Introduction to Gangwon Pyeongchang County, a popular tourist destination in Korea.
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Exploring Gangwon Pyeongchang County’s ‘Gyebangsan’
Located in Yongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, Geibangsan stands at an elevation of 1,577m, making it the highest peak in the Odaesan National Park and the fifth highest mountain in South Korea. Geibangsan is particularly famous for winter hiking, with two main routes to climb the mountain. The first course starts at the Eunduryeong Shelter and passes through the summit of Geibangsan before descending to the auto-camping site. Covering a total distance of 8.9km and taking about 6 hours, this course features gentle terrain with moderate ascents and descents, offering a varied and engaging journey. Along the way, hikers can admire the beautiful grove of water birch trees. At the summit, one can enjoy panoramic views of Baekdudaegan Ridge, including prominent peaks such as Seoraksan to the north, Jeombongsan, Odaesan’s Noinbong, DaeGwanRyeong to the east, and Huigisan and Taegisan to the west. The trail from the summit to Jumok Gunlakji allows for a leisurely stroll along the mountain ridge, offering a glimpse of the ancient Jumok trees that create a unique natural habitat only found at high altitudes. Passing through the auto-camping site, visitors may also catch a glimpse of the birthplace of Lee Seungbok. The second course starts at the Eunduryeong Shelter and follows a gentle ridge from the Geibangsan summit to the Geibangsan parking lot, covering a total distance of 8.9km and taking around 5 hours. Along the trail, hikers can encounter the Kwondaegam Rock, formed at a spot where a mountain god tripped over a bramble and dropped a talisman, showcasing the mystical charm of the area. As most of the descent is downhill, caution is advised while exploring the trail. Additionally, there is a course that starts at Eunduryeong, ascends to the summit, and then returns to the starting point. Geibangsan is a recommended destination for winter hikers, offering a balance of gentle slopes and steep terrain. From the spring blossoms of the Eulreji Grove to the beautiful snowflakes of winter, visitors can experience the mountain’s diverse beauty throughout all four seasons.
• Address (location): 1243 Unduryeong-ro, Yongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open at all times
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Cheongoksan’
Named after the abundant presence of the mountain plant called ‘Cheongok,’ Mt. Cheongok stands at an altitude of 1,256 meters, with a relatively flat ridge where the ‘Yukbae Majigi’ pavilion sits atop the summit. The hike takes about 5 hours, and near the peak, you’ll find the Samshinshinang Dae Bon-sa temple. A hiking trail leads from the Yukbae Majigi pavilion to the summit of Mt. Cheongok, offering both a pedestrian path and a wheelchair-accessible trail with a wooden deck. The 760m accessible trail allows wheelchair users and stroller-pushers to reach the summit in about 20 minutes from the pavilion. On the plains of Mt. Cheongok, highland vegetables such as radishes and cabbage are cultivated, with the unique flavor of ‘Junggalimu’ radishes being particularly famous for their sweet taste reminiscent of pears. Nearby attractions include the Cheongoksan Goblin Path, Sannemi Ranch, and Suha Valley.
• Address (location): 557-4 Cheongoksan-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Goraeng-gil’
Goraeng-gil is a name that reflects the characteristics of Pyeongchang, a high-altitude and cold plateau that rises above 600 meters. The trail starts in front of Phoenix Park, crosses a small mountain, and follows a forest path where you can enjoy forest bathing, leading to Bongpyeong where buckwheat flowers bloom. It’s a course of ups and downs, covered with lush forests, offering a pleasant experience with nature. The trail is on dirt paths, making it easy to walk. At the end of Gorae-gil, there is a literary forest dedicated to Yi Hyo-seok, and it connects to Bongpyeong Hyoseok Culture Village, the actual setting of the novel ‘When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom.’ In the past, it is said that this path was used from Myeonon to Bongpyeong when the Bongpyeong market was held.
• Address (location): 254-1 Taegi Road, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Gomaru Karst’
From Mitan-myeon, take National Route 42 towards Jeongseon for 2.8km until you reach Baekun Samgeori (Baekun Intersection). Make a right turn here towards Gihwa-ri and continue straight for 1.4km until you see Hantan 3 Bridge. Make a right turn here and travel another 2.8km, then make a left turn at a small intersection onto Imdo-ro. After traveling 2.3km, you will arrive at the fascinating Gomaru Karst Area. Gomaru Karst is located around Gomaru-gil and is a renowned karst region in Korea spanning approximately 2km². This area features numerous dolines and a large sinkhole on top of the Ordovician gray limestone of the Yeongheung Formation. The karst landscape here is created by the dissolution and erosion of rock, minerals, and soil due to water, resulting in unique formations like dolines formed by limestone dissolution and stalactite caves. Situated between 530m to 750m above sea level in the mountains south of Jaechisan Peak (750.9m), the Gomaru region in the southern face of Jaechisan offers a truly distinctive terrain shaped by the dissolution of limestone by rainfall and groundwater. Visitors can marvel at the dolines, the larger sinkholes known as uvalas formed by the merging of multiple dolines, and the underground limestone caves in this enchanting karst landscape.
