Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

At 1,708 meters high, Daecheongbong is the highest peak in Seoraksan National Park and the third highest peak in Korea following Hallasan Mountain (1,950 meters) and Jirisan Mountain (1,915 meters). It marks the point where Nae-Serok (inner Serok) meets Oe-Serok (outer Serok). Due to irregular climate and low temperatures, it is home to various stunted high mountain plants and about 50 rare plants, as well as a variety of wild birds. From Daecheongbong Peak you can view the fascinating landscape of Seoraksan Mountain in all four directions.The most popular hiking trail to Daecheongbong Peak starts from Sogongwon and passes the Biseondae and Hoeungak Pavilions. From Daecheongbong Peak, the trail continues to Seorak Waterfalls and Osaek Mineral Spring. The one-way span is about 16 kilometers and takes about 11 hours and 20 minutes. About 10 minutes from Oryeon Falls is the Yangpok Shelter where visitors can stay the night on a first-come first-served basis. The website offers more information on shelters and reservation. 


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

The 4th Tunnel was discovered on March 3, 1990. It is located 1,200m from the Military Demarcation Line in the demilitarized zone of South Korea. This is the only tunnel to be discovered that provides full access to tour groups. Educational instruction is given in the square outside the tunnel.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Samcheok Ocean Railbike is a four-wheeled bike on a 5.4㎞ rail that lies against a splendid backdrop of East Sea. Along the rail are Gungchon and Yonghwa Stations as rest stops, an observatory lounge, an ocean tunnel, and many more attractions. Since each bike has safety installations (double breaks, safety bars, etc.), it can be enjoyed by the whole family.


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Located on Naeseorak, Baekdamsa Temple was built by Ja Jang (590~658) during the reign of Queen Jin-Deok (647-654), 28th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. In the beginning, a temple called Hangyesa was built in Hangye-ri which was in the vicinity to Jangsudae. This temple was completely demolished by several fire accidents including one in the year 690, during the reign of King Sinmun. It changed its locations to several other sites and was renamed Youngchuisa, Simsa, Baekdamsa, and Simwonsa Temple.A stone bridge called Susimgyo is built across Baekdam Gyegok Valley to the front of Baekdamsa Temple. Wooden Amityus Buddha Statue, designated as National Treasure No.1182, is preserved here at Baekdamsa Temple. This Buddhist statue was made in 1748 during the reign of Yeongjo (reign 1724~1776) and is known as the most outstanding statue in the early 18th century. Currently remaining structures include Geukrakbojeon, Sanryeonggak, Hwaeomsil, Beophwasil, Jeongmun, and Yosachae. In the courtyard, there is a three-story stone temple remaining to this date. As for temples, Bongjeongam, Oseam, and Wonmyeongam remain till today.Baekdamsa Temple was made famous by Manhae Han Yong-Un, a strong activist for national independence and poet who wrote his literary piece called “Nimui Chimmuk (Silence of the Beloved)” when he was just 48. Today, Baekdamsa Temple has the Manhae Monument Hall, built to remember the spirit of Manhae Han Yong-Un.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Auraji is the name of a lake located in Yeoryang-myeon in Jeongseon-gun. It is here that Jeongseon Arirang, the No. 1 Intangible Cultural Asset of Gangwon-do, originated. The area has long been famous for its beautiful, clean mountains and rivers. Its name is derived from the Korean word ‘eoureojida,’ meaning ‘to meet’ as the waters of Pyeongchang and Samcheok unite in this area. Part of the upper stream of Namhangang River, Auraji was a famous starting point of log rafts transporting timber to Hanyang, the original name of Seoul. In the old days, one could always hear the singing of boatmen who came from all over the nation. The lyrics of Jeongseon Arirang reveal the sadness and longing of a woman awaiting her husband who left for business to a far-away place or left to transport timber. Today, numerous tourists visit Auraji to enjoy its great scenic views or to see the symbol of a maid who, gazing into the river, seems to be waiting for her lover to return.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Herbnara Farm, opened in 1994, has almost 100 kinds of herbs covering a total area of 12 k㎡. It consists of seven theme gardens, ponds and galleries including the Herb Garden, Children Garden, Fragrance Garden, and Water Garden. The uniquely decorated buildings and signs make visitors feel as if they are living in a fairy tale. Inside the farm, there are several spots for taking photos alongside the herbs; descriptions and effects are posted at each herb patch.A restaurant and cafeteria provide some dishes and drinks made of herbs cultivated on the farm. Bibimbap, steamed chicken with jeon, and the popular, herb salad with freshly picked flowers, are just some of the items on the menu. Free herbal tea is given to people who eat at the restaurant. There is also an exhibition room, which displays and sells herb related products such as herbal tea, herbal oil, herbal soap, etc.The farm can best be enjoyed from June to August and takes approximately one hour to tour the entire premises. Visitors can also enjoy the refreshing waters that run through the Heungjeong Valley at the entrance of the farm in the summer season.


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

The deep blue ocean of Hwajinpo Beach invites an endless trail of visitors to the area where you can also find other attractions such as the magnificent Hwajinpoho Lagoon, historical summer villas and a refreshing pine tree forest.Hwajinpo Beach is originally known for its beautiful 1.7-km long shoreline, preserved with shallow yet clean water and fine sand. The spectacular view of sunset is another reason many visit this place.If you move inland from the beach you will find Hwajinpoho Lagoon. This is one of the most beautiful lagoons you will find in Korea, with its graceful scenery, surrounded by a forest of pine trees and a field of sweet briers. The lagoon presents a renewed sense of appreciation for nature. The name Hwajinpo, in fact, originated from the numerous sweet briers blooming in the region.If you head down south a bit from the beach, you will also find a few villas in the midst of the woods. They once belonged to historical figures such as North Korean dictator Kim Il-Seong and Korea's first president Yi Seung-Man. Some of these historical villas have been restored to attract many visitors. 


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Known as one of Korea’s leading short story novelists, Kim Yu-jeong (1908~1937) was born in Sille Village in Sindong-myeong, Chuncheon. A restoration of his birth house, the Kim Yu-jeong House of Literature is part of an effort to turn the whole village into a literature village, commemorating the novelist. The house has an exhibition hall, a walking path, and a hiking trail.Kim Yu-jeong spent a great deal of his life in Seoul and returned to his hometown in 1931 at the age of 23. He published his first novel 'Sangol Nageune (The Wanderer)' followed by numerous rural-based novels such as 'Dongbaekkkot (The Camellias)' and 'Bom bom (Spring)'.Inside the exhibition hall, his birth home and even a treadmill are reproduced in their original form. A variety of programs reproducing his works are on display.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

Eulji Observation Platform, located near the Military Demarcation Line, is now one of the most informative relics dating back to the Korean Conflict. From the Eulji Observation Platform, North Korea soldiers on guard are visible and on clear days so is Birobong Peak of Geumgangsan Mountain. Every year over one hundred thousand people visit this observation platform at the DMZ.


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

* What is rafting? Originally, rafting was a term used when riding along on a raft built with logs. However, rafting is now known as a popular water sport where a team of people on PVCs or rubber rafts use paddles to navigate themselves down adventurous ravines or fast-flowing river rapids. * Advantages of Rafting First of all, all you need is water and flowing rapids in order to safely enjoy yourself with speed and thrills. Secondly, since this is a sport where a group of people need to work together, you foster team spirit and patience. Last of all, you will need to use all of your strength to navigate through the water currents with paddles, resulting in a full-body workout body while taking in the crisp, clean air of the mountains.