After several years, I find myself back in South Korea 🇰🇷! Despite being my 4th visit to this country, I'm still excited to explore more, especially since this time I'll be travelling to a province I've never been to before – Gangwon. I'm grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with Gangwon State, the Korean Tourism Organization (KTO), and AirAsia for this familiarization trip, which turned out to be a truly memorable experience. Keep reading to discover the Top 16 things to do in Gangwon.
1. HiKr Ground
Alright, technically speaking, it's not situated in Gangwon; it's actually in Seoul. However, if you happen to be in Seoul, it's also worth checking out. At the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center, HiKR Ground (하이커 그라운드) is a dynamic hub for promoting Korean tourism, where visitors can immerse themselves in K-Pop and media art experiences. The name HiKR Ground symbolizes Korea's warm welcome (Hi) to global tourists (KR), transforming into an exciting playground for all.
On the first floor, the captivating HiKR Wall showcases various media arts, including "Landscape of the New City" by media artist Lee Lee-Nam, along with Korean tourism videos shared by Hallyu fans worldwide. The second floor features the XR Live Studio, where visitors can create their own K-pop music videos. Additionally, the window facing the restored Cheonggyecheon Stream offers a mesmerizing artwork titled "North Wall" by installation artist Suh Do-ho.
As visitors ascend to the third and fourth floors, they are treated to immersive experiences highlighting Korean local tourism through diverse arts, exhibitions, and interactive activities. HiKR Ground aims to provide engaging tourism content tailored to the interests of the younger generation, fostering a deeper connection with Korean culture and attractions.
Details
Location : 40 Cheonggyecheon-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.
Business hours : Tue - Sun (10.00am - 7.00pm) ; Closed on Mon
Entrance fees : Free (Separate fees may apply)
How to get there : To reach your destination from Seoul Station, simply board the Line 1 subway. The fare typically ranges from 1,250 to 1,350 won, and the journey takes approximately 6 minutes.
2. Beauty Play - Personal Colour Seminar
Discover the secrets of celebrity stylists in selecting the perfect tones and learn how to choose the right shades for your signature look! In recent years, the trend of undergoing a Personal Colour test (퍼스널 컬러 세미나) has swept across Korea, with almost every celebrity or influencer opting to discover their ideal fashion and makeup palette. Understanding your personal colour can significantly enhance your style and makeup, giving you the polished appearance of having been styled by a celebrity stylist!
Suppose you need to familiarise yourself with the Personal Colour Test. In that case, it involves a professional consultant placing various light, dark, saturated, and muted fabrics against your complexion to determine which colours best complement your features. This assessment is typically conducted without makeup to accurately assess your natural tones. By identifying the family of colours that harmonize with your look, you gain invaluable insight into selecting clothing, makeup, and hair colours that accentuate your best features.
While this trend has gained widespread attention in recent years, it's a beauty science used by celebrity stylists throughout history. Ever wondered why Marilyn Monroe consistently rocked the same bright red lipstick? It perfectly aligned with her personal colour palette!
Understanding your personal colour empowers you to make informed choices about your wardrobe, makeup, and hair colours, ensuring you always present your best self. The staff thought I was Korean, and when I told her I was 100% Malaysian, she asked, "Are you sure you're not mixed?" Lol. I've been getting that a lot on this trip, not sure why. She also said my colour type is Spring, so soft shades like white, pink, yellow, and baby blue suit me best. Apparently, the colours I usually wear, like black, brown, and grey, aren’t ideal for me. Hmm...
3. Nami Island
I still vividly remember when “Winter Sonata” captured everyone’s attention during my primary school years. The South Korean television drama series became a sensation, and the fact that it was filmed at Nami Island made me promise to visit this beautiful place when I grew up.
Nami Island (남이섬), with its Fairy Tale Village and Song Village concept, offers a range of cultural events, concerts, exhibitions, and more. It aims to provide children with dreams and hopes, create memorable moments for couples, and offer artists a space for creativity.
