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Located in the mid-eastern
part of the Korean peninsula and flanked by the sea and the mountains,
Gangwon-do is full of natural attractions. Visitors can enjoy a
fantastic view of Mt. Seoraksan and Mt. Chiaksan as the scenery alters
by season. On the east coast are other tourist attractions such as
fine beaches and clean coastlines. There are countless ski resorts in
the province due to the heavy snowfall in the winter on the mountains.
Recommended Sites
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Mt. Seoraksan National Park
Address :
Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Description :
Also called
as Mt. Seolsan and Mt. Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Mt.
Seorak because the snow would not melt for a long time and its rocks
stay white like snow. In November 1965, the Mt. Seoraksan Mountain
district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area.
Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as park preservation
area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by
UNESCO. The park is spread about in 4 cities and counties, in Sokcho,
Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. Featuring the highest peak Daecheongbong,
the east side is called OeSeorak and the west is called NaeSeorak,
which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak.
North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon stream, which flows to
Ingyecheon stream and Baekdamcheon stream. There are numerous
valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon Valley where all the
streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for
its beautiful scenery. Follow upstream and there is Gayadong Valley
and Suryeomdong Valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is
Madeungryeong ridge(1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong. Follow
Suryeomdong Valley and you will reach Waryong Waterfall and Ssangpok.
Go up the mountain a bit more from here and you will reach
Bongjeongam(1,224m above sea level). Once you mount Daecheong Peak
you can view the mountain peaks, and the sunrise viewed from here
will make your heart pious. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from
the Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of
Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m
high. On the south valley of Yongdaeri there is the Twelve Fairy
Bathing Spring, Oktang Waterfall, and Yongtang Waterfall.
Directions :
At Wontong,
take the Yongdaeri bound(Baekdamsa entrance) bus via Namgi-ri
Information :
- Mt.
Seoraksan Adminstration Office Tel 033-636-7700 (Kor/Eng)
- Homepage : www.npa.or.kr/sorak (Kor/Eng)
- Open all year
- Admission Fee
* Adults(Age 20 and over) : 1,300 won *Teenagers(Age 14-19) : 600
won
* Children(Age 13 and under) : 300 won
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Phoenix Park
Address :
1095 Myeonon-ri, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Description :
Phoenix Park
presently has 13 skiing courses with unique slopes for the enjoyment
of dynamic and exciting experiences. It operates a Snowboard Park
with quality snow facilities for snow boarders. It is equipped with
the first gondola lift in the nation, as well as the Key lift
system, which enables the skier to make the choice among the
beginner, intermediate, and the expert course. Many soap operas have
been shot at Phoenix Park due to its beautiful scenery. Ever since
Korea’s most popular drama, “Autumn Story,” was shot here, Phoenix
Park has been booming with customers. Take a bus that heads to
Jangpyeong at the Dong-Seoul Express Bus Terminal when coming to
Phoenix Park from Seoul. Get off at the Jangpyeong Express Bus
Terminal and take the free shuttle bus that goes to Phoenix Resort.
The shuttle runs every two hours from 9:00 - 21:00.
Directions :
Take
the free shuttle bus from the Jangpyeong Bus Terminal at Pyeongchang-gun,
Gangwon-do to Phoenix (approximately 15 min.)
Departures: 09:00 / 11:00/ 13:00 /15:00/ 17:00/ 20:00
Phoenix Park to Jangpyeong Bus Terminal, take the free shuttle bus
(approximately 15 min.)
Departs at 08:30 /10:30 /12:30 /14:30 /16:30/ 18:30 /20:30 in front
of the Central Plaza Ski House at Phoenix Park.
Jangpyeong Terminal Telephone Information: (033)-332-4209
Information :
1. 1095 Myeonon-ri, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
2. Tel : 033-333-6000 (Kor/Eng)
3. Homepage :
http://www.phoenixpark.co.kr
(Kor/Eng/Jap/Chi)
4. From the middle of November to the beginning of March the
following year (Small changes may occur every year)
5. Fee: Adults 14 and over / Children 13 and under
Lift fee
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Classification |
Normal Ticket (won) |
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Normal ticket |
Morning/Afternoon/Evening |
Adults |
36,000 |
|
Children |
25,000 |
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Midnight(Fri,Sat) |
Adults |
26,000 |
|
Children |
18,000 |
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Day ticket |
Adults |
47,000 |
|
Children |
33,000 |
|
Single ride ticket |
Adults |
8,000 |
|
Children |
6,000 |
|
Combo ticket |
Afternoon+Evening
Evening+morning |
Adults |
60,000 |
|
Classification |
42,000 |
|
Evening+Midnight |
Adults |
43,000 |
|
Children |
30,000 |
*
Morning : 08:30-12:30 / Afternoon : 12:30 - 22:30 / Evening : 18:30
- 22:30 Midnight : 22:00 - 23:30
Ski rental fee
|
Classification |
Fee (won) |
|
Normal |
Daily fee
Afternoon+ Evening ticket |
Adults |
20,000 |
|
Children |
16,000 |
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Morning ticket
Afternoon /Midnight ticket |
Adults |
18,000 |
|
Children |
14,000 |
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Midnight ticket (Fri, Sat) |
Adults |
16,000 |
|
Children |
13,000 |
|
Evening+Midnight ticket |
Adults |
19,000 |
|
Children |
15,000 |
|
2-day ticket |
Adults |
36,000 |
|
Children |
27,000 |
|
3-day ticket |
Adults |
55,000 |
|
Children |
40,000 |
6.
