Pocheon is an inland city in the northeastern region of Gyeonggi Province in South Korea. Situated between Seoul and the mountainous areas of the northwest of Gangwon Province, Pocheon boasts various captivating attractions, some of which have served as filming locations for famous K-dramas. One notable site is Pocheon Art Valley, an old quarry transformed into a scenic spot featuring a lake surrounded by uniquely shaped rocks, marking the first environmental restoration project in the Pocheon area. Sogeumgang Lake is a popular destination for visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty. Other popular tourist destinations in Pocheon include Gwangneung Hanok Village, Korea National Arboretum, Pyeongchang Botanical Garden, and Bukhansan National Park.
Pocheon annually hosts cultural festivals such as the Gakhol Cultural Festival, Banwol Cultural Festival, Sanjeong Lake Festival, and Myeongseong Mountain Festival. The Sanjeong Lake Festival, held every October since 1997, is the long-awaited Pocheon cultural event. The festival features amateur photography competitions, traditional performances, and local cuisine and beverages.
The Herb Island Light Festival is also held annually in Pocheon. Colorful lights create a romantic atmosphere, and the fantastic white buildings give the illusion of being in a foreign country. The festival offers various Christmas-themed events. For shopping enthusiasts, try to visit Doota, The Shilla Duty Free at Incheon International Airport, Butter, Jumunjin, Jungang Market, and LINE Friends stores.
Getting around Pocheon by car is relatively easy as the city has a modern road network with well-maintained highways and roads. However, traffic can be quite heavy during peak hours, especially in popular tourist areas.
Additionally, some areas in Pocheon may have narrow or winding roads that can be challenging for inexperienced drivers. Therefore, you can use a navigation system or GPS to drive around Pocheon alone.
Several car rental services are available in Pocheon, or tourists can directly rent vehicles upon arrival in Seoul or nearby cities from Pocheon to have many vehicle options and prices.
The best time to visit Pocheon, South Korea, is spring (April to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is typically comfortable, neither too hot nor too cold, and the natural scenery is beautiful.
Some popular destinations in Pocheon include Bukhansan National Park, Soyang Lake, Gwangneung Hanok Village, Korea National Arboretum, Pyeongchang Botanical Garden, Pocheon Art Valley, Unaksan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, Pocheon Herb Island, Pocheon Sanjeong Lake, and Sansawon Brewery, which is known for traditional Korean beer production.
There is no direct connection from Seoul Station to Pocheon. However, travelers can take the subway to Dongdaemun History and Culture Park Station, transfer to Gangbyeon Station, walk to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, and then take a bus to Pocheon. Alternatively, you can drive from Seoul Station to Pocheon via Dobongsan Station and Dobongsan Station in about 1 hour and 51 minutes.
Pocheon is most famous for its Pocheon galbi. This culinary delight consists of ribs marinated and grilled over charcoal.
There are plenty of exciting activities to do in Pocheon, ranging from touring Pocheon Herb Island, biking or strolling around Sogeumgang Lake, visiting Unaksan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest, Pocheon Art Valley, and witnessing the traditional Korean beer-making process at Sansawon Brewery. Additionally, you can indulge in various Pocheon and Korean cuisines and shop at popular shopping centers and traditional markets.
Travel Tips for Pocheon