Chuncheon Drama Filming Locations: A Lake and Skywalk Day Trip

The Lakeside Haven That Sparked the Korean Wave

Taking the early morning ITX-Cheongchun train out of Yongsan Station and watching the high-rise concrete of Seoul fade into misty pine hills and wide river basins is a ritual every local drama fan knows by heart. Within barely an hour, you pull into Chuncheon, the serene capital of Gangwon Province. Surrounded by shimmering reservoirs, forested peaks, and quiet lakeside parks, this town holds a legendary spot in Korean pop culture history. It was right here, among the ginkgo-lined streets and frost-covered lakes, that classic shows like Winter Sonata ignited the international K-drama phenomenon decades ago.

Today, Chuncheon continues to draw directors and lovers of Korean television who come seeking that quintessential romantic atmosphere. Whether it is modern romance thrillers filmed along transparent glass skywalks suspended over blue waters or retro coming-of-age dramas hidden in winding hillside alleys, Chuncheon offers a refreshing change of pace from Seoul. Because the city is compact and easy to navigate using public transport, you can comfortably explore its most famous screen locations in a single unhurried day.

Soyanggang Skywalk

On screen, this dramatic glass bridge dangling over the vast Soyang River provided the picturesque backdrop for tension-filled encounters in Switch: Change the World and romantic strolls in When My Love Blooms. Characters walk out over the wide river channel, surrounded by blue sky and open water on all sides.

In real life, Soyanggang Skywalk is one of the longest glass-floored walking structures in Korea, extending 174 meters into the riverbed. Before stepping onto the clear glass panels, visitors slip cloth covers over their shoes to keep the glass scratch-free. At the far end of the transparent deck sits a circular observation plaza facing the massive Soyanggang Maiden statue, a famous local landmark celebrating a beloved Korean folk song. Standing high above the currents with water rushing beneath your feet feels like walking on air.

How to Get There

Take the ITX-Cheongchun train or the Gyeongchun Subway Line to Chuncheon Station. From Exit 1, you can take city bus number 11, 12, or 150 for about 10 minutes to the Soyanggang Skywalk stop. Alternatively, a quick 5-minute taxi ride from Chuncheon Station costs under 6,000 KRW. Please check local operating hours beforehand, as skywalk access closes during stormy weather or heavy ice.

Chuncheon Myeongdong Street and Jungang Market

This vibrant commercial avenue is where Kang Joon-sang and Jung Yoo-jin famously spent their high school days sharing steamed buns and wandering through the winter snow in the seminal romance Winter Sonata. The nostalgic atmosphere of these shopping lanes helped define early K-drama romance for millions of viewers across Asia.

In reality, Chuncheon Myeongdong Street is the central retail pedestrian zone of downtown Chuncheon, packed with clothing boutiques, cosmetic shops, and casual eateries. To commemorate its iconic television history, the street features bronze handprints of the lead actors, archival photos embedded into the pavement, and decorative archways. Right next to the main pedestrian lane lies Chuncheon Jungang Market (also known as Pungmul Market), a traditional market that has operated for decades, offering an authentic glimpse into local daily life alongside retro street food stalls.

How to Get There

From Chuncheon Station, Myeongdong Street is easily reachable on foot in roughly 15 to 20 minutes straight down Central Avenue (Jungang-ro). If you prefer public transit, hop on any downtown-bound city bus (such as bus 11 or 100) from Chuncheon Station and get off after two stops at the Myeongdong Entrance stop.

Uiamho Lake Skywalk and Gongjicheon Park

The winding lakeside wooden boardwalks and scenic clearways around Lake Uiam have served as filming sites for various contemporary romance series, including More Than Friends and Work Later, Drink Now. Directors frequently use this peaceful waterside setting for deep late-night conversations and scenic bicycle montage sequences.

Lake Uiam is a large reservoir created by the Uiam Dam, encircled by one of Korea’s most beautiful lakeside bicycle and walking trails. The Uiamho Lake Skywalk features a circular glass platform jutting out over the deep blue water, surrounded by dense pine forests and steep mountain cliffs. Adjacent to the lake lies Gongjicheon Park, a lush green space popular with local families and couples who rent pedal boats or picnic beneath the weeping willows and cherry trees during spring.

How to Get There

From Namchuncheon Station (one stop before Chuncheon Station on the ITX line), take city bus number 16 or 30 heading toward Gongjicheon Park. To reach the Uiamho Skywalk directly, taking a 15-minute taxi from Namchuncheon Station is the most straightforward option, as local buses run less frequently directly along the western bank of the lake.

