[Jo Yongjun's Travel Miles] Driving Along the Waterways to Gapyeong and Chuncheon... Romance Flows

Non-Face-to-Face Travel to Gapyeong and Chuncheon - Scenery of the Bukhangang River Encountered Along Local Roads 391 and 403

When mist rises over the North Han River, flocks of greater white-fronted geese busily move about hunting for food as they greet the morning. Driving along riverside roads 391 and 403 toward Chuncheon, you can frequently encounter such scenes.

View of Bukhangang River and Mountains near Petite France on Road 391

Morning at Dumulmuri, the starting point of Provincial Road 391 to Chuncheon

Exotic European Village Petit France

Early dawn tranquil scenery of the Bukhangang riverside

Backpacking Enjoyed on Snow-Covered Nami Island [Provided by Nami Island]

Gyeonggang Station Closed Station

Local Road No. 391 Cheongpyeong Direction

[Asia Economy, Travel Specialist Reporter Jo Yong-jun] At Dumulmeori, where the Bukhan River and Namhan River meet and merge, water mist rises. It drifts and disappears repeatedly like waves following the wind. Behind the layers of mountain peaks, a red glow rises. The morning scenery of the Bukhan River, dyed red by the morning sunlight, is a masterpiece among masterpieces. Suddenly, a family of large geese breaks through the misty water surface, creating huge waves. Aquatic plants and reeds cry out in surprise. The once silent river busily welcomes the morning. Untact (contactless) travel has become popular in the COVID-19 era. Among them, driving using one’s own vehicle to famous spots or beautiful landscapes is one of the top contactless travel options. Therefore, this week’s travel journey seeks a road close to Seoul, full of romance and memories. It is the road to Chuncheon. Chuncheon is well known as a romantic and popular travel destination. The main ways to get to Chuncheon are by using the Gyeongchun Line train or following National Route 46 (Gyeongchun National Road). However, the most secluded lakeside drive to Chuncheon is different. It is Provincial Road 391. Famous travel spots in Gapyeong and Chuncheon are concentrated along the Bukhan River here. Starting from Dumulmeori, it continues to Cheongpyeong Dam, Petite France, Nami Island, and Jarasum. In the COVID era, you can enjoy misty landscapes, red sunsets, and exotic French villages from inside your car without stepping out at the travel spots. And that’s not all. Passing Jarasum and entering Provincial Road 403, you can find a fantastic drive along the Bukhan River stretching to Chuncheon and Hwacheon.

The start of the Provincial Road 391 drive is Yangsu-ri Dumulmeori. It is where the Namhan River flowing northwest of Yangsu-ri meets the south-flowing Bukhan River, taking a breath before becoming the Han River.

In the past, wood cut from the mountain valleys of Gangwon Province was tied into rafts and floated down through Goljicheon and Joyang River in Jeongseon, Donggang in Yeongwol, then to Danyang, Chungju, and Yeoju. When reaching Yangsu-ri in Gyeonggi Province, the raftmen would take a break.

Nowadays, it is well known as a great place for photography. It is close to Seoul, but people come to capture the ever-changing four seasons.

The local landmark here is a zelkova tree over 400 years old. This tree, 30 meters tall and 8 meters in circumference, was once a pair of friendly grandfather and grandmother trees, but after a flood caused their separation, only the grandmother tree remains.

Leaving Dumulmeori, Semiwon is on the right. It has a large pond and pleasant walking trails. Semiwon is most beautiful in summer when lotus flowers bloom brightly across the pond.

Planning to visit Semiwon in summer after COVID ends, the journey officially enters the 391 riverside road. This road to Cheongpyeong has been regarded as the number one riverside drive course in the metropolitan area since car travel became popular in this land.

The road runs close along the Bukhan River. On the left, the misty Bukhan River accompanies the drive. The road is open and not too curvy, making it perfect for driving enjoyment.

The villages along the road show simple rural scenery, with country houses and cafes blending with the river to create a picturesque scene. Especially on clear days near sunset, the ridges of mountains like Ungilsan across the river are beautiful, and if there is a red sunset, the romance of the drive deepens.