Our visit to Nami Island was incredible, filled with classic snow scenes, the delightful taste of hot steam buns, and encounters with cute animals. It’s undeniably a must-visit destination when you’re in Gangwon.
Details
Location : 1024 Bukhangangbyeon-ro, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea.
Business hours : Daily (8.00am - 9.00pm)
Entrance fees : 16,000 won (regular) ; 13,000 won (seniors and students) ; 10,000 (children)
How to get there :
Bus - Many Online Travel Agencies (OTAs) offer round-trip shuttle bus services, taking approximately 1.5 hours to reach the Nami Island Ferry Office from Gangnam Station.
Train - You can board the ITX Cheongchun train at Yongsan, Wangsimni, and Cheongryangri stations in Seoul. The journey to the Nami Island Ferry Ticket Office from Gangnam Station takes about 2 hours. The fare is 6,900 won each way. It's advisable to purchase train tickets online in advance for the round trip. If you plan to visit other destinations like Busan or Gangwon-do during your stay in Korea, consider purchasing a Korea Rail Pass for multiple days.
4. Samaksan Cable Car
Standing at an elevation of 654 meters (2,146 feet), Samaksan is among the smaller mountains in the country. Its name derives from the three rocky peaks, or samak in Korean, which are Yonghwabong (the main peak at 654 m), Deungseonbong (632 m), and Cheongunbong (546 m). Despite its modest height, Samaksan offers stunning panoramic views of downtown Chuncheon, Uiam Lake, and the Bukhan River. This picturesque scenery makes it a must-visit destination and earns it a spot on the list of the top 100 mountains in Korea.
The Samaksan Cable Car (춘천삼악산호수케이블카) is the country’s longest cable car, stretching 3.61 kilometres. It traverses from Samcheon-dong, passing over Uiamho Lake, to connect with Samaksan. This cable car stands as Chuncheon’s latest landmark, seamlessly blending mountains, lakes, cityscapes, and cultural elements. The journey takes approximately 36 minutes for a round trip.
Details
Location : 245, Sports town-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do.
Business hours : Dec - Apr | Sun - Fri (9.00am - 6.00pm) Sat (9.00am - 8.00pm) ; May - Nov | Sun - Fri (9.00am - 8.00pm) Sat (9.00am - 10.00pm)
Entrance fees : 23,000 won (standard bin) ; 28,000 won (crystal bin with transparent floor)
How to get there : From Seoul, you can take the Gyeongchun Line subway to Namchuncheon Station and then transfer to a public bus (#16) at the bus stop in front of station exit 1. The bus ride to Chuncheon Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car Station takes approximately 20 minutes.
5. Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Cafe Street
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| ( Photo source : Visit Korea ) |
Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Cafe Street (구봉산 전망대 카페거리), situated on Gubongsan Mountain in Chuncheon, is a cluster of cafes offering stunning views of Chuncheon City, including its mountains, lakes, and rivers. Located on the eastern outskirts of downtown Chuncheon, Gubongsan Mountain (441 m) boasts nine peaks and offers a panoramic view of the city. In the 1990s, when a road was opened halfway up the mountain, numerous cafes and restaurants emerged, establishing Chuncheon's iconic cafe street. Visitors can enjoy breathtaking scenery while savouring a cup of coffee or other beverages.
The area features a cafe named Santorini, reminiscent of the Greek island, a skywalk observatory with transparent glass walls, and unique photo spots. Additionally, a service area offering canned coffee and banquet noodles is nestled among stylish coffee shops. Visitors can appreciate fantastic views from day to night, including sunny landscapes, beautiful sunsets, and the nighttime spectacle of the Soyangi-gyo Bridge.
Whether visited during the day or night, Gubongsan Mountain Observatory Cafe Street promises an amazing atmosphere and scenic beauty.
