Cheongpyeong

Cheongpyeong (청평) is a town in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. Located along the Bukhan River, it is known for its lakeside scenery, surrounding mountains, and easy access from Seoul.

Cheongpyeong is a small town in Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong County. The area developed around the Bukhan River and Cheongpyeong Lake, an artificial lake created by the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. The lake and the surrounding mountains make the area popular for outdoor recreation, especially during warmer months.

Cheongpyeong is also convenient for travelers coming from Seoul because Cheongpyeong Station is on the Gyeongchun Line. It can be visited as a day trip, but the area also has pensions, recreational facilities, and natural attractions for overnight stays.

Cheongpyeong became more accessible after the Gyeongchun railway connecting the Seoul area with Chuncheon opened in 1939. The railway helped connect the Bukhan River valley with the capital region.

The construction of Cheongpyeong Dam later created Cheongpyeong Lake, changing the landscape of the area. The lake and surrounding mountains helped Cheongpyeong develop into a popular recreation area, particularly for water sports and weekend trips from Seoul.

Cheongpyeong has four distinct seasons. Summers are hot and humid, with most rainfall concentrated in July and August, while winters are cold and relatively dry. Spring and autumn generally offer milder temperatures for hiking and other outdoor activities around Cheongpyeong Lake and Homyeongsan.

Cheongpyeong is accessible from Seoul via National Route 46 (Gyeongchun-ro), passing through Namyangju and Daeseong-ri. Drivers can also use the Seoul–Yangyang Expressway and connect to the local road network near Hwado. Traffic on Route 46 can be heavy on weekends and public holidays.

Public parking is available near Cheongpyeong Station. Cheongpyeong Station Public Parking Lot (청평역 공영주차장), at Cheongpyeong-ri 121-3, has 66 parking spaces and a daily parking rate of ₩5,000, according to 2026 public parking data. Check current rates and availability before visiting.

Cyclists can approach the Cheongpyeong area using the Bukhangang Bicycle Path, which follows the North Han River corridor between the Seoul metropolitan area and Chuncheon. The route is popular for long-distance cycling and provides access to the surrounding countryside. Check the connecting roads to central Cheongpyeong before setting out.

• 37.73528127.426391 Cheongpyeong Station (청평역), 97-33 Cheongpyeongyeok-ro. Cheongpyeong Station is on the Gyeongchun Line, connecting the Seoul metropolitan area with Gapyeong and Chuncheon. Travelers from Seoul can transfer to the Gyeongchun Line at Sangbong Station. Some ITX-Cheongchun trains also stop here. The station provides access to central Cheongpyeong and nearby local transportation.  

• 37.738213127.4204532 Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal (청평터미널), 54 Cheongpyeongjungang-ro. The town's bus terminal serves both intercity and local buses. Intercity services connect Cheongpyeong with Dong Seoul Bus Terminal and other destinations in the Seoul metropolitan area. Travelers should check current routes and departure times before their journey.  

Central Cheongpyeong is compact enough to explore on foot. Cheongpyeong Station, the bus terminal, traditional market, and nearby shops are within walking distance of one another. Attractions outside the town center generally require other transportation.

Driving is convenient for visiting attractions outside central Cheongpyeong, particularly those around Cheongpyeong Lake and the surrounding mountains. Public parking is available near Cheongpyeong Station, and parking facilities vary by attraction.

Visitors driving to Homyeonghosu Lake Park should note that private vehicles are not permitted on the access road to the lake. Drivers can park at Homyeonghosu Lake Park Parking Lot No. 1 (호명호수공원 제1주차장) near Sangcheon and take a shuttle bus to the lake. Shuttle operations may change seasonally, so check the current schedule before visiting.

Cycling is another way to explore parts of the Cheongpyeong area, particularly for visitors bringing their own bicycles. Routes along the Bukhangang River offer opportunities for recreational cycling.

