Tip) Transportation in Pyeongchang & Jeongseon

The public transportation in Pyeongchang and Jeongseon is not as well-developed as larger cities so traveling via bus can be quite inconvenient. We recommend renting a car in Seoul before starting out on your journey. It takes around 2 hours to drive from Seoul to Pyeongchang.

* Related page  Rental Cars

Day 1

 9:00 AM Travel to Pyeongchang

 11:00 AM Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village & Memorial Hall

 1:00 PM Alpensia Resort

 3:00 PM Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

 5:00 PM Woljeongsa Temple

 7:00 PM Travel to Jeongseon

11:00 AM, Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village & Lee Hyo-seok Memorial Hall

【 Photo: Birthplace of Lee Hyo-seok 】

【 Photo: Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village blooming with buckwheat 】	【 Photo: Cold buckwheat noodles 】

Bongpyeong-myeon in Pyeongchang is famous for buckwheat, which grows abundantly here. It is especially beautiful in early autumn, when the fields surrounding the area of Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village are blanketed with tiny, white buckwheat blossoms. The village was named after Korean author Lee Hyo-seok, who grew up here, and was the setting of his famous novel “When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom.” To celebrate the author and his literary work, the Hyoseok Cultural Festival is held here every year in September. The festival offers a variety of fun events, including a literary program, walking through the fields of buckwheat, making foods with buckwheat, dyeing ones fingernails with flowers, playing traditional games and more. Visitors can also visit the birthplace of Lee Hyo-Seok, Modern Literary Experience Hall and a barn at the Hyo-Seok Moonlight Hill located in the Lee Hyo-Seok Culture Village

When visiting Bongpyeong, you definitely have to try buckwheat foods! From memil-guksu (cold buckwheat noodles) to buchimgae (fried pancake) and jeonbyeong (crepe), the number of delicious foods is astounding. In order to find the largest variety, head to Hyo-seok Culture Village Buckwheat Food Street, where dozens of buckwheat restaurants are lined up, waiting to serve you.

【 Photo: Lee Hyo-Seok Memorial Hall 】

【 Photo: Statue of Lee Hyo-seok 】	【 Photo: Birthplace of Lee Hyo-seok 】

If you’re interested in Korean culture, then visiting the Lee Hyo-seok Memorial Hall is a must. The hall is designed to show the timeline of Lee Hyo-seok’s literary life. The grounds of the memorial hall are popular for its beautiful walking paths. To enjoy the village to its fullest, we recommend taking a leisurely stroll through town by starting from the memorial hall and continuing until you reach the Birthplace of Lee Hyo-seok.

Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village

Address: 73-25, Hyoseokmunhak-gil, Changdong-ri, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 봉평면 창동리 효석문학길 73-25)

Operating hours: May-September 09:00-18:30 / October-April 09:00-17:30
* Closed Mondays, New Year’s Day & on the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
* If Monday falls on a public holiday, the Culture Village will open on Monday and close on the following Tuesday
* Last admission is 30 minutes before closing

Admission
- Lee Hyo-Seok Memorial Hall: 2,000 won
- Hyo-Seok Moonlight Hill: 3,000 won
- (admission to both locations): 4,500 won
* Free admission for children ages 6 and under

Website: www.hyoseok.net (Korean only)

1:00 PM, Alpensia Resort

【 Photo: Ski jump ramp 】

【 Photo: View from the top of the ski jump 】	【 Photo: View from the observation deck 】

Set among the beautiful mountains of Daegwallyeong, Alpensia Resort was the venue of the opening ceremony for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics. At the core of winter sports in Korea, the resort offers a ski jump ramp in addition to standard ski slopes and other sports facilities, including a golf course, convention center and a four-season water park, Alpensia Ocean 700.

The top of the tower also serves as an observation deck accessible to all visitors via monorail. Apart from general admission, there is special admission. For just a bit more, visitors can experience the thrill felt by ski jumpers by standing at the start of the ramp and looking down from the dizzying height.

Yet another thrilling attraction of Alpensia Resort is the Alpine Coaster, a down-hill rollercoaster reaching speeds of up to 40km per hour. Hop on to see the beautiful surroundings of Alpensia fly past as you race down the mountain!

