water to Paroho Lake and Hwacheonho Lake. This offers visitors beautiful natural scenery, along with water skiing, fishing, tenting and other leisure and tourism activities all year round. It is in close proximity to the DMZ (Korean De-Militarized Zone) with 36,000 military personnel residing in the area along with 22,000 local residents.
Hwacheon is also famous for its cultural events, most notably the Sancheoneo Ice Festival held every January. During the festival, thousands of visitors gather to enjoy ice fishing, snow sculptures, and winter sports, making it one of the most popular winter festivals in Korea. In addition, Hwacheon hosts various seasonal events that highlight its natural resources and local traditions.
Orientation
[edit]
| Hwacheon-eup (화천읍) The central and most populated area of Hwacheon, serving as its administrative and commercial hub with restaurants, accommodations, and major festival sites. |
| Sacheon-myeon (사내면) Located south of Hwacheon-eup, known for its rural landscape, small towns, and access to nearby mountains and hiking trails. |
| Hanam-myeon (하남면) Located in the south with quiet rural villages, a reservoir, and a beautiful valley. |
| Sangseo-myeon (상서면) A rural area in the southeastern part of Hwacheon, developed along mountains and valleys, harmonizing highland agriculture and natural scenery. |
| Gandong-myeon (간동면) Located in the southeast, adjacent to the Peace Dam and the upper Bukhangang River, known for its mix of mountains, rivers, and nature-based tourism. |
Climate
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Hwacheon lies between the humid continental and subarctic climate zones, influenced by its inland location and surrounding mountains. Winters (November to April) are long, dry, and very cold, while summers are short but warm and humid due to the East Asian monsoon. Snow is common from December to March, with around 40 days of snowfall per year. Summer temperatures generally average around 27 °C (81 °F) during the day and 19 °C (66 °F) at night, but heatwaves can push daytime highs up to 32 °C (90 °F). Winter temperatures often drop below −10 °C (14 °F) at night, with daytime highs around −2 °C (28 °F).
The summer monsoon typically arrives in late June and lasts until late July, bringing heavy rain and high humidity. In contrast, autumn (September to November) is dry and clear, offering some of the best weather of the year.
Daylight in the summer runs from 05:10 to 19:45, and in the winter it is from 07:40 to 17:15.
History
[edit]Hwacheon has a long history as part of Korea’s northern frontier region. The area was first settled during the Goguryeo Kingdom (37 BCE – 668 CE) and later became part of Unified Silla and the Goryeo Dynasty. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392 – 1910), Hwacheon was strategically important as a border area near what is now North Korea.
After Korea’s liberation in 1945, Hwacheon became part of Gangwon Province in the Republic of Korea. During the Korean War (1950 – 1953), it was the site of intense battles, including the Battle of the Punchbowl and the construction of the Hwacheon Dam, which remains one of the region’s major landmarks.
Today, Hwacheon is known for its peaceful natural environment and festivals such as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, which attract thousands of visitors each winter. Despite its history of conflict, the county has transformed into a symbol of peace and nature in Korea’s northern highlands.
Get in
[edit]By bus
[edit]
There is a bus departing from Chuncheon bus terminal at 20 and 50 minutes past the hour every hour. Buses start around 06:20. The last bus is at 21:20. The journey is very windy through mountain roads, valleys, lakes and rivers but is serenely beautiful and takes approximately 45–50 minutes.
Visitors can take a bus from Hwacheon Terminal to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. The bus runs eight times a day and takes two and a half to three hours. The cost is about \13,700 for adults and \11,000
- 1 Hwacheon Bus Terminal, Sangseung-ro 38-5, ☏ +82-33-442-2902. The main local bus terminal in Hwacheon-eup, offering routes to villages and key attractions across Hwacheon County.
- There are two bus terminals. One intercity (services to Seoul and Chuncheon) and one local.
- The local bus terminal (5 minutes walk from the intercity terminal) is located on the main street and provides services across Hwacheon county.
