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(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(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(Gangneung-si)

Seongyojang is the former upper class residence of the Naebeon Lee (1703-1781) noble family of Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Province. It was designated Important Folklore Material No. 5 in 1967. The meaning of "Seon", in Seongyojang, is boat. Gyeongpo Lake was directly in front of Seongyojang at the time it was built, thus making is accessible by boat. Gyeongpo Lake at one time reached the enormous circumference of 12km. Its size has reduced by 4km over the years and its depth has decreased by 1-2 meters.It is said that 10 generations of descendents of Naebeon Lee have continued to live at Seongyojang. KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) has selected this residency as one of the top 10 most well preserved original dwellings in Korea that was constructed over the past 300 years.Yeolhwadang is considered the most important structure on the property, as the male owner of the property resided in this building. This structure was given the name "Yeolhwadang" in order to promote happiness and joy among the relatives living there. Presently one can see a terrace that was added on courtesy of Russia.Another important structure here is the picturesque Hwallaejeong. This structure was built in 1816 and is located just inside the main entrance. The lotus flower filled pond just in front of this building makes for a setting just as one might see in a traditional Korean painting.


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(Cheorwon-gun)

Rafting refers to riding swift currents using thick rubber boats (I.B.S). Places where you can enjoy rafting in Korea are Hantangang River in Cheorwon, Naerincheon Stream in Inje, and Donggang river in Yeongwol. The most ideal spot is without a doubt the Hantangang River in Cheorwon. The river, situated about an hour and a half away from Seoul, is deep and clear, and filled with naturally formed Giamgoeseok rocks. Touring the picturesque area will surely leave lasting memories.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Intercontinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort is a luxurious classical European-style alpine resort located 700 meters above sea level on a ridge of Taebaeksan Mountain. Surrounded by fascinating nature, the resort offers various leisure facilities such as Olympic Sky Park, Ocean 700 Water Park, a 27-hole golf course designed by the world-renowned golf course designer Robert Trent Jones, Jr., and an 18-hole public golf course.The summer house also provides relaxation facilities including the luxurious Club Intercontinental Lounge, a children’s play room called ‘Planet Trackers’, and a day spa. A wellness center provides guests seeking relaxation with various therapies and programs. The luxurious CMA spa club offers seven spa suite rooms and an open-air Jacuzzi providing eco-nature therapy with great views of Daegwallyeong.Guestrooms are decorated with a harmonious blend of modern, bright-colored furniture and traditional Korean-style furniture. Specially designed lighting adds a pleasant touch to the rooms.Subsidiary facilities are a restaurant, wine bar/salon, and a lobby lounge. The restaurant, called Flavor, serves international dishes, while the wine bar serves quality wines. In the lobby lounge, guests can enjoy views of beautiful nature through floor-to-ceiling windows while listening to live classical music performances and sharing light fare such as sandwiches, pizza, tapas, wine, and coffee.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Osaek Hot Springs is in Osaekjigu, a part of Namseorak, and is reputed to have been discovered by a Buddhist monk of Seongguk temple from the Joseon Period (1392~1910). It is 20Km west of Yangyang, 5Km Southeast of Hangyeryeong, and 30km to the south of it is the Osaek mineral spring resort. From three base rocks at the resort come rivulets flowing with water high in iron and carbonic acid, which is good for stomach-ailments, anemia, and neuralgia. The water temperature is relatively low at 30 ℃, and is high in sulfur as well. The water at Osaek Hot Springs gushes from a high ground (650m above sea level), and there is a legend that long ago, nymphs came here to bathe and returned to the heavens. The water temperature here is 42 degrees Celsius, and high in chloric acid, sulfur, manganese, and iron. It feels slippery and soft, and has a slight fishy smell, but it is so great for skincare that Osaek Hot springs is also called Miinoncheon (beauty hot springs). After the geological examination by Gangwon-do in 1982, it was officially designated as Osaekoncheonjigu (Osaek Hot Springs Area).


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Founded in 1999, the 105 square-kilometer Korea Botanical Garden grows approximately 1,300 Korean native plants. The Garden is composed of the Indoor Exhibition Hall, Herb Garden, Cultivation Area, Ecosystem Garden, Singal Mountain Path, and Theme Garden. On display are potted plants in the Indoor Exhibition Hall, fragrant herbs such as wild chrysanthemum and chamomile in the Herb Garden, gregarious plants like iris and aster koraiensis in the Cultivation Area, naturally mixed plants in the Ecosystem Garden, and plants with human or animal names, such as the pasque flower, in the Theme Garden. The two kilometer-long Singal Mountain Path, where Mongolian oak trees mingle with azaleas and rhododendron, is a very popular walking course.The Korea Botanical Garden distributes flower seeds to all visitors when they buy tickets, and all types of native flowers can be purchased at the store. Also in the Garden are convenience facilities such as Cafe Bian, serving tea and ice cream, as well as rest rooms and benches. The best season for visiting Korea Botanical Garden is from June to August.


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

The 2nd Tunnel, which was made by North Koreans to invade South Korea, was discovered on March 24th, 1975. This tunnel is 3.5km long and sits 50~160 meters below the surface. It can accommodate up to thirty thousand people and is large enough for tanks to pass through. Now the 2nd Tunnel is under the control of the Cheorwon-gun Office. Every year hundreds of thousands of people visit this unique tourist destination.