In less than two months, the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics are due to commence! The host city, Pyeongchang—found less than two hours east of Seoul—is now all hyped up and buzzing with activities in the lead to the Winter Olympic Games. Here are the 10 best attractions found near the Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics in Korea that you can visit for a memorable vacation.
1. Pyeongchang Trout Festival
Since the winter of 2007, one of the best winter festivals in Korea (the Pyeongchang Trout Festival) has been held in the town of Jinbu-myeon in the Pyeongchang-gun district. During the Pyeongchang Trout Festival, you can enjoy a variety of programs, including ice programs and folk programs. Experience the fun of participating in traditional folk games such as sledding and top spinning, or even try your hand at an exciting sport like riding on a heavy-duty, four-wheel motorcycle (ATV) or snow rafting.
Because of the high altitudes and the cold, clear waters in Pyeongchang, this district is an ideal location for trout farming. While you’re visiting, you must try your hand at ice-fishing! Here, you can experience catching fresh trout from a hole drilled through the ice. After you have successfully caught some trout, get them prepared right away at a nearby restaurant so you can feast on your fresh catch of the day. In 2018, the 11th Pyeongchang Trout Festival will be held from 22 December 2017 to 25 February. Pin it down on your calendar so that you do not miss this great festival!
Pyeongchang Trout Festival (평창송어축제)
Address: 3562, Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm.
Price: Ice fishing 13,000 KRW (11.95 USD), barehanded fishing 15,000 KRW (13.80 USD), amusement facility 6,000 KRW (5.50 USD).
Access: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal or Nambu Bus Terminal in Seoul, take the intercity bus to Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal in Pyeongchang (2 hour 15 minutes ride).
Contact: +82-33-336-4000
Website: Pyeongchang Trout Festival
2. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
Pyeongchang county has an average elevation of 700 metres (2,296.6 feet). The high altitudes and cooler weather here make it a suitable location for ranches. There are many ranches in Pyeongchang, but the privately-owned Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm (which opened in summer 1988), is the only ranch that raises sheep in Korea. Stroll along the 1.2 metre (3.9 foot) long, circular walkway around the sheep grazing field while you take in the picturesque sights and sounds of the grazing sheep and grassy plains. Capture your best shot of the wooden shack located in the expansive field. It is an iconic photo spot that has been featured in many Korean dramas and movies. Better still, you can get up close to the sheep by signing up for the hay-feeding experience. Go there early in the morning to avoid the crowd and fully immerse yourself in the beauty of this hilly green space!
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm (대관령 양떼목장)
Address: 483-32, Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (November to February); 9 am - 5.30 pm (March & October); 9 am - 6 pm (April, May, August & September).
Price: Refer to official website.
Access: Refer to official website.
Contact: +82-33-335-1966
Website: Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm (대관령 양떼목장)
3. Byeongbangchi Skywalk
Located between Gyuram-ri and Buksil-ri in Jeongseon-eup, a visit to the Byeongbangchi Skywalk feels like walking in the sky, as the floor here is entirely made up of tempered glass. This U-shaped observatory stretches out from the cliff at an altitude of 583 metres (1,912.7 feet), offering breathtaking views of Bamseom Island, with the Donggang River flowing through. If you fancy even more adventure, get on one of the longest and steepest zip-lines in Asia! You won’t soon forget the experience of zipping through majestic landscapes to experience the wonders of Mother Nature.
Byeongbangchi Skywalk (병방치 스카이워크)
Address: 225, Byeongbangchi-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 9 am - 5 pm (winter); 9 am - 6 pm (summer).
Price: Refer to official website.
Access: Refer to official website.
