Gangwon

Gangwon is South Korea's northeastern province, stretching from the rugged Taebaek Mountains to the East Sea coast. It is best known internationally as the host region of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics and for dramatic natural landmarks such as Seoraksan National Park.

The province has deep cultural roots, from the 1,300-year-old Woljeongsa Temple and the historic Ojukheon House to the UNESCO-listed Gangneung Danoje festival. Its position along the DMZ and its mountain passes also make Gangwon a place where traditional rural life and modern resort development sit side by side.

Chuncheon, the capital, is famous for Nami Island and spicy chicken dakgalbi; Sokcho is the gateway to Seoraksan and the East Sea beaches; and coastal Gangneung is known for its coffee street, Gyeongpo Lake and Jeongdongjin sunrise views. Ski resorts around Pyeongchang such as Yongpyong and Alpensia draw winter visitors from across Asia.

Beyond tourism, Gangwon has developed as a centre for winter sports, MICE events, bio-health industries and regional innovation, strengthened by the high-speed KTX link to Seoul and Yangyang International Airport on the east coast. Seasonal festivals, food markets and resort towns give the province a year-round event calendar.

For travellers, Gangwon combines mountain trails, ski slopes and coastal towns with practical business venues and easy regional transport. It offers a distinctive mix of outdoor recreation, local food culture and Olympic legacy that suits both leisure trips and corporate travel.