Passing Seojong, you follow the lakeside of Cheongpyeong Lake, Gapyeong’s number one scenic spot. The morning view of Cheongpyeong Lake, glowing red in the sunlight, is a masterpiece among masterpieces.

From Munan Hill to Sincheongpyeong Bridge is almost a straight section. Across the river is Daeseong-ri, full of the romance and memories of college students from the 1980s and 1990s. Along the way, there are art galleries, clubs, and cafes, providing plenty to see.

Crossing Sincheongpyeong Bridge and Cheongpyeong First Bridge, then turning right toward Homyeongsan, the lakeside drive finally begins. Near Cheongpyeong Dam, there are several pension houses and cafes including cruise-style cafes where you can enjoy a cup of coffee while looking at the river.

After driving about 4 km along the riverside road, the road to Homyeongsan is on the left. Named 'Homyeongsan (Tiger Roaring Mountain)' because many tigers once lived there, its summit has a reservoir called Homyeong Lake.

The road follows the river with ups and downs. The U-shaped curves add charm and enhance the driving experience. In spring, cherry blossoms; in summer, water leisure activities; and in autumn, colorful foliage tempt travelers.

In the distance, an exotic landscape on the left hill catches the eye. It is Petite France, known as Korea’s French village. It is a complex cultural theme park set like a picture in nature, themed around The Little Prince and French rural villages.

Along with the French village, there is also an Italian village, enough to feel the politics of European villages. Just passing by, the scenery looks like a painting.

After Petite France, National Route 75 leads directly to Nami Island, so few people choose Provincial Road 391 to go to Nami Island. Therefore, you can enjoy a more secluded drive.

The song 'At Bukhan River' by singers Jung Tae-chun and Park Eun-ok comes to mind. Open the windows wide and turn up the music volume. There is no greater luxury than this.

Over the hill, Nami Island appears, and the road continues to the ferry dock. Around the dock, Chuncheon Dakgalbi restaurants are clustered. Nami Island, which gained huge popularity due to the TV drama Winter Sonata, is constantly trying to change. It offers various cultural experiences such as lodging and camping, and its attractions and food are becoming more sophisticated. Currently, due to COVID-19, foreign tourists are scarce, but it is a favorite spot for Japanese and Chinese tourists.

Passing Nami Island, you soon reach Jarasum, famous for its jazz festival and camping grounds. The journey on Provincial Road 391 ends here. Five minutes from Jarasum is Gyeonggang Station, a closed station on the Gyeongchun Line.

It appeared as an important space connecting the love of the male and female protagonists in the movie 'The Letter.' The poetic station scenery built with red bricks takes anyone back to the pure days when they believed in eternal love. Although the 'train to Chuncheon' has now changed to a fast and sophisticated subway, rail bikes still run here through the passionate youth. The drive journey can end here without any regrets. But if you have time, I recommend continuing to drive toward Chuncheon and Hwacheon.

From Gyeonggang Station, follow the Bukhan riverside past Chuncheon Deonseon Waterfall and Samaksan Mountain, then take Provincial Road 403. The road built on the west side of Uiam Lake is a must-pass when heading to Hwacheon.

Since the road runs close along Uiam Lake, you can fully enjoy the scenery. It is a road where the scent of the city and the mountain village landscape coexist, and the wind blowing from the riverside becomes your friend.

There are several pretty cafes along the road where you can enjoy a cup of tea while looking at the riverside and Chuncheon city. If the weather is good at night while driving, you can also enjoy the moonlight reflecting on the Bukhan River and a shower of stars as a bonus.

Gapyeong, Chuncheon = Written and photographed by travel specialist Jo Yong-jun jun21@

◇Travel Notes

△How to get there=Drive along Seoul Olympic-daero, cross Paldang Bridge, get on National Route 6, then head toward Yangpyeong-eup. After crossing Yangsu-daero, you will reach Yangsu-ri and Dumulmeori, the entrance to Provincial Road 391.