Contact: +82-33-563-4100, 3600; +82-1544-9053
Website: Byeongbangchi Skywalk (병방치 스카이워크)
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4. Jeongseon Ararichon Folk Village
Also found in Jeongseon-gun is the Jeongseon Ararichon Folk Village. It is home to six different traditional buildings that showcase houses of the Joseon Dynasty Period. Witness with your own eyes how traditional Korean life was conducted in a bygone era, and seize the opportunity here and learn how to make pottery or participate in other cultural activities. As you roam about this area admiring sculptures and enjoying the countryside, hum along to the catchy melody of the region’s traditional folk song “Jeongseon Arirang” playing through the speakers in the village. Ararichon is not only a great place to pop by to gain some insights into the traditional culture of Korea, but is also a great place to unwind after visiting the thrilling Byeongbangchi Skywalk nearby.
Jeongseon Ararichon Folk Village (정선아라리촌)
Address: 37 Aesan-ro, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (last admission at 5 pm).
Price: purchase at least 3,000 KRW (2.80 USD) worth of Jeongseon Ararichon gift certificates.
Access: around 2 hours’ drive from Seoul.
Contact: +82-33-560-2059
5. Stay at Woljeongsa Temple
Constructed during the ancient Silla Dynasty (57 BC–AD 935), Woljeongsa Temple [월정사 (오대산)] is a symbolic, cultural relic of Pyeongchang. This ancient temple is situated in a forested valley east of the Odaesan Mountain. It takes charge of more than 60 temples and eight monasteries in the district. Get a real taste of Buddhist culture with a memorable temple-stay at the sacred Woljeongsa. Here, you can walk along the path, through the thousand-year-old-fir tree forest. Here, you can not just admire and relish the beauty of the natural scenery, you can also ponder and self-reflect on your life. Seek spiritual enlightenment as you participate in activities that help you lighten up from the pressures of modern city life.
Woljeongsa Temple Stay (월정사 템플스테이)
Address: 374-8, Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Access: Refer to official website.
Contact: +82-33-3396-6067
Website: Woljeongsa Temple Stay
6. Seongyojang House
After visiting the Ararichon Folk Village in Jeongseon (which offers a glimpse of the daily lives of people during the Joseon Dynasty), it is time to visit a former, upper-class residence in the country. Located in Gangneung City is Seongyojang House (강릉 선교장). It once belonged to the Naebeon Lee (1703-1781) noble family. To date, descendants of the founder are still living in a part of this historic house.
Despite having been constructed over 300 years ago, Seongyojang remains one of the most well-preserved original residences in Korea. Seongyojang was designated as part of ‘Important Folklore Material No. 5’ by the Korean government in 1967. This large mansion consists of several buildings and 12 gates, and is now a place for cultural buffs. If you wish, you may book a traditional Hanok stay in one of its buildings, or check out the museums found here to gain a better understanding of what noble culture was like in the old days.
Seongyojang House (강릉 선교장)
Address: 63, Unjeong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 9 am - 6 pm (March to October); 9 am - 5 pm (November to February).
Price: Refer to official website.
Access: Refer to official website.
Contact: +82-33-648-5303, +82-33-646-3270
Website: Seongyojang House (강릉 선교장)
7. Bongpyeong Five-day Market
Buckwheat, or memil in Korean, is a prominent feature in the dishes served in Pyeongchang. If you love chowing down on this superfood, you must not miss a visit to the Bongpyeong Five-day Market [봉평5일장/봉평시장 (2, 7 일)], which sells many dishes incorporating buckwheat: from noodles, to steamed buns, bibimbap and more. This market is so named because it only opens on days with ‘2’ and '7’ with a five-day interval. This traditional market was revitalized under the Bongpyeong Market Project in 2014: canopy tents and stands were installed to better organise the stores and bring about a more aesthetic feel. Explore this market with ease! You can expect plenty of walking space and to enjoy a healthy, hearty feast!
Bongpyeong 5-day Market [봉평5일장/봉평시장 (2, 7 일)]
Address: 14-1, Dongijangteo-gil, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening Days: Every 2nd, 7th, 12th, 17th, 22nd & 27th of the month.
Access: Refer to official website.
