Off to Chuncheon for Its Famous Dakgalbi | Travel Course | K-Travel Mate

강원도민의 오랜 열망 속에 건립되어 2002년 10월 30일 문을 연 국립춘천박물관은 구석기시대부터 오늘날에 이르는 강원의 문화유산을 보존하여 전시하고, 학술조사 연구와 사회 문화교육을 수행하는 강원 문화유산의 보고이자 국가의 중추 문화 기반시설이다. 2003년 '올해의 우수건축물'로 선정되어 한국건축가협회상을 수상하기도 했다.

An alley in Myeongdong, the center of Chuncheon, where dakgalbi specialty restaurants are gathered. Chuncheon dakgalbi is known to have started in the 1960s when chicken, marinated in seasoning instead of pork, was grilled over charcoal like ribs. It then evolved into a dish where chicken is stir-fried on a iron griddle with various vegetables such as cabbage and onions. It became popular among college students and soldiers for its generous portions at a low price, earning nicknames like 'commoner's ribs' and 'college student's ribs.' During the 1970s and 80s, dakgalbi restaurants began to open one by one in the back alleys of Chuncheon Myeongdong, forming the dakgalbi alley. Dakgalbi restaurants line both sides of the alley. Here, visitors can enjoy charcoal dakgalbi, iron griddle dakgalbi, and another Chuncheon local dish, Chuncheon makguksu. The alley features an information board explaining the history of Chuncheon dakgalbi. It has also been featured multiple times on media such as .

Gubongsan (441m), a ridge with nine peaks stretching out, is a scenic viewpoint on the eastern outskirts of Chuncheon, a beautiful city surrounded by mountains, lakes, and rivers. It offers great views of the city. Since the 1990s, after a road was built halfway up the mountain, cafes and restaurants began to appear, and it has now become Chuncheon's representative cafe street. The cafes feature floor-to-ceiling glass windows or outdoor terraces to provide the best views. Unique photo zones include buildings reminiscent of Santorini, Greece, and a skywalk observatory surrounded by transparent glass. Among the upscale cafes, there is also an affordable rest area where visitors can enjoy canned coffee and janchi-guksu (banquet noodles), offering diverse choices. The bright daylight views and the sunset scenery dyed in twilight are both unmissable.

Opened in 1960, Chuncheon Jungang Market is a representative permanent market in Chuncheon connected to the bustling Myeongdong area. An arcade covers the market alleys, making it convenient to visit regardless of season or weather. Walking through the alleys offers the fun of discovering hidden murals and sculptures. Stores sell hanbok, general clothing, daily necessities, and various food ingredients, while several restaurants offer noodles, sundae soup, Vietnamese pho, and more. During the time the U.S. military base was stationed in Chuncheon, a 'Yankee Market' formed selling American goods called 'Mije,' but now it only remains in name. The market is not very large but is close to Chuncheon Myeongdong Street, Yuklim Hill, and Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley, making it good to visit together. It has also been included in the Korea Tourism Organization’s list of 'Traditional Markets Recommended for Foreigners.'