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Planning a trip to Gangwon-do, South Korea? Your upcoming journey will be easier with Gangwon-do travel experiences from Klook Vietnam.
If picking an Asian country to visit during a long vacation, surely South Korea is one of the first destinations that comes to mind. This country has both traditional elements with flowing hanboks, ancient palaces, and moss-covered villages, as well as modern features with towering skyscrapers and advanced technology. Besides the glamorous Seoul, Gangwon-do tourism is also a paradise with famous film sets, beautiful islands, and professional resorts catering to snowboarding. Let Klook highlight the most attractive places here and share Gangwon-do travel tips!
Unmissable Gangwon-do Tourist Attractions
1. Nami Island
If you've ever been enchanted by the romantic scenes in the Winter Sonata drama series, then experience this movie set in real life on Nami Island. Surely the scenery here will evoke even more romantic feelings than what you see on screen! This beautiful island has lush green trees in summer and golden foliage in early autumn. Meanwhile, winter here is covered with thick layers of snow as if in a fairy tale world. Adding to the beauty of Nami Island is its quaint moss-colored architecture. Don't forget to take plenty of beautiful photos to refresh your personal profile, #teamKlook!
2. Samtan Stone Mine
Samtan Stone Mine is a coal mine abandoned since 2001, now renovated into a cultural center for tourists both domestic and international, featuring art pieces collected from various countries. It's also one of the settings for the blockbuster drama Descendants of the Sun.
3. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Daegwallyeong is an area known for sheep farming in Gangwon-do. It's a very interesting destination that tourists shouldn't miss. Here, you'll find beautiful natural landscapes with vast fields and adorable sheep with fluffy white fur. Make sure to bring a fully charged phone to capture every peaceful moment here!
4. Oak Valley Resort
Oak Valley Resort is an excellent place for you to learn snowboarding with professional instructors. Blessed by heavy snowfall in winter, both South Korea in general and Oak Valley, in particular, are the most sought-after destinations for snowboarding - a challenging yet exciting sport.
5. The Garden Of Morning Serenity
The Garden Of Morning Serenity is a favorite spot for tourists visiting Gangwon Do. True to its name, this garden evokes a sense of tranquility and peace with the fragrance of countless flowers, combined with ancient Korean architecture and picturesque red foliage. The Garden Of Morning Serenity is often chosen by tourists for sightseeing along with Nami Island.
6. Seorak Mountain And Naksansa Temple
If you're looking to regain a moment of peace after busy days, don't forget to visit Seorak Mountain and Naksansa Temple. Seorak Mountain is one of the tallest mountains in South Korea, where you can overlook the peaceful valley below. Stretching before your eyes are trees interspersed with early morning sunbeams, babbling brooks beside large boulders, and ancient architecture. Nearby is Naksansa Temple with its impressive giant Buddha statue.
7. Woljeongsa Temple
Another beloved temple, no less than Naksansa, is Woljeoingsa Temple. This serene temple is located at the end of the most beautiful pine forest trail in Gangwon-do. Visitors to the temple can also enjoy the unique multi-tiered stone pagodas or stroll through the Seongbo Museum with its exceptional Buddhist art pieces.
8. Wondae-ri Silver Grass Field
Wondae-ri Silver Grass Field with over 700,000 silver grass plants is a favorite destination for many locals. However, it still remains quite undiscovered by foreigners. Discover this tourist spot as a 'hidden gem' that not everyone knows about and capture plenty of romantic photos with the white snow covering this place!
9. IN THE SOOP BTS Ver. Filming Locations
With their current popularity, it's no exaggeration to say that BTS is the brightest star in the Kpop sky. This makes everything related to the group a top priority for fans. If you're also a BTS fan and curious about the filming locations of the reality show IN THE SOOP, then Klook suggests you head to PyeongChang to explore and snap some Instagram-worthy photos here.
10. Welli Hilli Ski Resort
Welli Hilli Ski Resort
is the ideal destination for skiing in winter. This area is suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced skiers. Not only can you try out new sports, but this resort also offers relaxation and diverse enjoyment for tourists.
