Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Sangwonsa Temple is located 8km north of Woljeongsa Temple. Stories are told that Sangwonsa Temple was built by Buddhist monk Ja Jang (590~658) in 643, in the 12th year of Silla Queen Seon-Deok, and others say that it was built by Bocheon and Hyo-myeong, the sons of King Sin-Mun (reign 681~692), the 31st king of the Silla Kingdom. It was rebuilt in 705 during the 4th year of King Seong-Deok's reign (702∼737). However, in 1946 it was burnt down in a fire, but later restored once again in 1947. Only a Bell Pavillon remained during this period until the building was rebuilt after Korea’s Independence Day. The oldest relic left today is Dongjong (National Treasure No.36), Munsu Child Figure, and the Jungchang, the promotion of virtue in rebuilding Sangwonsa Temple, written by the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty King Sejo (reign 1455∼1468).At the entrance is a site called Gwandaegeori, named after the story about how King Se-Jo would hang his royal garments here when he took baths. Also, there is the Munsu Child Figure where the story of King Sejo and monk Munsu comes from. As National Treasure No. 221, the official name is Sangwonsa Munsu Wooden Seated Child Figure. At Sangwonsa Temple, there are other pieces other than the Munsu Child figure. The 91cm diameter Sangwonsa Dongjong was established in 725, in the 24th year of Silla King Seong-Deok. It is famous for its beautiful bell sound and the delicately carved Juakbicheon figure but nowadays it sits silent in order to preserve the bell.Sangwonsa Temple is located at Jungdaeam on the way to Jeokmyeolbogung in the Mt.Odaesan Birobong Peak direction. At the 2km southwest point is a hermitage where Utongsu Stream, the origin of the Hangang river, flows. Jeokmyeolbogung is a reliquary which possesses the bonesetting relics of Buddha, which was brought by monk Ja Jang from Tang (China).


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Dutasan Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Dutasan Mountain that is part of Bakjisan Mt., which rises 1,394m above the sea level and straddles the border between Jinbu-myeon of Pyeongchang-gun and Jeongseon-gun. The recreational forest is a hub of leisure activity and boasts robust and rich forests filled with a wide variety of animals (badgers, raccoons, bores, hares, etc.), abundant medicinal herbs, and trees such as a huge birch, nut trees and lime trees. Amenities and accommodations include the Forest Culture Rest Center, House of Forest, and various trekking courses and campsites. Nearby attractions are Odaesan National Park, Yi Hyo-Seok Literary House, Daegwallyeong Ranch, Bongpyeong Herb World, and Woljeongsa Temple. At some of these sites, you can try leisure activities such as rafting (Odeacheon Stream) and skiing (Yongpyeong Ski Resort).


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

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.


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Bangtaesan Recreational Forest is known for its beautiful scenery like the two-step waterfall at Madangbawi Rock. The autumn foliage in the forest is worth seeing because of the outstanding species of broadleaf trees in the Reserved Forest.Wild animals like rabbits, roe deer, and squirrel inhabits the forest. Various programs like the forest explanation and experience of forest are available.


