Exploring the Sunset at Geunji Sunset Forest in Chungju
[Chungbuk Travel] A Preview Walk Through Geunji Sunset Forest, a Sunset Spot Coloring the Evening of Chungju
Location: Geunji Village, Jodong-ri, Dongnyang-myeon, Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do
Main Facilities: Healing Center, Emotional Room, Mind Room, Multipurpose Room, Viewing Café, Observation Deck, Accommodation, Walking Trails, Rest Areas
Accommodation: A total of 8 rooms planned
Walking Trails: Forest paths and deck paths leading to the sunset observation deck
Availability: Based on onsite guidance, expected to be fully operational after early September 2026
Pre-visit Confirmation: Check the opening date, accommodation reservations, café operations, and trail accessibility through official announcements
When thinking of Chungju, the daytime scenery comes to mind first. There are many places worth visiting during the day, such as Tangeum Lake, Jungangtap Park, Chungju Lake drive, Suanbo Hot Springs, and Hwalok Cave.
However, Chungju's charm is not limited to the daytime. As the sun begins to set, the sunset spreading over the rivers and lakes creates another scene of Chungju travel.
Among these, a recently highlighted place is Geunji Sunset Forest, currently being developed in Geunji Village, Jodong-ri, Dongnyang-myeon, Chungju.
Geunji Village has long been known for its beautiful sunsets. With the wide waterways of the Namhan River and Chungju Lake, mountain ridges, and village scenery, it offers a serene evening view unique to Chungju at sunset.
With the addition of a healing center, accommodation, walking trails, and observation decks, Geunji Village is preparing to transform into a new stay-type tourist destination in Chungju.
On a whim, I visited Geunji Sunset Forest, which was still under preparation.
Upon arriving at the site, a white building stood out above the forest. Its modern appearance with large glass windows gave a different impression from existing forest recreation facilities.
It seemed more like a viewing space designed to actively engage with the surrounding scenery rather than a building quietly hidden in the woods.
As of mid-August, some construction was still ongoing. The parking lot, exterior of the building, and surrounding trails showed signs of finishing touches, and some areas were restricted from entry.
I inquired with a staff member on site, who informed me that preparations had been slightly delayed due to heatwaves and other circumstances, and that normal facility usage was expected to begin after early September.
Although I wanted to explore the indoor facilities and accommodation, internal viewing was not possible due to ongoing construction.
Despite the disappointment, seeing the site just before completion allowed me to better imagine what Geunji Sunset Forest is preparing to become.
Geunji Sunset Forest is not just about creating a new observation deck. It is a complex healing space being developed in the Jidungsan area of Jodong-ri, Dongnyang-myeon, aiming to connect relaxation, culture, walking, and accommodation around the sunset scenery.
The experience center is planned to be four stories high, with facilities including an operations office, multipurpose room, nursing room, and restrooms on the first floor, and emotional and mind rooms on the second floor.
The second-floor emotional room is known to be a space for enjoying LP music. If the place’s identity as a sunset spot is connected with analog music appreciation, it can become a space where visitors can relax rather than just take photos and leave.
The third floor connects to a viewing café and accommodation, while the fourth floor connects to an observation deck and additional lodging. This structure allows for enjoying the scenery from within the building while seamlessly connecting to the accommodation and viewing areas.
The accommodation is planned to have a total of 8 rooms, with room numbers 101 to 103 in one section and 201 to 205 in another, according to the on-site signage.
Common facilities will also be available in the accommodation, making it more than just a place to stay, but a space for enjoying the sunset and forest for an extended period.
Outdoors, walking trails and resting areas leading to the sunset observation deck are being developed. There were still sections needing maintenance, but walking along the paths, one could alternate between the shade of the forest and views opening towards the river.
The most intriguing aspect of Geunji Sunset Forest is that it does not treat the sunset merely as a view. Typically, observation spots become places where one takes a picture and moves on. However, Geunji Sunset Forest considers the time spent waiting for the sunset, watching it, and lingering afterward.
With spaces for listening to LP music, quietly resting, enjoying views from the café, and walking trails, it is designed for travelers to explore Chungju during the day, move to Geunji Sunset Forest in the late afternoon, enjoy the evening light over the Namhan River and Chungju Lake from the observation deck, and conclude the day at the café or accommodation.
To expand Chungju from a day trip destination to a stay-type travel spot, there is a need for places to linger in the evening. In that regard, Geunji Sunset Forest appears to be a new space capable of creating evening travel experiences in Chungju.
After leaving behind the disappointment of not seeing the indoor facilities, I walked along the Geunji Sunset Forest trail towards the sunset observation deck. Since I visited in the afternoon, I could not see the actual sunset. However, upon reaching the observation deck, I understood why this place is called Chungju's sunset spot.
The Namhan River spreads wide before the deck, with Chungju's mountains, villages, bridges, and urban scenery all visible at once. On clear days, the water, clouds, and mountain ridges overlap, creating a deep perspective.
As the sun sets in the west, this scenery seems to transform into a completely different atmosphere. Light descends upon the river, and red hues spread behind the mountain ridges, making the name 'Sunset Forest' come to mind before 'Geunji Village.'
The observation deck is not just a high deck; it is a place where rivers, lakes, mountains, villages, cities, and nature come together in one frame. This vantage point, allowing travelers to view Chungju's terrain and scenery simultaneously, is undoubtedly attractive.
Geunji Village became more widely known partly due to its appearance in a drama. It is recognized as the filming location for the tvN drama 'Queen of Tears,' becoming a backdrop for confession scenes and thus drawing attention as a place with beautiful sunsets.
Filming locations often become significant talking points in tourist destinations. For those who have seen the drama, it offers the experience of encountering scenes from the screen in real life, while for those who haven't, it sparks curiosity about why such scenes were filmed here.
In Geunji Village, the reasons seem relatively clear: the wide waterways, light descending beyond mountain ridges, and the tranquil village atmosphere harmonize well with emotional scenes like love confessions.
In conclusion, Geunji Sunset Forest is set to become a representative evening tourist spot in Chungju due to its geographical advantages, diverse facilities, and its recognition as a drama filming site. As it prepares to open fully, it promises to be a crucial link connecting daytime activities in Chungju to evening experiences.
I look forward to visiting again when the complex healing center is completed and experiencing the true sunset of Geunji Village slowly descending over the Namhan River.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/cbkb21/224394037166
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