Danyang is a county in North Chungcheong Province, known for the Namhan River which is about 15-miles long, and garlic-infused dishes which you must try while visiting Danyang.
If you’re traveling from Camp Humphreys or Pyeongtaek, this is an easy vacation destination since it’s only a 2-hr drive away. As I have said in previous Taean blogs, if you’re traveling with kids, these 2 hr drives aren’t as challenging for our little ones. If you pack a couple of snacks, then you won’t even need to go to a rest stop along the way.
Where to Stay in Danyang
Sono Moon (Sonomun) Hotel and Resort is popular with many US military families. At W105,000 to W350,000 per night, depending on the season, weekday, and package, it’s a fairly good rate for a family.
This hotel also has an awesome breakfast buffet spread. We spent around W50,000 per morning with our family of 3.
There’s a Korean restaurant, next to the breakfast buffet restaurant, which is also open for dinner, a small cafe and bakery, a CU convenience store, an arcade room, and an ocean park in the basement.
The first floor has a chicken and pizza restaurant and cafe, called BBQ Garden, which includes a toddler play zone. When we were there, they had a “buy 2 beers, get 3rd free” deal. Needless to say, this was our first stop after checking into our room.
The family room usually includes a queen-sized bed and a separate room with a futon. I’ve read that’s not always the case, sometimes you have 2 beds, sometimes it’s 2 futons. If you have an air mattress, bring it, just in case. I’ve started packing an air mattress for our toddler so we don’t all have to sleep on the same bed, regardless.
The family room has a medium-sized fridge with a separate freezer. The room also includes a rice cooker, cooking supplies, utensils, and a stovetop heater. No microwave. However, the 13th and 15th floors have microwaves in the lobby area. So, if you’re traveling on a limited budget, as families often are, pack, at the very least, lunch supplies. Leftovers from one night can easily become tomorrow’s lunch if you don’t mind taking an elevator to the nearest microwave. Also, pack bath towels for each person.
Sonomun Danyang
1588-4888
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A peaceful hotel with views of either the mountains and or the river. West Tower is currently closed. East Tower, 1st level has BBQ Garden and Cafe with toddler play area; Basement level has Chefs Kitchen (where breakfast buffet is), Korean Restaurant, Ocean World, Arcade, CU convenience store. Ground level and underground parking.
Hangul Address
충청북도 단양군 단양읍 삼봉로 187-17
Day 1: Riverwalk to the Aquarium
Parking along the river requires defensive maneuvers that I’m not comfortable with so I recommend walking from Sono Moon Resort to the Dangyang Danuri Aquarium. This is also great for the kids and parents who need to stretch their legs after a long drive. If it’s sunny, make sure to take sunscreen and in the winter dress for the cold.
Day 1: Danyang Danuri Aquarium
This family-friendly freshwater aquarium opens at 09:00 AM. It’s smaller than many of the other museums in Korea so adults may not be as fascinated but the kids can still enjoy it. Closed on Mondays, but hopefully, you’re used to that by now.
Danuri Freshwater Aquarium
043-423-4235
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A beautifully done fresh water aquarium. Not as massive as other aquariums but plenty interesting. 1st floor- Otters, gift store, fishing exhibit with fishing games B1 & B2 - Aquariums Limited food options
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 단양읍 수변로 111
Day 1: Riverwalk to the Hotel and a Brunch Stop
Grab snacks at Danyang Market along the way.
Danyang Market/Restaurant Alley
043-422-1706
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Danyang’s vibrant traditional market.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 단양읍 도전5길 31
Then enjoy a Western-style brunch or lunch at Cafe Dalkeumhan Ohu.
Cafe Dalkeumhan Ohu
043-422-3706
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A brunch cafe perfect for families with kids and pets.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 단양읍 수변로 61
If your family really loves river walks, then walk straight past the statue of the man holding roses and keep walking. This path will take you back onto the main road, a block past the hotel.
Back at the hotel? Take a break, if you need one. Then, time for a short drive.
Day 1: Suyanggae Prehistory Museum & Light tunnel
If you’re not that into dinosaurs, who are you? But, if so, don’t miss the light tunnel.
Opens from 0900 to 2200. Admission fees: 7 – 12 yo W800, Youth W1,000 Adults W2,000
Suyanggae Pre-History Museum
043-423-8502
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A look at pre-historic Korean life.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 적성면 수양개유적로 390
Day 2: Dinner Featuring Danyang Cuisine
Hungry? Head in the direction of the hotel for a garlic lovers delight known as Jangdari Restaurant. They have their own parking lot. If you’re a family of 3 or 4, one set menu may be enough. We ordered 효자마늘정식 which was the hamburger meal. Came with 2 hamburgers, fish, soup, rice, and lots of banchan, of course.
