Chuncheon

People have lived in Chuncheon since the Paleolithic Age. There are records that Maekguk (맥국; 貊國) was founded in Chuncheon but it seems to have been conquered by Goguryeo. In 637, Silla established Usu-ju (우수주; 牛首州) in Chuncheon but whether it was continuously its territory it is not known. After the unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea, Silla established Suyak-ju (수약주; 首若州) in the region. In the reign of King Gyeongdeok, it was renamed to Sak-ju (삭주; 朔州), and later Gwanghae-ju (광해주; 光海州). In 940 (23th year of the reign of King Taejo), it was renamed to Chun-ju (춘주; 春州). In mid Goryeo, the region was invaded by Khitans, Mongols and wokou. In 1413 (13th year of the reign of King Taejong), it was renamed to Chuncheon-gun. In 1896, Chuncheon became the capital city of Gangwon province because of the establishment of the provincial office. …

Chuncheon has a monsoon-influenced humid continental climate (Köppen: Dwa) with cold, dry winters and hot, rainy summers. The lowest measured temperature was −27.9 °C (−18 °F) (6 February 1969), and the highest was 39.5 °C (103 °F) (1 August 2018). The annual precipitation is an average of 1347.3 mm.

There are 12 state-designated and 34 province-designated cultural properties in Chuncheon. Cheongpyeongsa is a Buddhist temple established in 973. Its gate is designated as treasure. Dak-galbi and mak-guksu are regional specialties of Chuncheon. Dakgalbi is made by cutting chicken into thin pieces, marinating it with various sauces, and grilling it. Unlike its name, ribs are not used. Kim Yeong-seok, an owner of a pork restaurant, is credited with inventing the dish in the 1960s when he used chicken instead when pork ran out. The recipe changed to adding various vegetables such as cabbage and onion and frying them on an iron plate. Subsequently, Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley was formed in the 1970s. Mak-guksu are dark-colored noodles made from buckwheat. It was originally eaten in the winter as a late-night snack but began to be eaten in all seasons in the 1970s. …