Despite being located in the Korean Demilitarised Zone (DMZ), where the border of South and North Korea lies, Gangwon, situated in the northeastern part of the country, is abundant with everything travellers might need for a memorable and enriching trip.
The province is especially renowned for its natural beauty, including Seoraksan National Park (the first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in South Korea), Odaesan National Park, and the Taebaeksan Mountain Range. But during my trip to this special region with AirAsia, I found that Gangwon has much more to offer, catering to history enthusiasts, culture aficionados, adventure seekers, and, with a special mention – KPop lovers!
Getting to Gangwon from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
AirAsia flies to Seoul (12 times weekly) and Busan (three times weekly) in November and December. From both locations, take a four-hour train ride to Gangwon or bus. Book your flight with AirAsia now.
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SAMCHEOK
Maengbang Beach
Dear BTS Army (the name for BTS’ fandom), get ready to dive into the awesomeness of this beach, tailor-made just for you! Travellers can sense that the sun, the sand, and the vibes are straight from BTS’s chart-topping Butter album jacket photoshoot! Well, this is the exact spot where the magic happened.
To add to the excitement, travellers can find brightly-coloured chairs and umbrellas dotting the shoreline, giving off major Butter album vibes. And that’s not all – a volleyball net standing tall, a referee’s chair holding court, and balls bouncing around will definitely ring a bell to certain iconic poses by the biggest boyband in the world.
With white and sandy shore, the beach is also perfect for swimming or soaking up those golden rays because, let’s be real, BTS would want you to shine as bright as the sun too!
DONGHAE
Mureung Byeolyucheonji
Located at the East Sea Coast of Gangwon, this attraction that sits on top of an old Mureung third zone limestone mine is a culture complex that offers various experiences. With an emerald-hued lake and surrounding cliffs, travellers can enjoy the activities while appreciating the views. For adrenaline junkies, some of the thrilling sports available here are Sky Glider, Alpine Coaster and Rollercoaster-type Zip Line. Since this place sprawls in size, free shuttle service is provided, which stops near to almost each attraction. If time permits, be sure to enjoy the greyish signature cement ice cream topped with toasted marshmallows at Mukho Cafe.
Donghae Boyang Hot-Spring Convention Hotel
This hotel is considered as a premium wellness hotel that defines Donghae in style. It has ocean-view rooms that are well-equipped with the necessary in-room amenities. The facilities are top-notch, including seawater hot springs and an indoor seawater pool. The spa is worth-mentioning too as its facility includes an open bath with sauna rooms and therapy bade pools, designated as South Korea’s fourth National Health Hot Spring. And if that’s not enough, there is a long list of wellness programmes that are basically your one-way ticket to cloud nine.
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I took the chance to experience two of them, which were meditation by the sea (waves included), and a foam roller session that is basically a magic carpet ride for my muscles. The Mangsang Beach is reachable by foot via the suspension bridge right in front of the hotel’s main entrance, an extra point to make travellers’ stay at this wellness oasis a journey of pure bliss.
GANGNEUNG
Ojukheon
If you were here, it is recommended that you bring along banknotes worth KRW5,000 and KRW50,000 because the illustrations on these banknotes are connected to this historical location.
This complex contains one of the remaining wooden houses from the Joseon Dynasty era that now stands as one of the oldest in Korea. Since it is surrounded by a bamboo jungle that is so lush, earning it the moniker ‘Ojukheon’ (the house of black bamboo).
Ojukheon is the birthplace of Shin Saimdang (1504 – 1551), one of the most influential women in Korean history, and her son, Yi I (1536 – 1584), a well-known Confucian scholar during the Joseon Dynasty. Remember the banknotes brought earlier? Travellers can see the faces of this mother and son on the 50,000 won and 5,000 won banknotes respectively!
While diving into the life stories of this dynamic duo, travellers can rent and don traditional attires for the ultimate throwback-in-time vibes.
Gangneung Jungang Market
This bustling, vibrant market is a foodie’s dream, the place to savour delicacies like tteokbokki (spicy rice cake), hotteok (Korean sweet pancake), kimchi mandu (kimchi dumpling), dakgangjeong (crispy Korean fried chicken). It was once a local hotspot, but nowadays it draws folks from around the globe. They are not just here for the street food extravaganza; they also want a slice of local life or a chill chit chat with the super-friendly sellers. This market is not just about food – it’s an immersive experience!
