The ULTIMATE Guide to Gangwon: How to get there, Top attractions & what to do in Gangwon

Gangwon is known as a top tourist destination and is famous throughout the land of kimchi. This place is covered with majestic natural beauty combined with extremely attractive and interesting cultural activities. Now, let’s explore this worth visit place through our ULTIMATE Guide to Gangwon: How to get there, Top attractions & what to do in Gangwon below!

Gangwon is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Korea, famous for its majestic natural landscape, four distinct seasons and fresh air. This place is the perfect combination of mountains, sea and green forests, bringing a complete experience for tourists who love to explore and relax. Join Living Nomads to explore Gangwon in detail – the beautiful land of kimchi.

Gangwon is known as the “Venice” of Korea with the beautiful capital Chuncheon located right next to the Soyang River basin, often holding many unique cultural events and festivals. In addition, due to its special location near the demilitarized zone between South Korea and North Korea, coming to Chuncheon you will have the opportunity to join tours to visit the DMZ (demilitarized zone) and neighboring areas such as Cheorwon, Yanggu, Goseong and Sokcho, which will definitely bring a unique and interesting travel experience.

Gangwon travel guide: Where is Gangwon?

Gangwon Province is located in the Northeast of Korea, surrounded by the majestic Taebaek Mountain Range in the West and the blue East Sea in the East. With a terrain interwoven between mountains, forests and a long coastline, Gangwon possesses a rare and diverse natural beauty. Thanks to this special location, this place is considered the “green heart” of Korea. Therefore, Gangwon plays an important role in preserving the ecological environment and developing sustainable tourism.

Not only attractive for its nature, Gangwon also preserves its traditional culture with many folk festivals such as the Hwacheon Sancheoneo Ice Salmon Festival, Taebaeksan Snow Mountain Festival, Pyeongchang Salmon Festival, … with unique local cuisine and sincere, hospitable people. All blend together to create a land that is both peaceful and charming – a place that fully expresses the identity of Korea.

Although Gangwon is one of the smallest provinces in Korea, it always makes a strong impression with its unique natural beauty. Most of the province is mountainous, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities such as hiking, mountain biking, valley crossing or winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

What to prepare when going to Gangwon?

Before starting the journey to explore Gangwon, Vietnamese tourists need to prepare carefully to make the trip smoother and more complete. Below are important items and documents you should not ignore:

Passport: When entering Korea, you need to present your original passport with at least 6 months of validity and a blank page for stamping. If you have an old passport, you should also bring it to support the procedures more smoothly.

Korean Visa: Currently, Vietnamese tourists are only exempted from visas when traveling to Jeju Island. If you plan to travel to Gangwon, you need to prepare a Korean tourist visa application along with some basic documents as prescribed. For details on documents, procedures and how to fill out the application, you can refer to the article below to understand more clearly before submitting the application.

Specific itinerary: Gangwon has many famous attractions from mountains, forests to the sea. Therefore, planning in detail for each day will help you move easily, save time and fully enjoy the journey.

Personal items: Gangwon’s climate changes with the seasons, so you should prepare suitable clothes such as thermal shirts, windbreakers or waterproof jackets. In addition, don’t forget to bring a power outlet with a converter, skincare products, personal medicine, spare batteries, etc.

Airfare and hotel rooms: The cost in Gangwon can be higher than in other regions, so you can hunt for cheap airfare and use Klook discount codes to save on your travel budget.

Travel insurance: Korea has many different types of insurance such as health insurance, luggage insurance or flight delay insurance, etc. to help you feel more secure against unexpected risks during your trip.

Currency and payment: The currency of Korea is Won (KRW). You should exchange some cash for small expenses and bring an international credit card (VISA, Mastercard, JCB, etc.) for convenient payment at stores and hotels.

SIM Card or eSIM or Pocket WiFi for traveling to Korea: For easy communication and Internet use, you should buy a SIM or eSIM for traveling to Korea in advance and activate it as soon as you arrive at the airport.

Entry and Customs Declaration Form: Visitors must declare online at the Korea Electronic Arrival Card within 3 days before entering the country. If after declaring, you do not enter the country within 72 hours, the declaration will automatically expire and need to be re-made.

A little careful preparation will help your Gangwon trip become easier, safer and more memorable than ever.

