Showing posts with label Gangneung. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Gangneung. Show all posts

Tuesday, 23 January 2018

Travelling from Seoul to Olympics Venues

It's easy to travel to Gangwon because almost all cities and counties in Korea have express bus to Gangwon province. 

 Dong Seoul Bus Terminal Ticketing Machine.

Seoul to Jangpyeong Bus Terminal.
Adult: ₩11,600 Child: ₩5,800.

 It's a 2 hour ride to Jangpyeong station, which is nearer to Elf Pension House.

Jangpyeong Bus Departure Schedule.

 Bus Departure Schedule from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal 
to Pyeongchang Bus Terminal. Ticket ₩13,300.
Now,  KTX Gyeonggang high-speed train is running on new line connecting Seoul to Olympics cities in Pyeongchang, Jinbu and Gangneung. You can purchase Pyeongchang Korail Pass to save more on transportation fees if you're travelling by railroad.

 KTX Gyeonggang Line.

 KTX from Seoul to Pyeongchang.

The Pyeongchang Winter Games 2018 will be held at Gangneung station, Jinbu station and Pyeongchang Station. Do make sure you check the nearest station of the venue of the games before purchasing the ticket:

* Pyeongchang Station: 
   Phoenix Snow Park: Free Style Skiing and Snowboard 

* Jinbu Station: 
   - Opening and closing ceremony and snow sports events are held during the Pyeongchang Olympic 
     and Paralympic games 2018.  
   - Alpensia Olympic Park: Nordic Combined, Snowboard, Ski Jumping, Cross-Country Skiing
      and Biathlon     
   - Olympic Sliding Centre: Bobsleigh, Luge and Skeleton     
   - Yongpyong Alpine Centre: Alpine Skiing *Slalom, Giant Slalom, Team Event     
   - Jeongseon Alpine Centre: Alpine Skiing *Downhill, Super-G, Combined

* Gangneung Station: 
  Ice sports events are held during the Pyeongchang Olympic and Paralympic games 2018.   
  - Gangneung Olympic Park:  Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, Figure Skating, Curling  
    and Ice Hockey     
  - Kwandong Hockey Centre: Ice Hockey

Are you visiting Gangwon? I really really wish I could be there to witness Winter Olympics, admiring breathtaking winter scenery from the mountainous Gangwon and playing snow~!

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 [Korea O-Train] Railroad trip from Seoul to Punggi | meheartsoul.blogspot.com

Monday, 18 December 2017

10 Coolest Winter Activities in Korea

It’s now winter in Korea, the best season to visit especially if you want to see snow falling from the sky and blanketed this country in glorious white. It's cold but it's so serene as if you're in winter wonderland.

There are so many winter activities to choose from and believe me, you won't freeze to snowman with warm jacket, cover your head with beanie and wrap your neck with muffler because they prevent major body heat lost and the cold never bothered you anyway. 

http://meheartseoul.blogspot.sg/2017/11/ski-resorts-in-korea_29.html
17 Ski Resorts in Korea are welcoming you to enjoy awesome winter trip.
10 COOLEST Winter Activities to enjoy like Koreans:

❄️Pyeongchang Trout Festival (평창송어축제)  
Trout farming first started in Jinbu-myeon in Pyeongchang-gun due to its cold and clear waters. Trout offer plenty of nutrition, and their natural taste makes them delicious when eaten raw.  
Pyeongchang Trout Festival takes place during winter and visitors can enjoy a variety of programs including ice and lure fishing for trout, snow programs, ice programs, folk programs, traditional folk games including sledding and top spinning, and visitors can try out sports such as riding 4-wheel ATVs, snow rafting, sleigh trains.
Trout fish caught can be eaten raw dipped in a vinegar red pepper paste sauce or can be prepared right away at a nearby restaurant. My Korean friend even bringing their own portable gas stove to cook at the site.

Trout lure fishing (Source: KTO).

Period : 22 Dec 2017 – 25 Feb 2018
Address
: 3562, Gyeonggang-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do     


강원도 평창군 진부면 경강로 3562 (진부면)
Admission Fee : Ice-fishing 13,000 won 


Barehand fishing 15,000 won 


Amusement facilities 6,000 won
Website : festival700.or.kr (Korean)





❄️Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival (얼음나라 화천산천어축제)

Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Festival takes place at Hwacheon county in Gangwon-do with plenty of snow and ice, perfect for a winter getaway. Since 2003, the festival has been visited by a million people, making this festival more joyful.