Alpensia Resort

Address: 325, Solbong-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 평창군 대관령면 솔봉로 325)

Ski Jump Tower (Observation Deck)
Operating hours: 09:20 (First car up) - 17:40 (Last car down)
Fare
General admission: Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 1,000 won
Special admission: Adults 6,000 won / Teenagers 4,000 won / Children 3,000 won
* Adults (ages 19 and older) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 12 and under)
* Closed Tuesdays, New Year's Day & on the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)

Alpine Coaster
Operating hours
- Mid-April to mid-July & mid-August to mid-October 10:00-17:30
- Mid-July to mid-August 19:00-20:00
- Closed from mid-October to mid-April
Fare: Adults & Teenagers 22,000 won / Children 19,000 won / 2-person tandem 36,000 won)
* Adults & Teenagers (ages 13 and older) / Children (ages 3-12)
* Free for children ages 3 and under
* Fare is for 1 ride on the Alpine Coaster

Website: www.alpensiaresort.co.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

3:00 PM, Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

【 Photo: Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm 】

The scenery of Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm’s vast field dotted with sheep slowly munching on grass is simply breathtaking. The field is encircled by a 1.2km walking trail which will take approximately 40 minutes to complete. However, most people spend at least an hour here, feeding hay to the sheep and taking photos among the beautiful scenery. In particular, a singular cabin set in the middle of the field is the focal point of many photos by tourists. Before leaving, don’t forget to walk up the hill of the sheep farm; the view from the peak unfolds to include the coastal city of Gangneung and the East Sea beyond.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

Address: 483-32, Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 평창군 대관령면 대관령마루길 483-32)

Operating hours: May-August 09:00-18:30 / April, September 09:00-18:00 / March, October 09:00-17:30 / November-February 09:00-17:00
* Last ticketing is 1 hour before closing
* Closed New Year's Day & on the day of Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
* In case of heavy snow or rain entrance may be limited

Admission: Adults 6,000 won / Teenagers & Children 4,000 won
* Adults (ages 19 and older) / Teenagers & Children (ages 4-18)
* Free admission for children ages 4 and under

Website: www.yangtte.co.kr (Korean only)

5:00 PM, Woljeongsa Temple

【 Photo: Woljeongsa Temple 】

【 Photo: Octagonal nine-story stone pagoda 】	【 Photo: Stone seated Bodhisattva 】

Woljeongsa Temple is a representative cultural relic of Pyeongchang. It is known to have been built during the Silla Dynasty (57 BC – AD 935), making it over one thousand years old. The current buildings were rebuilt after the originals were destroyed during the Korean War. Despite their more recent renewal, the spirit and dignity of Woljeongsa Temple are still present in harmony with the nature of Odaesan Mountain.

In the middle of the spacious courtyard stands a treasured cultural heritage of Woljeongsa Temple, an octagonal nine-story stone pagoda built during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). Just beyond the pagoda is a stone seated Bodhisattva kneeling with hands held together. In addition, national treasures related to Buddhism are currently on display at the Woljeongsa Museum.

【 Photo: Fir tree forest trail at Woljeongsa Temple 】

To reach Woljeongsa Temple, visitors will have to walk approximately 1 km from Geumganggyo Bridge through a fir tree forest. The forest is populated with about 1,800 trees and has an average age of over 80 years. The scent of pine needles and the soft earth beneath your feet will surely lift your spirits.

A 20-minute drive from Woljeongsa Temple leads to the venue of the annual Pyeongchang Trout Festival held in winter. Visitors of all ages can have fun by ice fishing for trout, riding on sleds and so on in their numerous exciting activities. If you’re visiting Pyeongchang in winter, be sure to stop by the festival grounds!