The availability of local bicycle rental services has not been confirmed. Travelers interested in shared bicycles can check the Kakao T app for available bicycles and service areas, but should not assume that rentals are available in Cheongpyeong.

Local buses connect Cheongpyeong with nearby villages and attractions in Gapyeong County. Services may be infrequent on some routes, so travelers should check schedules in advance.

The Gapyeong tourist circulation bus also serves Cheongpyeong. In 2026, Route B connects Cheongpyeong Station and Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal with attractions including the Garden of Morning Calm and Petite France. The adult day ticket costs ₩8,000 as of 2026, and passengers can transfer between the tourist bus routes using the same day's ticket.

Taxis are available near Cheongpyeong Station and Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal. They are useful for reaching attractions outside the town center, especially places with limited bus connections.

Travelers can also request a taxi through the Kakao T app. Enter your pickup location and destination to check available taxis and estimated fares. Availability may vary depending on the location and time of day.

• 37.70522127.483041 Cheongpyeong Lake (청평호). An artificial lake created by the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam. Surrounded by mountains, the lake is known for its scenic views and is popular for water sports and recreation, especially during summer.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 37.71314127.405482 Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest (청평자연휴양림), 8-6 Bukhangang-ro 2246beon-gil, ☏ +82 31-584-0528. Apr-Oct 09:00-18:00; Nov-Mar 09:00-17:00. A recreational forest overlooking Cheongpyeong Lake, with walking trails and forest scenery. It is suitable for short walks, family visits, and overnight stays. Adults ₩5,000.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 37.7495127.47553 Homyeonghosu Lake Park (호명호수공원), Sangcheon-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, ☏ +82 31-580-2062. A mountain lake park built around the upper reservoir of Korea's first pumped-storage power station. Visitors can walk along the lakeside paths, enjoy views of the surrounding mountains, and see a turtle-shaped floating solar power installation. Private vehicles cannot access the lake directly, so visitors should check shuttle bus schedules before traveling. Free.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.715127.49054 Petite France (쁘띠프랑스), 1063 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, ☏ +82 31-584-8200. Daily 09:00-18:00. A French-themed cultural village inspired by The Little Prince. The site features colorful French-style buildings, exhibits related to author Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, music box demonstrations, and puppet performances. It has also been used as a filming location for Korean television dramas. Closing times may vary with the season and weather. Adults and teenagers ₩16,000; children ₩12,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.71718127.490845 Italian Village: Pinocchio & Da Vinci (이탈리아마을 피노키오와 다빈치), 1073-56 Hoban-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, ☏ +82 31-5175-8929. Daily 09:00-18:00. An Italian-themed cultural village next to Petite France, featuring colorful buildings inspired by Italian architecture. Attractions include a large Pinocchio statue, exhibits about Leonardo da Vinci's inventions, and puppet performances. An observation area offers views of the surrounding mountains and lake. Combined admission tickets with Petite France are available. Adults and teenagers ₩12,000; children ₩10,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.74183127.351586 The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원), 432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, ☏ +82 1544-6703. Daily 08:30-19:00; hours vary during the winter light festival. A botanical garden at the foot of Chungnyeongsan Mountain, featuring themed gardens, seasonal flower displays, and walking paths. The Sunken Garden uses flowers and plants to represent the shape of the Korean Peninsula. A winter illumination festival is held annually. The garden is outside central Cheongpyeong but can be reached by local tourist bus or taxi. Adults ₩11,000; teenagers ₩8,500; children ₩7,500.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.72521127.420697 Cheongpyeong Dam (청평댐), San 180, Homyeong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon. A concrete gravity dam built in 1943 on the Bukhangang River. Its construction created Cheongpyeong Lake and helped establish the area as a destination for lakeside recreation. The dam is also part of a hydroelectric power station operated by Korea Hydro & Nuclear Power. Access to the road across the dam is restricted, so visitors should view the structure only from publicly accessible areas.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.737157127.4241548 Cheongchun Station 1979 (청춘역1979), Cheongpyeong-ri 365, Cheongpyeong-myeon. Outdoor park open year-round; individual facility hours vary. A cultural park built on the site of the former Cheongpyeong Station and its railway tracks. Opened in 2022, the park reflects Cheongpyeong's youth and music culture of the 1970s and 1980s. It features a public square, an outdoor performance stage, exhibition spaces, walking paths, and a children's playground. Visitors can explore the park on foot, while concerts and cultural events take place on selected dates.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 37.7296127.44541 Hike Homyeongsan Mountain (호명산) (the Gyeonggi Dulle-gil Gapyeong Course 22 runs from Sangcheon Station via Homyeonghosu Lake and the summit of Homyeongsan to Cheongpyeong Station). Follow the 12.5-km Gapyeong Course 22 over Homyeongsan. The route passes Homyeonghosu Lake and the 632-m summit before descending toward Cheongpyeong Station. The full route takes about 5 hours and is rated very difficult. Free.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 37.6805127.38022 Daesung Water Leisure (대성수상레저), 14 Daeseonggangbyeon-gil (in Daeseong-ri), ☏ +82-31-1414-3119. Summer 06:00–20:00; closed in winter. A water-sports center on the Bukhangang River offering water skiing, wakeboarding, motorboat rides, banana boats, excursion ferry rides and paddle boats. Operating hours and prices may vary depending on weather and conditions, so check in advance. Water skiing and wakeboarding ₩25,000 per ride; boat tours from ₩30,000.  (updated Sep 2026)
• Forest Healing Program at Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest (힐링의 숲 산림치유): By advance reservation; check available session dates, 8-6 Bukhangang-ro 2246beon-gil, Cheongpyeong-myeon. A guided forest therapy program involving walks through woodland paths and activities focused on the forest environment. Sessions last approximately 60–90 minutes and require group booking. Check the official reservation page for available dates and booking conditions. ₩25,000 per person; groups of 15 or more.