Details
Location : 139-78 Janghak-ri, Dong-myeon, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Business hours : 24 hours
How to get there : 20 minute taxi ride from Chuncheon Station.
6. Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천 산천어축제), held in Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon Province, offers a winter wonderland with abundant snow and ice, making it an ideal destination for winter getaways. Recognized by CNN as one of the "Seven Winter Wonders" in 2011, the festival's main attraction is ice fishing on the frozen Hwacheoncheon Stream.
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival holds a prestigious status as one of the world's four major winter festivals and was chosen as Korea's representative festival in 2014. Taking place in January amidst the depths of winter, the festival benefits from the convergence of cold valley winds and pristine water, resulting in the earliest and thickest ice formation in the nation. For six consecutive years, this winter festival in Hwacheon has attracted over a million visitors, showcasing its enduring popularity and appeal.
Drawing over a million visitors, the festival features diverse programs including ice fishing, ice sledging, and bobsledding. Visitors can also enjoy freshly caught trout grilled on-site, adding to the festival's charm and appeal.
We also visited the Ice Illumination Plaza to see the ice sculptures and explore the winter village. The ice slide was a blast, and I was really impressed by the intricate ice sculptures!
Details
Location : 137 Sancheoneo-gil, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do.
Period : 06/01/2024 - 28/01/2024
Entrance fees : Around 10,000 won
How to get there : To reach the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival, simply board the intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (East Seoul Bus Terminal) to Hwacheon. Upon arrival at Hwacheon, it's just a quick 10-minute walk from the terminal to reach the festival grounds.
7. Alpaca World
Alpaca World (알파카월드), spanning 110,000 square feet, is Korea's largest forest experience farm. Nestled in a natural setting surrounded by forests and mountain valleys, visitors of all ages can enjoy interacting with clean, safe, and happy farm animals, particularly alpacas.
A highlight of the experience is walking with the lovely and tame alpacas, getting up close to touch their super-soft fur. Alpaca food is conveniently available from vending machines, and an interesting quirk is that your palm remains dry after the alpacas lick off their food from your hand.
Details
Location : 310 Pungcheon-ri, Hwachon-myeon, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Business hours : Daily (10.00am - 6.00pm)
Entrance fees : 15,000 won (age 3-64) ; 12,000 won (age >65) ; Free (age <3)
Walking with alpaca - 10,000 won
Animal feeding experience - 1,000 won per cup
How to get there : To reach Alpaca World from Seoul, start by taking the intercity bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (East Seoul Bus Terminal near Gangbyeon Station, Line 2, Exit 4) to Hongcheon Bus Terminal. The bus ride takes about 1 hour and costs around 7,400 won. From Hongcheon Bus Terminal, transfer to the Deokbatjae Pungcheon bus. After a 1-hour and 6-minute ride, get off at Deokbatjae Exit and walk about 918 meters along the road (following the flow of traffic) to reach Alpaca World.
8. Museum SAN
The Museum SAN (뮤지엄 산), situated in Oak Valley, Wonju, South Korea, boasts a design by renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando and operates under the management of the Hansol Cultural Foundation. Ando's vision for the museum was to express gratitude for its architecture within the serene natural surroundings.
The museum showcases artworks by James Turrell, renowned for his exploration of light and space. Its layout extends from the Welcome Center through various gardens, the main building, Meditation Hall, Stone Garden, and James Turrell Hall. The main building's design, incorporating squares, triangles, and circles, serves to connect walls, sky, and visitors. Alongside permanent and special exhibitions, the museum offers interactive experience programs.
Details
Location : 260 Oak valley 2-gil, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Business hours : Tue - Sun (10.00am - 6.00pm) ; Closed on Mon
Entrance fees : 22,000 won (adults) ; 14,000 won (students) ; free (preschool children)
How to get there :
Bus - Get off at Wonju Intercity/Express Bus Terminal. Take a taxi or Wonju City Tour Bus or Oak Valley Shuttle Bus. Get off at Museum Mountain.
