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Gangwon

Gangwon, Korea, South

Escape to Gangwon: Where Mountains Meet the Sea in South Korea Nestled along South Korea's eastern edge, Gangwon Province beckons travelers with a captivating blend of natural splendor, historical intrigue, and vibrant c…

#mountains#skiing#winter sports#nature#tourism

Stay & fly Things to do Videos Practical Guide

Top hotels & flights

Hand-picked stays and the best fares into Gangwon.

Top Hotels in Gangwon

Top Flights to Gangwon

Popular activities

Tours, tickets and experiences travelers book most in Gangwon.

Tours

Visit Nami Island

A picturesque half-moon shaped island known for its beautiful tree-lined roads and cultural festivals.

Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park

Visit this coastal park renowned for its stunning sunrise views over the East Sea.

Shopping

Chuncheon Myeongdong Street

A bustling street filled with unique fashion stores and street food vendors.

Sokcho Jungang Market

A traditional market offering a wide array of fresh seafood and local delicacies.

Outdoor

Explore Seoraksan National Park

Discover the natural beauty of Seoraksan National Park, known for its dramatic peaks, lush forests, and diverse wildlife.

Alpensia Ski Resort

A world-class ski resort that hosted the Winter Olympics, offering slopes for all levels.

Yangyang Surfing Beach

One of Korea's top surfing spots with great waves and a lively beach culture.

Location videos

Real reels from travelers, plus longer watches to get the full picture.

Watch & explore

Practical info

The essentials for planning your time in Gangwon.

Currency

₩ | KRW | South Korean Won

Population

Information not available.

Languages

Korean, Korean

Local guide

What travelers love, what to watch for, and a deeper read on Gangwon.

What people love

Gangwon Province in South Korea, located in the northeastern part of the country, offers a unique travel experience with a mix of stunning natural landscapes, cultural attractions, and outdoor activities. Here are some pros of traveling to Gangwon:

Scenic Beauty: Gangwon is known for its breathtaking natural scenery, including picturesque mountains, tranquil lakes, and beautiful coastlines. It is home to Seoraksan National Park, which is a popular destination for hiking and enjoying the colorful foliage in the fall.
Winter Sports: Gangwon is a winter sports paradise, hosting the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics in 2018. Visitors can enjoy skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities at world-class resorts such as Yongpyong Resort and Alpensia Resort.
Cultural Heritage: Gangwon is rich in cultural heritage, with historical sites such as Naksansa Temple, Woljeongsa Temple, and Ojukheon House. Visitors can learn about Korea's history and traditional customs through various cultural experiences and events.
Beach Destinations: Gangwon also offers beautiful beaches along the East Sea coastline, such as Gangneung and Sokcho. These coastal areas are perfect for relaxing by the sea, enjoying fresh seafood, and exploring charming fishing villages.
Local Cuisine: Gangwon is known for its unique regional cuisine, including dishes like dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken), makguksu (buckwheat noodles), and chodang tofu. Food lovers can savor the flavors of Gangwon and experience the local culinary scene.

Overall, traveling to Gangwon in South Korea offers a diverse range of experiences for nature lovers, adventure seekers, history buffs, and food enthusiasts alike. It's a destination that combines natural beauty, cultural heritage, and outdoor activities, making it a great choice for a memorable travel experience.

What to know

Some of the potential cons of traveling to Gangwon, located in South Korea, may include:

Weather: Gangwon province is known for its cold winters and heavy snowfall, which may be challenging for travelers who are not accustomed to such weather conditions.
Limited transportation options: Getting around Gangwon province may be more difficult compared to other more urban areas in South Korea, as public transportation options may be limited in certain areas.
Language barrier: While major tourist areas in Gangwon may have English signage and some English-speaking locals, there may still be a language barrier that could make communication and navigation more challenging for travelers.
Limited dining options: Some rural areas in Gangwon may have limited dining options, especially for travelers with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Remote locations: Certain attractions or accommodations in Gangwon province may be located in remote or less accessible areas, requiring additional time and effort to reach.

Please note that these potential cons may vary depending on individual preferences and circumstances. It is always recommended to research and plan ahead before traveling to any destination.

Gangwon is a province located in South Korea, and it has a rich history that dates back many centuries. Here is a detailed history of Gangwon:

Early History

Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC – 668 AD): During this time, the region that is now Gangwon was part of the Kingdom of Goguryeo. The area was contested among the Three Kingdoms of Korea: Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla.
Unified Silla (668–935): After the unification of the kingdoms under Silla, the area remained part of the Silla kingdom.
Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392): During the Goryeo Dynasty, the region was known for its scenic beauty and became a part of the administrative divisions of Goryeo.

Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897)

Gangwon Province Establishment: The province was officially established in 1395 during the early years of the Joseon Dynasty. The name "Gangwon" is derived from the principal cities of Gangneung and Wonju.
Cultural and Economic Development: Throughout the Joseon period, Gangwon was known for its agriculture and forestry, as well as its beautiful natural landscapes, which included mountains and rivers.

Japanese Colonial Period (1910–1945)

During the Japanese occupation of Korea, Gangwon was subject to the same control and exploitation as the rest of the Korean Peninsula. Many resources from Gangwon were extracted to benefit the Japanese Empire.
The March 1st Movement, a significant independence movement against Japanese rule, also had participants from Gangwon.

Post-Liberation and Korean War (1945–1953)

Division of Korea: After the liberation of Korea in 1945, the Korean Peninsula was divided into North and South Korea. The division affected Gangwon, splitting it into two parts: one in South Korea and the other in North Korea.
Korean War: Gangwon was a significant battlefront during the Korean War, with areas like the 38th parallel being heavily contested. The war caused significant destruction and displacement in the region.

Modern Era

Economic Development: Post-war, Gangwon has developed with a focus on tourism, agriculture, and industries such as mining. The region is known for its natural beauty, including the Taebaek Mountains, which attract tourists year-round.
2018 Winter Olympics: A significant recent event was the hosting of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. This global event brought significant attention and development to the region.

Important Historical Figures

Kim Yusin (595–673): A general from the Silla Kingdom, involved in the unification of the Three Kingdoms, who has historical ties to the region.
Heo Nanseolheon (1563–1589): A renowned female poet from the Joseon Dynasty, born in Gangneung, Gangwon.

Important Landmarks

Seoraksan National Park: A UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, it is one of the most famous national parks in Korea, known for its stunning mountain scenery.
Woljeongsa Temple: Located in Pyeongchang, this is an important Buddhist temple with a history dating back to the Silla period.
Ojukheon House: Located in Gangneung, it is one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea and is associated with the scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother, Shin Saimdang.

Gangwon continues to be a region rich in history and culture, balancing its past with modern development.