The abundance of snow and undulating mountains makes Gangwon-do one of the nation's best ski areas.
KOREA – As the Winter Olympics in Sochi came to a close attention turned to the next host city ‘Pyeongchang’. The closing ceremony incorporated a video montage and performance from Korea to give the world a taste of what to expect in Pyeongchang 2018.
Out of all the provinces in Korea, winter comes first to Gangwon-do. The northeastern region of Korea is bordered by North Korea and the East Sea. Located only a few hours from Seoul and rich in natural beauty, the region is a popular vacation destination among locals throughout the year. Each season in Gangwon-do reveals fresh wonders: everything from snowy mountains and beautiful spring flowers to autumn foliage, lush forests, and beachside havens.
The abundance of snow and undulating mountains makes Gangwon-do one of the nation’s best ski areas. Even though the following resorts are most popular during the winter ski season, most are open throughout the year, giving visitors a chance to enjoy the inspiring beauty of the countryside during each of the four seasons.
Yongpyong Resort Ski & Snowboard
Located 700-1500m above sea level and known as the ‘Alps of Korea,’ the resort has played a key role in building the popularity of skiing in Korea. (*2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics: snowboarding and Alpine skiing event venue)
Phoenix Park Ski Resort
Known for its pure white snow, the resort buildings were specifically designed with consideration to the surrounding environment. (*2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics: snowboarding and Alpine skiing event location)
Alpensia Resort Ski & Board
Location of the main events and competitions of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics: alpine skiing, ski jumping, cross-country skiing, bobsledding, skeleton, etc.
Gangwon-do is a region brimming with the wonders of nature. In recent years, a number of unique tourist sites and activities have opened up, designed to show visitors the many special aspects of the area. Take a train ride along the coast for majestic views of the ocean and large caves. Or, for a more active adventure, take the RailBike that runs along the abandoned railway through the heart of the countryside and take in the sweeping pastures and towering mountains.
Five of the counties of Gangwon-do are adjacent to the DMZ. Underground tunnels in Cheorwon and Yanggu, the Unification Observatory, and the Dam of Peace in Goseong are all well-known tourist sites that serve as solemn reminders of the nation’s title of being the only divided nation in the world. In additional to its historic and cultural significance, the DMZ has recently been gaining attention for its lush ecosystem, which has flourished ever since access to the area was restricted to the general public almost six decades ago.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