Train - Get off at Manjong/Wonju Station. Take a taxi or Wonju City Tour Bus. Get off at Museum Mountain.
9. Ski at Oak Valley Snow Park
Oak Valley Snow Park (오크밸리 스키장) stands as a premier ski resort suitable for families, offering courses tailored to all skill levels. With themed slopes ranging from beginner to advanced, visitors can confidently explore each run. The Golf Village features a straight course for high-speed excitement and a dedicated kids-only course. During winter, the park hosts many events including nightly fireworks displays and exclusive concerts by renowned singers, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
My first skiing experience dates back to 2014 in Seoul. While skiing isn’t my forte, and this isn’t my first attempt, I still find myself lacking the talent for it hahaha! Nonetheless, I had a blast here at Oak Valley. We were fortunate to experience our first snowfall during this trip.
Details
Location : 577-19 Pandae-ri, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Business hours :
Morning (8.30am - 11.00am) ; Afternoon (12.30pm - 5.00pm) ; Evening (6.30pm -10.00pm) ; Night (11.00pm - 3.00am next day)
Day Pass (8.30am - 5.00pm) ; Morning + Night Pass 12.30pm - 12.00am) ; Night Pass (6.30am - 3.00am next day)
*Slope maintenance time : 5.00pm - 6.30pm
10. Jumunjin Beach - BTS Bus Stop
The filming location for the album cover of "Spring Day" holds special memories for BTS and remains an important destination for ARMY. Located in Gangneung, the spot features the phrase "You never walk alone" written on one side of the album cover.
If you're a BTS ARMY, this is a must-visit! Capture some photos and create unforgettable memories!
Details
Location : 8-55 Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
How to get there : From Gangneung station, board Bus No. 314 and alight at Jumunjin Beach bus stop. The journey typically takes around 1 hour.
11. Haslla Art World
Haslla Art World (하슬라아트월드) is a unique art space that beautifully blends nature, people, and art. Spanning approximately 27 acres, the Sculpture Garden features themed gardens and structures, offering a serene and immersive experience.
The Contemporary Gallery showcases around 200 contemporary artworks, while the Pinocchio & Marionette Gallery displays a diverse collection of artworks from Europe. With exhibitions and performances held year-round, Haslla Art World offers visitors a consistently special and enriching experience with each visit.
Details
Location : 1441, Yulgok-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do.
Business hours : Daily (9.00pm - 6.00pm)
Entrance fees :
Guided tour - 16,000 won (adults & teenagers) ; 15,000 won (children)
General admission - 12,000 won (adults & teenagers) ; 11,000 won (children)
How to get there : To reach the park from Jeongdongjin train station, head 1.5km north and board bus 11, 112, 113, or 114 (1,300 won, duration: five minutes, hourly frequency). After disembarking, a steep slope leads to the park entrance.
12. Anmok Coffee Street
Gangneung in Gangwon Province, Korea, gained prominence for its coffee expertise, particularly through Animok Cafe Street (강릉커피거리) since the 1980s. It became the first local district in Korea to host a coffee festival, supporting coffee artisans and promoting the development of coffee-related facilities and content. Known as the city of coffee, Gangneung boasts numerous coffee shops that roast their beans, contributing to its coffee culture. The Gangneung Coffee Festival takes place annually in October at Gangneung Coffee Street, offering visitors the chance to learn and experience coffee firsthand with experts in the field.
Among the plethora of coffee shops in Gangneung, we opted for Caffe Bene. This choice reminded me of my frequent visits to Caffe Bene during my early career days. It's disheartening to note that they have closed all their branches (please correct me if I'm mistaken). My favourite treat from Caffe Bene used to be their strawberry ice flakes.
