Things to do in  Gangwon

This half-moon-shaped island, situated southwest of Chuncheon, served as a filming location for the popular Korean TV drama Winter Sonata. Namiseom (Nami) offers a peaceful escape from the bustle of Seoul with facilities for bike riding, ziplining, camping, and boating. The island’s redwoods, ginkgos, and pines offer a habitat for roaming deer and waterfowl.

The Gangchon Rail Park gives visitors the opportunity to cycle along a disused, double-tracked railway line to view the scenery along Nami Island, an easy day trip from South Korea’s capital of Seoul. The cycle is not strenuous, and the route features themed tunnels, rest stops, and a ride on a vintage-style train at the end.

With its magnificent, towering hilltops and more than 2,000 species of animals, Seoraksan National Park is a UNESCO Biosphere Protection site and ranks among the most beautiful parks on the Korean Peninsula. Well-marked trails lead past Buddhist temples as they wind through the picturesque landscape.

Sinheungsa Temple, the oldest Zen temple in South Korea, was built by a traveling Shilla monk by the name of Jajang Yulsa in AD 652 and has been destroyed by fire and rebuilt many times since. The current structure dates back to 1648. Located in Seoraksan National Park, the temple features a 3-level pagoda and two Buddha statues.

Wonju Hanji Theme Park is a captivating destination in Wonju, South Korea, dedicated to the art and craft of hanji, traditional Korean paper. This cultural gem immerses visitors in the rich heritage of hanji paper-making, providing hands-on experiences showcasing Korea’s time-honored craftsmanship—in a family-friendly environment.

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market buzzes with energy. It's where locals come to haggle over daily catches while tourists savor local delights such as crispy dak gangjeong sweet and sour chicken, chewy susu-bukkumi rice cakes, and savory seafood tempura. Renowned for its seafood, this market is a foodie's haven in Sokcho, a taste of authentic Korean flavors at every turn.

A popular winter destination for skiing and snowboarding, South Korea’s Daemyung Resort Vivaldi Park Ski World is nestled in picturesque surroundings, not far from Seoul. The resort’s dining options are also a draw, along with the Snowy Land sledding theme park.

Formerly Jungang Market, Sokcho Central Market is the ultimate representation of the city’s vibrant cultural scene. In this huge commercial space, stalls are piled high with everything from clothing to clams. Here you can sample hot and cold street food, raw fish, seafood, Korean fried chicken, and traditional blood sausage.

Nestled within the mountains of the Seoraksan National Park, Gwongeumseong Fortress is the ruins of a natural stone castle from the Goryeo dynasty. You won’t find much of the former fortress remaining here, but visitors tend to come for the views alone—from its elevated position 2,624 feet (800 meters) above sea level, you can enjoy stunning vistas of the UNESCO-listed Biosphere Reserve below.

Towering over the UNESCO-listed landscapes of Seoraksan National Park, Ulsanbawi Rock is a jagged granite peak that offers panoramic views from its perch 266 meters (873 meters) above sea level. The 2-hour hike to the top might be strenuous, but it’s worth it for vistas of otherworldly rock formations, ancient temples, and thick forests.

Home to 24 themed gardens, the Jade Garden Arboretum in Chuncheon is an outdoor attraction inspired by European horticulture and architecture. More than 3,000 plant species range from maple trees to blueberry bushes and rhododendrons, and highlights include the English Border Garden and the Italian Wedding Garden.

Perched atop a hill in the coastal city of Gangneung, Haslla Art World combines a sprawling sculpture garden with a contemporary gallery holding more than 200 artworks. The pieces are colorful and quirky, and on a clear day, you can take in panoramic views of the East Sea from the museum’s elevated site.