Discover the cultural essence of South Korea’s Gangwon Pyeongchang County. Visit the ‘National Korea Plant Garden’ and explore other fascinating destinations in the region. Plan your itinerary now!
National Dutasan Nature Recreation Forest in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province
Dutasan Nature Recreation Forest is a mountain-type natural recreation forest located at an altitude of 1357m on the slopes of Dutasan, which is on the border of Jinbu-myeon in Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun in Gangwon Province. Nestled in the mountains, Dutasan Nature Recreation Forest operates 21 accommodation facilities consisting of houses in the forest, lodges, and row houses, as well as 20 camping sites for up to 5 people. Bonfires and firewood are prohibited in the accommodation facilities, and BBQ facilities are only available outside the rooms or at the camping sites. Outdoor BBQ is also prohibited during the spring and fall fire prevention periods, so it’s advisable to check the weather conditions and usage guidelines before visiting. The experience programs consist of forest experience programs such as making wooden arrows, wooden necklaces, traditional Korean games like Tuho (arrow throwing game played by scholars), and fruit bead hitting game. Reservations for accommodation facilities, camping sites, and experience programs are all done through the website.
• Address (location): 132 Achagol-gil, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: – Accommodation: Check-in 15:00~ Check-out 10:00 the following day – Daily Opening Hours: 09:00~18:00
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Pyeongchang Nature Recreation Forest’
Pyeongchang Nature Resort is a natural recreation forest located at an altitude of 780m on Taegisan Mountain. The hiking trails in the resort are well maintained, allowing visitors to enjoy both exercise and relaxation. Surrounded by lush trees and wildflowers, it is the perfect place to experience clear and pristine nature throughout the four seasons. With a scenic backdrop of beautiful nature, the resort offers comfortable accommodation facilities such as forest experience centers, forest cabins, as well as convenient amenities like a hall, seminar rooms, and rest areas.
• Address (location): 285 Palsong-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: Forest Experience Center 15:00~next day 11:00
Forest House (Caravan) 14:00~next day 13:30
Gangwon Pyeongchang County National Korea Botanic Garden
The National Arboretum of Korea is located at the foot of Mt. Odae, in the heart of Baekdudaegan, showcasing a collection of plants native to the mountains and fields of our country. Visitors can witness the beauty of our flowers blooming differently according to the seasons, as well as rare and endangered plants, along with unique indigenous species. Established in 2021 as a national arboretum, the former privately-run arboretum has been dedicated to the conservation of Korea’s native plants for over two decades, continuing the legacy of its generous donor. The National Arboretum of Korea is committed to preserving our country’s native flora and advancing the development of botanical gardens.
• Address (location): 150-3, Bi-an-gil, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: – Summer season (March to October): 09:00 – 18:00 (Last entry at 17:00) – Winter season (November to February): 09:00 – 17:00 (Last entry at 16:00)
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Geumdang Valley in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
Geumdang Valley is located in Daehwa-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province. Nestled between Bongpyeong-myeon and Yongpyeong-myeon, this valley meanders through the upper reaches of the Pyeongchang River. It is called Geumdang Valley as it sits at the foot of Geumdang Mountain. Flowing through twelve villages in Pyeongchang-gun, it is also known as the Twelve Village Stream. Geumdang Valley, following the hidden beauty of Gangwon Province, is well-known as a rafting destination with its wide river and strong currents. Anglers also flock to the deep waters for fishing. The valley’s winding streams showcase a primitive beauty with its natural scenery of mountains and rocky cliffs harmoniously blending in awe-inspiring ways. As you cross Bonghwa Bridge near the lower part of Geumdang Valley, you will encounter Bonghwa Hill standing tall, creating another breathtaking sight.