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

Bongsudae Beach is located north of Sampo Beach and the white-sand coastline stretches along the side of National Road No.7. The campsite for motor homes attracts many motor-tourists. Since the beach was not accessible to the public before 1997, it is still rather new and clean, and many visitors comment on its cleanliness upon their first impression. Sampo Koresco Resort is located along the seashore, and visitors can easily enjoy the 800-meter stretch of pristine beach at Bongsudae.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Located to the left of the entrance to Kwandong University, Nogwon Galbi is a restaurant specializing in galbi (grilled beef ribs). The three-story restaurant building has a spacious parking lot and dining halls large enough to accommodate customers in groups. The restaurant serves Korean beef raised in Yangyang, accompanied by seven tasty side dishes. All the food in this restaurant is seasoned with fresh sesame oil extracted from sesame produced at local farms.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Within winter skiers’ Mecca, Gangwon-do Pyeongchang-gun Yongpyong Resort, summer targeted water park, Peak Island, is opening. As a center of family vacation spots, Peak Island is offering enjoyment throughout all four seasons. Yongpyong Resort, well known as a ski resort, focused in winter interior which reflects to be very unique western image. Peak Island is located at Korea’s highest above the sea level of 700m which consists of one basement floor and four ground floors. Over 3,500 people can facilitate together at once and basement floor is for golfers to enjoy spa after the golf games. As main facilities there are beach pool, sweat chamber, Kid’s pool, running water pool, open-air theme pool, slides, sauna, and various events are available. In addition, with waterfall ice cave, it is possible to enjoy winter’s snow falling ambiance just as Finland’s winter.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Tipped with strangely-shaped rocks and groves of old pine trees, Obongsan Mountain (779 meters) is brimming with natural beauty. Once called Gyeongunsan Mountain, it received its current name because of its five unique peaks (“obong” means five peaks). Visitors can enjoy hiking the rock ridges or cruising on the ferry around Soyangho Lake. At the base of the mountain on its southern side lies Cheongpyeongsa Temple, which was built in 973 the 24th year of the reign of King Gwangjong of Goryeo.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Donga Hotel located in Taebaek Gwanwon-do, which has cool summer and exquisite natural environment is a preferred lodging facility by sports players who visit the area to participate in international competitions held in that area. The highland terrain offers the benefit of mosquitos-free cooler summers. Its well preserved surrounding lures both local and overseas sports players. The total 30 guestrooms are served in western-style with double or twin bed and Korean-style. All rooms have basic convenient facilities such as refrigerator and air conditioner and some rooms have internet connection. It is easily accessible by public transportation and has large parking lot. Sightseers can reach the Coal Museum and the Yongyeon Cave within a 5 minute car ride.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

First opened in June 2004, Yanggu Eco-Botanical Garden was built on a total area of 189,141㎡. 3.1 billion Korean won (approximately 3 million USD) was spent on the construction and it was built to be developed into a South and North Korean ecosystem restoration center. Located in the northernmost region of South Korea, it houses more than 400 rare plants including plants that are Korean native species and protected by Korean Ministry of Environment. The garden is divided into six parts by their features including Botanical garden, Natural forest, and facilities zone. In the Botanical garden, rare plants such as northern native plants and alpine plants that are naturally grown in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and Yanggu area are displayed in one place. There are also walking trails, a medicinal plants exhibition hall, a plant nursery, and a greenhouse. In order to supplement the shortcomings of the botanical garden, which is a static atmosphere, a mountain stream zone and wetlands zone were prepared to provide people with the chance to enjoy the pleasant sound of running water. * Total area: 189,141㎡ * Plants that are Korean native species and protected by Korean Ministry of Environment in the garden: Geumgang Chorongkkot (금강초롱꽃 (Diamond bluebell, scientific name: Hanabusaya asiatica Nakai) Kkaengkkaengipul 깽깽이풀 (Asian Twin Leaf, scientific name: Jeffersonia dubia) Gaeneusam 개누삼 (scientific name: Echinosophora koreensi) * Other rare plants in the garden: Sankkoripul 산꼬리풀 (scientific name: Veronica rotunda var. subintegra) Jebidongjakkot 제비동자꽃 (scientific name: Lychnis wilfordii) Somdari 솜다리 (scientific name: Leontopodium coreanum) Geummatari 금마타리 (scientific name: Patrinia saniculaefolia) Norangmunuibutkkot 노랑무늬붓꽃 (Korean Iris, scientific name: Iris odaesanensis) Haneulmaebaltop 하늘매발톱 (scientific name: Aquilegia flabellata var. pumila) Solchekkot 솔체꽃 (Mansenese morning bridge, scientific name: Scabiosa Scabiosa mansenensis) Byeongjohoepul 병조회풀 (scientific name: Clematis heracleifolis)