Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Located on Namiseom Island in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Imagine Nami is a store specializing in handmade crafts. Talented craftsmen based on Namiseom Island began producing works, and Imagine Nami became the place for selling their works, including various accessories made of leather and natural stones, glass crafts, fabric products, paintings, and other design works. Most artifacts deal with natural themes and stories about Namiseom Island. The recent collection features various handicrafts containing the image of Snowman, the representative icon of Namiseom Island, and artifacts include tea cups, candle holders, memo holders, magnets, ceramics, and other decorative interior items. At the entrance, the store sells snacks made by Namiseom Island’s own brands; the other section displays handicrafts from Namiseom Island and other handmade artifacts made by external artists, toys, daily goods, and more. The hanok-style store carrying the charm of the island has served as a popular photo zone for visitors. Namiseom Island is a small island that can be reached via boat, and the boat fare is inclusive of admission to the island. To visit Imagine Nami, visitors are required to enter Namiseom Island; while there, they can enjoy various cultures and convenience facilities.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)


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(Sokcho-si)

Opened in 1985, Cheoksan Spatel is a natural hot springs with strong alkaline water at 53℃, formed 4000 m below sea level. The water is said to be highly effective in the removal of impurities and treatment of skin conditions. Rooms available include both bedrooms and ondol (under-the-floor heating system) rooms. Each room has a small bath supplied with hot springs water in the bathroom. Guests are also offered a single-use ticket to the hot springs area. There are plenty of onsite facilities as well, from the hot springs area with many different types of baths to ladies-only spa therapy at Spa Healing Center, walking paths through a pine grove, and an observation deck with a view of Seoraksan Mountain’s Ulsan Peak. Other attractions, such as Sokcho Museum, Seoraksan Botanical Garden, and Cheongchoho Recreation Area, is reachable by car in 10 min.


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 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(Taebaek-si)

Cheonjedan are altars set up by people a long time ago to offer goods to Heaven. In old records such as the Samguksagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), there are records that "The Silla Kingdom organized rituals in Taebaeksan Mountain, which it considered as a Bugak Mountain (Northern Mountain, one of the mountains for rituals)." This shows that Taebaeksan Mountain was considered to be a holy mountain in the past. Cheonjedan, or the altar, is situated at the summit of Taebaeksan Mountain. With Cheonwangdan altar in the center, there is the Janggundan Altar in the north and a smaller altar in the south. The altars are built by stacking stones, a sign of a sacred ground. The Cheonwangdan altar is made of natural stone. It has an oval shape and measures 27.5 meters in circumference, 3 meters tall, 7.76 meters wide, and 8.26 meters from front to back. The natural stone is a sort of gneiss, with the upper stone being round and the bottom stone rectangular. Such a form is based on the philosophy of Cheonwon Jibang. In the valleys nearby, there are small or large stacked stone pagodas and stone platforms, which were used for prayers. It is forbidden to kill wild animals or break off tree branches in the area.