• Address (location): 766-2 Geumdang Valley Road, Daehwa-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Noeun Valley’
Noeun Valley is located in Noeun-ri, Pyeongchang-eup. It is a wide valley where the Pyeongchang River flows in a meandering S shape, offering abundant water. The cliffs, carved sporadically, blend beautifully with the river, creating stunning scenery. With sandy beaches and pebbles scattered around, it’s a great place for water activities and camping. The river is broad and clear, teeming with native freshwater fish like minnows, crucian carp, catfish, and freshwater snails, making it a perfect spot for fishing and enjoying nature. Nearby guesthouses also offer opportunities for rural experiences like picking peppers and digging potatoes. However, transportation to Noeun Valley is still inconvenient due to the lack of direct access by car. Nearby attractions include Pyeongchang Botanical Garden and Café Bangrimbyeolggok.
• Address (location): NoeunValley Road, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County ‘Makdong Valley’
Nakdong Valley, flowing from the waist of Baekseok Mountain known for its wild vegetables, is considered one of the most picturesque valleys along with Danimgol Valley and Jangjeon Valley among the various streams that flow into Odaecheon. At a spacious spot about 1.5km into the valley, there are only a few houses, making the water clear without any other sources of pollution. The rugged rocks and dense forest create a panoramic view, forming a beautiful landscape. At the entrance of the valley, there is a three-tier waterfall, where the 5m wide waterfall cascades down, providing a refreshing sight even from the roadside. The surrounding area of Nakdong Valley is famous for its mountain vegetables. Various wild vegetables such as aster scaber, arrowroot, ligularia fischeri, codonopsis lanceolata, bracken, deodeok, bellflower root, aralia continentalis, and many medicinal herbs like peucedanum, aster scaber, and platycodon grandiflorus are abundant, attracting locals and hikers in spring. The area is filled with clusters of mountain vegetables, known by local names like Chamnamul Field, Chamnamul Slope, and Chamnamul Valley, with subdivisions such as East Field and West Field Valley based on their locations.
• Address (location): Odaechun-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County’s Suha Valley
Suha Valley is a gorge located in Mita-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province in Korea. It is made up of about 8km of rocky cliffs and canyons where the water flows down from Cheongoksan (altitude 1,255m) and passes through Mita-myeon before merging with Donggang. This area serves as the starting point for rafting on Donggang. Walking about 5km east along the river, you will find the picturesque village of Munheemaeul, known as one of Korea’s representative remote villages. As Donggang has become a popular rafting destination, Suhag Valley, managed as a recreational area, offers beautiful natural scenery and is a great spot for fishing various freshwater fish. Spanning three villages from Hantan-ri in Mita-myeon to Gihwa-ri and Mahari, it is recommended to also visit the nearby Baekryong Cave. Families can enjoy rafting together, and the wide gravel banks make it a great place for camping as well.
• Address (location): 43-13 Pyeonganhan Chigil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
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Suhang Valley in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province
Suhang Valley is a scenic gorge formed by the Odae River originating from Odaesan’s Uhtong Waterfall, flowing about 30km in the direction of Jeongseon. With no pollution sources, the valley boasts beautiful rock formations, dramatic cliffs, and dense forests creating a picturesque panorama. Suhang Valley, where the famous three-tiered waterfall of Makdong, as well as the Jangjeon and Singi gorges originating from Mt. Garibong, converge, takes pride in its clear waters. In the summer, it’s a popular destination for swimming, while in the spring, the valley is adorned with blooming azaleas, and in the fall, the foliage reaches its peak. The winding path of the valley is so intricate that it’s often described as a ‘gallery of bends,’ stretching in a straight line before abruptly turning at right angles or almost making U-turns at many points. Rafting is possible in the valley, and the mid-point boasts an auto-camping site surrounded by pine and fir forests, offering ample space suitable for camping for both small family units and large groups.
