The Hallyu wave has swept the world and it shows no signs of slowing. South Korea has always been a popular holiday destination and more avid tourists are traveling back post-pandemic. Of course, Seoul is undoubtedly the center of attention but there’s so much more to Korea than its capital.
Located a few hours from Seoul is a hidden gem just waiting to be explored. The Gangwon Province is home to many scenic places, traditional cuisines, and even famous filming sites of your favourite K-dramas and K-pop music. To put it simply, there’s a lot to see, taste, and experience in Gangwon.
Mureung Byeolyucheonji
Located near the East Sea coast is a former mine that has been transformed into an amusement park. As you enter Mureung Byeolyucheonji (무릉별유천지), you’ll be enveloped by a blanket of lush greenery. Byeolyucheonji, which means “a place with the most beautiful scenery in the world“, is surrounded by a crystal-clear azure lake and towering mountains. In addition to the photo-worthy scenery, tourists have been coming to this spot for its leisure activities.
Ready to get your adrenaline pumping? At Mureung Byeolyucheonji, visitors can take part in a series of thrilling high-element sports. The Sky Glider is easily one of the most popular attractions here. With a height of 125m high and 777m in length, the 4-person Sky Glider (bottom right photo below) gives thrillseekers a chance to experience “flying” across the park, with a bird’s eye view of the lake.
After that you can hop on the Luge ride and zoom down the 1.5km-long track around Chongokho Lake. Also, the Rollercoaster Zip Line (similar to the one in Escape Penang) combines elements of a roller coaster and a zip line while being suspended above tree tops. Last but not least, the Alpine Coaster takes you around the woods as you zip and twist inside the bobsled-like coaster.
Once you’re done, make your way to the Observatory Cafe to enjoy their Cement Soft Serve that comes with a roasted marshmallow and tiny shovel spoon.
- Address: 380 Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
- Opening hours: Tue-Sun 10am-5.30pm (Closed on Mondays)
- Contact: 0507-1448-0101
High 1 Resort
Situated at the foot of Baegunsan Mountain, near Jeongseon, Gangwon-do, High 1 Resort is not only famous for its world-class skiing attraction during the winter, there are also several luxury hotels and condominiums, Kangwon Land Casino (the largest casino in Korea), an entertainment water park, Haneulgil (Sky) Trail trekking, and famous filming hot-spots to explore.
Those who have visited High 1 Resort will boast of its fresh white puffy snow and the majestic view of the scenery as you take the gondola from the top of Baekwoon Mountain. Depending on which season you visit, there are also plenty of opportunities to explore the beauty of its forest trails. There are approximately 48 types of trees and over 90 types of wildflowers grown on High 1 Resort.
Chuncheon Samaksan Cable Car & Canoe Plogging
There are two ways to get to the top of the scenic mountain of Samaksan: hop on the country’s longest cable car ride at 3.61km (stretching from Samcheon-dong and passing over Uiamho Lake to connect with Samaksan) or sweat it out by hiking.
As one of the newer attractions around, the Chuncheon Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car offers a stress-free alternative for non-hikers to enjoy scenic views from Samaksan’s summit. Visitors can either opt for the Standard Cabin (which costs KRW23,000 per adult) or the Crystal Cabin that features a transparent floor (KRW28,000).
P/s: You could enjoy a 20% discount if you make an online reservation, but you’ll need to select the hourly slot for your estimated boarding time.
🔸️Address
- 245, Sports town-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
- 강원도 춘천시 스포츠타운길 245
🔸️Operating hours
- December – April: Sunday-Friday 09:00-18:00 / Saturday 09:00-20:00
- May – November: Sunday-Friday 09:00-20:00 / Saturday 09:00-22:00
🔸️Website: www.samaksancablecar.com
If you’re already in Chuncheon City, it would be a wasted opportunity to not include canoeing in your itinerary. The Mullegil Trail offers people of all ages the chance to paddle along the calm lake and drink in the picturesque surrounding scenery. The guide will also direct you to a designated spot where you can take beautiful photos against a stunning backdrop. Chuncheon is truly a stunning landmark that combines mountains, lake, city, and culture.
