Calling All Adventurers: Chungju’s Top 5 Cave Kayaking Destinations
① Exploring Caves with Transparent Kayaks
Hwalok Cave is one of the most popular domestic travel destinations these days. It has recently been reborn as a mecca for transparent kayaking. Originally a mine, it enjoyed a boom for nearly 70 years before turning into ruins. Over 1,000 miners were digging for gypsum at one point, but it gradually declined in the 70s and 80s.
Since its name changed to Hwalok Cave in 2018, it has established itself as a tourist spot in Chungju. The gypsum mine has been transformed into restaurants, cafes, and cave kayaking spots. The most famous thing in Hwalok Cave is the kayaking inside the cave.
Paddling a kayak allows you to explore various parts of the cave’s interior. Currently, kayaking in Hwalok Cave is so popular that you may have to wait over an hour on weekends.
- Address: 26 Mokbeolan-gil, Chungju, Chungbuk
- Operating hours: 09:00 – 18:00 / Closed on Mondays
- Admission fee: Adults $8.50, Middle and High School Students $7.65, Children $6.80 / Boat ride $4.25
② A Place with Outstanding Natural Scenery
Sujupalbong is a famous place in Chungju for car camping. You can enjoy the spectacular view of the river flowing along the cliff. With a height of 1,617 feet, the magnificent cliffs and the flowing river create a superb landscape.
Sujupalbong is named after the appearance of eight peaks rising. Looking down from the mountain, sharp rocks form vertical cliffs, creating a unique landscape. The scenery of the horseshoe-shaped valley also attracts attention.
At Sujupalbong, you can visit the suspension bridge and capture the thrilling scenery. Sujupalbong is also a famous filming location for the drama “Vincenzo.”
Chungju Lake is a grand artificial lake that completes the beautiful scenery of Chungju. It is also known as the Sea of the Inland and was formed by the construction of the Chungju Dam. This vast lake stretches across three local governments, including Chungju, Danyang, and Jecheon. The surrounding area boasts many famous tourist attractions, such as Woraksan National Park, Suanbo Hot Springs, and Danyang Eight Scenic Views.
You can uniquely enjoy Chungju Lake by boarding the large cruise ship at Chungju Naru of Chungju Lake Cruise. Also, the sights of Chungju from the cruise ship include Chungju Dam, Ilhyangbong, and Woraksan.
The cruise ride lasts about 50 minutes. You can get a discount if you book online, so please note that
- Address: 882 Jideung-ro, Dongryang-myeon, Chungju, Chungbuk, Chungju Lake Cruise Chungju Naru
- Operating hours: 10:00 – 17:00
- Admission fee: March online discount price Adults $12.75, Children $9.35
③ Chungju Hot Spring Travel Destination
Chungju is a representative domestic travel destination where you can enjoy hot springs. Suanbo Hot Spring Special Tourist Zone is Korea’s first natural hot spring water. The hot spring water, which gushes out from 820 feet underground, has a temperature of 127℉ and is weakly alkaline. It is famous for containing beneficial far-infrared rays and various minerals.
Thanks to the efficacy of the hot spring water, people from all over the country are visiting Suanbo Hot Spring for relaxation. Suanbo has a water park-style hot spring and a family bath. It is a popular family travel destination with various hot springs to enjoy.
The Suanbo Hot Spring Special Tourist Zone has various hot spring hotels. It is a great place to visit with your family.
If you want to enjoy a special hot spring trip in Chungju, I recommend Youwonjae. Youwonjae Hotel and Spa, which opened in Suanbo, is a hot spring specialty hotel. Built on a scale of one floor above ground and one floor below ground, it allows you to enjoy a luxurious time in Chungju.
Youwonjae means a house where you stay for a day while watching the garden. Each room has a garden and open-air bath, allowing you to spend private time. The house also has a public bath and various hot spring facilities that can be rented.
Youwonjae’s guests are provided with a dinner course and breakfast by a professional chef. The price is on the high side, with rooms worth $1,190 per night. Despite the high price, it is known as a place where you can use high-quality facilities. You can make a reservation for Youwonjae through its website.
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