How to get Gangwon from Seoul

Travel by train

KORAIL PASS – KTX Train Ticket

Traveling by KTX train when traveling to Korea will help you save time because the train runs very fast, but it also costs quite a lot. On average, each way will fluctuate between 500,000 VND – 550,000 VND / way. A train trip will last about 2 hours, you can depart from Seoul station and arrive at Cheongnyangni station.

Travel by bus

According to Living Nomads research, traveling by bus is also a good choice if you want to experience and are not afraid of traveling because there is no bus going directly from Seoul to Gangwon. Taking the bus can save you money but it takes a lot of time to travel if you want to visit some other cities in Gangwon province.

Rent a car

This will definitely be an extremely interesting experience if you have an international driver’s license and rent a car to travel. Renting a car is also much cheaper than a taxi, and you can freely move to any place you want.

Transportation in Gangwon

When traveling in Gangwon, you can rest assured about traveling thanks to the modern, diverse transportation system and convenient connections to major cities in Korea. Some suggested means of transportation when traveling in Gangwon are:

Train

Train is a fast and convenient means of transportation to Gangwon. Visitors can choose from many different types of trains such as KTX, SRT, Saemaeul, ITX-Cheongchun or Mugunghwa,…

Train cars are equipped with comfortable seats, free WiFi, charging sockets and multilingual guides, providing a convenient experience for visitors. Train tickets to Gangwon range from 27,000 KRW (~500,000 VND) depending on the route and time. This is a reasonable means of transport for the journey to explore the fresh and peaceful beauty of this land.

Bus

In Gangwon, buses are a convenient public transport that helps visitors easily move between areas and tourist attractions. The bus system in Gangwon can take you to famous tourist destinations such as Gangneung, Sokcho or Pyeongchang. Many bus routes in Gangwon have sparse operating frequencies, so you should look up before departure time.

Bus fares range from 1,300 – 3,000 KRW/trip (~23,000 VND – 56,000 VND), depending on the type of vehicle and distance. You can pay quickly with a T-Money card, which is more convenient and economical than paying in cash.

Taxi

In Gangwon, taxis are suitable for those who travel in groups, carry a lot of luggage or want to move quickly between tourist attractions. Taxis are available in most major cities such as Chuncheon or Gangneung and are all equipped with automatic meters. However, taxi fares are often higher than public transport, so you should consider before choosing.

Bicycle

Some areas in Gangwon, especially Chuncheon and Gangneung, have public bicycle rental services by private companies at reasonable prices. Cycling along the coast or in the city center offers a relaxing and close-to-nature experience, suitable for those who love green travel.

Car Rental

In Gangwon, self-driving car rental is an ideal choice for those who want to actively explore mountainous areas, the coast or destinations far from the center. Travelers can easily book a car through travel apps like Klook or at rental agencies in Gangneung, Sokcho or Chuncheon. This form offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to enjoy your journey in your own way.

Best time to travel to Gangwon

Autumn is the most ideal time to visit Gangwon, when the whole region is covered in the brilliant yellow and red colors of maple and ginkgo leaves. In 2025, due to the warm weather lasting until October, the red leaf season in Korea (including Gangwon) will come later than every year, starting from the end of October and peaking in early November.

Thanks to the rich mountainous terrain, especially the Seoraksan area, visitors will be able to admire the most brilliant natural scenery of the year. This is also the ideal time to combine mountain climbing, sightseeing and autumn photography activities.

In addition, thanks to the temperate climate, Gangwon is also an attractive destination all year round. Spring (March – May) is the ideal time to see cherry blossoms and explore ancient temples, summer (June – August) is suitable for vacation activities or swimming. Winter (December – February) attracts tourists with famous ski resorts and beautiful snow-covered scenery.

Where to go: Suggestions for famous tourist destinations when traveling to Gangwon

Gangwon not only attracts tourists by its majestic nature but also by countless destinations with the typical beauty of this province. Here are some famous places you should not miss when traveling to Gangwon:

Nami Island

• Location: 1 Namiseom, Namsan, Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea
• Opening hours: 08:00 – 21:00
• Ticket price: From only 148,200 VND/person

Nami Island is a symbolic destination of Gangwon province, located in the middle of the Bukhangang River and is famous for its romantic scenery that changes with the four seasons. This crescent-shaped island attracts visitors with its rows of golden ginkgo trees in autumn and pure white snow in winter. This is also the setting of the movie “Winter Sonata”, making Nami Island a favorite dating spot for couples.