13. Gangneung Traditional Market
Gangneung Traditional Market (강릉중앙시장), Gangwon-do's iconic traditional market, has been a fixture since its opening in 1980. Divided into a traditional market and an underground fishery market, it offers a diverse range of goods. The second floor hosts restaurants and coffee shops. Along the streets, vendors showcase their products, offering a glimpse into the vibrant life of Gangneung's locals.
This 10-won coin pancake is a popular pancake shaped like a 10-won coin and typically filled with cream cheese. You may check out the mesmerising cheese pull on my Instagram. I also indulge in ice cream in -10-degree weather, which is an amazing experience!
Details
Location : 21 Geumseong-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Business hours : Daily (8.00am - 7.00pm)
14. Woljeongsa Temple
Woljeongsa (월정사.월정사전나무숲), founded in 643 during the Silla dynasty, is a temple situated on Odaesan Mountain. It is celebrated for its historical and cultural artefacts, notably an octagonal nine-story stone pagoda dating back to the Goryeo era. A serene pathway spanning approximately 1 kilometre stretches from Woljeongsa's Iljumun Gate to Geumganggyo Bridge, flanked by more than 1,700 fir trees, providing an idyllic setting for contemplative strolls. Moreover, the temple offers diverse Buddhist programs and Templestay opportunities.
Fun fact: In the K-Drama Goblin, this location is where Gong Yoo's character confesses his feelings to Kim Go-eun's character, adding a touch of romance to the series.
Details
Location : 374-8 Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do.
Business hours : Open 24 hours
Entrance fees : 3,000 won (adults ages 19-64) ; 1,500 won (teenagers ages 13-18) ; 500 won (children ages 7-12)
How to get there : To reach Jinbu Station (also known as Odaesan Station), take the KTX from Seoul. Approximately 10 trains operate daily with a travel time of about 1.5 hours. Ticket prices vary based on class, with the cheapest non-reserved seats costing 18,700 won for adults and 9,300 won for children. From Jinbu Station, take Bus No. 55 and get off at Woljeongsa stop. There are 12 buses a day, with a bus coming once every 1-2 hours or so. The journey will take about 40 minutes and cost 3,000 won one way.
15. Jeonggangwon
Jeonggangwon (정강원) embodies a deep-rooted commitment to preserving traditional Korean foods, a legacy passed down over centuries. Founded by Korean food expert Joh Jeong-gang, the 12th descendant of Jungbong Jo Heon, a notable figure during the Joseon Dynasty, the establishment serves as a cultural experience space. Joh Jeong-gang, renowned for her culinary expertise, traces her lineage to the Jungbong clan and has earned acclaim for her catering services to former presidents.
We also learned how to make Memil-buchimgae (buckwheat pancakes). It was fun and tasted delicious!
One of the featured programs at Jeonggangwon is the Bibimbap-making experience, offering participants the opportunity to engage in the traditional process of crafting this iconic dish. Under the guidance of an instructor, visitors learn about the ingredients and techniques involved in preparing Bibimbap before partaking in the hands-on experience of mixing the components in a large bowl.
Details
Location : 2010-13, Geumdanggyegok-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do.
Business hours : Daily (9.00am - 7.00pm)
Entrance fees : 3,000 won (guests) ; 10,000 won onwards (menu)
How to get there : Take the train from Seoul (Dong-Seoul/Sangbong Terminal) to Jangpyeong Terminal, which takes approximately 2 hours. From Jangpyeong bus station, board a bus to Eupongpo bus station, and then Jeonggangwon is just a 5-minute walk away.
16. Balwangsan Cable Car
The Balwangsan Cable Car (발왕산 관광케이블카) features 100 eight-passenger cabins and spans 7.4 kilometres, providing a swift and secure ride. Departing from the Dragon Plaza Platform and reaching the Dragon Castle Platform at the summit of Balwangsan Mountain, it offers the longest cable car ride in Korea. Lasting approximately 18 minutes, the ride provides a sensation of soaring in the sky at 1,458 meters above ground. However, operations may be suspended in adverse weather conditions, so visitors are encouraged to check in advance.
