Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Seongyojang House was built by Yi Nae-beon (pen-name: Mugyeong), an 11th-generation descendant of Grand Prince Hyoryeong (the elder brother of King Sejong the Great), and has been repaired and extended numerous times over the last ten generations. The house is composed of a variety of rooms and buildings of different sizes, and there are twelve gates between its many buildings, which include 3 ‘Byeoldang’ rooms (Dong, Seo, and Oe), Sarangchae, Jungsarang, Haengangchae, and Sadang. Seongyojang House is well known as one of the largest and greatest houses in Korea in terms of the number and size of its buildings and its total land area among houses built at that time. Interestingly, Seongyojang was built to such a great size due to the influence of the classical poem Gwandongbyeolgok (about the Beautiful Scenery of Gwandong, present-day Gangwon-do, in 1580) written by Jeong Cheol (1536-1593, pen-name: Songgang). Because of the popularity of this poem, a cultural trend emerged in which noblemen of the late Joseon Dynasty felt compelled to visit the Gwandong (present-day Gangwon-do) area at least once in their lifetime, and Seongyojang was a must-see attraction. The house experienced a crisis when only three people were staying in this vast building. However, the director of the house, Lee Kang-baek, strived to save his ancestors’ invaluable heritage and finally received the necessary administrative support. Thanks to that, all the toilets and shower facilities were modernized, and Seongyojang House now offers both the beauty of a traditional hanok building and convenient modern facilities for all its guests. Seongyojang has many wonderful structures including Hwallaejeong Pavilion, one of its most charming structures; Yeolhwadang, which was given as a gift to the Russian Consulate; Yeonjidang, which was built in an elegant style; and Seobyeoldang. In particular, the signboard of Hwallaejeong was changed and rewritten regularly by members of the Joseon literati who stayed in the house. The most famous version of the signboard was written by Gim Jeong-hui (1786-1856, pen-name: Chusa).


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(Jeongseon-gun)

‘Molundae’ (몰운대) literally means ‘the cliff beyond which clouds disappear’. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

The graveyard of Sinjangjeolgong (Sinjangjeolgong myoyeok) is the site of General Jangjeolgong Sin Sung-gyeom's tomb. Sin Sung-gyeom (Jangjeolgong is the posthumous name) is regarded as the founder of the Pyeongsan Sin clan. Together with Hong Yu, Bae Hyeon-gyeong and Bok Ji-gyeom, they dethroned Gung Ye and helped Wang Geon, the founder and first king of the Goryeo Dynasty, in claiming the throne. In 927, as Wang Geon was on the verge of death in this battle as his troops were closely besieged by the enemy, General Sin wore the king's armor and kept fighting for his country with until he died. The enemy thought he was the king so they beheaded him. Hence, Wang Geon was able to escape safely from the battle. The king grieved over the death of General Sin and used a head made of gold for the funeral. To mislead grave robbers, three graves were built even though there is only one dead body. Chosen as one of top four favorable sites for a grave in Korea, the graveyard is located inside of a dense pine grove. Also at the site are the Yeongjeonggak, Sindobigak, a memorial hall, and a house bulit for a memorial service.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Yeongwol Station finished its construction in June, 1955 with its titled roof a nod to the region where King Danjong was from. The station was selected as one of the most beautiful stations in Korea due to its antique ambience.


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Inje Icefish Festival will be held at Soyangho Lake in Inje. At this spectacular winter festival visitors will be able to try out ice fishing and exciting games such as human bowling on ice, ice soccer, and even a tug-of-war on ice. For those icefish fanatics there will be an icefish eating competition, and visitors can sample the icefish for free.


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(Hongcheon-gun)

Located in Odaesan National Park, Sambong Recreational Forest (삼봉자연휴양림) is filled with large acicular trees like fir and broad-leaved trees like birch. Lenoks, a species of fresh-water fish that are considered a Korean natural treasure, found only in the cleanest water, thrive in the waters of the deep valley running through the park. The park is surrounded by three peaks – Gachilbong (1,240m), Mt. Eungboksan (1,155m), and Sasambong (1,107m). In the middle of the area surrounded by the three peaks, rests the Sambong Mineral Spring (삼봉약수), whose waters attract many visitors. The spring’s waters are said to ease stomach complaints. The park is also popular since visitors can go leaf peeking in autumn while enjoying the mountains and sea at the same time in summer.