A Healing City Full of Love: Travel to Hwacheon

Hwacheon, a city brimming with love and healing, left me repeating all day long how wonderful it was. It was my first time visiting this destination, and I went with a mix of curiosity and anticipation. It turned out to be so amazing that I want to visit again in another season. Let me share some of Hwacheon's must-visit spots and recommend a travel route to make the most of your trip 🌱🤍 1-3 Gwangdeok Valley Currently, the Gwangdeok Valley-Jangsu Recreation Area in Hwacheon is stunning with its refreshing waterfalls and lush spring scenery. Every section is beautiful, but I visited the Jangsu Recreation Area spot. Enjoying a picnic with the sound of waterfalls, the green scenery, and even splashing in the water early in the season were all moments of pure happiness. 4-7 Hwacheon Oxygen Trail This is a famous walking trail in Hwacheon that crosses the Bukhangang River via Salrang Bridge and follows floating bridges on the river. Walking along the Bukhangang River with the backdrop of Hwacheon's green mountains, accompanied by the sound of birds, the reflection of spring greenery and blue skies on the water, and the sparkling sunlight, every moment on the Oxygen Trail was truly healing. 8-11 Bungeo Island Despite its name, Bungeo Island is accessible by car and is one of Hwacheon's iconic tourist spots. The island features a barefoot walking path made of yellow clay, which feels incredibly rejuvenating even after a short walk. There are foot-washing stations conveniently placed around the path, and the spring flowers and Bukhangang River views along the way are breathtaking. In summer, themed facilities like swimming pools are also available, making it a great summer vacation destination. 12-14 Hwacheon Healing Center The Hwacheon Healing Center is emerging as a must-visit spot in Hwacheon. The center's interior and programs require prior reservations, so it's a good idea to check them out before your trip. Located on a mountainside, it's also a fantastic spot for walking trails even if you don't participate in the programs. 15-17 Georye-ri Love Tree The moment you arrive here, you'll fall in love with Hwacheon all over again. The flowers planted around the Love Tree, which change with the seasons, are stunning, and the sparkling water reflections are mesmerizing. I recommend visiting around sunset when the glow of the setting sun on the river and behind the Love Tree is truly magical. Nearby, you can also enjoy the reed fields and Metasequoia Road for even more beautiful moments in Hwacheon. 18-20 Cho Kyung-chul Observatory As you know, I love stargazing, so I couldn't miss this spot in Hwacheon. It's famous for its Milky Way views, but when I visited, the moonlight was too bright to see the Milky Way. Still, the sunset and the stars shining brightly were so beautiful that I lost track of time while stargazing. Even without a professional camera, the stars are so abundant that you can capture them with your phone, and you can also enjoy stunning views through telescopes. Besides the spots I introduced, Hwacheon has many other attractions worth visiting! The places I shared today are perfect for a day trip from Seoul. Here's a recommended travel route: ✔️ Gwangdeok Valley - Lunch (nearby restaurants or packed meals) - Hwacheon Healing Center - Bungeo Island - Hwacheon Oxygen Trail - Georye-ri Love Tree - Dinner at Hwacheon Market (lots of great eateries!) - Cho Kyung-chul Observatory With this route, you can thoroughly enjoy Hwacheon in a single day. Hwacheon, a destination perfect for falling in love, is waiting for you. Don’t miss the chance to fall in love with Hwacheon 🌿