If you’re traveling with little ones who don’t eat spicy food, this is a safe choice since the main dish is not spicy. We were so full by the end of the night. If you want to try something new, there’s a set menu that includes marinated crab.
Jangdari Restaurant
043-423-3960
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This amazing restaurant for the garlic experience that Danyang is known for. Best Korean restaurant we have been to so far. Has its own parking, which is often difficult to find at restaurants in Danyang, and one of the waitresses spoke English bc she lived in the states. She gave us so many great recommendations.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 단양읍 삼봉로 370
Day 2: Cafes and Stunning Views
Cafe San and / or Cafe Dokkaebi and paragliding … or just watch. Either way, it’s one of the best views of Danyang.
Cafe Sann And Paragliding
This cafe has an amazing view of a river valley and offers paragliding as well. On weekends, it is busy and reservations are required. The person said that you can usually make them in person, but when busy - no such luck.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 가곡면 두산길 196-86
Day 2: Gosu Cave
Pro Tip: Not stroller friendly
Be prepared to work those glutes! It’s very humid so I wouldn’t recommend your heavy jackets. There are cafes, street food, snacks, shopping, and games just outside. I recommend the bags of dried jujube.
Gosu Cave
043-422-3072
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A cool underground cave that is about 1.5km and spirals down using a staircase and tight spaces. Caution: if your claustrophobic, it’s not a good idea.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 단양읍 고수동굴길 8
Day 2: Dodamsambong Peaks
Pro Tip: You will need to pay for parking.
Head to the cruise boat and buy tickets for the next ride. There’s food, snacks, and cafes here as well. You will be able to see the peaks up close, as well as Seongmun, the Stone Gate, from the boat cruise. But, if you enjoy hikes, then you can also hike up the steps to the gate. Either way, you will need to walk down steps to get to the boat, so leave the stroller in the car.
Dodamsambong Peaks
This culture area has something for everyone: small garden, slow boat rides, motor boat rides, hike, music venue, cafes, food. All centered around three peaks in the river. 30 to 40 minute cruise ship rides W13,000 for adults W8,000 for 36 months and older Free for under 36 months Speed boat trips at lower rates Hike to Seongmun / Stone gate
Day 2: Mancheonha Skywalk
While the Skywalk closes at 1800, the last bus leaves at 1700. You definitely want to be on that bus because they light up the Skywalk around that same time, which adds to the experience. This, to me, is the best view of Danyang.
Mancheonha Skywalk
043-421-0014
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Hangul Address
충북 단양군 적성면 옷바위길 10
Day 2: Dinner
At this point, if you’re exhausted, then BBQ Garden at the hotel has awesome chicken and deep-dish pizza. Otherwise, consider the River Bistro, a delicious Mediterranean-style meal with a lovely view of Namhan River at night OR if you want to try a garlic-based shabu shabu restaurant, then go to Taeneung Sutbul Galbi.
River Bistro
043-422-1887
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A Mediterranean themed restaurant with a beautiful view of the river.
Hangul Address
충북 단양군 단양읍 수변로 55
Day 3: The Return Home
On your last day, I recommend making the trip ‘Driver’s choice’ and picking a return route through a wide variety of cool spots that may be between your home and Dangyang. Do you like K-Dramas? Temples? More caves? National parks? Danyang has all of that and more so, as you head back home, consider which route you want to take.
If you want to visit a popular K-Drama filming location, Ondol Resort, and hike up to Guinsa Temple, then head North before heading home.
Guinsa Temple
043-423-7100
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This temples is nestled in the mountains near Sobaeksan National Park. You park (cash only) and then can walk up or take the shuttle. The services at the base are open from 9am to 5pm.
Hangul Address
73 Guinsa-gil Yeongchun-myeon Dan
If you want to visit another cave, Cheondong Cave and Sobaeksan National Park, then head East.
A Couples Trip to Danyang
Interested in another trip to Danyang? Take a quick look at this couple’s itinerary by Chad and Brian.
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LeaDan Yee holds a Master’s in Education with a focus in Secondary Education and Teaching – Language Arts and Bachelor’s in Psychology, with a minor in Speech.
As a Cultural Liaison and Content Creator at South of Seoul, Ms. Yee focuses on creating content for families interested in traveling and those with toddlers. She is especially interested in opportunities to share her Native Hawaiian background and empower others to be cultural ambassadors.
Prior to joining South of Seoul, LeaDan worked as a High School Speech Teacher and Adjunct Communications Professor. She specializes in Public Speaking, Argumentation and Debate, Team Management, and Event Planning.