Facilities: Swimming pool, sauna, play room, arcades, karaoke,
bowling alley, billiards, convenience store, photo shop, souvenir
shop, sports equipment shop, training range, hotel, restaurant,
disco, fast food court, snack bar, coffee shop.
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Odaesan Sogeumgang
Address :
Toegok-ri, Yeongok-myeon, Gangreung-si,Gangwon-do
Description :
Odaesan
Sogeumgang located on the east side of Mt. Odaesan, and because the
mountain scenery looks as if a crane ('Cheonghak') was spreading its
wings, it was also called Cheonghak Dongsogeum. But after it became
part of Mt. Odaesan National Park, it has been going by its present
name, Odaesan Sogeumgang. It became designated as Famous Site No. 1
in 1970, and it occupies almost a quarter of the Mt.Odaesan National
Park. Sogeumgang is the name used by scholar Yul-Gok of Joseon
Period (1392-1910) when he wrote a book called Cheonghaksangi, and
that name became its name. They say these mountains resemble Mt.
Geumgangsan’s scenery, only miniaturized, hence the name Sogeumgang,
meaning “small Geumgang”. Near Sogeumgang is Geumgangsa Temple, and
there are the words “Sogeumgang” written by Yeol-Gok himself.
Sogeumgang, starting with Mureung Valley as center, is divided lower
half and upper half. The lower half is called Oesogeumgang and the
upper half is called Naesogeumgang. Oesogeumgang includes the
Geumgangmun, Chwiseonam, and Bibong Waterfall areas, and Naesogeum
includes Samseonam, Sesim Waterfall, and Cheongsim Waterfall areas.
Besides these, there are also Mureung Valley, Yeonjuam, Manmulsang
and other well-known places, as well as Sipjaso pond that is shaped
like a cross, Baekmabong, Okryudong, Sikdangam, and others. At the
top of the mountain is Amisanseong (or Geumgangsanseong fortress),
said to have been built by Mauitaeja (Silla 56th King, reign
927-935) a thousand years ago, to relieve himself of the grief of
losing his kingdom. To the right of Mt Hwangbyeongsan is Noinbong
Peak, and to the left is Maebong Peak. The current down from
Noinbong Peak goes on for about 13 km and becomes Sogeumgang, which
has many rocks, swamps, and waterfalls as well. Also, Sogeumgang has
pine trees, various kinds of plants, bandal bear, woodpeckers,
mountain sheep and other animals, making the area very valuable for
ecology or biosphere studies. Sogeumgang is also famous for its
winter snow flowers.
Directions :
From
Gangreung Bus station, take a Bus( No. 7, or No. 7-7) and get off at
Sogeumgang bus stop on Mt. Odaesan.
Information :
- Inquiries :
Mt. Odaesan National Park Administration Office Tel : 033-332-6417 (Kor)
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Naksansa Temple
Address :
Jeonjin 1-ri, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Description :
Naksansa
Temple is located 4 km north of Naksan Beach, and has a history of
1,300 years. It is a temple built by Ui-Sang, the ambassador of the
30th King of Silla Period (BC 57-AD 935), and inside there is the
Seven Floor Stone Tower, Dongjong, Hongyaemun, and other cultural
assets. It was named Naksansa Temple by Ui-Sang, at the spot where
he learned the prayer “Gwansae-eumbosal” from Bosal, after he’d
returned from studying abroad in the Chinese Dang Kingdom. It was
rebuilt several times afterwards, and the current building was
raised in 1953. You can get to Naksansa Temple by passing through
Iljumun and Hongyaemun. When you enter the temple from Hongyaemun,
you can see black bamboo trees and tiled earthen walls on either
side of the sanctuary. North of Naksan Beach, beside the copper bell
is a back door, with a path that leads to Uisangdae Pavilliaon and
Hongryeonam. Uisangdae is a pavilion built on top of a cliff by the
sea, and was built where Ui-Sang used to sit and meditate.
Hongryeonam is known as a small Buddhist temple, built above a stone
cave by Ui-Sang. Under the sanctuary floor there is a 10 cm hole,
through which you can see the sea. Past Uisangdae Pavillion, up the
path on the hill at Sinseonbong, there is a stone statue of Buddha
called Haesugwaneumsang. It is the largest of its kind in the
Orient, and can be seen from as far as Mulchi Harbor.
Directions :
At Sokcho Bus
Terminal, there is a bus to Mt. Naksansa every 10 minutes. (25
minute ride)
Information :
Mt. Naksan
Park Administration Office Tel: 033)670-2518-9 (Kor) -Naksansa
Temple Information Tel: 033)672-2448 (Kor) -Hours: Sunrise to Sunset
-Admission Fee: ages 20+ : 2,000 won 14-19 : 1,570 won under 13 :
1,000 won
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Mt.Chiaksan National
Park
Address :
Gangrim-myeon, Hoengseong, Socho-myeon, Wonju, Gangwon-do
Description :
Mt.Chiaksan
National Park was designated as a national park in December 1984.
