The Hantan River Water Trail is a special trekking route open only in winter. In Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do, you walk floating pontoons right past the basalt columns and canyon scenery of the Hantan River, part of a UNESCO Global Geopark. Here’s the operating info, routes and tips as of the 2025–2026 season.
1. Hantan River Water Trail Basics (2025–2026 Season)
Here are the key operating dates and hours.
Season: November 1, 2025 to March 31, 2026. It runs every winter, roughly November to March, so check Cheorwon County’s notices for the following season. Full opening: December 13, 2025 (Jiktang Falls to Sundam Valley, 8.5 km). Before the full opening only some sections run, so check which sections are open for your dates. Hours: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. (last entry 4 p.m.). Closed Tuesdays (open on holidays, then closed the next weekday). Admission: adults 10,000 won, with 5,000 won refunded instantly in Cheorwon gift certificates; free for Cheorwon residents and national merit recipients with proof. Tip: spend the certificate at nearby cafés, restaurants or the farmers’ market by the ticket office, and you effectively pay 5,000 won.
2. Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival (as of 2026)
Festival: the 14th Cheorwon Hantan River Ice Trekking Festival, January 17–25, 2026. Highlights: giant snow sculptures and a sledding hill around Seungilgyo Bridge, plus other winter activities; it’s the best time to go with kids. The festival is held around mid-January each year, so check Cheorwon County’s notices for the 2027 dates.
3. Trekking Routes (8.5 km in Total)
Full route: Jiktang Falls, Taebong Bridge, Songdaeso (Eunhasu Bridge), Madang Rock, Seungilgyo Bridge, Goseokjeong and Sundam Valley, about three hours one way.
Recommended route for kids or photos: Taebong Bridge to Eunhasu Bridge to Goseokjeong, about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Why: starting at Taebong Bridge, walking the floating pontoons is thrilling, and the view from Eunhasu Bridge is spectacular. Ending at Goseokjeong covers the key scenery without wearing you out.
4. Parking and Shuttle Bus Tips
The Hantan River Water Trail runs along the Hantan River in Cheorwon, with Jiktang Falls as the main starting point. Ticket offices and parking lots are at these locations:
Taebong Bridge lot (ticket office): 522-13 Sangsa-ri, Galmal-eup. Eunhasu Bridge lot (ticket office): 20-1 Jangheung-ri, Dongsong-eup. Goseokjeong lot (ticket office): 1825 Taebong-ro, Dongsong-eup. Sundam lot (ticket office): San 78-2 Guntan-ri, Galmal-eup. Every point has free parking. Tip: weekends get crowded, so park at one end, Taebong Bridge or Sundam Valley, walk one way and ride the shuttle back.
By public transport, take a bus or taxi from Cheorwon, and on weekends and holidays a shuttle bus makes things easier.
Free shuttle: weekends and holidays only, running Taebong Bridge, Eunhasu Bridge, Seungilgyo Bridge, Goseokjeong and Sundam Valley about every 20–30 minutes; show your trail wristband when boarding. There’s no shuttle on weekdays, so take a taxi back to your starting point; ride-hailing apps work well.
5. What to Wear and Bring
Clothing: the river wind is fierce, so earmuffs, gloves and hand warmers are essential, and a long padded coat is recommended. Shoes: hiking boots or non-slip sneakers; crampons may help when there’s a lot of ice, but sneakers are fine on the pontoons.
6. Photo Spots and Things to Do
Eunhasu Bridge: a thrilling photo spot with a transparent glass floor. Songdaeso basalt columns: look up at sheer basalt cliffs from the water right below them.
Torch Observatory: a popular spot with lighting shows on Friday and Saturday evenings, so plan accordingly.
How did you like the Hantan River scenery that makes you forget the winter wind?
Walking on water past vertical cliffs and basalt columns is a special thrill you can only feel in Cheorwon in winter.
Open only about four months a year, this path is worth walking hand in hand with family or a partner before it melts away.
For kids, it’s a living classroom where they can see volcanic landforms from their textbooks.
If you’re looking for a winter drive near Seoul, consider the open views of the Hantan River Water Trail.
Dates and conditions in this guide are as of 2025. Seasonal timing changes every year, so check official updates before you go.
More Family Trips on Yans World
- Cheorwon Goseokjeong Flower Garden: Autumn Festival Tickets, Parking and Family Tips
- Seoraksan Fall Foliage : First Colors, Peak Timing and Gwongeumseong Cable Car
Schedules and prices can change, so check the Cheorwon County official site before you go.