• Address (location): Odaechun-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Wondang Valley in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province
Located in Won-dang-ri, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, this 6km-long valley is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. Not as popular as Pyeongchang River Park or Noincheon Valley, this secluded spot preserves the untouched beauty of a primitive valley. The shallow and gentle waters provide a habitat for various freshwater fish, including the native species called “shiri.” At the foot of the valley, you’ll find Baekdeoksa Temple, a serene place known for its picturesque sunrises and sunsets. Surrounding Baekdeoksa are numerous campsites, perfect for nature lovers seeking a peaceful camping experience away from the city. Nearby attractions include Geumdang Mountain, Yulgok Seon-saeng Shrine, Noincheon Valley, Bonghwangdae, Geumdang Valley, and Muigol. Experience the tranquility and natural beauty of this area, a true haven for those wanting to immerse themselves in nature’s embrace. (Source: Gangwon Province Office)
• Address (location): 261, Wondang-ri, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County: Jangjeon Valley
Spanning between Pyeongchang and Jeongseon, Mt. Garibong stands tall at an elevation of 1,561 meters. As majestic as it is high, Mt. Garibong boasts several deep valleys, with Jangjeon Valley flowing to the north and Hoedong Valley meandering south being the most prominent. When descending from Jinbu to Jeongseon, branching off to Makdong-ri leads to Makdong Valley, while turning towards Jangjeon-ri leads to Jangjeon Valley.
Jangjeon Valley in Jangjeon-ri, Jinbu-myeon, is a hidden gem among the valleys of Odaecheon, showcasing a blend of clear streams and rocky cliffs in a picturesque setting. Relatively lesser known than other valleys, it offers a tranquil escape, perfect for a peaceful retreat. The valleys along Odaecheon in this area, collectively known as the Odaecheon’s sub-valleys, are often referred to as Sukam Valley. These lesser-known sub-valleys are incredibly beautiful and serene, likely due to the presence of Mt. Odae above. Exploring the valleys along Odaecheon, where the rock formations intertwine with the flowing water, can create unforgettable memories of a summertime festival.
* Baekseokbong
Baekseokbong is a rocky peak rising along Odaecheon. When descending from Hajinbu, you’ll notice the steep rocky peak on the left side. From the summit, the significance of Baekseokbong in shaping the landscape of Odaecheon becomes apparent. Due to the cliffs leading towards Mt. Garibong on the opposite side, access to Baekseokbong is restricted in that direction. To reach Baekseokbong, head north from the road near Najeon-ga, around a 10-minute walk from Jeongseon, then take a 5-minute detour to cross the bridge leading to Joldeu Tourist Resort, nestled among the mountains.
• Address (location): 2 Jangjeon-gil, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
Discover the Beauty of Heungjeong Valley in Pyeongchang County, Gangwon Province
The Heungjeong Valley, located in Heungjeong-ri, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, originates from Heungjeong Mountain (1,278m) and Hoeryeong Peak (1,309m). It is a place where abundant and crystal-clear water flows continuously throughout the year. The wide and icy-cold waters of the valley, surrounded by lush forests, attract visitors seeking relief from the heat. The depth of the water ranges from shallow areas perfect for children to play safely to deeper sections. Along the approximately 6km-long valley, there are pensions and camping sites where visitors can rent parasols for a comfortable water play experience or relax under bridges or tree shades. Moreover, various freshwater fish species such as trout and mountain trout inhabit the waters, allowing visitors to appreciate the beauty of nature. Nearby attractions include the Herb Village and the birthplace and literary museum of the author Lee Hyo-seok, known for the novel ‘When the Buckwheat Blooms.’
• Address (location): 62 Heungjeonggyegok-gil, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province, South Korea
• Hours of use: Open all year round
Gangwon Pyeongchang County’s ‘Bangadari Mineral Spring’
Bangadari Mineral Spring is located inside a mill bridge in Odaesan National Park in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province. Discovered during the Joseon Dynasty, this carbonated spring was designated as a famous spring in Korea in June 1987. It contains around 30 different minerals, including carbonates and iron. The iron content in the spring is believed to be effective for digestive disorders, neuralgia, and anemia. Mill Bridge is a privately owned facility created artificially over 60 years, offering forest experience accommodations. After paying the entrance fee at the entrance of Mill Bridge, you can stroll along a path filled with pine and oak trees for about 10 minutes to reach Bangadari Mineral Spring. Similar to Woljeongsa Pine Forest, some sections of the pine forest at Mill Bridge allow you to walk barefoot, making it a great place to leisurely walk and breathe in the fresh forest air. In addition, visitors can explore Sansindang and Yongsindang.
• Address (location): 65 San, Cheokcheon-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Province
• Hours of use: 09:00~18:00