Gangwon-Do: Culture, Mountains and Coastal Experiences

The Gangneung Danoje Festival traces its origins to harvest and agricultural rites, which continue to be passed down in their traditional form. It is designated Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 13 and is also known by the names Danojeol, Danyangjeol, Danyangnori and Danyanggut. For a trip focused on cultural history, the festival offers a tangible way to experience traditional rituals in Gangwon-Do.

Temples, Tradition and Architecture

Woljeongsa Temple was founded in 643 during the Silla Dynasty and is home to an octagonal, nine-story stone pagoda from the Goryeo period. Its Silla-era founding and Goryeo-era pagoda bring together two historical periods at one temple. Museum SAN offers a different architectural accent: it was designed by Tadao Ando.

The Gangwon Comprehensive Museum holds more than 20,000 artifacts from cultures around the world. The collection includes items related to natural history, ceramics, metalwork, folklore, religion, woodwork and stonework. The museum building also has its own design connection: its architecture is inspired by historic East Asian architecture.

Mountains, Forests and Landscapes

Mount Sorak encompasses unspoiled temperate-zone forests and 1,292 plant species. The habitat of the dwarf pine around Daecheongbong Peak in Seoraksan is under strict conservation protection.

Daegwallyeong is a landscape of high plateaus more than 700 m above sea level and rolling terrain. In 2018, it was the main venue for the PyeongChang Winter Olympics. Barwangsan Mountain is 1,458 m high and known for its population of spreading yew trees. Odaesan National Park includes Birobong Peak, which stands 1,563 m high; visitors can explore various trails there.

Mureunggyegok Valley is a historic scenic spot with distinctive rock formations and waterfalls. Mureung Byeolyucheonji has two emerald-green lakes. Cheongganjeong Pavilion combines another historical connection with a specific view: built in the middle Joseon period, it looks out over a pine forest and the East Sea.

Trails and Active Experiences

Dojjaebigol Sky Valley features a 59 m-high skywalk, a large slide and a sky-cycle course. Haerang Observatory is a sea bridge shaped like a goblin's club. Surfyy Beach is a 1 km-long beach designated for surfing and operates a Surf School. Programs include surf yoga, longboarding, snorkeling and other activities. As operating details, dates and fees may change, check the current dates and fees for the Surf School and programs before your trip.

Nami Island has numerous forest trails and regularly hosts cultural events, performances and exhibitions. Sogeumsan Grand Valley offers a suspension bridge and a boardwalk. These provide different experiences to choose from: forest trails and a cultural program on Nami Island, or the two attractions at Sogeumsan Grand Valley.

Trail lengths also vary considerably: at Woljeongsa Temple, an approximately 1 km-long trail runs from Iljumun Gate to Geumganggyo Bridge, lined by more than 1,700 fir trees. In Hantangang UNESCO Global Geopark, a 3.6 km-long, 1.5 m-wide boardwalk follows a columnar joint.

Choose the Focus of Your Trip

The options range from cultural sites to specific nature and activity experiences. Guide your hotel comparison by which of these aspects of the destination you want to shape your trip.

Discover more destinations: Yangyang-Gun, Pyeongchang, Sokcho, Donghae, Chuncheon, Hongcheon, Goseong, Inje-Gun, Gangneung, Wonju, Jeongseon-gun, Samcheok-si, Taebaek-si, Yeongwol-gun, Hoengseong-gun, Cheorwon-gun.

For the broader travel overview: South Korea.