Gangwon
강원도
History
Gangwon province has a rich history as a mountainous frontier region that served as a buffer zone between Korean kingdoms and foreign powers for centuries. During the Korean War, the region experienced devastating conflict, with the DMZ now dividing it into North and South sections. The province developed significant mining and forestry industries in the 20th century, which shaped its economy and landscape. Today it stands as a vital cultural and economic hub, home to the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics which brought modern infrastructure and international attention to the region.
Culture
Gangwon is celebrated for its stunning natural beauty, characterized by dramatic mountains, pristine forests, and the scenic East Sea coastline. The region has a strong tradition of mountain culture reflected in its cuisine, particularly dishes featuring wild vegetables, fresh seafood, and local specialties like dakgangjeung (marinated chicken). The locals are known for their independent spirit and hospitality, shaped by generations of living in a rugged, mountainous terrain that required resilience and close community bonds.
Language
The Gangwon dialect, part of the broader Yeongdong accent, is characterized by distinct pronunciation patterns and vocabulary that differ from standard Seoul Korean. Useful local phrases include "어서오이소" (eoseooiso, a warm welcome) and "고마워요" (gomawoyo, thank you), which reflect the region's genuine hospitality.
Best time to visit
Visit in summer for mountain hiking and winter for skiing at world-class resorts.
Places to visit
- Seoul — South Korea's capital and primary entry point for most visitors, serving as the transport hub to reach Gangwon's attrac…
- Pyeongchang — Famous as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, this mountainous town offers world-class ski resorts and stunning Alpin…
- Gangneung — A major coastal city known for beautiful beaches, seafood, and the famous Gyeongpo Beach lined with pine trees. It's a…
- Sokcho — A picturesque northeastern coastal town serving as the gateway to Seoraksan National Park and featuring a vibrant fish…
- Seoraksan National Park — One of South Korea's most spectacular national parks, featuring dramatic granite peaks, pristine valleys, and excellent…
- Jeongdongjin — A dramatic coastal village perched on cliffs overlooking the East Sea, famous for the Haslla Art World and unique sunri…
- Nami Island — A picturesque crescent-shaped island in the Han River famous for tree-lined avenues and as the filming location for the…
- Jeongseon — A charming small town in the mountains known for the scenic Jeongseon rail bike that travels through tunnels and valley…
- Odaesan National Park — A serene mountain park featuring the historic Woljeongsa Temple, dense forests, and gentle hiking trails suitable for f…
- Hongcheon — A peaceful riverside town known for outdoor activities including white-water rafting, sports fishing, and access to rur…
- Samcheok — A lesser-known coastal gem featuring dramatic sea cliffs, the famous Hwanggungul cave, and beautiful beaches with fewer…
- Chuncheon — The provincial capital situated on a beautiful lake with excellent restaurants, shopping, and cultural venues, famous f…
- Yongpyong Resort — South Korea's largest ski resort offering excellent winter sports facilities and summer mountain activities, with accom…
Where to eat
- Ojak Sikdang (Korean BBQ, Gangneung). Order: Hanwoo (Korean beef) grilled at table.
- Jinbu Galbijjim (Korean Braised Meat, Pyeongchang). Order: Galbijjim (braised beef short ribs).
- Naksan Sashimi (Seafood/Sashimi, Yangyang). Order: Assorted raw fish sashimi platter.
- Ssangyong Jjigae (Korean Stew, Chuncheon). Order: Dak-jjigae (spicy chicken stew).
- Hongcheon Trout House (Freshwater Fish, Hongcheon). Order: Grilled trout with perilla leaves.
- Kangneung Coffee Roastery (Café/Coffee, Gangneung). Order: Single-origin pour-over coffee.
- Ttaekbokki King (Korean Street Food, Sokcho). Order: Tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
- Odaesan Korean Temple Cuisine (Buddhist Temple Cuisine, Pyeongchang). Order: Bibimbap with mountain vegetables.
- Donghae Hoetjip (Sashimi/Seafood, Donghae). Order: Hoe samhap (assorted sashimi with rice and sauce).
- Jeongseon Areumdaun Naengmyeon (Cold Noodles, Jeongseon). Order: Naengmyeon (cold buckwheat noodles).
- Kangneung Sikdang (Korean Set Meals, Gangneung). Order: Sujebi (hand-torn wheat noodle soup).
- Samcheok Black Pork Town (Pork BBQ, Samcheok). Order: Black pork grilled samgyeopsal (belly slices).
- Wonju Hanwoo Center (Korean Beef, Wonju). Order: Aged hanwoo sirloin steak.
- Taebaek Dakgangjeong House (Korean Fried Chicken, Taebaek). Order: Dakgangjeong (soy-glazed fried chicken).
- Suncheon Bay Seafood (Seafood, Suncheon). Order: Grilled flounder with salt and lemon.