The best way to see Seoraksan Mountain if you only have a limited time, is by taking the Seorak Cable Car. However, it is so popular that you sometimes have to wait in line for approximately 2 to 3 hours during the peak seasons (summer vacation and fall foliage seasons) and during the weekends, but during off-seasons, the cable car can be boarded without having to wait in line. Riding up and down the cable car, visitors can view the fascinating rock formations of the Gwongeumseong region as well as the Sogongwon area, Jeohangnyeong, and Ulsanbawi Rock to the north. To the northeast, downtown Sokcho and the East Sea comes into view.After getting off the cable car, visitors can take a 20 to 30 minute hike to Gwongeumseong to get a birds-eye-view of Oe-Serok. The cable car ascends at a relatively high speed with some excitement. Safety is assured and the scenery can be enjoyed with the guided tour in the cable car. It runs even when it is raining or snowing, but operation may be suspended under windy conditions.

Located 1.4 kilometers away from the downtown area, Samcheok Beach is easily accessible and has a vast white-sand beach that is 1.2 kilometers long and 100 meters wide. Thanks to its pine tree forests, clean white sand, and shallow waters, over 500,000 vacationers visit the beach every year.Its beautiful natural environment has also made it a favorite filming location for Korean movies and dramas. The movie April snow, One fine spring day, and drama South of the sun were filmed here. The beach has a unique beauty and ambience in every season.

Wellihillipark is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Seoul in a region that often experiences heavy snow, thus making great skiing conditions. The 6.5 million square meters Wellihillipark offers state-of-the-art facilities including gondolas that are able to transport 20,000 skiers per hour, and an automatic snow-making system. The resort has all the latest ski facilities, including an intermediate level wave course and mogul course, and an enormous half-pipe and fun park for snowboarders. Those looking for an even bigger thrill can try the ‘Big Buster’ bobsledding course. There are also bobsleds and snow tubes for children. Wellihillipark not only has great ski slopes, but also provides condos, golf facilities, and more. Complimentary shuttle buses to and from the resort are also offered by the resort. Please refer to the official website or make a phone inquiry for more information.

Naksansa Temple (낙산사) is located 4 km north of Naksan Beach, and boasts a 1,300-year history. It is a temple built by Ui-Sang, the ambassador of the 30th King of Silla Period (57 BC- AD 935), and inside there is the Seven Floor Stone Tower, Dongjong, Hongyaemun, together with several 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 returned from studying abroad in the Chinese Dang Kingdom. It was rebuilt several times afterwards, and the current building was erected 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 Pavillion 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 peak through to view 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.* Naksansa Temple was destroyed in a forest fire fanned by dry, strong winds on Tuesday (April 5).For detailed information about a Naksansa Temple Stay, please contact: Templestay Division, The Jogye Order of Korean BuddhismE-mail: ts2002@buddhism.or.krTel: 82) 2-732-9925~6 

Gangwon Land Casino is Korea’s first ever casino to allow the admission of Koreans. It was established under the ‘Special law regarding support for the development of abandoned mine areas,’ which was passed in 1995 with the purpose of resuscitating the economy of such abandoned mine areas. Gangwon Land is a hotel resort with 199 rooms at present, priding over its superior casino facilities with 960 slot machines and 100 tables. Gangwon Land Casino has skilled dealers and serves free beverages to players.

Jade Garden, created under the theme of ‘Small Europe in the Forest,’ is located near Jade Palace Golf Club on a plot of land measuring 160,000 square meters. The 24 distinctively-themed areas in the garden boast a total of 3,000 plant species including rhododendron, maple trees, irises, and blueberry bushes as well as patches of thick, natural forests. The arboretum makes the most out of its natural valley topography and presents visitors with a mix of tidy gardens, graceful flowers, and an array of European-style architecture.For the convenience of its guests, Jade Garden operates a Tuscan-style visitor’s center where patrons can enjoy a simple snack or beverage and purchase souvenirs. Visitors may choose from three different walking courses (each 2 hours in length) around the arboretum and there a gardening program is also available for aspiring gardeners.

