Experience the Natural Beauty and Cultural Heritage of Gangwon-do
Welcome to Gangwon-do, a province located in the central eastern part of South Korea. Bordered by North Korea’s Gangwon Province to the north, the East Sea to the east, Gyeonggi-do to the west, and Gyeongsangbuk-do to the south, Gangwon-do covers a vast area spanning from 129°22′ to 127°05′ East longitude and 37°02′ to 38°37′ North latitude. With a total area of 16,873.51 square kilometers and a population of 1.55 million as of 2015, the province is divided into seven cities and eleven counties. The provincial government is located in Bong-dong, Chuncheon City.
Gangwon-do is known for its famous temples, cultural heritage sites, and stunning natural landscapes. The province boasts three national parks (Seoraksan, Odaesan, and Chiaksan), three provincial parks (Gyeongpo, Taebaeksan, and Naksan), two county parks, 38 tourist attractions, and three tourist complexes. Visitors can also enjoy the coastline, with 21 beaches in Gangneung City, 10 beaches in Donghae City, 2 beaches in Sokcho City, 20 beaches in Samcheok City, and 25 beaches in Goseong-gun and Yangyang-gun.
Explore Gangwon-do’s Iconic Mountains and Coastal Gems
Gangwon-do is home to the renowned Geumgangsan Mountain, considered one of the most beautiful mountains in South Korea. Along the eastern coast, you will discover the eight scenic spots known as the Gwandong Palgyeong (Eight Views of the Eastern Provinces). These include Chongsokjeong Pavilion in Tongcheon, Samilpo Port in Goseong, Cheongganjeong Pavilion in Ganseong, Naksansa Temple in Yangyang, Gyeongpodae Pavilion in Gangneung, Jukseoru Pavilion in Samcheok, Mangyangjeong Pavilion in Uljin, and Wolsongjeong Pavilion in Pyeonghae. Please note that Uljin belongs to Gyeongsangbuk-do, and Goseong and Tongcheon are currently under North Korean control. Therefore, only four of these locations are within Gangwon-do’s territory.
Discover Gangwon-do’s Major Tourist Destinations by Region
Let’s take a closer look at Gangwon-do’s key attractions grouped by regions:
- Chuncheon Area: Explore attractions such as Goseokjeong Pavilion, Pyeonghwa Dam, Paroho Lake, Jungdo Island, Soyangho Lake, Gugok Waterfall, Deungseon Waterfall, Cheongpyeongsa Temple, Palbongsan Mountain, Daemyung Resort (Hongcheon), Wido Island, and Nami Island.
- Seoraksan Area (Sokcho): Visit the Unification Observatory, Seoraksan Mountain, Baekdamsa Temple, 12 Nyeotang Pools, Sudeoksa Temple, Alps Ski Resort, Songjiho Lake, Sokcho Beach, Cheongganjeong Pavilion, Naksansa Temple, and enjoy the colorful mineral springs and hot springs.
- Chiaksan Area (Wonju): Explore Gosu Cave, Cheongnyeongpo, Jangnyung, Guryongsa Temple, Ganhyeon National Tourist Resort, Geumdaeli Theme Park, Seonguri Resort, and Bogwang Phoenix Park.
- Gangneung and Taebaek Area: Experience the beauty of Odaesan Mountain, Woljeongsa Temple, Sangwonsa Temple, Yongpyong Ski Resort, Sogeumgang River, Jukseoru Pavilion, Hwanseon Cave, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, Gyeongpo Beach, Hwaam National Tourist Resort, Yeongok Beach, Okgye Beach, Mangsang Beach, Samcheok Beach, Maengbang Beach, Jangho National Tourist Resort, and Gangwon Land.
Immerse Yourself in Gangwon-do’s Rich Culture and Nature
Gangwon-do invites you to discover its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and captivating traditions. Whether you’re exploring majestic mountains, enjoying the coastal beauty, or delving into the province’s historic sites and cultural treasures, Gangwon-do promises an unforgettable journey. Plan your visit to this remarkable region and embark on an adventure that will leave you with cherished memories.
