Chuncheon Article Index for
Chuncheon
Articles about
Chuncheon
Website Links For
Chuncheon
 

Information About

Chuncheon




Chuncheon (''Chuncheon-si'') is the capital of Gangwon Province, South Korea . The city lies in the north of the country, located in a basin formed by the Soyang River and Han River . There are some large lakes around the city, most notably Lake Soyang and Lake Uiam . The area is renowed for its small river islands, such as Sangjungdo, Ha-Jungdo, Bungeo Island, or Wido.


HISTORY

The area today occupied by the city was first settled about 1000 years ago by tribal communities. In 637 the city was called ''Usooju''. In 757 it was renamed into ''Saku'', in 940 into ''Chunju'' (春州), before taking its current name in 1413 . In 1896 , Chuncheon became the capital city of Kangwon province. The city was largely destroyed during the Korean War , but since reconstructed.

In 1995 Chuncheon city merged politically with the government of the surrounding Chuncheon county.


CULTURE

In the spring, the Chuncheon International Mime Festival is organized, as well as the Spring Season Art Festival. In the summer, the Chuncheon Puppet Festival takes place. There is also a festival for Makguksu , a food that Chuncheon is famous for. Also celebrated in the summer, is the International Animation Festival . Every autumn, the Chuncheon Marathon takes place. In winter, snow and ice festivals are organized.


FOOD

Chuncheon is famous for its dak Galbi , or chicken ribs. The city was historically known as a center for chicken farms. There is even a street in the city dedicated to restaurants serving the dish, with some 25 restaurants populating the area.

The other major dish famous in Chuncheon is Makguksu .


ECONOMY

Chuncheon is the market centre for agricultural produce from the surrounding lands. The main products are Rice and Soybean s. Since the 1960s Light Industry has become dominant in the city.

There are Hydroelectric Powerplant s in the area around Chuncheon. The ''Soyang River Dam'' is the largest sand gravel dam in East Asia.


EDUCATION

Chuncheon is home to two universities: Kangwon National University , founded 1947 , and Hallym University , established in 1982


TRANSPORTATION


Chuncheon is at the end of the Gyeongchun Railway Line , connecting the city to Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul . It is also the northern terminus of the Jungang Expressway , and various highways connect it to the outlying regions of Gangwon. There are also river transport facilities in Chuncheon.


CLIMATE

The average temperature in the city is 11°C. The lowest measured temperature was −17.5°C, and the highest was 35.2°C. There is an average of 1,296 mm of annual rainfall, and 210.9 days of sunshine.


SEE ALSO



EXTERNAL LINKS