Gangwon-do — Mountains and Sea Within an Hour
Gangwon State holds the widest range of nature in Korea. The rugged ridges of the Baekdudaegan and the blue East Sea sit within an hour of each other. About an hour by KTX from Seoul to Gangneung — it suits everything from day trips to multi-day stays.
Why this region
Mountains and sea, hot springs and ski slopes, lakes and waterfalls — almost every face of Korean nature within one province. Different scenery every season makes it new whenever you go.
Highlights
- Seoraksan — Korea's signature mountain, with crags and autumn foliage.
- Gangneung — Gyeongpo Beach, the coffee street, Ojukheon.
- Sokcho — Seoraksan and the East Sea together; Sokcho Jungang Market.
- Yangyang — beaches rising as a surfing destination.
Season by season
- 🌸 Spring — cherry blossoms and azaleas, greenery spreading up from the foothills
- ☀️ Summer — East Sea beaches and cool valleys
- 🍁 Autumn — Seoraksan foliage, the starting point of Korea's autumn colors
- ❄️ Winter — ski resorts and snowscapes around Pyeongchang
Getting there
About 1 hour from Seoul to Gangneung/Pyeongchang on the KTX Gangneung Line. Express buses are convenient for Sokcho and Yangyang.