Gangwon Forestry Exhibition
Mother Nature is a great teacher and there’re so many things we can learn from her. The Gangwon Forestry Exhibition is a 31-day international event that offers the A to Z of forestry. Visitors can explore its interactive exhibition halls (with themes of Hope, Peace, Humanity, Healing, Growth), and also the impressive 45m high Pine Cone Observatory (that offers a 360 degrees panoramic view of Ulsan Rock and the East Sea of Mt. Seorak).
Another highlight of Gangwon Forestry Exhibition is the fact that it offers family bonding time through its flower pot making class, Forest Ecology School, painting zone, music zone, as well as entertainment via Melody of Spring and Forest performance, PLZ Music Concert, and Forestry Fringe Healing U Festival. Here, you’ll not only get to immerse in the rich history, culture and lifestyle in Gangwon, but also the importance of forest ecology and climate crisis.
Donghae Mureung Festival
As the largest festival in Donghae City, the Donghae Mureung Festival never fails to draw a large crowd of all age groups. In addition to the anticipated Drone Light Show, the festival also features folk music demonstration, performances from K-pop stars and theatre vocalists, choir showcase, and more. It’s recommended especially for those who have an appetite for Korean music and culture.
Arirang Learning Program
Learning the lyrics to your favourite K-pop song is easy but what about Arirang? With many years of historic importance, the Korean folk song has been used to promote K-culture to a larger global audience. Of course, just like any music genres, there are different versions of Arirang. Jeongseon Arirang Learning Center in Gangwon Province not only offers various programs to promote the local culture but also provide fun, interactive activities on learning Arirang.
Donning Hanbok In Ojukheon
Travel back in time to the Joseon dynasty where the ladies get to flaunt their beauty in colourful jeogori while the guys get to channel their inner Oppa in jokki and magoja. Ojukheon is also a place where you’ll get to learn more about the iconic mother-son scholars and their legacies. Female artist Shin Saimdang is the model of Korean bank note 50,000 won while her son Yi I (Yulgok)’s portrait can be found on the Korean bank note 5,000 won.
As one of the oldest surviving Joseon-dynasty homes, Ojukheon house holds historical significance and offers plenty of photo opportunities within its elegant park and fascinating complex.
Bonus:
Maengbang Beach & Jumunjin Beach
Maengbang Beach was where BTS shot their single art cover for “Butter”. ARMYs always make it a point to duplicate the same poses by the boy band members. It also helps that there are several props – sunbeds, parasols, volleyball net, referee chair – to help you recreate the BTS photoshoot when you’re at Samcheok.
Not too far away at Hyangho/ Jumunjin Beach aka the BTS bus stop is where the group shot their 2017 album cover “You Never Walk Alone”. Since no buses actually stop there, this attraction exists solely for K-pop fans and tourists to snap photos. While it’s always fun to pose together with a group of friends, fret not if you’re visiting alone. There’s a phone holder in front to fit your camera in order to take the perfect shot.
While you’re in Gangneung, you could also visit Yeongjin Beach to check out the filming location for “Guardian: The Lonely and Great God”. Other honorary mentions include Jumunjin Breakwater (“Goblin”), Sodol Breakwater (“The Glory”), Nami Island (“Winter Sonata”) and more.
LEGOLAND Korea
Since its inception in May 2022, LEGOLAND Korea has been a massive draw for families and tourists traveling to Hajung Island at the center of Uiam Lake in Chuncheon, Gangwon State. With 7 theme zones in its vicinity, each land offers a different Lego adventure. From building your own LEGO Minifigure to hopping on a thrilling ride at LEGO Castle, and unleashing ninja moves at Ninjago World, you’ll definitely get to have the best LEGO experience at this theme park.
We hope this list is enough to inspire your next trip to Korea, and more specifically, Gangwon 😉
