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.


Related Posts: 

The Most Beautiful Places in Gangwon during Autumn

 

How and Where to Learn Winter Sports in Korea?

101 News about Pyeongchang Winter Olympics 2018.

My Happiest Memory in Seoul (II)

This was my second trip in September 2013 after the successful and memorable first trip in Korea. I was more confident to bring my kiddos along with us knowing that nothing to worry as Korean people was so helpful and welcoming us. Check out our best ever family trip here~!

 We felt guilty that didn't get to join us and missed them so much

though we did call them every night...

Without further ado, let me share our happiest memory in Korea. Actually, I would love to go through each and every places as if you're traveling with us, but it'll be endless~~~!

Arrived at Incheon airport we directly went to Dragon Hill Jjimjilbang in Seoul as it's late night. It's the first time for kids to experience Korean jjimjilbang. Though my hubby and I visited jjimjilbang in Gyeongju after tired walking, but it's our first time to stay overnight.

But, it's kids' first experience of Korean bath house...

Keep Calm and Have Awesome Birthday Celebration~!

The next morning was the highlight of this trip. Actually it's my birthday present from hubby, though I'd do to all the homework to plan the itinerary including how to celebrate it in The Land of the Morning Calm.

Actually, my birthday is just another 11 days later, and I really wish to be there again...

 

Goguan Studio - Giseang Hanbok make-over.

From Jjimjilbang, we had a bit of hiccup as most of the taxi drivers didn't know our hotel location, some resisted because they need to make U-turn. And worse was we didn't have internet connection as I reserved Wifi egg with "S-Roaming" but it closed its business without informing us. Then, I couldn't searched for the address in Hangul or texted my friend to ask them for help.

We waited opposite the road with lesser taxi passing for more 40 minutes, but no taxi willing to take us there. Luckily the Ahjumma who was suggested us to wait across the street saw us after no more  morning crowd waiting in front of Yongsan station. She crossed the road and helped us to tell the taxi driver how to go there. We really appreciate for her kindness and assistance.

After put our luggage in the hotel, we headed to Goguan Hanbok Studio. I'd booked the package which consist of renting Gisaeng Hanbok + make-up + hairdo. If you're interested to experience wear Korean traditional dress and snap these lovely photos with Korean-style furniture and background props, please check out my separate posting here. 

 Collected 'Fantastick' performance tickets as I won them from Koinmo contest.

Since the booth was in front of KTO HQ at Cheonggyecheon, we went in to check where others "S-roaming" collection points. Then we only found out that they'd closed the business. 

Then we also checked whether D'maris at Gangnam need to have reservation for lunch buffet. The officer called and confirmed that we could have lunch there. She was helpful to print the map with the address in Hangul, so we could get the take taxi there smoothly.

 

 D'maris Seafood Buffet (드마리스뷔페).

D'maris is a premium buffet restaurant serving more than 250 variety dishes including fresh seafood, Teppanyaki, Sashimi, Sushi, Salad, Korean Food, Mediterranean food and variety of dishes from around the world including desserts and fruits.

Happy and satisfied to have such a sumptuous buffet lunch to celebrate my birthday~!^^

FYI, if you wish to have a meal in D'maris, please check their other branches, because now this place change to 'Ashley QueensWorld Gourmet' which is chained buffet restaurant. Please click this link for the food review. 

To be frank, we're handicapped as no internet connection. We couldn't use google map to guide us where to find the place we want to go. But fret not, because Korea is very tourist friendly where you can find Tourist Information Centre (TIC) and even Tourist polices patrolling in the touristy area that ready to assist you.

 After we got the map from TIC, hubby and kids dropped me at

ID Hair Salon to have my hair cut and permed.

However, after the hair stylist checked, it's not suitable to perm as it's too dry. Too bad I only can had it cut and styled.

They went to Trick Eye Museum and Ice Gallery and had 

fun snapping unbelievable photos to show me.

The highlight of the day supposed to be Hangang River Dinner Cruise, but not sure why that day they only Banpo Bridge Rainbow Fountain cruise available.

Romantic Night Cruise along Hangang River.

Hangang Cruise is getting more and more popular because of Korean drama 'My Love from Another Star'. Neb, it's the where Do Min Joon and Cheon Song-yi shared their first kiss! Omo~ Omo!!!

 

Love is all around this Banpo Bridge.

   Let my hair down and showered by Banpo Bridge light show

made my heart dancing~!

My kids voted Hangang River Cruise is one of the best attractions in Seoul, and according to them Hangang has such good 'qi' (energy) as they suddenly stop coughing when they reached there!

See my life in a different light and thankful to have a wonderful hubby 

and lovely kids to celebrate my birthday in Korea. Love you all so much! 

To summarize it, these were the places we went. However, it's already

 exceeded 500 words, if you want to read our fantastic adventures 

please click the following links below:

 

Day 2 - Everland and Caribbean Bay. 

Day 3 - Gwanghwamun, Gangnam & Garosugil.

 

Day 4 - [Gangneung] - Jumunjin, Gyeongpodae, Seongyojang, and Ojukheon House.

