Experience the best of Chuncheon

Chuncheon is the capital of Gangwon Province, about 75 km north-east of Seoul, ringed by hills and lakes formed by dams on the Bukhan and Soyang rivers. Its lakeside promenades and bridges are popular for walks and cycling. Nami Island, a small tree-lined island in the Bukhan River, was the setting for the Korean drama Winter Sonata, and visitors cross to it by ferry.

The Soyang River Skywalk gives views over the water, and the Gangchon area offers rail bikes along former railway tracks. In the hills of Gangwon, hiking trails climb to temples and ridgelines, and in winter the province is Korea's main ski region. An international mime festival is held in the city each year.

Dakgalbi, spicy stir-fried chicken with sweet potato, cabbage and rice cakes, cooked on a big iron pan at the table, is the city's signature dish, and makguksu, cold buckwheat noodles in a tangy sauce, is the other favourite. Spring brings cherry blossom to the lakes, autumn brings red and gold leaves in October, summers are hot and humid with heavy rain in July, and winters are cold and snowy.