11. Running Man Theme Experience Center
Create countless wonderful and memorable memories with your family and friends by experiencing real-life challenges as contestants in Korea's most popular variety show - Running Man. The famous games of Running Man are all concentrated here, such as shooting, driving, or maze navigating. If you've visited the Running Man Theme Experience Center, don't miss out on Muse Land, known as an exhibition area featuring artworks by talented artists.
12. Haslla Art World Museum
Haslla Art World Museum is where you can admire unique artworks while immersing yourself in endless blue sea views. This museum has countless valuable photo spots that you definitely need to capture before heading back home!
13. Gangchon Rail Park
Railway tracks, regardless of the scenery and time, always evoke nostalgic feelings, and it's even more amazing when surrounded by foliage-changing trees at Gangchon Rail Park. All combined, they create an incredibly poetic and romantic scene. This place has also been the backdrop for many hit movies and TV reality shows in Korea.
14. Yongpyong Ski Resort
South Korea is a top choice for many travelers looking to experience winter fun. That's why ski resorts in Korea are becoming increasingly popular, offering diverse services. Among them, Yongpyong stands out as one of the most attractive destinations. Unleash your creativity with snowman building or try out new skiing disciplines you won't find in tropical countries.
Fascinating Facts About Gangwon-do
- Gangwon-do boasts renowned filming locations for famous dramas like Descendants of the Sun, Winter Sonata, and more.
- The weather in Gangwon-do is divided into four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Winter, covered in snow, makes it the most famous skiing destination in South Korea.
- 82% of Gangwon-do's area consists of hills and mountains, offering breathtaking natural scenery. This region is also the source of South Korea's longest rivers.
Getting from Seoul to Gangwon-do
There are various ways to travel from Seoul to Gangwon-do, each with different durations and costs, depending on your needs and budget. If you're in the capital city of Seoul and want to extend your trip to Gangwon-do, here are some options suggested by Klook!
1. Train Travel
The fastest way to get to Gangwon-do from Seoul is by KTX train. However, this is also the most expensive option. On average, each traveler will have to pay around 525,000 VND per way, starting from Seoul station and arriving at Cheongnyangni station. The journey takes about 2 hours, quite fast compared to other modes of transportation.
2. Bus Travel
Traveling by bus is also a good option to reach Gangwon-do if you're young and don't mind traveling as there are no direct bus routes from Seoul to Gangneung city, where many famous tourist attractions are located. Therefore, you will need to spend extra time and money on transportation if you want to visit some other cities in Gangwon-do.
3. Self-Driving Rental
If you have an international driver's license, why not experience the beautiful roads from Seoul to Gangwon-do by renting a self-driving car? This will surely be a very interesting experience that you will find hard to replicate after this trip. Moreover, self-driving rental is cheaper than taking a taxi, and you can still plan your own itinerary for your days in Gangwon-do.
1. Best Seasons to Visit Gangwon-do
It's no exaggeration to say that Gangwon-do is always a tourist attraction throughout the year. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom abundantly, covering everywhere in a lively pink color. Meanwhile, in summer, the trees enter their freshest period with lush green leaves, blending with the deep blue sky.
However, autumn and winter are the most romantic times in Gangwon-do. In autumn, the leaves start to change, covering the space in a romantic golden hue like in romantic movies. The weather in autumn is also very cool, making it convenient for you to stroll without feeling too hot. In winter, snow covers everywhere, creating an equally romantic space. Therefore, tourists should visit Gangwon-do in autumn and winter, from October to February, to fully enjoy the beautiful natural scenery here.
2. Dining and Shopping Recommendations in Gangwon-do, South Korea
In addition to famous tourist attractions with beautiful natural scenery, Gangwon-do is also a renowned paradise for shopping and dining. If you've come to Gangwon-do, you'll definitely want to try the following specialties:
- Ogolgye Chicken: This is a dish you shouldn't miss when visiting Gangwon-do. Ogolye chicken is black, with firm, sweet meat, completely different from the usual industrial chicken. This dish will be even better if you enjoy it with wild vegetables and hot soup.
