Nestled in the Taebaek Mountains of eastern South Korea, Pyeongchang is most famous for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics. And while skiing and snowboarding remain the area’s top draws, there’s more to Pyeongchang than just winter sports. It’s home to the largest natural forest in South Korea, plus herb, flower, and sheep farms; ranches; historic temples; hiking trails; and water parks, so there’s no shortage of things to do in Pyeongchang year-round.
The best time to visit Pyeongchang depends on what you want to do. For snow sports, visit between November and March. Spring is a great time to see flowers in bloom and Peyongchang’s cooler temperatures offer respite from the summer heat elsewhere, plus activities such as golf, hiking, and rafting. Fall sees the Odaesan Mountain Culture Festival and colorful foliage, especially in Odaesan National Park. Visit in September for the Hyoseok Cultural Festival and in winter for the Pyeongchang Trout Festival.
Public transport in Pyeongchang county is limited to a few intercity bus lines. A rental car would be the most convenient way to get around if you want to visit multiple places. Taxis are another option for getting around. Some hotels and ski resorts in the area offer shuttle buses from Pyeongchang Station and Seoul. There are also winter ski shuttles from Seoul to the Pyeongchang ski resorts.
Unlike many ski areas, all three major ski resorts in Pyeongchang (Alpensia, Phoenix, and YongPyong) offer night skiing—Yongpyong lets you hit the slopes until nearly midnight. This means that skiers and snowboarders can maximize their time on the slopes or even enjoy some runs after arriving late on the first day. Afterward, unwind and soak tired muscles at a jjimjilbang (traditional Korean bathhouse).