Varied festival programs and activities including: Trout ice-fishing, lure fishing, 
bare-handed fishing, snow sledding, Bobsleigh, Elgomi Bike, Ice soccer, 
creative sleigh, and more. (Source: KTO)

Period : 6 Jan 2018 - 28 Jan 2018
Address
: Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do


강원 화천군 화천읍
Website : www.narafestival.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

❄️ Inje Icefish Festival (인제 빙어축제)
The Inje Smelt Festival is being held around the Soyangho Lake area in Inje, Gangwon-do Province. This winter festival is set against a beautiful snow-capped Naeseorak Mountain in the background. 
 
Small silvery smelt fish lives only in clear and clean waters and because of its 
beautiful appearance, it is also referred to as the Fairy of the Lake. (Source: KTO)

Smelt fishing is the most popular event at the festival for both kids and adults alike. The venue is always filled with crowds of people who come to enjoy winter activities such as: Smelt fishing, icefish cook coaching, fish porridge sharing, large-sized icefish sleigh, snow sculptures, ice tunnels, concert and others programs.

Period : 27 Jan 2018 - 4 Feb 2018
Address
: Bupeyong-ri, Nammyeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do


강원도 인제군 남면 부평리
Website : www.injefestival.co.kr (Korean only)

❄️ Daegwallyeong Snow Festival (대관령 눈꽃축제)
The Daegwallyeong Snow Festival is held in the Hoenggye-ri area, which is located in Daegwanryeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. 

The festival starts with a fireworks display, followed by various programs such as a singing contest, an international naked marathon contest, a singing contest for multicultural families, a climbing competition, snow art contests, a snow literature event, etc.

Main programs: Snow sculpture contest, Sledding, Bobsleigh (Source: KTO)
 
Period : 7 Feb 2018 – 22 Feb 2018 *subject to change
Address
: 135-6, Daegwallyeong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do


강원도 평창군 대관령면 대관령로 135-6
Admission Fee : 5,000 won
Program Fee : varies by activity

❄️ Taebaeksan Snow Festival (태백산 눈축제)
Taebaeksan Mountain Snow Festival presents large-scaled snow sculptures in the national park, Jungang-ro, Hwangji Pond and other downtown areas. Also, various programs like Taebaeksan Mountain Snowflake Hiking Competition, Igloo Café, ice fountain, snow sliding, starlight festival, and more are planned for a fun and fantastic festival.
  
Large-scaled snow sculpture exhibition. (Source: KTO)

Snow sculpture exhibition, Taebaeksan Mountain Snowflake Hiking Competition, snow sliding, and also various hands-on program & exhibition can be enjoyed at Taebaeksan Festival.


Period : 19 Jan 2018 - 11 Feb 2018
Address
: 168, Cheonjedan-gil, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do


강원도 태백시 천제단길 168 (소도동)
Admission Fee : Free
Program fee : varies by activity
Website : festival.taebaek.go.kr (Korean only)

❄️ Relaxing at Natural Hot Springs.
Korea has numerous natural hot springs. Why not head up to natural hotspings and soak in alkaline mineral spring water, sulfate saline or CO2-rich water.

 Check this link if you're looking for a good to rejuvanation.

It's not only good for skin, increasing blood circulation, metabolism and also promote wellbeing. A relaxing and enjoyable activities for everyone with a bonus of stunning scenery and peaceful setting. 

❄️ Ice Skating and Sledding
Check out these outdoor ice skating rinks if you wish to learn ice skating and have a few spins like Kim Yuna or a simply fun sledding down the slopes covered in soft snow:

 
 illuminated is popular winter dating spot to enjoy winter sports with an open-view 
of Hangang River and the Gangnam area. It has been featured in Korean dramas.
 
