I love Korean people’s rosy-cheeked, joyful enthusiasm for winter. Siberian winds chilling the bones? Perfect time for a road trip north to Pocheon-si (포천시), the “Forest and River City”, where locals embrace winter as an opportunity to play ON the water, rather than IN the water. Mid-January after a tough year, our group of five needed some fresh air and a fresh start.

Sanjeong Lake and Hanwha Resort

We piled into the car, drove north, and checked into a sunny terrace suite at the Hanwha Resort near Sanjeong Lake (한화리조트 산정호수) in Pocheon. First on the agenda - a leisurely stroll around Lake Sanjeong on a frosty morning. Exhaling visible puffs of “oooh’s” and “aaah’s”, we gazed upon the turquoise mineral waters below Nakcheonji Waterfall (낙천지폭포). Like a scene out of a Chinese scroll painting, a startled white crane along its bank took flight...

We followed a little trail up to a boardwalk that hugs the shore, circumnavigating the ice-bound lake. It was early morning, so we had the views of the surrounding mountains and lake all to ourselves.

After passing a coffee shop on the far end of the lake, the boardwalk transitioned to a wide, tree-covered path; whimsical pops of art dangled from branches or peeped from boulder nooks and tree trunks. During the summer, visitors can rent pedal boats; in the winter, a one-bike-open-sleigh provides a fun transport option across the slick ice!

The dulle-gil (full-circle) trail ends at the beach and sculpture park, nearby the resort. A few restaurants and shops were open, so we purchased warm snacks and beverages and chatted with a friendly vendor.

Hantan River Geological Park and Sky Bridge

Next on the agenda: Hantan River Geological Park and Sky Bridge, just a short drive west. The park was created to showcase the region’s volcanic-era geometric basalt columns, caves, and the Hantan River gorge. There is a six kilometer paved walking trail that starts from the Sky Bridge, traversing the best views — mineral springs, waterfalls, the river canyon, expansive overlooks — with educational placards for context.

There is also a geology museum and experience center on site, with interactive displays explaining how the basalt formations, river gorge, waterfalls, and caves were formed.

Jusangjeolli Trail IN Hantan River, Cheorwon, Gangwon-do

What we really came to this region for, however is the special floating hiking course on the Hantan River, a little further north in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do Province. This special boardwalk is only laid out in winter for three months, giving visitors a fish eye’s view of the basalt layers and solidified lava flows in the gorge. Bouncing along the walkway in the middle of the river, surrounded by icy currents of pristine clear green-hued water, is a really special experience!

At the opposite end of the floating trail, we then took the high route along the 3.5 kilometer skywalk. This metal “trail” hugs the cliffs above the Hantan River, offering views of the floating trail (in winter), the river canyon, waterfalls, and other geological features of the region.

When winter blues are begging for a cure this winter, consider a road trip up to Pocheon-si. Enjoy some spa time at the resort, but definitely wander out because winter offers its own unique scenery and experiences. Remember: There’s no such thing as bad weather; just poor clothing choices. Bundle up and you’ll be fine!