- The number 5 bus will take you to Lake Paroho. It departs from Hwacheon with a journey time of 10 minutes.
- The bus will return from Gandong and pass Paroho.
Get around
[edit]By bicycle
[edit]There are numerous well marked and designed cycle paths that stretch the length of the Bukhangang river in the Hwacheon area. Hiring a bicycle is a good way to get around this city. There are bicycle sharing services such as 'Everybike (에브리 바이크)', 'KakaoBike (카카오 바이크)''.
- everybike (에브리바이크), [email protected]. It is a method of lending recognizing QR registered on blue regular bicycles placed around the street. The fare is reasonable and cheaper than other companies, but it can be a little difficult because it is not an electric bicycle.
- Kakao Bike (카카오바이크). It can be used after scanning the qr code, and the location and battery of the bike can be found through the app, and how to use the bike can be checked. It is a structure in which a rate is set in proportion to the time you ride it
By taxi
[edit]Regular taxi
[edit]You can easily take a taxi from the taxi stand near the Hwacheon Bus Terminal. As of 2025, the basic fare for regular taxis is ₩4,600 (₩5,800 at night), with a surcharge of ₩200 added according to time and distance. From 11 p.m. to 4 a.m., there is a late-night surcharge.
Call taxi
[edit]If you need to move to remote villages or locations without bus service, you can call a taxi directly. Call taxis normally offer the same fare as regular taxis. Kakao Taxi and T-map Taxi are available throughout Hwacheon County.
- Hwacheon Call Taxi (화천 콜택시), ☏ +82-33-442-8255. General call taxi service covering Hwacheon-eup and nearby villages.
- Sangseo Call Taxi (상서 콜택시), ☏ +82-33-441-3004. Call taxi service for Sanae-myeon and surrounding rural areas.
See
[edit]
- 1 Peace Dam (평화의 댐), 145-145, Bisugumi-gil, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, South Korea. known as Hwacheon Dam, is a large dam, completed in 2005. Bimokpark and Mulmunhall are to the left of the power plant entrance. Mulmunhall promotes the importance of water resources and has been operating a restaurant and other facilities. Biompark promotes the natural environment.
- 2 Jo Kyung-Chul Observatory (조경철 천문대), 431, Cheonmundae-gil, Sanae-myeon, ☏ 033-818-1929. Jo Kyung-Chul Observatory features advanced telescopes that allow visitors to explore the night sky.It also hosts science programs and events to inspire interest in astronomy.
- 3 Hwacheon Museum (화천 박물관), 3337, Chunhwa-ro, Hanam-myeon. Hwacheon Museum showcases the region’s history, culture, and traditions through various artifacts and exhibitions. It offers visitors interactive programs and seasonal events to experience local heritage.
- 4 Lake Paroho (파로호), 1984, Bangcheon-ri, Gando-myeon. Lake Paroho is an artificial lake created by Hwacheon Dam in 1944. It is famous for fishing and its historical significance.
- 5 Paroho Observatory (파로호 전망대), 208 Paroho-ro, Gandoeng-myeon. It is an observation deck where you can see the picturesque scenery of Paro Lake at a glance
- 6 Sancheoneo Coffee Museum (산천어 커피 박물관), 21 Sangsung-ro 2-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-2544. 9:30-17:30. Features exhibits connected to the Sancheoneo Ice Festival and offers visitors a chance to taste freshly brewed coffee. A quiet and cozy spot to relax while learning about local culture.
- 7 Sabanggori (사방거리), 401-4 Sanyang-ri, Sangseo-myeon. It is a traditional rural intersection located in Sangseo-myeon, a quiet street with village trails and small shops.
- 8 Georye-ri Sarang Tree (거례리 사랑나무), 484-2 Georye-ri, Hanam-myeon. It is a 400-year-old protected tree located in the Arles Theme Arboretum created along the Han River, and is also called the 'alone tree'.
