Hantangang River Waterway: Opening Season, Ticketing Cutoff, and a Columnar Joint Cliffside Walk

The Hantangang River Waterway ran from November 1, 2025, through April 12, 2026, and has now closed for the season. The next opening dates won’t be confirmed until the Cheorwon Culture Foundation issues a new notice, so if you’re planning a winter walking trip, checking the ticketing cutoff is just as important.

Can You Go Now? Check the Season Status First

The 2025~2026 Season Ended on April 12

Based on the Cheorwon Culture Foundation’s notice, the previous season for the Hantangang River Waterway ran from November 1, 2025~April 12, 2026. Operations originally scheduled through March 31 were extended to April 12. That means you can’t plan to walk the Waterway in August 2026.

Wait for the Dates Before Planning Next Season

The Waterway is a seasonal route operated with floating footbridges installed across the river. While checking the schedule, EasyTicket found that the season-ending date has been extended before. It’s safer to check the new Cheorwon Culture Foundation notice for the opening sections and closing date first, rather than locking in accommodation or transport.

The Hantangang River Waterway’s operating sections and dates may be adjusted, as they were for the previous season. Use the dates in the new notice as the basis for your travel plans.

Opening Season and Ticketing Cutoff Information

Published Hours and Fee Details

The Cheorwon Culture Foundation’s admission-fee page lists entry hours as 09:00~17:00, with ticket sales ending at 16:00. Individual adult admission is 10,000 won, and the notice also says visitors receive 5,000 won in Cheorwon Love Gift Certificates. During the extended section in the previous season, adult admission was 5,000 won with 2,000 won in gift certificates. (Source: Cheorwon Culture Foundation)

Why You Should Arrive Before Ticket Sales End

16:00 is the cutoff for buying an admission ticket. Since the Hantangang River Waterway was about 8.5 km long in the previous season, it’s best to avoid arriving late in the afternoon and then rushing to finish. Leave time for both the walk and your return journey.

How to Walk the Hantangang River Waterway

The Main Course Is About 8.5 km

The main operating section in the previous season was Jiktang Falls~Sundam Valley, about 8.5 km. Because you look up at the canyon from floating footbridges, it’s worth preparing for wind and temperature changes more carefully than you would for an ordinary walking trail.

The Spring Extension Covered a Shorter Distance

During the extended operation from April 1~12, 2026, the route was shortened to Jiktang Falls~Seungilgyo Bridge, about 5 km. In other words, the distance and admission fee can change depending on the notice, even for the same Hantangang River Waterway. Before setting out, be sure to check the itinerary for exactly how many kilometers you’ll walk.

Compare It with the Cheorwon Hantangang River Columnar Joint Cliffside Trail

The Cliffside Walkway Is 3.6 km and Takes About 1.5 Hours One Way

The Cheorwon Hantangang River Columnar Joint Trail follows a cliffside walkway and deck trail. It’s 3.6 km, with a one-way walking time of about 1 hour 30 minutes. Unlike the Hantangang River Waterway, which runs over the river, this route is about seeing the canyon’s height and the texture of the rocks from beside the cliffs.

Check Its Hours and Closed Days Separately

The Columnar Joint Trail is listed as 09:00~16:00 from March~November and 09:00~15:00 from December~February. It’s closed every Tuesday, on January 1, and on the day of Seollal and Chuseok; operations also stop when a heavy-rain advisory is in effect. Individual adult admission is 10,000 won, with 5,000 won in Cheorwon Love Gift Certificates.

Notes and Preparation Checklist for Walking Travelers

If You Do Both Trails, Calculate the Distance First

If you plan both the previous-season 8.5 km Hantangang River Waterway and the 3.6 km Cheorwon Hantangang River Columnar Joint Trail, the route distance alone comes to 12.1 km. Check the entrances and whether a shuttle is running on the map, then either walk one course per day or build in plenty of rest.

Check Weather and Closures First

The Columnar Joint Trail suspends operations during a heavy-rain advisory. Whether the winter Waterway is open depends on the season notice itself. While checking the fee details, I also noticed that the ticketing cutoff and operating end time are different. Here’s what to check one last time before setting out:

• The new opening date and actual operating section for the Hantangang River Waterway
• Whether the Waterway’s 16:00 ticketing cutoff applies
• The Columnar Joint Trail’s Tuesday closure and weather advisories
• Round-trip transport and walking distance

Stop at Dongsong Traditional Market After Your Walk

On Market Days, Look for Odae Rice and Local Foods

Dongsong Traditional Market is one of Cheorwon’s major traditional markets, located on Ipyeong-ro 47beon-gil in Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun. The market is held on the 5th and 10th of every month, and you can find Cheorwon Odae rice, farm produce, fresh meat, side dishes, and hotteok.

Remember the 208-Space Public Parking Lot

A 208-space public parking lot is listed next to the market. Rather than picking out a specific restaurant, consider adding a market-day visit to your route if it lines up with your walk, and choose local Cheorwon farm products yourself. Cheorwon County highlights Odae rice, water wasabi, and tomatoes as local specialties.

FAQ

Can You Walk the Hantangang River Waterway in August 2026?

No. The previous season ended on April 12, 2026. Wait for the Cheorwon Culture Foundation’s new season notice before choosing your next opening date.

What Time Do Tickets for the Hantangang River Waterway Stop Selling?

The admission-fee table published by the Cheorwon Culture Foundation lists 16:00 as the ticketing cutoff. Be careful not to confuse it with the 17:00 closing time.

Can You Walk the Waterway and the Columnar Joint Cliffside Walkway on the Same Day?

The two distances add up to 12.1 km even using the previous-season figures. During the Waterway’s open season, check the actual entrances, operating sections, and shuttle information for both courses first, then decide based on your fitness and daylight.

For the Hantangang River Waterway, the most important question is when it opens. Once you confirm an official notice with fixed dates and line it up with the cliffside trail’s hours and Dongsong Traditional Market’s market days, you can build a relaxed walking trip in Cheorwon.