NADLI

Gangwon-do — Mountains, Sea, and Hot Springs All Within an Hour

Gangwon-do, located just an hour from Seoul by KTX, hosts the widest variety of nature in Korea. The East Sea, famous mountains like Seoraksan and Odaesan, ski resorts in Pyeongchang and Hongcheon, surfing beaches in Yangyang, coffee streets in Gangneung, and the sunrise at Jeongdongjin — a few days in one city won't be enough.

How to Get There

• KTX Gangneung Line: About 1 hour 50 minutes from Seoul Station / Cheongnyangni to Gangneung. To reach Yangyang or Sokcho, transfer to an intercity bus from Gangneung (about 1 hour more)
• KTX Manjong Station (Wonju): Shuttle connections to Pyeongchang and Hongcheon resorts
• Self-driving: Yeongdong Expressway from Seoul to the East Coast. Watch out for weekend congestion

Where to Start

• Sokcho · Yangyang — Seoraksan hiking + Yangyang surfing + Sokcho seafood. Enough for a 2-day trip
• Gangneung — Sunrise at Jeongdongjin, Anmok Coffee Street, Gyeongpodae Beach. Day trip or one night
• Pyeongchang — Alpensia and Yongpyong ski resorts. Winter main destination. In summer, sheep ranch
• Chuncheon — Nami Island, Dakgalbi, Makguksu. Day trip from Seoul
• Jeongseon · Taebaek — Rail bikes, Sky Walk, casino. Mountain activities

Travel Tips for Gangwon-do

1. Big seasonal differences — Winter can drop to -20°C, and summer heat reaches 30°C. Pack accordingly
2. Public transport limits — Many sections require a combination of intercity buses and taxis. A rental car is convenient (use T Map navigation)
3. Cash and ATMs — Mountain shops and pensions may not accept cards. Some only accept Nonghyup ATM
4. K-Drama Filming Locations — Goblin (Gangneung), Hotel del Luna (Gangneung), Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha (Yangyang and Gangneung). Popular fan tour courses

Food

• Sashimi: Sokcho, Gangneung, Samcheok East Sea — Halibut, rockfish, and octopus are main
• Dakgalbi · Makguksu: Chuncheon specialties. At Myeongdong Dakgalbi Alley or anywhere in Gangwon
• Potato pancake · Buckwheat pancake: Pyeongchang, Jeongseon mountain food. With a glass of makgeolli
• Gomchiguk (Pacific cod soup): East Coast hangover soup. Winter only

Who Will Love It

• Nature and hiking lovers → Seoraksan, Odaesan
• Surfers and beachgoers → Yangyang, Gangneung, Goseong
• Skiers and snowboarders → Pyeongchang, Hongcheon (December–March)
• K-Drama fans → Gangneung, Yangyang, Sokcho filming location tour
• Family trips → Chuncheon Nami Island, Jeongseon Rail Bike

Discover Gangwon-do's top spots and recommended videos below. For detailed pages on regions like Seoraksan, please check the menu.