 
 Seoul Plaza Ice Skating Rink (서울광장 스케이트장) is another winter attraction in the city. 
The plaza transforms into an outdoor skating rink every winter and hosts a wide array of 
cultural events including concerts and exhibitions for residents and visitors.

 features a variety of facilities including ice skating rink, snow sledding hill, 
snow playground, food market and more. (Photo: Source)

located in Songpa-gu district of Seoul, is open for every winter. 

is comprised of large and small slopes as well as a snow hill, rides, 
smelt-fishing and other hands-on program venues.


❄️ Treat yourself with delicious winter comfort food.

As body temperature easily drop in winter due to increase of energy consumption. Therefore, it's important to have body-warming foods for better metabolism. Although it  gives you more reasons to consume more food, but overeating is bad for your body. Rather than heavy meal, I prefer to share with my family, so our tummies have some space to indulge others varieties of yummy food and snacks.

 Must-Eat: Street Food, Snack and Desserts in Korea
 
Try these Popular winter comfort foods to warm your heart and body in cold winter: hotteok, bungeoppang, gyeranppang, hoppang, tteokbokki, eomuk, danpatjuk, sweet potatoes and roasted chestnuts.

Ginseng and sticky rice in Samgyetang (삼계탕)  
beneficial to increase body temperature.

Hearty hot and spicy stews packed with  nutrition benefits such as kimchi jjigae, sundubu jjigae and kongnamul gukbap are some of the best winter food to kick up your health and keep you warm in coldest winter days.

❄️ Admire X'mas decoration and Lights Festivals
Winter night in Seoul is so dazzling and impressive when buildings, landmarks and steets  illuminated with vivid lights art and Christmas decorations. 

Let's dance in romantic night sky in beautiful frozen magical fairyland settings:


Myeongdong shopping belt is dressed in dazzling colors and interactive 20m 
Christmas trees changing their colors according to the carols! (Video: Visit Seoul)


festival of lights in Korea, covering 100 thousand pyeong illuminated by 30,000 lights. 
The gleaming lights add a festive glow to the garden during the winter season.

Boseong Tea Plantation Light Festival (보성차밭 빛축제)
will light up the green tea fields at Korea Tea Culture Park and Yulpo Beach (Solbat Beach). 

Herb Island Light Festival - Lighting & Illumination (허브아일랜드 불빛동화축제)
features a romantic ambience created by splendid lightings. It is comprised of 
a pink wish tunnel, sparkling buildings, Santa Village, photo zone and other 
twinkling places for visitors to enjoy. (Source: KTO)
  
❄️ New Year Eve's Countdown and First Sunrise Festival
If you are planning to spent your Christmas and New Year in Korea, why not create a memorable night and bid 2017 a goodbye when the clock strikes 24:00 on on the last day of the year.

 Thousands of people flock to this bell pavilion at Jongno area for countdown event   
to usher new year. It's Korea's tradition to strick this big bronze bell 33 times   
for marking the first day of the year (Photo: Yonhap News)    

Two additional late night bus routes throughout major destinations within Seoul have been temporarily added to run from 8 Dec 17 - 01 Jan 18.
 
Another unique ways to celebrate like Koreans do is travelling to East Coast or Jeju Island to witness the last sunset aand welcome the first sunrise.

  Visitors can make wishes for the coming year and enjoy the fascinating sunrise at

 Perfect vantage point for spectators to admire the first sunrise from 


Let me know which winter activities you like to experience in Korea? Or please share to us if you have other interesting and unique ways to enjoy winter.

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Wednesday, 30 August 2017

Picturesque Pyeongchang and Nearby Attractions

There is so much to see and discover in Gangwon with blessed astounding natural landscapes, pristine and clear waters beaches, dramatic mountains, peaceful valleys, cultural rich and more...

It’s no surprise that visitors and locals selected Gangwon-do as a getaway from the hustle and bustle city life and keep coming back for more. Discover the most beautiful places and be greeted with unique charms throughout all the seasons.

Known as the first place to receive snow falls and the the last snow to melt, Gangwon-do is the perfect place to enjoy winter sports and activities. There are 8 ski resorts scattered around this province. Yes, 2018 Winter Olympics will be held here~!!!

=== Pyeongchang-gun ===


Follow the walking trail and climb the steps to the peak of Daegwallyeong Skyranch (대관령 하늘목장) for the best breathtaking scenery from 950m. Beautiful sight of wind-mills and endless snow blanketing the whole place promoting some romantic atmosphere in the air. It's totally rejuvenating to your eyes and heart.