- 9 Lotus Flower Garden (연꽃 단지), 79 Geonneondeul-gil, Hanam-myeon, ☏ +82-33-440-2952. You can walk a 1-km walk while looking at the lotus flowers. They can be seen in full bloom in July and August
- 10 Into the Forest Bridge (숲으로 다), San 58, Guman-ri, Gandoeng-myeon. It is a place where you can walk on Salanggyo Bridge, a bridge, and the Bukhangang River flows below.
Do
[edit]Experience
[edit]- 1 Baegamsan Cable Car (백암산 케이블카), 38-5 Sangsung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-440-2708. 9:00-13:30. Offers a scenic cable ride with wide views of Hwacheon’s lakes and surrounding mountains. Visitors appreciate the calm atmosphere and low fare, especially during autumn when the forest turns into brilliant shades of red and gold.
- 2 Native Freshwater Fish Ecology Experience Center (토속어류 생태체험관), 366 Eoryongdong-gil, Gando-myeon, ☏ +82-33-442-7464. 9:00-17:30. An educational aquarium and experience center showcasing various freshwater fish species native to Korea.
- 3 Sancheoneo Valley (산천어 밸리), 1042 Mansandong-ro, Sangseo-myeon. 9:00-19:00. You can experience catching Sancheoneo with your bare hands.
- 4 Nabom Meditation Art Center (나봄 명상 예술원), 73-155 Yongho-gil, Gandoeng-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1461-0085. 10:00-18:00. You can experience meditation in a meditation hall.
- 5 Hwacheon Wood Culture Experience Center (화천 목재 문화 체험장), 5289-11 Yeongseo-ro, Hanam-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-9929. It provides an experience place to make unique wooden products that only I can have by utilizing excellent wood produced in forests that account for 86% of Hwacheon-gun.
Festival
[edit]- Jjokbae Water Festival (물의나라 화천 쪽배축제). Takes place in Hwacheon and ends at Bungeoseom island. Jjokbae is a kind of raft used in Korea and during this festival creative rafts with unique shapes decorate the lake of Bungeo seom island. There is a very famous song about a rabbit living on the moon crossing over the Milky Way by a raft. Many of the contestants have built their rafts themselves. The rules don't set any limits concerning the size or design of the rafts; they can carry more than one person - but they may not be motorized. Goods are awarded to the person who takes the victory in this competition. It is already quite famous among foreigners as well and the competition has been adapted with contestants from abroad in mind. The festival also provides various other water sports and events. Aside of the race, you can experience canoe or kayaking that are hard to experience directly and water slide flume, or enjoy some of the many culture experience spaces prepared for families such as water golf. If you come at night, performances of well known singers are available for you to appreciate music in the moonlight. Also, lovers may spend time and families are delighted with the beautiful fireworks display prepared. A honeymoon trip to Korea offers a really good culture experience.
- Tomato Festival(토마토 축제) (on Mt. Hwaaksan). Tomato is Hwacheon's local specialty. Delightful experience programs of the tomato festival are prepared to offer a good time without spending a lot of money. For example, the tomato slide & tomato tail catching events. Spaghetti for 1,000 people is also provided during the festival. You can buy tomatoes at the festival for an inexpensive price if you want to buy fresh tomatoes of Hwacheon. When night comes, a dance contest is held and many participants come to show off their talent regardless of gender or age. Hwacheon's Tomato Festival is a place where one can feel the atmosphere of the Brazilian Rio Carnival.
- Sancheoneo Ice Festival(산천어 축제). A unique winter festivity that attracts over million visitors every year. Programs are organized into four major categories, themed around ice and snow. The program relates to the fresh water fishes living in mountain lakes and creeks, especially sancheoneo - a fish which can only live in the best and clearest waters. Activities include ice fishing, lure fishing, and catching fish with your bare hands. Because it usually snows much in Hwacheon, the Sancheoneo Ice Festival achieves success every time. You can feel how Hwacheon's nature is clean and beautiful. This festival offers many different activities such as snow sledding, snow bobsleighing, ice bicycles as well as experience spaces to catch Sancheoneo. Especially, the folkways playground was prepared at this festival.