Contact: +82-33-336-2301, +82-33-330-2771
Website: Bongpyeong 5-day Market (봉평5일장/봉평시장)
8. Jeonggangwon (Korea Traditional Food Culture Experience Center)
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
After tasting buckwheat in varied forms, how about making your way to the Korea Traditional Food Culture Experience Center to learn more about the intriguing nature of Korea’s food culture? Established with the aim to research, preserve and promote Korean traditional food culture to the world, Jeonggangwon (정강원) offers visitors an interactive experience with a wide array of hands-on activities.
Here, you can learn how to make kimchi and red pepper paste, amongst other traditional Korean foods. Try on the beautiful Hanbok (a traditional Korean garb), or immerse yourself in the picturesque landscape surrounding Jeonggangwon. Jeonggangwon is a wonderful place to relish the traditional beauty of Korea. It is not just another tourist site to be dismissed.
Jeonggangwon - Korea Traditional Food Culture Experience Center (정강원)
Address: 2010-13, Geumdanggyegok-ro, Yongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: Refer to official website.
Price: Refer to official website.
Access: Refer to official website.
Contact: +82-33-333-1011
Website: Jeonggangwon
9. Tuck into Pyeongchang’s local specialty - the premier Korean beef
You may have been wondering that other than the superfood buckwheat, are there no other savoury dishes that Pyeongchang has to offer? If you are a beef lover, you will be in for a pleasant treat for there are several hanwoo (Korean beef) locales in the county with self-service grills. The hanwoo is the equivalent of Japan’s wagyu beef, if not better, so that certainly makes it a must-do on your itinerary.
Purchase your favourite cuts of this delectable Korean beef and for a few thousand won, you can grill the meat yourself and savour it alongside some appetising Korean kimchi if you are on a budget! For a more fuss-free experience, head over to one of the restaurants in Daegwallyeong. The Daegwallyeong restaurant serves only prime cuts of their homegrown cattle. The meat is just so fresh, tender and juicy that you will want to put off your diet plans till the next day. If you have never tried hanwoo yet, seize the opportunity to do so when you’re in Pyeongchang before it’s too late!
Daegwallyeong Hanwoo Town / Hanwoo Town Restaurant Ilsongjung
Address: 393, Taegi-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Opening Hours: 10 am - 10 pm.
Contact: +82-33-333-7043, +82-33-334-3434
Website: Daegwallyeong Hanwoo Town / Hanwoo Town Restaurant Ilsongjung
10. Gangneung Coffee Street
Ask any Korean where is the best place for coffee in the country, and Gangneung is the answer you will be likely to hear. Although this small, quiet seaside town only produces a small amount of coffee beans, it was the first local district in Korea to host a coffee festival in 2009. The unassuming street of Gangneung has, since then, turned into a coffee paradise. Stroll down this locale and expect many coffee shops serving brewed coffee. There’s even a Coffee Museum here, where you can understand more about Korea’s coffee history. It is a lovely place to chill. Gaze at the cool, coastal scenery as you enjoy sipping a cup of coffee. Get your caffeine fix at Gangneung Coffee Street after catching some exciting figure skating performances, hockey matches and curling games at the Winter Olympics in the Gangneung Coastal Cluster.
Gangneung Coffee Street (강릉커피거리)
Address: 17, Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Access: Take the Green Bus No. 202-1 (bound for Gyeongpo-Anmok), 302 (bound for Anmok-Hyanghori) and alight at Anmok bus stop.
Contact: +82-33-640-4531
A memorable holiday, not just for Winter Olympics enthusiasts
The attention focused on Pyeongchang and in the surrounding Gangwon province may now be all focused on the upcoming 2018 Winter Olympics happening in February. However, this does not mean that this region is just for Winter Olympic Games’ enthusiasts. As a mountainous, forested region in the northeast of South Korea, Gangwon province is an alluring destination. Here, you can seek some cool respite from your busy city life. With the Korean Train Express (KTX) line slated to open from Incheon International Airport to Pyeongchang before the end of the year, getting to the area will be much more convenient. What are you waiting for? Stop procrastinating and make plans for a memorable holiday to this charming province today!
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