Region guide
Gangwon Province: Mountains, Coastline, and Olympic Legacy
Gangwon-do spans South Korea’s northeast, from the Taebaek Mountains to the East Sea coast. It includes cities like Chuncheon and Gangneung, with winter ski resorts and summer beaches shaping its seasonal rhythms.
Fast facts
- Country
- South Korea
- Region
- Gangwon Province
- Climate
- Humid continental with cold winters and warm summers
- Population
- Approx. 1.5 million (2023)
- Known for
- Taebaek Mountains, ski resorts, beaches, cultural heritage sites
Gangwon Province covers a vast area featuring South Korea’s highest peak outside Jeju, Seoraksan’s Daecheongbong at 1,708 meters, and cold inland basins. This geography creates a cooler climate than Seoul and Busan. Cities such as Chuncheon, Gangneung, and Sokcho serve as hubs for mountain hiking and beach visits. The winter ski season peaks at resorts like Yongpyong and Alpensia, while summer draws visitors to East Sea beaches and the Gangneung Danoje Festival in early summer.
2018 Winter Olympics
Pyeongchang hosted the 2018 Winter Games, with venues like Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre open for tours and seasonal events.
Seoraksan National Park
Hike to Daecheongbong, South Korea’s second-highest peak, and experience cooler temperatures and rugged mountain landscapes.
Gangneung Danoje Festival
Held around the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, this UNESCO event features traditional rites, mask plays, and Korean wrestling.
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Where is Gangwon?
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