Yukrim Gogae (Yukrim Ridge)

This steep, nostalgic alleyway served as a key filming location in When My Love Blooms, portraying the heartfelt 1990s retro aesthetic where the characters navigated their youthful romance among old-school storefronts and gentle residential hills.

Yukrim Gogae was originally a declining hilltop neighborhood in Chuncheon that underwent a thoughtful urban regeneration project. Today, it stands as a charming blend of traditional neighborhood heritage and modern youth culture. Old residential structures and historic signboards have been preserved alongside cozy independent coffee shops, craft breweries, ceramic workshops, and dessert bakeries. As you walk up the sloped alley, you enjoy views across the lower rooftops of central Chuncheon.

How to Get There

Yukrim Gogae is situated directly adjacent to Chuncheon Myeongdong Street. From the main Myeongdong shopping strip, walk uphill toward the old Yukrim Lounge building for about 5 minutes. Since this area includes active residential homes, visitors are asked to keep noise levels down, especially during early morning and late evening hours.

Make a Day of It

Visiting filming locations will certainly work up an appetite, and Chuncheon happens to be one of Korea’s premier culinary destinations. You cannot leave the city without trying its two signature regional dishes: Chuncheon Dakgalbi and Makguksu.

Where to Eat

Located right off the main shopping district, Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street is a dedicated alley packed with specialized restaurants serving Dakgalbi—marinated spicy stir-fried chicken cooked at your table on large iron hotplates alongside cabbage, rice cakes, sweet potatoes, and perilla leaves. Once you eat most of the chicken, ask the server for bokkeumbap (fried rice) to sear remaining pan juices into crispy, savory fried rice. Pair your meal with a bowl of Makguksu, chilled buckwheat noodles served in a tangy, refreshing cold broth seasoned with sesame oil and spicy pepper paste.

Nearby Sightseeing

If you have extra time before catching your evening train back to Seoul, head up to the Gubongsan Mountain Cafe Street. Perched high on a ridge overlooking the entire city valley, this hilltop district features stunning modern architectural cafes with outdoor observation decks and glass skywalk platforms. It is the ultimate spot to watch the sunset over the mountains while enjoying a hot latte. Alternatively, history and literature buffs can visit the Kim You-jeong House of Literature near Kimyoujeong Station, a beautifully preserved traditional hanok village dedicated to one of Korea’s most celebrated early 20th-century fiction writers.

Photo Tips

To capture photos that look like cinematic drama stills, timing and angles are everything:

• Soyanggang Skywalk: Crouch low near the edge of the glass platform facing out toward the lake. A low angle allows you to capture the sky’s reflection across the clear floor while keeping the horizon line straight, making it look as though you are floating directly over the water. Visit during late afternoon when the sun sets behind the mountains to get a warm golden glow.
• Yukrim Gogae: Walk halfway up the main slope and shoot looking upward past the colorful retro store signs, or turn around at the crest of the hill to capture the dramatic depth of the descending alleyway framed by vintage streetlamps.
• Uiamho Lake Boardwalk: Early morning is the best time to visit this spot. Morning mist frequently lingers over the quiet surface of Lake Uiam, providing a dreamy, ethereal haze perfect for soft portrait photography.

FAQ

Can I visit all these Chuncheon drama filming locations in a single day trip from Seoul?

Yes, absolutely. By taking an early ITX-Cheongchun train from Yongsan or Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul, you can arrive in Chuncheon in roughly 60 to 75 minutes. Because Myeongdong Street, Yukrim Gogae, and the Soyanggang Skywalk are located close to each other in the city center, you can comfortably visit them all, enjoy a long lunch, and explore Lake Uiam before returning to Seoul by evening.

What is the best season to visit Chuncheon for drama location hunting?

Autumn (October to November) and spring (April to May) offer the most pleasant weather and stunning scenery. Autumn brings vibrant red maples and yellow ginkgo leaves along the lake trails, while spring offers lush cherry blossoms. Winter is also popular for fans seeking the authentic chilly, romantic atmosphere made famous by classic winter romances.

Do I need to buy ITX-Cheongchun train tickets in advance?

It is strongly recommended to reserve your ITX-Cheongchun train tickets a few days in advance through the official Korail website or app, especially if you plan to travel on weekends or public holidays. Standing-room tickets are often available at the station on the day of travel, but seated tickets sell out quickly during peak morning and evening hours.

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