Gangwon-do - Discovering South Korea

Travelling to Gangwon-do

In this page you can find every information for a holiday in Gangwon-do, a pretty good destination in South Korea (all info about the whole country here).
We will answer the most important questions: what to visit, when to go, how to get to Gangwon-do and what means of transport to use to get around. We will describe typical foods, the costs for tourists and where to find accomodation. We will list also the places to see around Gangwon-do, and we will also talk about safety and how each type of traveler can enjoy a trip here.
So, if you are travelling through South Korea, here's everything to know about Gangwon-do for a perfect holiday.

General info for a trip to Gangwon-do

Gangwon-do is a province located in the northeastern region of South Korea. It is known for its spectacular natural beauty, including the Taebaek Mountains, numerous rivers and lakes, and the eastern coast. It is also home to several popular tourist destinations, such as the ski resorts in Pyeongchang and Goseong, the seaside city of Sokcho, and the historic city of Gangneung. Additionally, Gangwon-do was the host province for the 2018 Winter Olympics, which were held in Pyeongchang.

What to visit in Gangwon-do

Here are some of the tourist attractions of Gangwon-do in South Korea along with some brief information: 1. Seoraksan National Park: This is one of the most beautiful national parks in South Korea, with stunning mountains, waterfalls, and rock formations. It is particularly famous for the dramatic sunrise seen from the mountain peak.
2. Alpensia Ski Resort: This picturesque ski resort is home to several ski slopes and winter activities. It hosted several events during the 2018 Winter Olympics and offers year-round entertainment and accommodation facilities.
3. Nami Island: This small island offers scenic views of the mountains and is surrounded by water. It is particularly famous for its beautiful tree-lined paths and gardens, and for the filming of the popular Korean drama, Winter Sonata.
4. Samcheok Ocean Railbike: This unique attraction allows visitors to travel on a rail bike over the ocean, offering stunning views of the cliffs and sea. It is an extremely popular attraction in Gangwon-do and is a great way to experience the natural beauty of the area.
5. Gangwon-do Arboretum: This beautiful garden is home to thousands of plant species and offers visitors the chance to learn about the region's diverse plant life. It is a peaceful and relaxing place to explore and learn.
6. Pyeongchang Trout Festival: This festival is held every winter and allows visitors to experience traditional Korean winter activities such as ice fishing and sledding. It is a great way to immerse oneself in Korean culture and enjoy the winter season.
7. Gangneung Coffee Street: This street is lined with cafes and coffee shops and is known for its excellent coffee and artisanal drinks. It is a great place to relax and enjoy the city's vibrant cafe culture. These are just a few of the many attractions that Gangwon-do has to offer visitors.
In this website, you can find many other destinations to visit in South Korea, so you can have a look in the "USEFUL LINKS" sections in this page for other places that could inspire your trip.


You can find more information in this page dedicated to the top 10 attractions to visit in Gangwon-do.

When to go on holiday to Gangwon-do

The best time to visit Gangwon-do is during the autumn season, which runs from September to November. During this time, you'll be able to experience the beautiful fall foliage as the leaves change color. The temperatures are also mild and comfortable during this season, making it perfect for outdoor activities like hiking and exploring.
Alternatively, you might also consider visiting Gangwon-do during the winter season, which runs from December to February. Gangwon-do is known for its winter sports activities, and is home to some of the best ski resorts in South Korea. The region also hosts the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018 and has many winter activities like snowboarding, ice skating, and snow rafting. Keep in mind that winter temperatures in Gangwon-do can be quite cold, so it's important to dress warmly. Overall, the best time to visit Gangwon-do will depend on your interests and preferences.

You can book here visit and activities to do during your holiday!

How to get to Gangwon-do

Gangwon-do is a province located in the northeastern part of South Korea. There are a few options for getting there: 1. By Air: The nearest airport to Gangwon-do is Yangyang Airport, which is serviced by a few domestic airlines. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to your final destination.
2. By Train: The KTX (Korea Train Express) bullet train connects Seoul to Gangneung, a major city in Gangwon-do. The journey takes about 2.5 hours.
3. By Bus: There are several bus services that connect Seoul to various towns and cities in Gangwon-do. You can take a bus from Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal in Seoul.
4. By Car: If you have a rental car, you can drive from Seoul to Gangwon-do. It takes about 2-3 hours depending on your destination.
I hope this helps!
To find the most convenient flights, compare (and book if you like!) the best offers here on Skyscanner.
To hire a car to visit Gangwon-do, I recommend to check this: COMPARE HERE ALL OFFERS FOR CAR RENTAL

Typical foods in Gangwon-do

1. Dakgalbi (닭갈비)- a spicy stir-fry dish made with marinated chicken, potatoes, cabbage, and scallions.
2. Makguksu (막국수)- a Korean buckwheat noodle dish served in a cold broth made with beef or chicken.
3. Gangwon-do-style hwae (강원도식 화에)- a type of sashimi made with fresh fish caught from the East Sea, typically dressed with a spicy sauce.
4. Taengjang-guk (탕장국)- a hearty soybean paste soup with beef, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables.
5. Jumulleok (주물럭)- sliced and seasoned beef, often cooked on a tabletop grill and served with a dipping sauce.
6. Sundae (순대)- a type of Korean sausage made with pig's intestines stuffed with vermicelli noodles, pork blood, and vegetables.
7. Pyeongchang makguksu (평창 막국수)- a regional specialty from Pyeongchang, featuring buckwheat noodles in a chilled broth made with dongchimi (radish water kimchi) and beef brisket.
8. Gamja-tang (감자탕)- a hearty soup made with pork spine, potatoes, hot peppers and various other vegetables. 9. Dongtae-jeon (동태전)- a Korean pancake made with fresh pollock fish fillets mixed with vegetables and dipped in a spicy soy-based sauce.
10. Jeongseon Arirang Bean Sprout Rice Tteokgalbi (전선아릉쌀순대떡갈비)- a dish made with beef ribs that have been seasoned with soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil and mixed with rice cakes, vegetables, and bean sprouts.
You can find general info about typical foods in South Korea here.