Nami Island is an ideal destination for nature and art lovers, a paradise in the heart of majestic nature. Covered by green forests and clear blue water, Nami Island becomes a romantic destination and attracts the attention of international tourists thanks to its fresh, peaceful space.

When you set foot on this island, you will enjoy the exquisite sculptures and participate in the art exhibitions that take place all year round. In addition, you can also enjoy memorable moments when taking photos at the island’s famous suspension bridge or experience kayaking on the lake, admiring the peaceful and harmonious beauty of nature here.

Admire the majesty of Soyanggang Lake

Soyanggang Lake is one of the largest lakes in Korea, located in a prime location at the foot of Chiaksan Mountain. Thanks to the construction of the Soyanggang Dam on the Soyang River – a branch of the Han River, Soyanggang Lake was formed, so the lake always brings a majestic and peaceful water landscape.

Soyanggang Lake is a must-see destination on a Gangwon tour with many outdoor recreational activities such as kayaking or fishing. The vast and quiet space of Soyanggang Lake will bring you moments of relaxation and wonderful harmony with nature, helping you temporarily forget the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Naksansa Temple

• Address: 100 Naksansa, Ganghyeon, Yangyang, Gangwon, South Korea
• Opening hours: 06:00 – 17:30

Naksansa Temple is one of the oldest and most famous temples in Gangwon Province, located on the slopes of Naksan Mountain facing the East Sea in Yangyang City. The highlight of Naksansa is the 15-meter-high statue of Guanyin facing the sea, symbolizing compassion and peace. From the temple grounds, visitors can admire the brilliant sunrise or beautiful sunset, enjoying the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere typical of this sacred land.

Challenge to overcome Seoraksan Valley

Seoraksan Valley is located in the heart of Seoraksan National Park, honored by UNESCO as a world natural heritage. Known for its diverse natural landscape, this valley attracts visitors with its towering peaks and lush green forests.

If you want to challenge yourself, you can conquer Seoraksan Mountain with an altitude of up to 1,700m. For those who love outdoor activities, this place is also an ideal space for camping or picnicking. In addition, Biryong Waterfall with its clear water is also a destination not to be missed, this waterfall is not only famous for its poetic beauty but also has a deep sacred meaning for the Korean people. To fully enjoy the beauty of Seoraksan Valley, in addition to climbing the mountain, you can also experience the cable car to the top of the mountain.

Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion

• Address: 43 Yeonggeumjeong, Dongmyeong, Sokcho, Gangwon, South Korea
• Hours: 10:00 – 20:00

Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion is a famous sightseeing spot in Sokcho City, Gangwon Province, located on a rocky peninsula and connected to the mainland by a bridge about 50m long. From here, visitors can look out over the East Sea, enjoy the cool breeze and the sound of the waves. This place is especially beautiful at dawn and dusk, when the light reflects on the sea surface, creating a brilliant scene. At night, the bridge is lit up, creating a peaceful and romantic space.

Walk across the famous glass bridge Soyanggang Skywalk

Soyanggang Skywalk is one of the attractive and unique destinations in Gangwon that you should experience once in your life. The most special and outstanding feature of Soyanggang Skywalk is the transparent glass bridge that will definitely give you a unique and unforgettable experience when walking in the air.

From the location of Soyanggang Skywalk, you can enjoy the famous scenery of Chuncheon such as Soyang River, the majestic surrounding mountains and the unique Uiam Cable-Stayed Bridge. In addition, this area also has cafes and shopping stores for you to relax and buy souvenirs as a souvenir of your trip.

Anmok Beach

• Address: 286 Gyeonso, Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea

Anmok Beach is one of the famous destinations in Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, loved for its fine white sand and clear blue water. This place is not only ideal for swimming, walking or watching the sunrise, but is also famous for the “Anmok Coffee Road” – a place where a series of coastal cafes with beautiful views are gathered. With a peaceful and romantic setting, Anmok Beach is the perfect stop for those who want to fully enjoy the beauty of Gangwon’s sea.