From a long time ago, Mt. Chiaksan has been known as a high and
steep mountain in the east, but it has a magnificent view with deep
valleys. Its old name was Mt. Jeokak, but the name was changed after
a myth. Once a man saved a pheasant from being eaten by a snake.
When the man was trapped in danger, that pheasant also saved him
from danger and saved his life. Because of this story the name of
this mountain became Mt. Chiaksan. The temple connected to that
story is Sangwonsa Temple. South of Sangwonsa Temple in Sangwon-gol
is the Natural Monument Seonghwang Forest. To the west are Sejondae,
Mangyeongdae and Mun Stone and Adeul (Son) stone. You can also see
fortress walls from the myth of Jeonransa Temple such as Yeongwon
Fortress, Haemi Fortress and Geumdu Fortress. Near the main peak
Birobong is Seokgyeongsa Temple, where the soul of Ungok Won
Cheon-Seok is said to be resting, and Ipseokdae, Sinseondae,
Tejongdae and Nogoso. Behind them you can enjoy the magnificent
landscape of Seryeom Waterfall, Sadari Byeongchang, Changde Rock and
Tugubong Peak. Also on the top of Birobong are the famous three
stone pagodas (10m high). Guryongsa Temple was established by Monk
Uisang (625-702) of the Silla Dynasty (BC 57∼AD 935), during the
reign of King Munmu. Other attractions include Daewungjeon (Local
Tangible Cultural Property No.24), Guryong Waterfall, the Turtle
Stone, Tiger Stone and Dragon stone nearby. There have been many
temples on Mt.Chiaksan from a long time ago, but including Guryongsa
Temple there are only 8 temples left today. At Guryong Valley there
is a forest of pine trees that are hundreds of years old. You can
see the Hwangjanggeumpyo left in Hak-gol to prohibit cutting trees
in the woods. The main ridges of Mt.Chiaksan are steep on the west
but the eastern ridge is rather gentle.
Directions :
From Wonju,
take a bus bound for Guryongsa Temple, Sangwonsa Temple (Seongnam-ri),
Yeongwonsa Temple (Geumde-ri), or Gukhyangsa Temple (Henggu-dong).
Information :
Mt.Chiaksan
National Park Administration Office, Tel: 033-745-5231 (Kor)
- Admission Fee
Adults (Age 20 and over) : 1,300won
Teenagers (Age 14-19) : 600won
Children (Age13 and under) : 300won
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Cheorui Samgakji (The Iron Triangle Zone)
Address :
Dongsong-eup, Cheolwon-gun, Gangwon-do
Description :
The Cheorui
Samgakji is the area that connects Gimhwa, Pyeonggang and Cheolwon.
This area had the heaviest casualties during the Korean War with the
Baekmagoji Battle and Oseongsan Battle . The Cheorui Samgakji was
prohibited to the public after 1953 when the war concluded in an
ceasefire, but the reality of the war was slowly revealed starting
from November 1989. The Cheorui Samgakji was the headquarters and
frontline of the North Korean Army. This area had the unique natural
advantage of being a difficult spot for Allied forces to attack, but
an easy spot for North Koreans to defend. At the old battlefields
are the labor headquarters, the 2nd tunnel and the remains of a
train with a sign that reads 'The iron horse wants to run'. The
Labor Headquarters, a Russian-style 3-story building, was built by
compulsory fund raising and labor mobilization. Many people who were
in the anticommunist movement were brought here and tortured and
killed. Behind the building remains of people, bullets and iron
chains are still being found today. This is also the spot where the
2nd tunnel, 108km north from Seoul, made by North Koreans to invade
South Korea. It is also known as the gathering area of seasonal
birds and is a popular bird watching spot.
Directions :
At
Dongsong-eup, Sincheol-won, take the Sincheon-ri bound bus. Get off
in front of Baekmagoji bus stop.
Information :
- Battlefield
Control Offices (Jeonjeok-gwan), Tel: 033-450-3129, 3577 (Kor)
- Hours :
All vehicles must drive under the lead of the guide. Circumstances may
change according to military conditions.
* At 10:30am, 1:00pm, 2:30pm
- Security Field Trip
Goseok-jeong (Jeonejok-gwan) → The 6th Control Office → The 2nd Tunnel →
Cheorui Samgakji Observatory (Woljeongri-station) → 5th Control
Office
Total required time: 2hrs 30min - 3hrs 30min
- Inquiries:
Apply for a tour 10 minutes prior at at Goseok-jeong (2nd floor
information office, Jeonjeok-gwan). Foreigners must prepare
passports and ID cards.
- Admission Fee :
Adults(Age 20 and over) : 1,500 won
Teenagers(Age 14-19) : 1,200 won
Children(Age 3 and under) : 800 won
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Gangneung-si
Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