Is Gangwon-do an expensive destination for tourists?

Gangwon-do in South Korea can be a bit expensive for tourists, especially if you plan on visiting during peak season. Winter sports and ski resorts are popular in the region, which can drive up prices for accommodations, equipment rentals, and lift tickets. Additionally, areas such as Pyeongchang rose to prominence during the 2018 Winter Olympics, which has increased tourism demand and prices in the region. However, there are still budget-friendly options available like staying in guesthouses or hostels, eating street food or local restaurants, and using public transportation.

Where to find accomodation in Gangwon-do

There are several popular areas to find accommodation in Gangwon-do for tourists. Some of the best areas to stay in Gangwon-do are: 1. Sokcho - A scenic coastal town famous for the Seoraksan National Park and beaches.
2. Pyeongchang - A mountainous area known for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
3. Gangneung - A seaside city famous for its beaches, temples, and traditional markets.
4. Chuncheon - A lakeside town surrounded by mountains, famous for its Dakgalbi (a spicy chicken dish).
5. Hongcheon - A rural area with natural beauty, including the Hongcheon River and Namiseom Island.
These areas have a variety of accommodation options, ranging from budget-friendly hostels to luxury resorts.
You can check hotel prices at Gangwon-do here:
Booking.com

Is Gangwon-do a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Gangwon-do is generally considered a safe place for tourists. South Korea has low crime rates in general, and Gangwon-do is a popular tourist destination with many attractions such as beaches, mountains, and skiing resorts. However, like any other place in the world, tourists should always take basic precautions such as keeping an eye on their belongings and being aware of their surroundings. Also, it is recommended to check the travel advisory for any updates before planning a trip to Gangwon-do or any other destinations in South Korea.
You can find general info about safety for tourists in South Korea here. Always check updated government info about travelers's safety on the ufficial Foreign Affairs website of your government, before visiting Gangwon-do.

What type of travelers will enjoy Gangwon-do the most?

Gangwon-do, South Korea, has something to offer for all types of travelers. Here are some ideas of who might enjoy this province the most: - Nature lovers: Gangwon-do has some of the most stunning natural landscapes in South Korea. Seoraksan National Park is one of the most popular spots with incredible panoramic views, hiking trails, waterfalls, and Buddhist temples. Nami Island is another beautiful destination, a small island known for its scenic walking paths, gardens, and tree-lined roads.
- Adventure seekers: If you're looking for some adrenaline-filled activities, you won't be disappointed. Gangwon-do is a hotspot for winter sports, and it's home to some of the best ski resorts in the country, including Pyeongchang, which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. In summer, you can try rafting, hiking, and paragliding.
- Couples: Gangwon-do is also a very romantic destination. The province has some of the most picturesque and tranquil towns, like Sokcho or Pyeongchang, where you can stroll hand in hand, relax by the beach, or gaze at the stars. There are also several hot springs where you can soak in a private bath and unwind.
- Families: Gangwon-do is an excellent destination for families with kids. There are several theme parks around the area, such as Ocean World, a massive aquarium with many marine creatures, and the Daemyung Vivaldi Park Ski World, with tons of winter activities for all ages. Plus, there are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy, such as ziplining, horseback riding, or bobsledding.

How to get around Gangwon-do

In Gangwon-do, you can use various modes of transportation to move around such as buses, taxis, trains, and rental cars. The most common way to travel to popular tourist attractions is by taking the intercity bus, as they run frequently, are affordable, and reach many destinations. Taxis and rental cars offer more flexibility for exploring off the beaten path areas, and trains are a great option for scenic routes such as the East Sea Train which runs along the coast.

What to see around Gangwon-do

Certainly! Here are some great day trip destinations that are close to Gangwon-do in South Korea: 1. Nami Island: This picturesque island, often called the "Island of Romance" due to its scenic beauty, is just an hour's drive from Gangwon-do. It's especially popular in the fall when the leaves change color.
2. Seoraksan National Park: Located on the eastern side of the Taebaek mountain range, it's only a short drive from Gangwon-do. It's home to stunning scenery and a variety of trails for hiking.
3. Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch: This vast ranch is home to over 200 sheep and has a beautiful scenic backdrop. It is only a 30-minute drive from Gangwon-do.
4. Goseong Unification Observatory: This observation platform has incredible views of the DMZ which separates North Korea and South Korea. The observatory is only a 35-minute drive away.
5. Yongpyong Ski Resort: This resort hosted the Winter Olympics in 2018 and is home to one of the best skiing experiences in South Korea. It's just a 50-minute drive from Gangwon-do. 6. Jeongseon Railbike: This is a fun activity to do in Jeongseon County. You can cycle along the old railway tracks that run through the beautiful scenery in the area.
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