Yangyang café with a 30-minute electric boat ride: Cafe Dunchi

In short

Cafe Dunchi is a pet-friendly café by the lower Namdaecheon River in Yangyang, Gangwon, where I had coffee and took a 30-minute electric boat ride with my group. We enjoyed the slow river views and Bluetooth music, though I did not see the salmon or masu salmon said to return seasonally.

Scenery during Cafe Dunchi's electric boat experience

Good to know

Location
Lower Namdaecheon River, Yangyang
Address
295 Ilchul-ro, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon State, South Korea (Water Sports Center and Cafe Dunchi)
Electric boat use
30 minutes with my group at the time of visit
Boat features
Electric motor; Bluetooth connection available
Pets
Allowed in the café; confirm dog boarding and safety details before visiting

as written by the visitor on Aug 31, 2026

Where is Cafe Dunchi and what can you do there?

While traveling in Yangyang, I visited Cafe Dunchi (카페 둔치) by the lower Namdaecheon River because I wanted to rest while taking in scenery different from the sea. The open surroundings made the river view the first thing I noticed.

Around Cafe Dunchi by lower Namdaecheon in Yangyang

It is a café where you can enjoy coffee and drinks alongside an electric boat experience. The café is also pet-friendly, so it could be worth considering as a place to rest during a Yangyang trip with your dog.

Cafe Dunchi overlooking Namdaecheon scenery

Is the electric boat fast, or is it good for taking in the scenery?

The electric boat experience was what I had looked forward to most that day. I could explore the Namdaecheon River, which I had been looking at from the café, from the boat itself.

Electric boat experience on Namdaecheon at Cafe Dunchi

Because the boat runs on an electric motor, it was not fast. It moved slowly, which made it nice for taking in the surrounding scenery at a relaxed pace.

Namdaecheon scenery viewed slowly by electric boat

How long is the ride, and is it difficult to operate?

At the time of my visit, we used the electric boat for 30 minutes. Rather than riding with other visitors, my group had the boat to ourselves, so we could talk comfortably while looking around Namdaecheon. Before boarding, I wondered whether there would be enough time, but the 30 minutes passed quickly once we were out on the water.

Namdaecheon electric boat experience with your group

I was a little nervous about driving it myself at first, but the controls were simpler than I expected and I got used to them quickly. Because it moves slowly, I felt it would be relatively less daunting with children or older adults. When you use it, be sure to follow the safety instructions you are given.

Electric boat driven directly on Namdaecheon

Can you listen to music on the boat?

Another memorable point was that Bluetooth connection was available on the boat. Playing songs I liked while moving slowly along Namdaecheon made the time spent looking at the scenery more enjoyable.

Did I see salmon and masu salmon in Namdaecheon?

I heard that, depending on the season, you can see salmon and masu salmon returning to Namdaecheon and jumping above the water. However, I did not see them on the day I visited, which was disappointing. Next time, I would like to return in season.

Can you visit with a dog?

Cafe Dunchi is a pet-friendly café. If you are traveling around Yangyang with your dog, you could consider it as a place to take in the Namdaecheon scenery and rest for a while.

Pet-friendly Cafe Dunchi in Yangyang

If you plan to use the boat with your dog, it would be best to confirm separately before visiting whether dogs can board and any safety-related details.

What stood out from this electric boat experience?

Scenery during Cafe Dunchi's electric boat experience

While riding the boat, I was reminded of my first-year college days, when each new experience felt special. Stepping away from the routine of choosing familiar things to drive a boat myself was memorable.

Namdaecheon explored by boat on a Yangyang trip

I was happy with the time my group spent talking, listening to music, and looking at the scenery. Being able to enjoy both a café and a boat experience made it feel like a good stop during a Yangyang trip.

A Namdaecheon visit with café and boat experience

I thought it would suit a family trip or a date for anyone who wants to enjoy the scenery slowly. If you want to see something besides the Yangyang coast, Namdaecheon is worth adding to your route.

River scenery seen at Cafe Dunchi during a Yangyang trip

I did not see salmon or masu salmon this time, but the experience of driving a boat myself and looking around Namdaecheon will stay with me for a long time.

Namdaecheon remembered from a Cafe Dunchi visit

Where it is

Cafe Dunchi (카페 둔치)카페 둔치

295 Ilchul-ro, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon State, South Korea (강원특별자치도 양양군 양양읍 일출로 295 수상레포츠센터 및 카페 둔치)강원특별자치도 양양군 양양읍 일출로 295 수상레포츠센터 및 카페 둔치

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