Sail boat race (image: Flickr, by Drregor)
Chungju, Korea, July 30 (Korea Bizwire) – More than 2,300 athletes from 80 countries will be competing in the Rowing World Championships from August 25 to September 1 at Tangeum Lake, Chungju in Korea. Even UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, who was born in the town, will be in attendance.
Chungju is home to a number of rivers and two beautiful lakes, the Tangeum and Chungju Lake, and has been known as a ‘city of water’ with vast water bodies. There are numerous spas to be enjoyed, including the county’s oldest natural hot spring at Suanbo, as well as numerous other water sports including rowing, and waterbikes. The 12th Chungju lake festival will be held for four days from July 25, with various water sports and other activities available to visitors.
Tourists to Chungju can also experience the rich history of the Korean peninsula by visiting various cultural heritage sites. Most notable is Tangeumdae, a small hill which is known as the place where Wooreuk, one of the three most famous musicians in Korean history, lived and played the gayageum (Korean zither with twelve strings).
Tangeum Lake in Chungju, where the Rowing World Championships will be held Championships from August 25 to September 1 (image: MCST)
From the observation point on the hill visitors can see the Tangeum rowing center as well as the Namhan River. Furthermore, there are beautiful mountains, national parks, rivers, and waterfalls that all contribute to Chungju’s wonderful natural scenery.
Visitors do not have to worry about traffic as officials have worked to enhance accessibility. The bypass road between Yongdu and Geumga has been completed ahead of schedule, making it more convenient for both tourists and participants to arrive at the Tangeum International Rowing Center. In addition 11 roads near Chungju are currently under construction for repavement and widening. In particular, the Wooreuk Bridge will be decorated to symbolize the gayageum, and is expected to be a favorite tourist site for both visitors and athletes alike.
