Gangwon
Asia
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South Korea
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Gangwon
Located in the northeastern part of South Korea, Gangwon-do is a charming tourist destination that combines a rich cultural heritage with stunning scenery. Bordering the East Sea, the province is a treasure trove of historical sites, pristine beaches, and beautiful mountains. Travelers can explore Gangwon-do's history by exploring well-preserved temples such as Woljeongsa and Naksansa, which offer insights into Korea's spiritual and architectural past.
Gangwon is also known for its natural landscapes. The Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, can be found in this area. With towering mountains and lush forests, this park has beautiful hiking trails, as well as rare floras and faunas, making it one of the most popular places for hiking in South Korea.
Pyeongchang, another gem in Gangwon-do, gained global recognition as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Beyond the Olympic legacy, Pyeongchang transformed into a winter wonderland, inviting visitors to enjoy thrilling winter sports at resorts like Alpensia and Yongpyong.
From the tranquility of ancient temples to the excitement of winter sports, Gangwon captures the essence of Korea's past and present, inviting travelers to uncover its many treasures.
Get to Know Gangwon
Take a tour of this destination's highlights
Travel Tips for Gangwon
What you need to know before traveling here
Getting Around Gangwon
A guide to Gangwon's local transportation
Several cities and counties in Gangwon province have extensive bus services. Each city and county has city bus lines and intercity bus lines, providing a convenient way for tourists to travel around Gangwon and connect to other areas in South Korea with ease. The bus ticket price in Gangwon-do province is around ₩2,000.
Practical Tips for Gangwon
Things to prepare and best way to visit
Gangwon is famous for its skiing attractions. The region has many mountains and abundant snow during winter, which led to the establishment of several ski resorts. Usually, these resorts open in November and close in March.
In addition, Gangwon-do is also famous for its pristine East Sea coastline. The sea visible from Gangwon-do is famous for its cleanliness and clarity, thus attracting visitors to the coast all year round. One of the famous beaches in Gangwon-do is Gangmun Beach.
Gangwon, a province in South Korea known for its natural beauty, offers activities for all ages. Seoraksan National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, provides a charming retreat for nature lovers with its scenic trails, stunning rock formations, and vibrant flora.
Another tourist attraction in Gangwon you should visit is Nami Island, which is a favorite destination with tree-lined paths, seasonal flowers, and art installations that attract visitors looking for a quiet getaway.
Pyeongchang, a region within Gangwon, gained global recognition as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics. If you are looking for winter sports excitement, then you can visit Alpensia Resort and Yongpyong Resort located in the Pyeongchang area. Both resorts offer travelers a variety of exciting winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, and the charm of snowy landscapes.
For nature enthusiasts, you can find tranquillity at Odaesan National Park, which has various hiking trails through lush forests and beside clear rivers, with the serene Woljeongsa Temple as the main attraction. Gangwon's appeal lies in its perfect blend of natural wonders, rich culture, and leisure activities, inviting exploration for those seeking adventure and relaxation.
Gangwon, a province known for its stunning scenery, offers a rich culinary experience highlighted by dishes like Cheoplan Dakgalbi. This famous stir-fried chicken dish combines succulent chicken, vibrant vegetables, spicy gochujang and savory soy sauce on a hot plate, creating a flavorful delight loved by locals and visitors alike. Another local favorite is Makguksu, a refreshing cold soba noodle soup enjoyed in summer, with flavorful broth, vegetables, and sometimes kimchi for a satisfying culinary experience.
Gangwon's diverse dishes include Gamja-jeon, a savory potato pancake made with local ingredients such as thinly sliced potatoes, flour, onions, and sometimes seafood. These pancakes are deep-fried until crispy and served with a dipping sauce, showing the region's commitment to local produce. In addition, Gangwon also offers the unique Gamja-Ongsimi, a potato dumpling made from potato starch and filled with sweet red bean paste, providing a delicious blend of textures and flavors, which is popular at local markets and traditional festivals.
The average annual temperature in Gangwon-do is 27 degrees Celsius, and the region receives about 231 inches of rainfall per year. The dry season lasts for 207 days, with an average humidity of 74% and a UV index of 4.
The best months to visit Gangwon-do are mid-April to mid-June and September to October to avoid the peak summer rains. Fall offers the added attraction of stunning foliage views in Korea's forests, while spring is famous for its cherry blossoms.
Travel time from Gangwon-do to Seoul may vary depending on the starting and ending points in Gangwon-do and the mode of transportation chosen. If using a car, the trip duration can range from 1.5 to 4 hours, depending on the location within Gangwon and the traffic conditions. It is recommended to check the route and plan the trip well due to potential variations in distance and time. Meanwhile, for train travel, the duration can range from 1.5 to 3 hours.
Get to Know Gangwon
Travel Tips for Gangwon
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