Ojukheon

• Address: 24 Yulgok, Gangneung, Gangwon, South Korea
• Opening hours: 09:00 – 17:00
• Ticket price: About 100,000 VND

Ojukheon is a famous historical site in Gangneung, associated with scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother Shin Saimdang. This place is surrounded by lush green black bamboo groves, bringing an ancient and peaceful beauty. Visitors to Ojukheon can learn about Korean history and culture and admire traditional architecture that has been preserved for centuries.

What to do in Gangwon: Other top things to do in Gangwon

Below are famous entertainment venues when traveling to Gangwon that Living Nomads has compiled for you:

Gangchon Rail Park

• Address: 1383 Gimyujeong, Sindong, Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea
• Operating hours: 09:00 – 16:00

Gangchon Rail Park is a unique tourist destination in Gangwon, where visitors can cycle on old train tracks and admire the beautiful natural scenery along the Bukhangang River. This journey offers an exciting experience, combining sports, relaxation and exploration. This is the perfect choice for families and groups of friends when visiting Gangwon.

LEGOLAND Korea Resort

• Address: 128 Hajungdo, Chuncheon, Gangwon, South Korea
• Ticket price: 1,022,461 VND
• Operating hours: 10:00 – 18:00

Legoland Korea Resort is a tourist destination and a new amusement park that opened in 2022, part of the globally famous Legoland amusement park chain. The resort is diversely designed with many areas and many attractive themes such as Miniland, Lego City, Lego Castle and Lego Ninjago World, giving visitors a unique experience.

At Legoland Korea Resort, you can participate in a variety of entertainment activities such as roller coasters, water parks or cable car tours. In addition, the resort also regularly organizes special events and street art performances to create a colorful and vibrant entertainment space, bringing unforgettable memories to all visitors.

LEGOLAND Korea Resort is the first Lego-themed amusement park in Korea and the second largest in the world, located in Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province. It is built on an island in the middle of Uiam Lake, offering a unique play space with more than 40 games, exhibition areas and giant Lego models. In addition to entertainment areas for families and children, LEGOLAND Korea also has a resort and restaurant, creating an ideal destination for a complete vacation.

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market

• Address: 16 Jungang, Sokcho, Gangwon, Korea
• Operating hours: 08:00 – 22:00

Sokcho Tourist and Fishery Market is the most famous traditional market in Sokcho city, Gangwon province. This place not only sells a variety of fresh seafood such as squid, crab, fish or octopus but also has countless attractive street foods such as fish cakes, fish cakes and Korean fried chicken. This is an ideal stop to explore the unique culinary culture of Gangwon.

Vivaldi Park

• Address: 262 Hanchigol, Hongcheon, Gangwon, Korea
• Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
• Ticket price: 1,296,900 VND

Vivaldi Park is a famous resort located in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province, known for its modern four-season entertainment and resort complex. In winter, this place attracts visitors with a large ski area and many diverse slopes for both beginners and professionals.

In summer, Vivaldi Park is bustling with Ocean World water park and many exciting outdoor activities. This is an ideal destination for families and groups of friends who want to combine relaxation, fun and experiencing nature in the same trip.

Some Gangwon Hotels Suitable for Your Trip

Gangwon hotels offer a wide range of options for visitors, from luxury hotels, coastal resorts to cozy homestays in the mountains. Visitors often tend to stay in Gangneung, Sokcho, Pyeongchang and Chuncheon – areas that are both convenient for traveling to other tourist destinations and have their own Gangwon characteristics. Here are two hotels that Living Nomads recommends for you:

Sol Beach Samcheok

• Address: 453 Surobuin, Samcheok, Gangwon, South Korea
• Room price per night from: 3,512,522 VND

Sol Beach Samcheok is one of the famous resorts in Gangwon, located on the beautiful Jeungsan coast of Samcheok city. The resort has a luxurious Mediterranean style, owns a beautiful sea view and is fully equipped with high-class facilities such as swimming pool, spa, restaurant and entertainment area. This is an ideal choice for those who want to enjoy a relaxing vacation by the sea in a peaceful space. (klook, agoda)

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort

• Address: 266 Jungang, Sokcho, Gangwon, Korea
• Room price per night from: 1,490,228 VND

Sokcho I Park Suite Hotel and Resort is an ideal stop for tourists when visiting Gangwon. It offers a modern resort space with spacious rooms, sea views and many amenities such as swimming pool, restaurant and cafe. This is the perfect choice to both relax and easily explore the natural beauty of the Gangwon region. (klook, agoda)

Check out more top and best hotels in Gangwon on Klook or Agoda.