Woljeongsa Temple

Address: 374-8, Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 평창군 진부면 오대산로 374-8)

Operating hours: 06:00-18:30

Admission: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 1,500 won / Children 500 won
* Adults (ages 19 and older) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 7-12)
* Free admission for children ages 7 and under

Website: woljeongsa.org (Korean, English)

Day 2

 9:00 AM Byeongbangchi Skywalk

 10:00 AM Ararichon

 12:00 PM Lunch

 1:00 PM Hwaamdonggul Cave

 4:00 PM Samtan Art Mine

 6:00 PM High1 Resort

9:00 AM, Byeongbangchi Skywalk

【Photo: Byeongbangchi Skywalk 】

【 Photo: Zip line 】	【 Photo: Views from Byeongbangchi Skywalk 】

Named after the shape of the Korean peninsula in miniature form, Byeongbangchi Skywalk offers a grand view of the stunning surroundings from 583 meters in the air. With a glass floor, you can see the hill falling away below your feet. Despite the thrill of being held above nothing, there is no need to fear falling through, as extremely thick glass is used and supported thoroughly. In order to protect the glass from scratches, you must first put on cloth overshoes before entering.

If simply standing over this height isn’t enough of a thrill for you, challenge yourself to ride on a zip line! Stretching approximately 330 meters and reaching a speed of 100km per hour, zip lining offers the experience of flying. Even better, the zip line near Byeongbangchi Skywalk can accommodate group runs of up to four people!

Byeongbangchi Skywalk

Address: 225, Byeongbangchi-gil, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 정선군 정선읍 병방치길 225)

Byeongbangchi Skywalk
Operating hours: March-October 09:00-18:00 / November-February 09:00-17:00
* Hours are subject to change
Fare: Adults 2,000 won / Teenagers & Children 1,000 won
* Adults (ages 19 and older) / Teenagers & Children (ages 7-18)

Zip Line
Operating hours: March-October 09:00-18:00 / November-February 10:00-17:00
* Hours subject to change
Fare: 40,000 won per person
* Height limit (134cm-200cm) and weight limit (35kg-125kg)

Website: www.ariihills.co.kr (Korean only)

10:00 AM, Ararichon

【 Photo: Ararichon (Credit: Jeongseon County Office) 】

【 Photo: Ararichon entrance 】	【 Photo: Statue of daily life in the past 】

Ararichon offers a glimpse into the past, with tile-roofed houses, traditional slate-roofed houses from Jeongseon, and five other traditional house styles, as well as other hard-to-see items and sculptures depicting scenes of life in the Joseon Dynasty. The loudspeakers placed inconspicuously throughout Ararichon play the traditional folk song of the region, "Jeongseon Arirang." The song may be unfamiliar, but you will soon find yourself humming along with the melody. Be sure to take advantage of the many experiences available while you're here, such as making pottery or cloisonné. Admission is free, however fees may apply to experience programs.

Ararichon

Address: 37, Aesan-ro, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 정선군 정선읍 애산로 37)

Operating hours: 09:00-18:00
* Last admission is 1 hour before closing

12:00 PM, Lunch!

【 Photo: Gondeure namul-bap 】

There are many restaurants gathered by the entrance to Hwaamdonggul Cave, especially those that specialize in gondeure namul-bap, a famous food of Jeongseon made of mixing wild thistle leaves and seasoning with rice. The wild thistles used in the meal grow plentiful on the mountains and provide a savory flavor when mixed in with white rice. To round out the meal, order a side of gamja-jeon (potato pancake) or gamja-tteok (potato rice cake), another popular food in Gangwon-do.

1:00 PM, Hwaamdonggul Cave

【 Photo: Steep descent into Hwaamdonggul Cave via stairs 】

Hwaamdonggul Cave originally operated as a gold mine from 1922 to 1945, until natural stalactites were discovered after digging through a wall in search of gold. The cave is now operated as an attraction with the slogan, “where gold and nature meet.” The entire course is 1,803 meters long and divided into five sections with unique themes, taking around one and a half hours to complete. Since the entrance and exit are located far away from each other, you’ll have to complete the course once you enter the cave. However, after walking down the steep stairs, the overall journey will be pleasurable as the easy walking path will guide you to new scenes around every corner.