• 37.73493127.41591 Cheongpyeong Yeoul Market (청평여울시장), 19 Sijangjungang-ro (in central Cheongpyeong, near Cheongpyeong Station and the bus terminal.). Regular shops have individual opening hours; the five-day market is held on dates ending in 2 or 7 each month. A traditional market with permanent shops and a five-day market. Browse stalls selling food, agricultural products, clothing and everyday goods. The five-day market is held on the 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd and 27th of each month.  (updated Sep 2026)

• 37.73567127.4195531 Dream Dakgalbi (드림닭갈비), 47 Yeoul-gil (about a 10-minute walk from Cheongpyeong Station), ☏ +82 31-584-1232. 11:00–21:50; last order 20:00; closed W. A restaurant specializing in dakgalbi (stir-fried chicken). The menu includes spicy dakgalbi and soy-sauce pine-nut dakgalbi, using pine nuts associated with the Gapyeong area. Makguksu and fried rice are also available. Dakgalbi from about ₩14,000 per person.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.738761127.4209122 Cheongpyeong Hanwoo Myeongga (청평한우명가), 61 Cheongpyeongjungang-ro, 2F (next to Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal), ☏ +82 31-584-4220. 11:00–21:00; break 15:00–17:00. A Korean restaurant specializing in hanwoo (Korean beef), in central Cheongpyeong near the bus terminal.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.737359127.4198633 Cheongpyeong Yeon Donkatsu (청평연돈까스), 28 Yeoul-gil (near Cheongpyeong Bus Terminal), ☏ +82 31-584-9009. 11:30–20:00 daily. A casual restaurant serving Korean-style pork cutlets. The menu includes handmade pork cutlet, cheese pork cutlet, carbonara pork cutlet and udon. Pork cutlets from ₩8,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.734071127.4176524 Chinary (차이나리), 47 Gangbyeon-ro, Building B, 1F (about 1 km from Cheongpyeong Station), ☏ +82 31-584-6778. 11:00–22:00; break 15:30–16:30; closed Tu. A Chinese restaurant serving jjajangmyeon, jjamppong, fried rice and other Chinese dishes. Noodles and rice dishes from ₩7,000.  (updated Oct 2026)