Must-try dishes when traveling to Gangwon

Gangwon is not only famous for its majestic natural landscapes but also a culinary and shopping paradise. When you come here, don’t miss the opportunity to try specialties such as unique Ogolgye chicken, delicious Sundubu spicy tofu stew, firm steamed snow crab, attractive stuffed squid, famous spicy Dakgalbi chicken, …

In addition, you can also explore the flea markets and shopping centers, where a variety of souvenirs and local cuisine are sold. Gangwon will surely satisfy every visitor when experiencing shopping and enjoying rich cuisine.

Gangwon cuisine is famous for its rustic, rich flavors and fresh ingredients from the mountains to the sea. Below are the specialties that you must try when setting foot in this beautiful land.

Blood cockle mixed rice

This is a typical dish of the Gangneung coastal region, featuring the natural sweetness of fresh blood cockles combined with vegetables, eggs and mildly spicy chili sauce. This dish is often served with seaweed soup, very suitable for a nutritious lunch. Some restaurants serving blood cockle mixed rice in Gangwon: Umjine, Gomok Restaurant, The Booeok restaurant,…

Tofu Dishes

Gangwon is famous for its pure mountain water, which gives the tofu dishes here their characteristic rich and smooth taste. One of the most popular dishes is Sundubu-jjigae (spicy tofu soup), which is usually served hot with white rice. Some restaurants serving tofu dishes in Gangwon include: Gohyangjib, Daebok Soft Tofu Restaurant (대복순두부식당), Jeongmu Tofu (정무네 두부),…

Mixed Buckwheat noodles

Buckwheat noodles are a popular dish in Gangwon, with noodles made from buckwheat – a specialty grain of this mountainous region. The chewy noodles, combined with sweet and sour sauce and fresh vegetables, bring a refreshing and pleasant feeling. Some restaurants serving buckwheat noodles in Gangwon are: Geumgangsan Ongsimi Makguksu, Mune Makguksu (무네막국수), AhSeungSun Memil Makguksu,…

Spicy Chicken (Dak Galbi)

Originating from Chuncheon city, Dak Galbi is a symbolic dish of Gangwon that almost everyone wants to try. Chicken is marinated with Korean chili paste, stir-fried with cabbage, sweet potatoes and rice cakes in a large pan right at the table, creating an attractive aroma. The spicy, fatty and rich taste makes Dak Galbi the perfect dish to enjoy with friends on chilly days. Some restaurants serving Dak Galbi in Gangwon are: Chuncheon Yujeong Dakgalbi, Chuncheon Mijin Dakgalbi, Hyejeong Dakgalbi (혜정닭갈비),…

Gangwon promises to bring you a rich journey of discovery with special scenery and unforgettable experiences. With many famous tourist attractions and a rich culinary culture, Gangwon promises to be a destination that will not disappoint you. The above article is the most authentic experiences you can refer to and plan the most suitable schedule for yourself. What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and go!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in and from Seoul you can refer to

• Incheon International Airport (ICN) Limousine Bus Transfers for Seoul (Gangnam District)
• Seoul Yeouido Eland Han River Cruise
• Alpaca/ Nami/ RailBike/ Morning Calm/ LEGOLAND/ Painters/ Wild Show
• [SALE] Instant Ticket! Korea Rail Pass (KR PASS) 2/3/4/5 Days to travel around the cities in Korea
• [Limited Offer] AREX Incheon Airport Express Train One Way Ticket in Seoul
• Nami Island, Petite France, Garden of Morning Calm, and Gangchon Rail Bike Day Tour from Seoul
• Everland 1 Day Pass
• Lotte World Ticket in Seoul
• Discover Seoul Pass
• N Seoul Tower Ticket
• Lotte World Tower Seoul Sky Ticket
• Coex Aquarium Admission Ticket in Seoul
• DMZ(Demilitarized Zone) Tour
• 4G Prepaid SIM Card (SK Airports Pick Up) for South Korea
• [Sale] Hanbok Experience (Hanboknam Gyeongbokgung Store) with Korean Hairstyling
• [SALE] South Korea 4G Pocket WiFi (KR Airports Pick Up) from KT Olleh

Are you finding more top things to do in Seoul: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out here.