Main Festival - Sancheoneo Ice Festival (산천어축제)
[edit]The Sancheoneo Ice Festival is Hwacheon’s signature winter event, held every January along the frozen Hwacheoncheon stream. Millions of visitors come each year to experience ice fishing for sancheoneo (mountain trout), a species known for living only in clean, cold water. The festival takes place in the center of Hwacheon-eup, with large sections of the river frozen into thick ice platforms suitable for fishing and winter activities.
The main attraction is ice fishing, where visitors drill holes in the ice and attempt to catch trout using simple fishing rods. Caught fish can be prepared on-site as sashimi or grilled. Beyond fishing, the festival includes snow and ice sculpture parks, ice sledding, skating areas, indoor experience zones, cultural performances, and local food markets. The lively atmosphere and wide variety of activities make it one of South Korea’s most popular winter festivals.
Temperatures can drop well below freezing, so visitors should dress warmly in layers, waterproof shoes, gloves, and hats. Weekends are especially crowded; arriving early in the morning helps avoid long lines. Tickets are purchased at booths around the festival area, and English-language signs are usually available.
Park
[edit]- 6 World Peace Bell Park (세계 평화의 종 공원), 3481-143 Pyeonghwa-ro, Hwacheon-eup. 9:00-18:00. A park with a giant bell of peace
- 7 Bimok Park (비목 공원), 2921-3 Dongchon-ri, Hwacheon-eup. A park dedicated to the pain and sacrifice of war
- 8 Tomato Sculpture Park (토마토 조각 공원), 75 Supiryeong-ro, Sanae-myeon. Hwacheon is the representative producer of tomatoes in Korea, and the tomato festival is held in July every year. This is a park that was created to celebrate the festival
- 9 Jindallae Park (진달래 공원), 78-11 Sang-ri, Hwacheon-eup. a small park next to the Bukhan River
- 10 Ecological Media Center Water Theme Park (생태 영상센터 물 주제 공원), 1357 Yonghwasan-ro, Hanam-myeon. It is a park located next to Hwacheon Ecological Imaging Center, and the water playground is open in summer.
- 11 Mullebang-a Park (물레방아 공원), 95 Sangseung-ro, Hwacheon-eup. Sancheoneo Festival A park located next to the World Winter City Plaza.
- 12 Gamseong Theme Literature Park (감성테마 문학공원), 157-17 Gamseongmaeul-gil, Sangseo-myeon. A park where you can visit novelist Lee Oe-soo's literature museum.
- 13 International Peace Art Park (국제 평화 아트 파크), 3518 Pyeonghwa-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-440-2361. It is located right next to the Dam of Peace. A park was created by reconstructing it as a peace art using waste weapons, a symbol of war.
Buy
[edit]local specialty
[edit]- Sancheoneo (산천어) products– Dried or processed mountain trout, often sold during the Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
- Hwacheon makgeolli (화천 막걸리) – A locally brewed rice wine that can be found at traditional markets and local restaurants.
- Wild honey and mountain herbs (산꿀과 산나물) – Beekeepers and farmers in the area produce natural honey, wild greens, and medicinal herbs.
Shopping (markets)
[edit]- 1 Hwacheon Market (화천시장), 27-16 Hari, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-4013. Located inside the intercity bus terminal, the market sells local specialties and fresh regional products.
