Bonghwangdae (Chuncheon)

In the lakeside city of Chuncheon, there are many paths ideal for cycling or leisurely walks, surrounded by nature along an artificial lake. Among the walking trails called Bomnae-gil, named after Chuncheon's pure Korean name 'Bomnae', you can encounter Bonghwangdae on Bomnae-gil Course 4 (Uiamho Nadeul-gil). Walking along Uiamho Lake from Seomyeon Waterfront Park, passing Soyang 2 Bridge, Gongjicheon Stream, and KT&G Sangsang Madang (Children's Hall), you will see a low peak rising on the riverside—that is Bonghwangdae. It is also called Jamdubong because it appears as if a silkworm's head is entering the water, extending from Hyangnobong, the southern mountain of Chuncheon. Bonghwangdae also appears in a poem left by Song Gwang-yeon (1638–1695), a literary figure of the Joseon Dynasty who came down as the magistrate of Chuncheon. Although it is not a very high peak at 126 meters above sea level, from the summit, Uiamho Lake and Jungdo Island spread out before you like a landscape painting. It was the first place to greet visitors arriving in Chuncheon by boat from Sinnyeon Naru, and it is introduced as a scenic spot of Chuncheon in various documents compiled during the Joseon Dynasty. Now, it appears as a modest peak hidden by tall buildings, but as it holds such traditional narratives, it is worth reflecting on its meaning when encountered on a walk.