This iconic wooden shack is the background setting for the movie "A Man Who Went to Mars." where the two main characters finally fell in love. This is the most popular spot to snap instagram- worthy photos.


Nature and animal-lovers must not miss this haven for animals and human at this charming and clean countryside. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm is the perfect place for family. Kids will surely fascinated and create lasting friend-sheep for having great opportunity to get up close, pat and hand-feed flocks of furry sheep.


Why not having recreation, education and adventure in one place? Visit Uiyaji Wind Village  situated on top of Daegwallyeong.They have various programs such as eeding of sheep, making ice-cream, cheese, pizza, ice cream, candle, soap, riding an ATV, and others. It's a great way for whole family to spend some quality time together.


 === Gangneung-si ===


Ojukheon (오죽헌) was home to Lady Sin Saimdang and the birthplace of the great Neo-Confucian scholar, Yulgok Yi-I. The recent K-drama 'Saimdang, Light's Diary' sheds light on Saimdang's life was filming here.

Although she's featured in Korean ₩50,000 banknote, but during her era where Confucian was held as social ideology that emphasized on  'yang' (male dominant), she's more recognised for her amazing personality as devoted daughter, good wife and wise mother of seven children instead of an outstanding artist and talented calligrapher.

Do check out her delicate paintings such landscape, birds, animals, grass and insects, and calligraphies including artworks of her talented family at Ojukheon Municipal Museum, which is just behind Ojukheon house. [Read more...]

Related Posts: Confucian: Calligraphy, Art and Culture


This 300 years well-preserved Hanok House is a typical noble family residence with 99-kan. Seongyojang (선교장) was built in 1703 by Mugyeong Lee Naebeon, the 11th descendent of Prince Hyoryeong, brother of King Sejong. In the past, the site was accessed by boat that crossed Gyeongpoho Lake, therefore it's called Seongyojang which literally means a "Boat-Bridging House."

Hwallaejeong pavilion and Seongyojang were one of famous backgrounds for sageuk dramas including Hwang Jin-Yi (황진이), Princess Hours Gung (궁), Princess’ Man (공주의남자) and  Saimdang (사임당, 빛의 일기).


Recommended to experience Hanok stay to enrich all senses and presents a feeling of back to old Joseon period. Seongyojang also offer various traditional and cultural classes which is family-friendly where you can learn Korean culture and at the same time having fun bonding time together.


Jumunjin Beach (주문진 해수욕장) is located in the northern-most part of Gangneung. Popular for family vacation because of shallow water, white sand and pines on the beach accentuates beauty of Jumunjin.

Jumunjin Breakwater became a popular attraction after Korean drama "Goblin: The Lonely and Great God" because visitors especially lovers going there to reenact the scene when Ji Eun-tak summoned Dokkaebi. [Read more...]


Jumunjin Fish Market is a small traditional market at this fisherman village where you can purchase freshly-caught seafood at reasonable price. There are also restaurants inside this market, which you can select the live seafood from the tanks and they'll cook as your instructions whether to serve it as sashimi, soup, grill or fry.


Gyeongpodae (강릉 경포대) is a large pavilion featuring a “paljak” roof. This pavilion is divided into 6 sections in the front, and 5 sections on the sides, with 28 pillars surrounding the structure.

It's famous and cherised for the spectacular view of Eight Scenic Points of Gyeongpo overlooking panoramic view of the mountains, Gyeongpo beach stretches 42 km long and feel the extensiveness of East sea, scenery of pine grove in Gyeongpoho lake. It's also perfect spot to admire full moon on the 15th day of the first lunar month. [Read more...]


Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변) is famous town near Gangneung which is one of the most popular places for watching the sunrise on New Year's Day. It's name Jeongdongjin because it's located on east (dong) of Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul.

Besides Hourglass that takes 1 year for sand in the hourglass to drop down completely, it's also known as the closest train station to sea in the world. Do check out this website if you want to explore  travel destinations such as Jeongdongjin Beach, Jeongdongjin Railbike, Jeongdongjin Time Museum, Mukho Lighthouse and Nongoldam-gil Street (Deungdae Damhwa Village) and enjoying pictureaques viewa of East Sea by Sea Train.