- Spicy Tofu Stew: Sundubu spicy tofu stew is cooked with delicious clam broth and a light spicy taste of chili. This dish will be great if you enjoy it on autumn or winter days.
- Steamed Snow Crab: As a famous island region of Korea, Gangwon-do is also famous for its seafood, especially shrimp and crab. Snow crab is best enjoyed in its season, usually from November to May.
- Stuffed Squid: This delicious dish is also a specialty of Gangwon-do region. Before cooking, the squid is stuffed with rice, carrots, various vegetables, and dipped in a very fragrant sauce.
- Spicy Chicken Dakgalbi: This dish features delicious chicken meat, stir-fried with traditional chili sauce, potatoes, various vegetables, and noodles or cheese.
If you're looking to shop, you can visit the local markets and shopping centers. Being one of the famous tourist areas, it's easy for travelers to find souvenir shops or areas with diverse local cuisines.
Top Hotel Recommendations in Gangwon-do, South Korea
As one of the most famous tourist regions in South Korea, you'll have plenty of hotel options to choose from. For the best experiences, check out the top 5 hotels recommended by Klook below!
1. Hyunjin Tourist Hotel
The rooms at Hyunjin Tourist Hotel are elegantly decorated, equipped with bathrooms, bathrobes, hairdryers, toiletries, and very comfortable mattresses. If you stay here, you'll also have the opportunity to admire the vast ocean through the window as Hyunjin Tourist Hotel is only 350m from Hanseom Beach and 800m from Gamchu Beach. If you prefer public transportation, you can also take the train at Mukhohang Station and Donghae Station.
- Estimated Price: 1,311,000 VND/ night.
2. Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo
Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo is a luxury 4-star hotel, just a few hundred meters from Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach. This hotel is equipped with premium facilities such as spa baths in some rooms, an outdoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and all rooms offer sea views. The nearest train station is Gangneung Station, 4.5km away. Skybay Hotel is particularly suitable for couples for a romantic getaway.
- Estimated Price: 2,068,000 VND/ night.
3. Donghae Ocean City Residence Hotel
If you're looking for a cozy, well-equipped yet modern hotel, then Donghae Ocean City Residence Hotel is definitely the right choice. Located on the beach in Donghae, this hotel is just 200m from Hanseom Beach and less than 1km from Gamchu Beach. All rooms here are equipped with a refrigerator, microwave, kettle, shower, hairdryer, and wardrobe. Donghae Ocean City Residence Hotel is 2.3km away from the nearest train station.
- Estimated Price: 1,259,000 VND/ night.
4. Benikea Hotel Bizinn
Each room at Benikea Hotel Bizinn comes with a wardrobe, flat-screen TV, private bathroom, bed linen, and towels. Benikea Hotel Bizinn offers some rooms with city views, and each room has an electric kettle. Rooms will provide guests with a fridge to store water and snacks. Wonju Station is the closest to the hotel, about 3.2km away, while Wonju Central City Library is 3.9 km away. The nearest airport is Wonju Airport, 11 km away.
- Estimated Price: 2,406,000 VND/ night.
5. Gangneung Tourist Hotel
Clean, luxurious, and convenient are what Gangneung Tourist Hotel offers to its guests. Each bedroom here is completed with carpeted floors, a work desk, flat-screen TV, and an electric kettle. All rooms offer city views of Gangneung. The private bathrooms are equipped with showers, while some higher-class rooms feature premium bathtubs. Gangneung Tourist Hotel is suitable for all types of travelers, from couples to families. Gangneung Station is the nearest train station to this hotel, located 1.5km away.
- Estimated Price: 1,221,000 VND/ night.
Equipped with detailed travel tips from Klook, surely #teamKlook is ready to explore Gangwon-do, right? However, to ensure that your trip goes smoothly, don't overlook the experience of independent travel in Korea, how to apply for a Korean visa, and prepare yourself a Korean 4G SIM card for convenient internet browsing and Instagram-worthy moments in the land of Kimchi!
Make your trip to Gangwon-do, South Korea, the highlight of your travel adventure this year.