【 Photo: Natural stalagmites inside Hwaamdonggul Cave 】

【 Photo: Uniquely decorated cave interior 】

Among the cave’s five themed areas, the History Room shows the cave as it was when used as a gold mine. Visitors can experience the mysterious atmosphere of the cave as they transition from the straight-cut mine trail into the naturally winding path called the 365 Steps Along the Gold Vein. Fantasy Land uses cartoon characters to easily explain the development of gold mining and the value of gold. Gold World displays a 185 kg gold bar and videos that explain all you could ever wonder about gold. The last section of the cave is dedicated to the theme Mysterious Mother Nature and features fantastic cave formations from flowstone to stalactites, stalagmites and stone pillars formed by meeting of the two formations.

The cave entrance is about a 20-minute uphill walk from the parking lot. Visitors can ride the monorail up to arrive more comfortably and easily.

Hwaamdonggul Cave

Address: 12, Hwaamdonggul-gil, Hwaam-myeon, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 정선군 화암면 화암동굴길 12)

Operating hours: 09:00-17:00

Admission
Hwaamdonggul Cave: Adults 5,000 won / Teenagers 3,500 won / Children 2,000 won
Monorail: Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,500 won
* Monorail operates in 15 min intervals
* Adults (ages 19 and older) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 7-12)
* Free admission for children ages 6 and under

Website: www.jsimc.or.kr (Korean only)

4:00 PM, Samtan Art Mine

【 Photo: Scenes at Samtan Art Mine 】

Samtan Art Mine is a cultural art space created at the site of an abandoned mine. The entrance starts at the lounge on the fourth floor and the viewing path leads down one floor at a time. The third floor serves as a museum and brings history to life with a display of a variety of mining materials. Also located on the third floor is CAM, a high-level modern art museum. On the second floor there is a collection of over 100,000 art pieces from around the world in a storage area and shower room used by the miners, which is preserved as it is, now used as a gallery space. The gallery has gained popularity after its appearance in the hit drama “Descendents of the Sun (2016).”

After exiting the art museum, head to the Rail by Museum building next door where the switchyard is located. The switchyard, with its conveyer, rails and other industrial materials, creates a unique atmosphere, making it popular as a filming site. It has also been featured in the variety program“Running Man.”

Samtan Art Mine

Address: 1445-44, Hambaeksan-ro, Gohan-ri, Gohan-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 정선군 고한읍 고한리 함백산로 1445-44)

Operating hours: March-May 09:00-18:00 / June-August 09:00-19:00 / September-February 09:30-17:30
* Closed Mondays between September-May
* Operating hours are subject to change

Admission: Adults 13,000 won / Teenagers 11,000 won / Children 10,000 won
* Adults (ages 19-64) / Teenagers (ages 13-18) / Children (ages 6-12)
* Free admission for children ages 5 and under

Website: samtanartmine.com (Korean only)

6:00 PM, High1 Resort

【 Photo: High1 Resort landscape 】

【 Photo: Photo zone before the casino 】	【 Photo: Unamjeong 】

High1 Resort offers a casino, ski slopes, golf course and other entertainment facilities, drawing in tourists throughout all four seasons. Among the many attractions within the resort, Kangwon Land Casino, the largest casino in Korea, is open to both Koreans and international visitors. In addition, popular facilities include the Sky1340, which offers a view of the mountains covered in wildflowers from spring to fall; the Casa Cinema that have live performances, and Unamjeong, a hanok café.

High1 Resort

Address: 265, High1-gil, Sabuk-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
(강원도 정선군 사북읍 하이원길 265)

Kangwon Land Casino
Operating hours: 12:00-06:00 (Next day)
Admission: 9,000 won (Cash only)
* Must have valid ID

Sky1340 (Tourist Gondola)
Operating hours: 09:00-17:00
* Hours subject to change based on date and season
Fare: Adults & Teenagers 15,000 won / Children 12,000 won
* Adults & Teenagers (ages 13 and older) / Children (ages 4-12)
* Free admission for children ages 3 and under

Casa Cinema
Show times: Varies by movie
Admission: 12,000 won
* 50% discount for High1 Resort visitors

Unamjeong
Operating hours: 11:00-19:00 (Closed Tuesdays)

Inquiries: +82-2-1588-7799 (Korean, English, Chinese)

Website: www.high1.com (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)