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County in South Korea
Photo: Baeksu, CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
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.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
평화의 댐
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.
조경철 천문대
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.
화천 박물관
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.
파로호
Lake Paroho is an artificial lake created by Hwacheon Dam in 1944. It is famous for fishing and its historical significance.
파로호 전망대
It is an observation deck where you can see the picturesque scenery of Paro Lake at a glance
산천어 커피 박물관
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.
사방거리
It is a traditional rural intersection located in Sangseo-myeon, a quiet street with village trails and small shops.
거례리 사랑나무
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'.
연꽃 단지
You can walk a 1-km walk while looking at the lotus flowers. They can be seen in full bloom in July and August
숲으로 다
It is a place where you can walk on Salanggyo Bridge, a bridge, and the Bukhangang River flows below.
백암산 케이블카
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.
토속어류 생태체험관
An educational aquarium and experience center showcasing various freshwater fish species native to Korea.
산천어 밸리
You can experience catching Sancheoneo with your bare hands.
나봄 명상 예술원
You can experience meditation in a meditation hall.
화천 목재 문화 체험장
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.
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.
토마토 축제
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.
산천어 축제
Hwacheon's signature winter event, held every January along the frozen Hwacheoncheon stream. The event attracts over a 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. This festival offers many different activities such as snow sledding, snow bobsleighing, ice bicycles. 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.
세계 평화의 종 공원
A park with a giant bell of peace
비목 공원
A park dedicated to the pain and sacrifice of war
토마토 조각 공원
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
진달래 공원
A small park next to the Bukhan River.
생태 영상센터 물 주제 공원
It is a park located next to Hwacheon Ecological Imaging Center, and the water playground is open in summer.
물레방아 공원
Sancheoneo Festival A park located next to the World Winter City Plaza.
감성테마 문학공원
A park where you can visit novelist Lee Oe-soo's literature museum.
국제 평화 아트 파크
It is 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.
강원나물밥 채원
It is a popular restaurant among visitors, as Hwacheon is famous for its mountain vegetables (san-namul).
북한강 횟집
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.
산채골
It is a popular restaurant among locals, offering a wide variety of dishes and a spacious parking area.
도원
A local restaurant known for its signature stir-fried udon, praised for rich flavor and generous portions.
백암산 감자탕
A lot of soldiers visit, and the price is rather low.
별미촌
Sundae guk is the main menu, and it is popular with local residents for its good taste and comfortable mood.
항아리정육식당
A cost-effective meat restaurant . You can eat meat as well as eel
화천열무국수
Loved for its refreshing taste and affordable prices, especially during the summer season.
화천코다리
Steamed foods are representative and loved by local residents
하이 대이리
It is a stylish café where visitors can enjoy fragrant tea and coffee, accompanied by savory bread.
체도
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.
카페정원
Serves coffee and a wide range of brunch dishes in a cozy, quiet setting.
샤또그린
Popular local cafe often described as one of the best in downtown Hwacheon.
잔미술관 카페
A hidden cafe and small art gallery tucked away in a quiet valley
시오
Known for its freshly baked salt bread and cozy interior.
에티오피아 13월
The specialty and hand drip coffee are delicious.
카페산책
Located near the Chilseong Observatory, the bakery and latte are delicious
빵커
They sell a variety of bread, including donuts, and there are also various jams
마운틴스토리
A cafe with a clear view of the mountain view. A quiet, neat atmosphere
플레로오
A neat cafe located behind the county office. There are many reviews that the staff is friendly.
앤 커피
A cafe that is good for reading comfortably or relaxing
제이안 카페
A cafe near Hwacheon County Office that makes homemade desserts
광덕리 329
A cafe with various types of bread such as basil bread, tomato bread, and vegetable bread.
용담 카페
A beautiful cafe on the way up to the cafe. You can enjoy coffee while enjoying the mountain view.
88 포장마차
The staff is kind and the side menu is delicious
고을노적주막거리
A traditional interior with a drink called makgeolli
또와 포차
A well-served bar located near Hwacheon County Office
뉴욕야시장 화천점
A pub located near Hwacheon Bus Terminal
놀러와
Emotional interior and pleasant atmosphere
가르텐 비어
a beer shop with a lot of fried foods such as sweet and sour pork, korokke, and chicken.
오랍드리
Traditional folk bars sell makgeolli as the main.
화천 산천어 펜션
This pension (rooming house) was built in 2015 and will open for visitors during the 2016 Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival.
에이유 펜션
It offers private barbecue facilities, making it ideal for family visits, and is surrounded by beautiful scenery.
넘버25 화천 터미널점
Located near the terminal, it offers convenient access and affordable prices.
로투스 모텔
It features comfortable rooms and ample parking space.
라포레98
Private pension suitable for families looking for a quiet stay. Offers well-maintained swimming facilities and a comfortable atmosphere for rest and relaxation.
632펜션
Modern family-style pension surrounded by nature, featuring clean rooms and outdoor rest areas.
써니사이드 캠핑312
Stylish glamping and camping site surrounded by forest views. Offers clean facilities, outdoor barbecue areas.
비엔비 펜션
Budget-friendly pension with many reviews praising its clean rooms.
몽베르 리조트 펜션
Karaoke facilities for group guests. Well-maintained and peaceful, making it a good choice for families or group gatherings.
돌집야영장
Valley next to it. both car camping and normal camping
아폴로천문대펜션
A nice pension located near Cho Kyung-cheol Astronomical Observatory
화천시장
Located inside the intercity bus terminal, the market sells local specialties and fresh regional products.
M 마트
There are various products. It is located in the main street
원천상회
a filming location for entertainment programs
미도하이마트
Fresh produce and diverse products
국군복지단 화천마트
It's cheap because it's a store for soldiers
하나로마트 화천농협본점
Large supermarkets run by the National Agricultural Cooperative Federation. Have many visitors
킴스 마트
A small mart located in the city of Hwacheon
M마트 축산물판매장
There are many kinds of meat that are packaged.
영원 슈퍼
A mart that sells vegetables, fish, packaged meat, and miscellaneous goods at a discount
By train
Hwacheon does not have a railway station (as of 2025). Travelers should take a train to Chuncheon or Yanggu and then transfer to a bus to reach Hwacheon.
By bus
Hwacheon has regional and intercity buses that connect Hwacheon-eup with surrounding towns and villages throughout the county.
By taxi
You can easily take a taxi from the taxi stand near the Hwacheon Bus Terminal.
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