A Hallyu Star’s Hometown Tour in Chuncheon : VISITKOREA

- - A Hallyu Star’s Hometown Tour in Chuncheon
    
    10/07/2024
    
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If you are planning a trip to Korea, remember that there are many beautiful cities beyond Seoul. And if it happens to be the hometown of Hallyu stars, it becomes even more appealing. Before they became famous, what did your favorite star see and experience while growing up? You might even have an amazing experience sharing memories and moments similar to those of your ultimate bias in these places. The first destination in our star hometown tour series is Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, the birthplace of soccer player Son Heung-min, NewJeans’ Minji, and BABYMONSTER’s Ahyeon.
Credit: Korea Tourism Organization - Kwon Ri-hwan

Chuncheon is a scenic lakeside city surrounded by rivers and lakes. It’s where the Bukhangang River, the upper stream of Hangang River, meets Soyanggang River, which features the famous Soyanggang River Dam - the fifth-largest reservoir in the world. This convergence creates beautiful landscapes of large and small lakes. With tourist attractions like Namiseom Island and Jaraseom Island, Chuncheon is a popular destination for visitors. It’s also the hometown of many famous Hallyu stars, including world-renowned soccer players Son Heung-min and Hwang Hee-chan, as well as NewJeans’ Minji, OH MY GIRL’s Seunghee and Yubin, and BABYMONSTER’s Ahyeon. Let’s enjoy a romantic Hallyu trip to Chuncheon, a filming location for numerous variety shows, dramas, and films. It’s just about an hour’s train ride from Seoul.

| LEGOLAND Korea Resort

LEGOLAND Korea Resort in Chuncheon is the tenth location of this global theme park franchise, featuring various Lego-themed attractions and hotels, and it boasts the largest scale in Asia. Son Heung-min has mentioned Legoland, alongside Chuncheon’s local delicacies, such as dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) and makguksu (buckwheat noodles), as sources of pride for the city. Additionally, many K-pop idols, including OH MY GIRL’s Hyojung and Arin, Girl’s Day’s Minah, and Kwon Eun-bi, have visited this place. The popular drama series Lovely Runner and Twenty-Five Twenty-One as well as TWICE’s music video “ONE SPARK”, were also filmed here.
[LEGOLAND Korea Resort]
- Location: 128, Hajungdo-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 하중도길 128)
- Inquiries: +82-33-815-2300
- Operating Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. / The operating hours and closed days vary by season, so please check the website before your visit.
- Website: Visit website
- Tip: A free shuttle bus to Legoland is available from Exit 1 of Chuncheon Station.
| Gubongsan Observatory Café Street

Credit: Kim Soo-jin, travel writer

Credit: Lee Cheol-hyun, DANIM 6th Gen.

Credit: Korea Tourism Organization

Gubongsan Mountain is a natural attraction that offers a panoramic view of Chuncheon. Midway up the mountain, there is a café street near Gubongsan Observatory, where visitors can enjoy tea time while overlooking the expansive cityscape. Red Velvet and OH MY GIRL have visited this spot, and the movie On Your Wedding Day and the drama The Beauty Inside, along with many advertisements, were filmed here. The most well-known café on this street is Santorini, famous for its large grassy square and Santorini-style bell tower.
[Gubongsan Observatory Café Street]
- Location: 1154-113, Dongmyeon Circular Road, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 동면 순환대로 1154-113 일원)
- Operating Hours: Varies by store
- Tip: Access via public transportation is difficult, so foreign tourist taxis are recommended.
| Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street
Credit: Korea Tourism Organization
Credit: Korea Tourism Organization - 4Cats Studio

Chuncheon is the birthplace of dakgalbi, one of Korea’s representative local dishes. Chicken marinated in gochujang (red chili paste) and various vegetables are stir-fried together on a large iron plate, and it’s common to stir-fry rice in the leftover seasoning after finishing the main dish. If you’re looking for a popular dakgalbi restaurant, head to Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street, located near the city hall. This area is home to many long-established eateries, and members of Infinite Challenge have also visited. Nearby attractions include Myeongdong Street, the filming location of the hit drama Winter Sonata, which helped spark Hallyu, and Chuncheon Central Market, which was featured in I Live Alone when SHINee’s Key visited.

[Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street]

Location: 62-1, Geumgang-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 금강로 62-1)

Operating Hours: Varies by store

| INFEELD

Credit: Kim Soo-jin, travel writer

Credit: Kim Soo-jin, travel writer

Credit: Kim Soo-jin, travel writer

Infeeld is a large café run by Son Heung-min’s family. Located within Son Heung-min Sports Park, which also houses a football academy, the café features a display of the soccer shoes worn by Son, attracting not only students and their parents but also domestic and international football fans. One of the popular menu items is the soccer ball bread, filled with a non-sweet Oreo cream that gives it a moist and soft texture. You can also purchase products from NOS7, a brand personally launched by the soccer star. This brand has gained attention for being chosen by famous Hallyu stars like IU, Suzy, and Byeon Woo-seok.

[Infeeld]

Location: 40, Garakjae-ro, Dong-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 춘천시 동면 가락재로 40)

Inquiries: +82-507-1354-5904

Operating Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.

Website: Visit website

Tip: The soccer field is not open to outsiders for entry or viewing.

More info

1330 Korea Travel Helpline: +82-2-1330

1330 Text Chat: https://m.site.naver.com/1rEid

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* This column was last updated in September 2024, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to confirm details before visiting.