‘The Central Sea’

As the saying goes, ‘You may see Chungjuho Lake, but you’ll never get to know how big it actually is.’ The lake has long been known as the ‘inland sea’ and recently, it is often called, ‘the central sea’ as it is located in the center of the entire country. All these names point to the ‘large size of Chungjuho Lake.’ Created in 1985 as a result of the construction of Chungju Dam, the lake is vast and deep. Over 30 times larger than the surface area of Yeouido, the lake runs over 100km through Chungju-si, Danyang-gun, and Jecheon-si in Chungcheongbuk-do.
The lake is not unique in its size alone. Chungjuho Lake, which was created by blocking a narrow water gate to Namhangang River, is famous for the landscape that constantly changes at every turn and corner of its path. Rugged cliffs such as Gudambong and Oksunbong and imposing mountain peaks including Geumsusan and Bibongsan Mountains are embedded deeply in the lake, creating a magnificent scenic landscape. By the time the green landscape reaches Gaemyeongsan Mountain (774m), making another spectacular scenery, the lake finally joins Chungju Dam that turns the water into power, drinking water, and water for agricultural and industrial uses.
The water level has risen high on Chunju Lake which looks particularly clear and blue. When looking into the water from the bank, the water is crystal clear and transparent to the bottom of the lake. The water that flows into the lake originates from Namhan River, which is pristine. In addition, the water quality is further enhanced by the healthy ecological environment in the Deokcheon Wetland at the upper region of the lake and the artificial vegetation islands(or artificial spawning grounds) that are found across the lake.

Travel over the lake by car or boat

The shadows of the mountain peaks often fall on the peaceful water of the lake. The quickest and easiest way to enjoy the beautiful view of the lake is ‘Lake Drive’, situated with a few winding roads run along the lake. Local Road 532 runs from the lower region of Chungju Dam to Jecheon and Local Road 531 leads to Suanbo. National Highway 36 stretches from Suanbo to Songgae Valley in Jecheon. These are some of those winding roads along which the fabulous scenery that unfolds along the lake can be enjoyed. Local Road 532 that runs on the left side of the lake presents a detailed, charming, and feminine-like scenery while an imposing and masculine-like landscape unfolds along National Highway 36. Regardless, you can see Chungjuho Lake known as the ‘best lakeshore in Korea’ up close, allowing for a pleasant drive at a leisurely pace. There are two paths that are especially noteworthy, comprising Gaemyeongsan Circuit Road(Local Road 531) connecting downtown Chungju and Chungju Dam and Jidong-ro that runs from Chungju Dam to Seoun-ri.
If you want to get even closer to the lake, taking a leisure cruise is another option. By getting on board the Chungju ferry, it will take you on an hour-long tour around the lake, which is a memorable sight to behold with autumn foliage. It is great to feel the autumn breeze at the front of the boat.

Some of the special views can be reached only on foot

Speed and height is an important element when you travel. If you slow down, you can see more details of the scenery, while the higher you go, the broader the view becomes. Chungjuho Lake offers both options. The walking trails allow you to get up close and personal to the lake, with the observatory providing a panorama of the scenery. Ageobong or ‘the Crocodiles Peaks’ at the foot of Daemisan and Simhangsan Mountains near the dam fall under the second category, being elements of the broader landscape. Ageobong as the name implies, is a scenic spot for a view resembling a group of crocodiles crawling toward the lake.
The peak has been reserved as a wildlife sanctuary and thus access was restricted to only a limited number of people being allowed to travel there. However, a trekking path is expected to open, making it easy for people to access the peak. It takes about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the peak, so visitors are advised to wear hiking boots since the slope is quite steep. If you plan to stay overnight in Chungju, Simhangsan Mountain(385m) is a must-visit place. Voted as the best sunrise scenic spot in Chungju, Simhangsan Mountain creates a breathtaking sunrise scenery with even the bed of clouds glowing in red and hovering over the lake. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to climb up to the top of the mountain and there are three scenic trails.
If time permits, it is highly recommended that visitors walk on Section 1 of Jongdaengyi-gil that surrounds the mountain with its three sides facing the lake. Walking on the path, visitors can get as close as they can to Chungjuho Lake. The forest is dense and the trail has a gentle slope, making it an ideal path to walk along in the fall. It is so quiet and peaceful that even every little sound created by the wildlife in the forest is audible, making the trail even more attractive. For example, visitors can hear the acorns fall to the ground and the waves surging on the lake. It takes about 2 and a half hours to walk around on the path and Chungju Dam is reachable by foot through Jongdaengyi-gil.