Yangyang river café with boat rides: Cafe Dunchi

Where is Cafe Dunchi, and what are the parking and interior like?

During a trip to Gangwon, I stopped by Cafe Dunchi (카페 둔치) on the lower Namdaecheon in Yangyang. It is a floating café on the river, where visitors can enjoy both the café and water leisure activities.

The parking lot was large, so it was easy to visit by car, and the interior was spacious as well. From the second floor, the Namdaecheon scenery spread out without obstruction. It felt like a comfortable place to sit and rest with family, a partner, or friends.

What are the Namdaecheon view and nearby walking path like?

From the café, I could see the distant sea horizon and mountain scenery beyond the Namdaecheon. I liked being able to take in the broad riverside view even while sitting indoors.

Namdaecheon Salmon Ecological Park is right next door. With a deck path and an observation deck among reeds and silver grass, it was well located for planning a walk before or after a drink.

Can you take a boat with your drink?

The main purpose of this visit was to enjoy an electric boat or a hwangpo dotbae (traditional yellow-sailed boat) while having a drink. I had heard that drinks could be taken aboard, so I was looking forward to having one in the middle of the Namdaecheon.

However, the wind was very strong on the day I visited, so boat operations were suspended for safety. I unfortunately could not ride a boat and had to settle for sitting by the indoor window and looking out at the Namdaecheon.

Blankets were available in one area of the café for guests who get cold easily. On such a windy day, this preparation was welcome, and I could feel the owner's consideration.

What were the drinks like, and which desserts were available?

I was told that the beans are supplied often in small batches from a roastery in Gangneung. The café also makes its own fruit syrups for drinks and tea, which made me look forward to trying them.

We ordered a passion fruit ade and a latte. The passion fruit ade was refreshing, while the latte was nutty and smooth to drink. They were nice to sip slowly while watching the Namdaecheon flow outside the window.

Desserts included handmade egg tarts, yanggaeng (sweet bean jelly), cookies, and almond tuiles. This time, we simply rested over our drinks.

Was it still a good place to stay without the boat ride?

I was disappointed that I could not have the boat experience I had expected. Still, I relaxed at a window seat in the spacious interior, looking out at the Namdaecheon and drinking beverages that suited my taste. Next time, I would like to return on a clear, calm day and try the boat as well.