- 2 M Mart (M 마트), 35 Sangsung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-1501. There are various products. It is located in the main street
- 3 Woncheon Store (원천상회), 5500 Yeongseo-ro, Hanam-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-3620. a filming location for entertainment programs
- 4 Mido Hi-Mart (미도하이마트), 1152 Pohwa-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-2240. 07:30-22:00. Fresh produce and diverse products
- 5 Kkokkio Sachang-ri Branch (꼬끼오 사창리점), Sanae-myeon, Hwacheon-gun, ☏ +82-33-442-8852. to be able to purchase household goods
- 6 Armed Forces Welfare Hwacheon Mart (국군복지단 화천마트), 25-73 Sangsung-ro 8-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-70-4251-4061. 10:30-19:20. It's cheap because it's a store for soldiers
- 7 Hanaro Mart Hwacheon Nonghyup Main Branch (하나로마트 화천농협본점), 112 Sangsung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-2495. 9:00-20:00. Large supermarkets run by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation. Have many visitors
- 8 Kim’s Mart (킴스 마트), 22 Sanae-ro 2-gil, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-7601. A small mart located in the city of Hwacheon
- 9 M Mart Meat Shop (M마트 축산물판매장), 35 Sangseung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-1503. 8:00-22:00. There are many kinds of meat that are packaged.
- 10 Yeongwon Supermarket (영원 슈퍼), 314 Gancheokwolmyeong-ro, Gandoeng-myeon, ☏ +82-33-442-5053. A mart that sells vegetables, fish, packaged meat, and miscellaneous goods at a discount
Eat
[edit]- 1 Gangwon Namulbap Chaewon (강원나물밥 채원), 60-7 Sangsung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82 33-441-0514. It is a popular restaurant among visitors, as Hwacheon is famous for its mountain vegetables (san-namul).
- 2 Bukhangang Hoetjip (북한강 횟집), 12-10 Jungang-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82 33-442-5750. This restaurant’s main menu features sancheoneo. The Sancheoneo Ice Festival is often held in front of the restaurant, and even without fishing, visitors can enjoy fresh trout here.
- 3 Sanchaegol (산채골), 54-9 Sangsung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82 33-442-4880. It is a popular restaurant among locals, offering a wide variety of dishes and a spacious parking area.
- 4 Dowon (도원), 29 Supiryeong-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-2684. 10:00. A local restaurant known for its signature stir-fried udon, praised for rich flavor and generous portions.
- 5 Baegamsan Gamjatang (백암산 감자탕), 12 Jungang-ro 4-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-2238. 7:30. A lot of soldiers visit, and the price is rather low.
- 6 Byeolmichon (별미촌), 13 Sanae-ro 5-gil, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-50-71432-1261. 8:00. Sundae guk is the main menu, and it is popular with local residents for its good taste and comfortable mood.
- 7 Yongbawi Restaurant (용바위 식당), 29-2 Jungang-ro 4-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-50-71374-6677. Many side dishes are served
- 8 Hangari Butcher’s Restaurant (항아리정육식당), 21 Jungang-ro 8-gil, Hwacheon-eup. 11:00. A cost-effective meat restaurant . You can eat meat as well as eel
- 9 Hwacheon Yeolmu Noodles (화천열무국수), 810 Pohwa-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-0808. 10:00. Loved for its refreshing taste and affordable prices, especially during the summer season.
- 10 Hwacheon Kodari (화천코다리), 33 Jungang-ro 3-gil, Hwacheon-eup. 10:00. Steamed foods are representative and loved by local residents
Like anywhere in Korea, there is a wide selection of Korean cuisine on offer. Sangyeopsal is Hwacheons signature dish, and can be found across town. For Westerners and tourists not so keen on Korean food, there is a Lotteria fast food restaurant, 'Chicago' hot dog restaurant and several Italian and Western style restaurants. All are relatively cheap but good quality.
Drink
[edit]Café
[edit]- 1 Hi Daily(하이 대이리), 1F, 549-1 Pyeonghwa-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82 33-442-1020. It is a stylish café where visitors can enjoy fragrant tea and coffee, accompanied by savory bread.
- 2 Chedo(체도), 7735 Yeongseo-ro, Sangseo-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1326-1630. It is a nice café to visit after seeing the Chilseong Observatory, and it is often frequented by soldiers. The coffee here is known for its good taste.
- 3 Cafe Garden (카페정원), 36 Gasoni-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-441-9500. 11:00. Serves coffee and a wide range of brunch dishes in a cozy, quiet setting.