• Address (location): Hantan-ri, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County – ‘Donnermi Karst’
Donnermi region is a representative karst area in Korea, characterized by numerous dolines and uvalas scattered on top of gray limestone layers, with natural caves developed in the surrounding area. In this region, visitors can see the karst topography formed by limestone dissolving in rainwater or surface water. Located in Yulchiri, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Donneumi village used to have around 20 natural terraces around Donneumi Mountain (768.9m), but most have been abandoned, leaving only 4 households in this remote village. Situated at an elevation of 525~700m, the area around the village features wide flat terrains with dolines and uvalas (a combination of dolines), creating a typical karst landscape. Donneumi village is composed of limestone deposits that accumulated approximately 460 million years ago. Limestone is a sedimentary rock formed by the accumulation of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) from the shells of organisms in warm tropical and subtropical shallow seas, belonging to the sedimentary rocks category.
• Address (location): 219-15 Donnermi-gil, Yulchi-ri, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: 00:00~24:00
https://maps.app.goo.gl/rxGDSeGTAWqSJo1d8Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Bonghwang Dullegil’ – A Guide to the Phoenix Walkway
At the entrance of Bonghwangdae Village, located at the foot of Jangmisal and Deoksusan mountains in Korea, stands the majestic Bonghwangdae rock formation by the riverside. This spot is known as Bonghwangdae, where the legend of the mythical phoenix resides. The Bonghwang Trail starts from Bonghwangdae and continues along the hills, passing through a village road and a cattle ranch where Hanwoo cattle graze, before winding into the forest path alongside the Geumdang Valley. Walking along this trail allows you to enjoy the peaceful rural scenery and nature. Surrounding Bonghwangdae and Geumdang Valley, you can witness blooming azaleas and rhododendrons in spring, lush greenery and clear water in summer, vibrant autumn foliage, and beautiful snowscapes in winter. It’s a place of breathtaking beauty throughout the seasons that foreign tourists can easily appreciate.
• Address (location): 21 Culture Village Street, Munhwa Taekji-gil, Daehwa-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Palseokjeong’
Palseokjeong refers to a scenic spot located along the riverside of Pyeongchon-ri in Bongpyeong-myeon. Here, eight large rocks are situated, creating a picturesque view that harmonizes with the surrounding landscape. The name Palseokjeong comes from the grouping of these eight rocks. During his tenure as the magistrate of Gangneung, Yang Sa-eon explored the Gangneung area and reached Pyeongchon-ri in Bongpyeong, where he was captivated by the natural beauty. He spent eight days leisurely enjoying the scenery, forgetting about his official duties, and eventually erected a pavilion called Palilgyeongjeong. He visited this place three times a year to refine his poetry. When you visit, you can see inscriptions around the rocks that add to the charm of the site.
• Address (location): 33-11 Shilbawi-gil, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Pyeongchang Namsan Trail’
Namsan Dulle-gil is a 7km walking trail that follows the Pyeongchang River flowing through Pyeongchang-eup. You can stroll along the riverside deck path, passing through the village and returning along the Pyeongchang River embankment. It offers a beautiful view of the Pyeongchang River and allows you to enjoy the rural landscape. The trail is conveniently located close to the city center and is connected to Namsan Forest Bath. – Path of Emptiness (무념무상의 길): A path where you can leave behind the chaos and hardships of the world and walk without any thoughts. – Path of Meditation (명상의 길): A course where you can gaze at the scenic river and mountains, meditate on the distant mountains and rivers, and forget the world’s chaos with a heart of meditation and prayer.
• Address (location): 19 Culture and Arts Street, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Pyeongchang Yookbaemajigi’
Located in Pyeongchang’s Mitan-myeon, Cheongok Mountain is called ‘Yukbaek Majigi,’ which means ‘a vast plain where you can spread out 600 horses.’ This place is already a must-visit spot for many travelers in Pyeongchang, as it resembles a wide meadow that combines about six soccer fields. Today, Yukbaek Majigi has become a popular destination easily accessible by car, serving as a nature-friendly tourist attraction. As you hike up the mountain path, you will start to see wind turbines along the ridgeline. Under the clear sky, the sight of large wind turbines spinning creates a picturesque landscape. The most beautiful time to visit Yukbaek Majigi is from June to July. The blooming Shasta daisies, also known as ‘Egg-Fried Flower,’ cover the wide meadow, making it even more stunning. There are photo zones scattered throughout the area, such as small castle-shaped sculptures and rainbow chairs against the backdrop of the mountain ridge, where you can capture beautiful pictures.
• Address (location): 583-76 Cheongoksan-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all day
Hyoseok Literature Road in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province
Pyeongchang is a place where beautiful nature unfolds. Known as the ‘Alps of Asia,’ Pyeongchang preserves the stunning beauty of nature through distinct four seasons. With approximately 65% of its total area located in highland regions above 700m above sea level, Pyeongchang is an ideal destination for a relaxing getaway in a pristine natural area. The Hyoseok Culture 100-li Road follows the journey of the characters Heo Saengwon and Dong-yi from the novel ‘When the Buckwheat Blooms.’ It is divided into 5 sections, with one section known as the ‘Literary Path’ where traces of Yi Hyoseok’s literary footsteps can be found. Pyeongchang County has even hosted walking competitions along this route.
• Address (location): 14, Aegangnamu-gil, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: Open all year round