=== Samcheok-si ===


Samcheok Beach (삼척해변) has a vast clean white-sand, shallow water beach spanning 1.2 kilometres long and 100 meters wide and surrounded by pine trees.

Along Samcheok Romantic Road, you can find few seafood restaurants serving Gangwon speciality Gomchi Guk Snailfish Soup. [Read more...]


Jukseoru Pavilion (죽서루) means "Bamboo West Pavilion" sitting on the edge of a cliff  is one of the eight major attractions of Gwandong District. It offers fantastic view of Osipcheon Stream and  nice view of Samcheok city.

There are 26 signboards inscriptions written by kings and famous ancient scholars hanging here, such as:  King Sukjong, King Jeongjo, Yulgok Yi-Yi, Heo Mok, Yi Seong-jo and Yi Gyu-heon.

 Filming location of recent K-drama "The King in Love (왕은 사랑한다)"


=== Donghae-si ===


This beautifully formed rock towers high into the sky and resembles a candlestick, from which it gets its name. "Chotdae” (촛대) means Candle, while “Bawi” (바위) means Rock.  

Chotdaebawi Rock is most famous tourist attraction in Donghae to enjoy the magnificent beauty of the sun slowly peeking its way over the edge of the rock face. It's so picturesque and KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) used it as a background for the "Aegukga" (the Korean national anthem). [Read more...]


Few minutes walk from Chotdaebawi Rock, you'll find this beautiful Haeamjeong Pavilion (북평 해암정), which was built by the founder of Samcheok Sim family in 1361. After he left his public office, he spent the rest of his life teaching junior scholars and enjoying the beauty of nature here.


Majestic Mureung Valley (무릉계곡) stretches 4 kilometers, unfolding a colorful spectrum of river topography, from Hoam Pond to Yongchu Falls against the backdrop of Dutasan Mountain and Cheongoksan Mountain creating mystical and serene atmosphere. In fact, Mureung means “Paradise” in Korean.

Judging from the spectacular scenery with unusual wide flat rocks formations, green valleys, clear water, and witness with your eyes of insanely beautiful calligraphies of names, family surname and poetries in Hanja engraved on 5,000 square meter bedrock canvas I do believe they said “All ancient poets, monks, painters and travellers in the country have been there at least once!” [Read more...]


This one-thousand year old Samhwasa Temple (삼화사) is located near the entrance of the Mureung Valley, therefore it's known as Mureung Dowon (Arcadia in Peach Tree Garden). It's home to national treasures No. 1277 (Three story stone pagoda) and No. 1292 (Steel Sitting Buddha Statue). 

Great news that this historicl temple offers temple stay programs where you can learn more on Buddhism teaching, experience of temple life. It must be awesome way to rejuvenate mind, body and soul with such a beautiful mountains and serene valley that surrounded this temple.


=== Taebaek-si ===


Locals and tourists alike flock down the train to admire breathtaking panoramic view from 855m above sea when O-Train stop for 10 minutes at Chujeon Station. 

Although it's such a mesmerasing romantic winter scenery, but make sure you board the train on time if you're continuing your journey because the train will depart exactly as per schedule. [Read more...]


Transportation:
* Train
On our first trip to Korea in 2012, we purchased KR Pass. It's available for foreigners to travel around cheaper and more convenient by railroad without limit of travel sectors. KR Pass is appicable for KTX, KTX-Sancheon, ITX-Samaeul, ITX-CheongChun, Samaeul, Mugunghwa, Nuriro, O-train, V-train, S-train, DMZ-train, A-train, Westgold-train trains. The pass is not available for use on subways, SRT or temporary tourist trains.

KR Pass can be purchased from Korail's website.

* Bus
Gangwon province has come up with “One-Stop-Service” called “GoGoGangwon” bus. This GoGoGangwon bus takes you directly from Seoul to local festival spot (Coffee Festival, Hyoseok Cultural Festival, Chuncheon Dalkgalbi & Mukguksu Festival) in Gangwon without any transit!

For information on bus schedule, fare and bus terminal, you can check Kobus website.


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