Cheongpyeongsa — Chuncheon Soyang Lake Ferry Day Trip Guide (Schedule, Fare, Obongsan 6-Peak Hike)

When people think of Chuncheon, dakgalbi and makguksu come to mind first, but if you have some extra time there is one place you really should visit: the thousand-year-old temple you reach by ferry across Soyang Lake, Cheongpyeongsa. You take a boat from the Soyang Dam pier across the lake, then walk about 30 minutes up a valley path on the slopes of Obongsan to reach it. Even though it is not far from the city, just arriving by boat makes it feel like a real getaway. Today I will share the Cheongpyeongsa ferry trip course I did myself — schedule, fares, and the walk included.

What Is Cheongpyeongsa

Cheongpyeongsa is a temple at the foot of Obongsan in Buksan-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, first founded in 973 (the 24th year of King Gwangjong of Goryeo) — a thousand-year-old temple. It has been rebuilt many times over the centuries, and it is especially known for the Goryeo Seonwon (Goryeo Zen Garden)and its well-preserved garden style. The temple itself is modest in size, but its greatest charm is that the whole route — crossing Soyang Lake by boat and walking up along the valley — is a journey in itself.

A Temple You Reach by Soyang Lake Ferry

You can also reach Cheongpyeongsa by road, but the way most travelers choose is taking the boat from the Soyang Dam pier. It is a short crossing of just over 10 minutes over Soyang Lake, and this stretch is really the highlight of the trip. The calm lake spread out beneath the Obongsan ridgeline and the mist over the water make a truly gorgeous scene.

How to Take the Ferry and Fares

When you arrive at the Soyang Dam pier, you buy a Cheongpyeongsa ferry ticket at the ticket office. Sailings usually start in the morning and run every one to two hours, with more frequent departures on peak-season weekends. The boat is a small passenger ferry with both seating and an open deck, so on a nice day the best thing is to step out onto the deck and feel the lake breeze.

The Walk from the Pier to Cheongpyeongsa

Once you step off the boat, the real walk begins. From the pier to Cheongpyeongsa it is an uphill stone path that follows the valley, taking about 25–30 minutes at an easy pace. The shaded forest path stays cool even in midsummer, and the sound of the stream along the way makes the whole walk pleasant.

Guseong Falls and the Suspension Bridge

As you walk uphill, partway along you come across Guseong Fallsand the red Suspension Bridgesuspension bridge that crosses the valley. After rain the falls run full and look even more impressive, and the valley view from the bridge is a popular photo spot. The walk never gets boring, with sights one after another.

The Legend of the Princess and the Snake

Cheongpyeongsa has a famous legend handed down — the story of the Princess and the Snake . As the tale goes, a young man pined for a princess of Pyongyang, died, became a snake, and clung to her body — until, after she prayed at Cheongpyeongsa, the snake finally let go. That is why a statue of the princess and a stone tablet engraved with the legend stand near the temple entrance. If you visit with children, telling them the story as you look around makes it even more fun.

An Honest Review From My Visit

Honestly, Cheongpyeongsa is less about seeing the temple itself, and more about how the whole process — riding the boat across the lake and walking the forest path — is what makes it good place. The wind on the boat across Soyang Lake, the walking path you climb to the sound of the stream, the quiet atmosphere of the thousand-year-old temple — it was almost surprising to find such an experience just over an hour from the city.

That said, the walking section is uphill, so sneakers are a must, and if you have bad knees or are with older travelers, I recommend taking it slow with rest breaks. There are shops and eateries near the temple entrance, but the options are limited, so it is good to bring some water and snacks.

Visit Information Summary

Chuncheon Itinerary to Pair With

Cheongpyeongsa is a half-day course, so pairing it with other spots in Chuncheon makes for a full and satisfying day trip.

✅ Morning — Cheongpyeongsa ferry from Soyang Dam pier (half day)
✅ Lunch — Head into Chuncheon for dakgalbi and makguksu at Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley
✅ Afternoon — Enjoy Uiam Lake views on the Samaksan Lake Cable Car
✅ Evening — Take the ITX back to Seoul (about 1 hour from Chuncheon Station)

Related Posts

If it feels like a shame to come to Chuncheon just for dakgalbi, set aside a little time and add a Cheongpyeongsa ferry trip. The very process of riding the boat across the lake and walking the forest path to a thousand-year-old temple may become your most memorable time in Chuncheon. For detailed sailing information, before you go check once more on the Chuncheon City official tourism siteone more time. I recommend it.