 Day 5 -  Samcheok, Jukseoru Pavilion, Chotdaebawi Rock,

 Mureung Valley, Samhwasa Temple & Seongyojang.

 Day 6 - SBS filming us experiencing Tea Ceremony & playing Yutnori 

at Seongyojang before we headed back to Seoul (Gyeongbokgung).

 Last Day - Bukchon Hanok Village, Hongdae, Myeongdong 

and watching 'FantaStick' Live Performance before bidding goodbye!

 

September in Samcheok Beach and Jukseoru Pavilion [Day 5]

2. Samcheok Beach (삼척해변)

~Samcheok Beach~

It took about 15 minutes drive from Chuam to Samcheok.

Samcheok Beach has a vast clean white-sand beach that is 1.2 kilometres long and 100 meters wide with shallow water and surrounded by pine trees.

Its beautiful natural environment has also made it a favourite filming location such as April Snow, One Fine Spring Day, and South of the Sun.

To be frank, I was quite disappointed and sad as Mr Nam didn't even stop at the places that I listed down for him. We supposed to stop at Jumunjin Lighthouse and Yeongok Beach the day before, and again we didn't stop at Mangsang Beach, Mangyeongdae and Samcheok Beach for this tour.

I did some research and create K-spots for the places that I wanted to visit, and arrange which spot to visit first using K-tour and I have the addresses for all the places, so we shouldn't have missed them. But, sigh... we didn't even stop for a minute.

Please enjoy the view of Samcheok Beach from my video recording, as I don't have any photo to show (the above photo is still cut from this video)

Samcheok Romantic Road

View of Samcheok Romantic Road 

various sculptures using stone and metal statues.

You can see the harmonious beautiful Samcheok blue-beach, green-mountain, white-sand, brown-rock, clear sky and artistic touch to create romantic atmosphere of this road.

Lady with Violin and Snailfish-water fountain.

  

About 5 minutes drive from Romantic Road, there're few seafood restaurants. Actually I wanted to eat Chodang Sundubu, but this restaurant not serving it.

Snailfish Soup (Gomchi Guk = 곰치국)

13 types of Banchan ^^

  

We ordered local speciality of Samcheok, Gomchi Guk (Snailfish Soup). It has unique and refreshing taste. It’s also good to relieve from hangovers.

Previously, Gomchi Guk was enjoyed only by people living in Gangwon area during winter, but now is considered as a nationwide delicacy throughout four seasons.

Maybe this snailfish is more expensive than those fish for sashimi and soup in Jumunjin. This big bowl of soup only has one fish inside, therefore it's quite tasteless. We still prefer the meal we had in Jumunjin with Sashimi and sweet and tasty soup.

Total we paid 72,000 won (60,000 won for Gomchi Soup and 12,000 won Bibimbap for Mr. Nam).

Fresher with Cass Fresh Beer? ;P

3. Jukseoru Pavilion (죽서루)

Jukseoru (죽서루 = 竹西樓) means "Bamboo West Pavilion"

It's not known when Jukseoru Pavilion was constructed,

but estimated it was existed around 1266, as there was a poem of Jukseoru

written by Geukgi Kim, scholar from the time of King Myeongjong of Goryeo Dynasty.

It is one of the eight major attractions of Gwandong District in middle eastern Korea

collectively known as Gwandong Palgyeong (eight famous sites).

Sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking Osipcheon Stream with nice view of Samcheok city.

9 of the 17 pillars have foundations of natural rocks on the cliff as cornerstones,

 and others stand on bases of stones

five-girder paljak (ancient-style roof) is a hipped and gabled roof

in style and has double eaves.

signboards inside Jukseoru Pavilion.

Upper story of  Jukseoru has 7 'kan' (measurement referring to the space between two columns). There are 26 signboards inscriptions written by famous ancient scholars hanging here, such as:

- 'Jeilgyeongjeong' ('The best riverside pavilion'; 1662) by Heo Mok,

- 'Jukseoru' and 'Gwandong Jeilru' ('The best pavilion in Gwandong'; 1711) by Yi Seong-jo, 

- 'Haeseon Yuhui Jiso' ('The place that marine gods enjoy'; 1837) by Yi Gyu-heon 

Others who have left their marks include King Sukjong (1674-1720), King Jeongjo (1776-1800) and Yulgok YiYi (1536-1584).

The Pillar is not original.
 The floor is 'Umulmaru' (checker-shaped floor) in style.

It's one of the best examples of traditional naturalistic architecture,and the finest tower structure in Gwandong district of Gangwon-do.

Evidently, Jukseoru Pavilion has served as an inspiration, and continues to inspire visitors today through the stunning view of its surrounding nature.

 

now, please close your eyes and imagine yourself walking through this

nice greenish bamboo path to Jukseoru Pavilion~~~

From entrance, turn to your left... else, you'll need to climb the rock (check the video below) to get to the pavilion.

Related Posts:

~ Hanok Stay at 300 years Seongyojang Hanok House.

~ Traditional Cultural Experience at Seongyojang.

~ Ojukheon House and Museum

~ Chuam - Chotdaebawi Rock