- 4 Shato Green (샤또그린), 128 Sangsung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-441-6999. 10:30. Popular local cafe often described as one of the best in downtown Hwacheon.
- 5 Jan Art Museum Cafe (잔미술관 카페), 131-35 Supiryeong-ro, Sanae-myeon. 10:00. A hidden cafe and small art gallery tucked away in a quiet valley
- 6 Sio (시오), 14 Onggijeom-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-1925. 8:30. Known for its freshly baked salt bread and cozy interior.
- 7 Ethiopia 13th Month (에티오피아 13월), 1058-35 Yonghwasan-ro, Hanam-myeon. 11:00-21:00. The specialty and hand drip coffee are delicious.
- 8 Cafe Sanchaek (카페산책), 7753-1 Yeongseo-ro, Sangseo-myeon. 10:30-20:30. Located near the Chilseong Observatory, the bakery and latte are delicious
- 9 Ppangker (빵커), 7693 Yeongseo-ro, Sangseo-myeon, ☏ +82-33-442-5579. 11:00-20:30. They sell a variety of bread, including donuts, and there are also various jams
- 10 Mountain Story (마운틴스토리), 2 Cheonmundae-gil, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1343-6965. 11:00. A cafe with a clear view of the mountain view. A quiet, neat atmosphere
- 11 Fleroo (플레로오), 49 Sansuhwa-ro 1-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-507-1430-2009. 10:00. A neat cafe located behind the county office. There are many reviews that the staff is friendly.
- 12 Ann Coffee (앤 커피), 17-1 Sanae-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-7477. 11:00. A cafe that is good for reading comfortably or relaxing
- 13 J Ahn Cafe (제이안 카페), 38 Jungang-ro 7-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-441-0469. 8:40. A cafe near Hwacheon County Office that makes homemade desserts
- 14 Gwangdeokri 329 (광덕리 329), 828 Pohwa-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1485-2069. 11:00. A cafe with various types of bread such as basil bread, tomato bread, and vegetable bread.
- 15 Yongdam Cafe (용담 카페), 181-13 Myeongjiryung-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1409-1564. 10:00. A beautiful cafe on the way up to the cafe. You can enjoy coffee while enjoying the mountain view.
There are several coffee shops, and one western style bar on the main street (Cass and Rock) that is occasionally frequented by the small ex-pat population.
Bar
[edit]- 16 88 Pojangmacha (88 포장마차), 21-7 Jungang-ro 4-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-0409. 17:30. The staff is kind and the side menu is delicious
- 17 Goeul Nojeok Jumakgeori (고을노적주막거리), 13 Sansuhwa-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-8778. 18:00. A traditional interior with a drink called makgeolli
- 18 Ttowa Pocha (또와 포차), 18 Hwacheon Saessak-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-507-1475-6707. 17:00. A well-served bar located near Hwacheon County Office
- 19 Uri Matjip (우리맛집), 24-2 Sanae-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1483-4463. 17:00. A bar with a good skewer
- 20 New York Night Market Hwacheon Branch (뉴욕야시장 화천점), 38-6 Sangseung-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-0076. 17:30. A pub located near Hwacheon Bus Terminal
- 21 Nolleowa (놀러와), 9 Supiryeong-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-856-8989. 17:30. Emotional interior and pleasant atmosphere
- 22 Garten Beer (가르텐 비어), 17 Jungang-ro 2-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-2766. 17:00. a beer shop with a lot of fried foods such as sweet and sour pork, korokke, and chicken.
- 23 Orapdri (오랍드리), 10-15 Sanae-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-507-1382-9792. 17:00. Traditional folk bars sell makgeolli as the main.
