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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
|
Classification |
Normal Ticket (won) |
|
Normal ticket |
Morning/Afternoon/Evening |
Adults |
36,000 |
|
Children |
25,000 |
|
Midnight(Fri,Sat) |
Adults |
26,000 |
|
Children |
18,000 |
|
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 |
|
Morning ticket
Afternoon /Midnight ticket |
Adults |
18,000 |
|
Children |
14,000 |
|
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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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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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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Information provided by Korea National Tourism Organization.
