What to do in Gangwon

Activities, attractions and tours

Visit Gangwon

Gyeongpodae showing signage and wild flowers

Top places to visit

1. Jeongdongjin Beach

Jeongdongjin Beach is known for its stunning sunrises, which are best viewed from the top of Mount Goseongsan. Rise early in the morning and climb to the top of this hill to join the other tourists and locals who often gather here to start the day. Stand at the pretty Yeongin Pavilion located atop the hill to watch the sun come up. Afterward, head back down toward the beach and spend a few hours relaxing and enjoying its golden sand and blue waters.

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Jeongdongjin Beach which includes general coastal views, a beach and rocky coastline

2. Nami Island

Nami Island offers lovely visits during any season. Located in northern South Korea, the island declared itself the Naminara Republic, culturally independent from the Republic of Korea. Come see why this place of fairy tales and songs was designated a UNICEF Child Friendly Park in 2010.

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Imagine a river island in the heart of Korea where flowers, gardens and fairy tales create the sense of being in an independent country.

3. Gyeongpodae

When you visit beautiful Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach, be sure to stop at the Gyeongpodae pavilion. Spend some time here taking photos of the outstanding views on all sides, which are unusual as they cover a wide range of different terrains. Look carefully at the rich details of this impressively detailed pavilion, which is built in the traditional Korean style and has a long and fascinating history.

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Gyeongpodae which includes general coastal views and heritage architecture

4. Alpensia Ski Resort

Alpensia Ski Resort is described as a composite tourist complex. Come for its exceptional outdoor spaces, beautiful in all seasons. While you’re here, enjoy dining, shopping and cultural and artistic events. The resort is a lovely year-round vacation destination.

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Alpensia Ski Resort showing a lake or waterhole and a park

5. Seorak-san National Park

Far from busy Seoul, Seoraksan National Park provides an escape for visitors to enjoy the beauty of Korea’s natural landscape. This 98,000-acre (398-square kilometer) park includes mountains, waterfalls, forests, valleys, and ocean views. Over 2,000 animal species and 1,400 plant types have been observed.

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Seorak-san National Park featuring a gorge or canyon, landscape views and mountains

Discover the most popular places to visit in Gangwon

Jeongdongjin Beach

Watch the sun come up over this beach from the top of the nearby hill, Mount Goseongsan. Take plenty of pictures of this spectacular natural show.

Nami Island

5/5(1 review)

Imagine a river island in the heart of Korea where flowers, gardens and fairy tales create the sense of being in an independent country.

Gyeongpodae

Enjoy stunning views of the beach, lake and forest landscapes from the vantage point of this wonderfully ornate historic building.

Alpensia Ski Resort

Ski and snowboard in winter and wander through a giant garden of wild flowers in summer at this resort in the Pyeongchang region of South Korea.

Seorak-san National Park

5/5(1 review)

One of Korea’s favorite parks offers beautiful rock formations, impressive views, and a large variety of rare flora and fauna.

Sokcho Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Sokcho Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Sokcho. Discover the area's mountain views and seek out the hiking trails.

Anmok Beach

This scenic beach is a Gangneung highlight. It is known for its excellent coffee shops, ocean-fresh seafood, clear waters and peaceful, family-friendly atmosphere.

Gyeongpo Beach

Choose between salt water and fresh water at this gorgeous white-sand beach, which has ocean on one side and a scenic lake on the other.

Naksan Beach

If a restful holiday is part of your travel plans, Naksan Beach might be the perfect place to visit during your trip to Yangyang. Wander the parks and seaside while you're in the area.

Explore areas of Gangwon

Gyo-dong

While visiting Gyo-dong, you might make a stop by sights like Gangneung Ice Arena and Gangneung Culture and Art Center.

Sinheungsa Temple showing religious elements, a temple or place of worship and interior views

Seorak-dong

4/5(1 area review)

If you're spending some time in Seorak-dong, Seorak Cable Car and Sinheungsa Temple are top sights worth seeing.

Daepo-dong

While visiting Daepo-dong, you might make a stop by sights like Daepo Port and Sokcho Beach.

Toseong

While visiting Toseong, you might make a stop by sights like Seorak-san National Park and Bongpo Beach.

Dongsong

You'll enjoy the mountain views and breweries in Dongsong. You might want to make time for a stop at Goseokjeong National Tourist Area or Jiktang Falls.

Dunnae

You'll enjoy the mountain views and hot springs in Dunnae. You might want to make time for a stop at Wellihillipark Snow Park or Cheongtaesan Recreational Forest.