Living in Seoul for over a decade has taught me to appreciate the beauty of escaping the city whenever possible. While Seoul is vibrant and full of life, the colder months can sometimes feel oppressive, with polluted air and biting winds testing your patience. That’s why I’m always on the lookout for quick getaways to recharge and reconnect with nature. Last winter, I stumbled upon a hidden gem that perfectly combined adventure and relaxation: Wonju’s Pandae Ice Park and the charming Café Stone Creek.
Discovering Pandae Ice Park
It all started with a stunning Instagram post. As I scrolled through my explore feed, a breathtaking image of a massive ice wall caught my eye. The geo-tag led me to Wonju Pandae Ice Park (원주 판대 아이스파크), a human-made ice climbing venue nestled in the Jijeong township of Wonju, Gangwon-do. The frozen waterfall, formed by pressurized water cascading down a rocky mountain ridge, looked like something out of a winter fairy tale. Without hesitation, I decided to make an impulsive day trip the very next day.
From Seoul’s Gangnam area, the drive to Pandae Ice Park took about an hour and a half. The park, operated by the Wonju Mountaineering Society since 2002, is a haven for thrill-seekers and winter sports enthusiasts. Every year, the freezing temperatures transform the flowing water into a colossal icefall, attracting hundreds of climbers eager to conquer its icy facade.
A Scenic Winter Wonderland
When I arrived, I was immediately struck by the park’s natural beauty. The towering ice wall glistened under the winter sun, and the surrounding valley was blanketed in a serene layer of snow. While the climbers were busy scaling the icy surface, I found myself drawn to the peaceful atmosphere of the area. But what truly surprised me was the unexpected addition of a trendy café right at the base of the park.
Café Stone Creek: A Hipster Haven
Café Stone Creek (스톤크릭) opened in early 2022 and has quickly become one of Wonju’s most recommended spots. By the time I arrived on a Saturday afternoon, the place was buzzing with coffee lovers and photographers eager to capture the perfect winter shot. The café’s design is as impressive as its location, with three sleek, cream-colored structures set against the dramatic backdrop of the frozen waterfall and mountain range.
The café is divided into indoor and outdoor areas, offering plenty of cozy nooks to enjoy the view. Two of the buildings are located near the parking lot—one for seating and restrooms, and the other for placing orders. The third building sits closer to the mountain, providing an even more immersive experience of the surrounding nature.
What makes Café Stone Creek truly Instagram-worthy is the iconic photo spot between the two main buildings. With the frozen waterfall in the background and the minimalist architecture framing the shot, it’s no wonder this location has become a social media favorite.
How to Get There
If you’re relying on public transport, the journey from Seoul to Wonju takes approximately 2.5 hours:
- Take Seoul Subway Line 9, 3, or 7 to Express Bus Terminal Station (고속터미널역).
- Exit through gates 1 or 2 and head to Seoul Express Bus Terminal (서울고속버스터미널).
- Purchase a ticket to Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal (원주시외버스터미널) for 7,700 KRW.
- At Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal, find the Sioe.Express Bus Terminal bus stop (시외.고속버스터미널 정류장-60037) and board bus no. 58.
- Get off at Seowonju Station (서원주역 정류장 (68580)) and take a taxi to Café Stone Creek or Pandae Ice Park (approx. 13,000 KRW).
Final Thoughts
My day trip to Wonju was the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re an ice climbing enthusiast or simply looking for a picturesque spot to enjoy a cup of coffee, Pandae Ice Park and Café Stone Creek offer an unforgettable winter experience. So, the next time Seoul’s cold weather starts to wear you down, consider a quick escape to Wonju—it’s worth every moment.
Access Map
Essential Info About Café Stone Creek
Operating Hour: 10:30 - 20:00 (19:00 last order)
Parking Area: Yes (Free)
Stone Creek Address: 강원 원주시 지정면 지정로 1101
Naver Map: Link
Instagram: @stonecreek_ae32
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