• 37.69326127.388791 Mekong Café (메콩카페), 1983-2 Bukhangang-ro (about a 10-minute drive from Cheongpyeong Station), ☏ +82 31-584-0777. M–F 10:00–20:00, last order 19:30; Sa Su 10:00–21:00, last order 20:30. A spacious riverside café overlooking the Bukhangang River, with a main building, lounge annex and outdoor cabins. Drinks include espresso Vienna and milk Vienna, and food such as brunch, pizza and tteokbokki is also available.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.679638127.3776532 Hidden Plant (히든플랜트), 40 Gyeongchun-ro (in Daeseong-ri, southwest of central Cheongpyeong), ☏ +82 10-5342-5075. Tu–F 10:00–18:00; Sa Su 10:00–20:00; closed M. A garden café filled with plants and greenery, with indoor and outdoor seating. It serves coffee, Vienna-style drinks and fruit ades. Americano ₩5,000; crème Vienna ₩6,000; ade ₩7,500.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.70716127.397463 River Lane (리버레인), 2141 Bukhangang-ro, Cheongpyeong-myeon, ☏ +82 507-1399-2141. M–F 10:30–20:00 (last order 19:00); Sa Su 10:00–21:00 (last order 20:00). A riverside bakery café overlooking the Bukhangang River, with indoor seating and views of the surrounding landscape. It serves coffee, specialty drinks and baked goods. Parking is available, and the building has an elevator.  

• 37.71314127.405481 Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest (청평자연휴양림), 8-6 Bukhangang-ro 2246beon-gil, ☏ +82 31-584-0528. Check-in: 15:00, check-out: 11:00. A nature-oriented accommodation overlooking the Cheongpyeong Lake area. The recreational forest has lodging facilities, walking trails and outdoor facilities, making it suitable for visitors who want to stay away from central Cheongpyeong.  (updated Sep 2026)
• 37.733744127.4261962 Cheongpyeong Pine Hotel (청평파인호텔), 38-19 Cheongpyeongyeok-ro (about a 4-minute walk from Cheongpyeong Station), ☏ +82 31-585-6116. Check-in: 17:00, check-out: 11:00. A small hotel close to Cheongpyeong Station with parking. Room types include single rooms, rooms with two beds, ondol rooms and larger rooms for groups. Rooms from about ₩35,000.  (updated Oct 2026)
• 37.73501127.4132973 J Motel (J모텔), 764 Gyeongchun-ro (in central Cheongpyeong), ☏ +82 31-584-2306. Check-in: 16:00 or later depending on date, check-out: 12:00. A simple accommodation in central Cheongpyeong with free on-site parking. Room types include ondol, twin and suite rooms, with rates varying by room type and date. Rooms from about ₩50,000.  (updated Oct 2026)

For local tourist information, contact the Gapyeong Tourist Information Center at ☏ +82 31-582-8830 (08:30–16:30).

The ☏ 1330 Korea Travel Helpline, operated by the Korea Tourism Organization, provides tourist information and interpretation services in multiple languages. Dial 1330 within South Korea or +82-2-1330 from overseas.

• Gapyeong — Continue northeast along the Gyeongchun Line to the county's main town, a convenient base for exploring nearby attractions and outdoor areas.

• Nami Island — A popular tree-lined island reached via the ferry terminal near Gapyeong. It is especially known as a filming location for the Korean drama Winter Sonata.

• Chuncheon — Continue northeast on the Gyeongchun Line or ITX-Cheongchun to the capital of Gangwon Province, known for its lakes, rivers and dakgalbi.

• Yangpyeong — Southeast of Cheongpyeong, a scenic county along the Bukhangang and Namhangang rivers, with destinations such as Dumulmeori and Yongmunsa Temple.