Sleep
[edit]- 1 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Pension (화천 산천어 펜션), Shineup-ri, Hwacheon-eup (Nearby Hwacheon-eup), ☏ +82 10-8747-1777, [email protected]. This pension (rooming house) was built in 2015 and will open for visitors during the 2016 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
- 2 AU Pension (에이유 펜션), 812-91, Hoeum-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ 82 10-3502-5656. It offers private barbecue facilities, making it ideal for family visits, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
- 3 Number 25 Hwacheon Terminal (넘버25 화천 터미널점), 31, Jungang-ro 6-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82 33-442-5500. Located near the terminal, it offers convenient access and affordable prices.
- 4 Lotus Motel (로투스 모텔), 6, Sangsung-ro 1-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82 507-1470-0416. It features comfortable rooms and ample parking space.
- 5 La Foret 98 (라포레98), 119-11 Sansuhwa-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-50-71434-4400. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Private pension suitable for families looking for a quiet stay. Offers well-maintained swimming facilities and a comfortable atmosphere for rest and relaxation.
- 6 632 Pension (632펜션), 1194-31 Yonghwasan-ro, Hanam-myeon, ☏ +82-50-71409-6065. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Modern family-style pension surrounded by nature, featuring clean rooms and outdoor rest areas.
- 7 Sunny Side Camping 312 (써니사이드 캠핑312), 621-6 Hwaaksan-ro, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-50-71348-9536. Check-in: 13:00, check-out: 11:00. Stylish glamping and camping site surrounded by forest views. Offers clean facilities, outdoor barbecue areas.
- 8 BnB Pension (비엔비 펜션), 379-8 Pyeonghwa-ro, Hwacheon-eup. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Budget-friendly pension with many reviews praising its clean rooms.
- 9 Montvert Resort Pension (몽베르 리조트 펜션), 206-109 Hosu-gil, Hanam-myeon, ☏ +82-50-71347-2508. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. Karaoke facilities for group guests. Well-maintained and peaceful, making it a good choice for families or group gatherings.
- 10 Dolzip Campground (돌집야영장), 777-9 Chunyang-ro, Gando-myeon, ☏ +82-33-442-0072. Valley next to it. both car camping and normal camping
- 11 Apollo Observatory Pension (아폴로천문대펜션), 79-8 Cheonmundae-gil, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-50-71358-7342. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A nice pension located near Cho Kyung-cheol Astronomical Observatory
Stay safe
[edit]Hwacheon is a very safe rural area with low crime rates, and incidents are rare, even by South Korean standards.
Stay healthy
[edit]Hospitals
[edit]- 1 Hwacheon Public Health Center (화천군 보건 의료원), 111 Gangbyeon-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-4424. The main public health center in Hwacheon, offering primary medical services with three pediatric specialists, one internal medicine specialist, and an additional board-certified physician.
- 2 Hwacheon Yonsei Clinic (화천 연세의원), 41-8 Jungang-ro 2-gil, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-441-3800. A local medical clinic offering general outpatient care, staffed by two board-certified family medicine specialists.
- 3 Hwacheon Internal Medicine Clinic (화천 내과의원), 19-1 Jungang-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-33-442-8001. A local clinic providing internal medicine services, operated by a board-certified internal medicine specialist.
- 4 21st Century Barun Orthopedic Clinic (21세기바른정형외과의원), 25 Jungang-ro, Hwacheon-eup, ☏ +82-507-1494-8575. An orthopedic clinic staffed by a board-certified specialist, offering treatment for bone and joint conditions and known locally for its good-quality physical therapy services.
- 5 Sanae Public Health Subcenter (사내면 보건지소), 55 Munhwamaeul 1-gil, Sanae-myeon, ☏ +82-33-441-4203. A small public health subcenter offering basic medical care, vaccinations, and community health services for residents in the Sanae-myeon area.
Go next
[edit]- Chuncheon – A nearby city known for Dakgalbi and attractions around Soyang River and Lake.
- Gapyeong – Famous for Nami Island and Petite France, two of Korea’s most popular tourist spots.
- Pocheon – Offers attractions like Herb Island, Pocheon Art Valley, and scenic summer valleys.
- Inje – Popular for rafting, hiking, and accessing the northern routes of Seoraksan.