Jecheon MT Review | A 2-Day Trip to Cheongpung Lake Filled with Friendship and Memories
Written by yj Jeon 😊
On a clear September weekend, we went on an MT (Membership Training) trip to Jecheon, a city surrounded by mountains and lakes in Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea. It was a short getaway from our daily routines—a chance to relax and get to know one another better. Both Korean students and international friends joined the trip, making it a unique cultural exchange experience.
At first, the bus was filled with quiet conversations and polite smiles. But as we left the city and the scenery turned greener, laughter began to fill the air. Some joked in English, others tried their best in Korean, and soon the bus was buzzing with excitement. From that moment, our Jecheon trip became something truly special.
When we arrived at our pension near Cheongpung Lake, the fresh mountain breeze greeted us. The place offered a perfect view of the surrounding valley and lake.
Even though it was raining, we visited Jeongbangsa Temple and, through teamwork with others, managed to reach the top of the temple. Everyone was tired, but it turned out to be a fun and memorable experience.
After unpacking, we went grocery shopping together—buying meat, kimchi, snacks, and drinks that reflected everyone’s tastes. That evening, we gathered around the barbecue grill, cooking, laughing, and sharing stories. Even though we spoke different languages, the joy of good food and friendship connected us. One friend tried Korean-style lettuce wraps for the first time and was surprised by the spicy chili peppers. Another smiled and said, “This is the best barbecue ever!” In that moment, nationality didn’t matter—what mattered was the shared laughter and warmth.
As night fell, the real highlight of the MT in Jecheon began. We played team games, sang songs, and performed in small talent shows. Our international friends covered Korean songs and received cheers from everyone, while Korean students introduced themselves in English and earned applause in return. It was a night full of connection and laughter. When midnight came, we gathered outside under a sky full of stars, sharing stories about our countries, lives, and dreams. Beneath the shining night sky of Jecheon, we realized that friendship goes beyond language.
The next morning, we woke up to the crisp air of Jecheon. After a light breakfast, we visited the beautiful Uirimji Reservoir. The lake was covered in a thin layer of mist, and the sunlight reflected off the water like gold. It was a breathtaking sight. As we took pictures together, one friend said softly, “Let’s remember this moment forever.” Walking along the lakeside, we followed each other on social media and promised to meet again. Though it was only a one-and-a-half-day trip, it left us with memories that will last a lifetime.
This group trip to Jecheon was more than just a typical MT. It was a reminder that even with different languages and backgrounds, people can connect deeply through shared experiences. For some, it was their first trip in Korea; for others, it became the most memorable moment of their university life. The mountains, Uirimji, and the starry Jecheon sky brought us closer together.
Jecheon is a perfect destination for university MTs, group trips, or short getaways. With nearby attractions like Cheongpung Lake, Uirimji Reservoir, Geumsusan Mountain, and Oksunbong Peak, it offers both relaxation and adventure. There are plenty of group pensions and training centers, as well as fun activities like barbecue parties, campfires, and swimming in the valley. Through this trip, I finally understood why Jecheon is often called “the city of rest and memory.”
Although it was just a short 2-day trip to Jecheon, the laughter we shared, the breeze from Uirimji, and the conversations under the stars remain deeply in my heart. If I ever return to Jecheon, I hope to experience the same warmth and connection—with new friends, old memories, and the same beautiful sky.