Phoenix Park is a vacation resort, surrounded by nature 700m above sea level. Less than two hours away from Seoul, it is a perfect mountain area resort, containing everything from hotels, condominiums, ski resorts, and a golf course. Phoenix Park, which was designated as an official Tourist Site in 1999, is open all year round, but it is especially crowded in winter during the ski season. The runs are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced level so that people can ski by their corresponding level.The ski range makes maximum use of the surrounding mountains. Therefore from any one of the twelve courses, you can clearly see the 500 meter-wide ski base at the bottom of the slope. The ski range also has a mogul run, an 8-person gondola, a 500 meter ski base which is the largest in Asia, cliff-style ski slopes, and the best quality facilities, which all adds to its popularity. Even the facilities are of international level. A wide variety of slopes, the highest quality rental service, a large cafeteria that can seat 1,000 persons, meeting rooms, children’s play room, and many more are offered for your comfort and enjoyment.

Alpensia Resort located at Daegwallyeong in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do is a tourism & leisure complex open year round, allowing visitors to enjoy the area’s pristine natural beauty throughout each of the four seasons. The name ‘Alpensia’ is a combination of the words ‘Alpen,’ (German term for ‘the Alps’), ‘Asia,’ and ‘Fantasia’—together they reflect the resort’s scenic view of the ‘fantastic Alps of Asia.’Standing on a lot measuring around 1,480,000 pyeong (4,892,562m²), the complex boasts a variety of super deluxe luxury accommodations and topnotch leisure facilities such as a 45-hole golf course, convention center, water park and ski slopes. The resort successfully hosted the IBU Biathlon World Cup Pyeongchang in 2008 and boasts excellent ski jump and biathlon facilities, a monorail, cross-country ski slopes, and a large stadium.After a hard day out on the slopes or golf links, visitors can head to the sky lounge, ecology learning center, or Retail Village shopping mall. The resort is also adjacent to many other tourist attractions such as Odaesan Mt., Samyang Sheep Ranch, Korea Botanic Garden, Lee Hyo-Seok Literature Museum, and Herb Nara.

The Gangchon Resort (강촌유원지) is a small village nestled along the Bukan River in Chuncheon, Gangwon-do. The river is on one side of the village, while Bongwhasan Mountain and Samaksan Mountain are on the opposite side, creating a beautiful scenery from all directions.Gangchon Station is conveniently located near the entrance to the recreational area. Many young couples enjoy taking the romantic train rides to this cozy little village. Therefore, this spot has became a popular place for college students to go to on weekend trips.The village area has campgrounds, a youth hostel and other lodging facilities, bicycle paths, bungee jump facilities and many other recreational areas.In addition, the area is especially famous for mountain biking. There are many places to rent bicycles; for those are not accustomed to mountain biking, motorized bicycles are also available. The most popular bicycle course is the well-made route to Gugok Waterfall. Bicycles can be left in the parking lot located near the entrance to the waterfalls. From the entrance, it is just a short hike up to the waterfall. As there will be many people using this popular bike route, follow the crowds and do not worry about getting lost. The 67 meter high waterfall is a natural wonder. People flock to this spot in the summer to escape the heat and in the winter to see the ice sheets gracefully frozen in time.

Located in the Eastern part of Taebaeksan mountain range, Micheongol Recreational Forest is known for its rich forest where the natural ecology is well preserved. In secluded areas, thick stands of trees rise, and clean valleys have been undisturbed by human activity, providing breathtaking scenery. The forest is also home to Seollimwonji, a cultural asset of the Silla period (BC57~AD935), the Bulbaragi mineral springs, and a honeybee yard. While offering an experience in both culture and nature, one can tour Micheongol on foot or while riding a mountain bike. As accommodations in the forest offer only bedding, visitors must make sure to bring toilet articles, cooking utensils, and tableware. Prices range between 30,000 and 50,000 won. To get there, take a bus for Yangyang at the Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. In Yangyang, take a local bus for Galcheon and get off at the entrance to Micheongol. Walk up about 2 kilometers and you will see the entrance to Micheongol Recreational Forest.