The weather was too cold, so after taking a few photos, we headed back indoors and bought some corn dogs. Some of us also got hot chocolate or coffee to warm up.
Details
Location : 715 Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do.
Business hours : Tue - Sun (9.00am - 5.00pm) ; Closed on Mon
Entrance fees :
Adult - 25,000 won (roundtrip) ; 21,000 won (one way)
Child <13 - 21,000 won (round trip) ; 17,000 won (one way)
Legoland Resort Korea
Among the various hotels we visited, there's one that truly stands out and I highly recommend it to all of you – Legoland Resort Korea (레고랜드 코리아 리조트). It was an incredibly enjoyable and visually captivating experience at every turn! The meticulous attention to detail is truly impressive. Even as an adult, I found myself excited throughout my stay here, so I can only imagine the sheer joy it would bring to children.
Even if you're just visiting the park, you can now enjoy LEGOLAND® Hotel 2F! Experience a fun and cosy indoor playground at Adventure Play, featuring a giant climb and slide area and LEGO® brick building. The Skyline Lounge offers a variety of delicious food options, including a brunch menu, beer, bangsho, and hot chocolate. Plus, check out the Little BIG Shop for souvenirs. After 6.00pm, don't miss special holiday menus and desserts at Bricks Family Restaurant (reservation required, annual pass holder discount applies).
I personally love this resort and think it’s a fantastic place to bring your kids! Each room has a different theme, and mine was the pirate theme. They even provide a treasure hunt in the room, and once you solve it, you can open the safe to receive a free Lego set. Plus, there are plenty of Lego bricks in the room, so your kids can play anytime!
Details
Location : 128 Hajungdo-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea.
Cost per night : Around 270,000 won per night
Entrance fees :
1 day admission ticket - 30,000 won
Season pass - 39,000 won
How to get there :
- From Yongsan Station, board the ITX-Cheongchun Train bound for Chuncheon Station (last stop). The journey lasts about 1 hour and 15 minutes, with seat reservations costing around 4,900 - 9,800 won and non-reserved seats about 4,600 - 9,300 won. Please note that there are 1-2 trains per hour.
- Alternatively, use the Seoul Subway Network and transfer to the Gyeongchun Line for Chuncheon Station (last stop). This route takes approximately 2.5 hours and costs about 3,050 won. Utilize the subway app Kakao Metro for detailed route and transfer guidance.
Upon arriving at Chuncheon Station, Exit 1:
- Opt for the free shuttle service to the LEGOLAND entrance, which takes around 15 minutes and departs hourly. Look for the sign outside the station for the latest schedule.
- Alternatively, take a taxi from the taxi stand to LEGOLAND, a 10-minute ride costing about 6,000 won.
Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games
The 2024 Winter Youth Olympics, officially known as the IV Winter Youth Olympic Games and commonly referred to as Gangwon 2024, were held between January 19 and February 1, 2024, in Gangwon Province, South Korea. This event marked the third time South Korea hosted the Olympic Games, following the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul and the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
Additionally, it was the second time the country hosted the Winter Games. The 2024 Winter Youth Olympics were the first of their kind held in Asia and the third Youth Olympic Games in the continent, following the 2010 Olympics in Singapore and the 2014 Olympics in Nanjing, China, both of which were Summer Games.
I was honoured to be invited to witness the event live. It was a lot of fun, especially since we also got to see live performances by celebrities like Hwasa, Horizon, and 1Million Studio, among others.
That's all for my Gangwon post! Feel free to check out the other South Korea-related travelogues below if you're interested. I can't wait to explore more places after I give birth. Until then, XOXO!
#ShiniInGangwon
For more photos, search the hashtag #ShiniInGangwon on Instagram. There, you can also find additional details about my personal experiences during the trip.
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