Anmok Beach Cafe Street
Especially for coffee lovers, there are over 30 stylish cafes lining up along the 500-metre stretch of Anmok Beach. From self-brewed coffees and tantalising teas, to ice creams offering scoops of happiness and titillating desserts, Anmok Beach is the hotspot of good vibes where travellers can sip on delicious beverage, soak in the wave-laden breeze, and let the views work their magic.
Donghae Mureung Festival
This festival is the largest in Donghae City. Over four days, travellers can participate in numerous activities, including crafting, tasting various local food, and enjoying a variety of performances, including those by famous entertainers in the nation. The festival has been held since 1984 and has become one of the main events in Donghae every year.
Jumunjin Beach
For BTS Army, they certainly should not miss Jumunjin Beach. Why? Because this is where they find the BTS Bus Stop that is straight out of the group’s mega-hit album ‘You Never Walk Alone’! This bus stop is so famous it undoubtedly and understandably overshadowed the beach itself. The extraordinary popularity of the group ensures a long queue, all eagerly waiting for their turn to snap a pic at this bus stop. This beautiful beach also happens to be the filming location for several scenes in the group’s music video ‘Spring Day.’
JEONGSEON
High 1 Resort
This resort is listed among the top three major ski resorts in Korea. Nevertheless, the resort also offers a variety of unforgettable experiences in each season. In addition to several luxurious hotels and condominiums, there are a vast water theme park and a golf course. For travellers feeling zen, they should visit Unamjeong, one of the restaurants where they can participate in traditional tea ceremony classes.
2023 Gangwon Forestry Exhibition
Themed ‘Seeking the Future of the World and Mankind in the Forest,’ this international exhibition took place from 22 September 2023 to 22 October 2023. The primary location for this event was the Gangwon World Jamboree Centre. The exhibition showcases various engaging activities related to the history, culture, lifestyle, and ecology of the forests in Gangwon, covering 81% of the total area. Among these are exhibitions, academic lectures, interactive activities, concerts, and more. There are five exhibition halls with the names Green Earth Hall, Peace & Forest Hall, Cultural Heritage Hall, Healing Hall, and Forestry Industry Hall.
Jeongseon Arirang
Arirang, a traditional Korean folk song with a rich legacy passed down through generations, stands as a cultural emblem of Korea, embodying the emotions and psyche of its people since 600 years ago. In Jeongseon, where the song is believed to have originated, there is a whole museum dedicated to it, completed in 2016. Whether exploring it with a guided tour or alone, travellers can learn this cool folk song’s awesome history and relish it. It is worth mentioning that in 2012, Arirang gained recognition as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
CHUNCHEON
LEGOLAND Korea Resort
This is the world’s 10th Legoland attraction, including the first and only Legoland on an island. With an area of 280,000 metres squared, the resort is the largest Legoland theme park in Asia, the second in the world after Legoland New York. The park has as many as 40 rides and attractions, but if time were of concern, some must-experience recommendations are The Dragon roller coaster at LEGO Castle (a must-ride for thrill-seekers), LEGO Ninjago The Ride at LEGO Ninjago World (a ninja-approved adventure), and Wave Racers at LEGO City. Beyond the smorgasbord of restaurants, travellers should visit the LEGO Store to purchase exclusive LEGO sets and merchandise because, let’s face it, a trip to Legoland is not complete without bringing back some epic souvenirs!
Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car
This cable car takes the crown as the lengthiest cable car route in the country, stretching the grand total of 3.61 kilometres. Linking Samak Mountain from Samcheongdong to Lake Uiam, this cable car journey treats riders to breathtaking vistas of the nearby hilly mountains and the serene lake. Once arrived at the upper platform, travellers would first come across a cafe offering good coffee and spectacular views before visiting the iconic observation deck. Here, travellers can also indulge in a delicious blueberry ice cream, priced at KRW5,000.
Mulle-gil Canoe
Just a stone’s throw away from the Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car, this is one water activity that is perfect if you were planning to soak in the serene natural scenery. Paddling around the lake takes approximately 40 to 50 minutes and is best enjoyed with multiple friends.
Gaya Travel Magazine team extends its heartfelt gratitude to AirAsia and Gangwon Tourism Organization for making the writer’s trip to South Korea smooth-sailing and eye-opening.
Images by: Hasif Hamsyari
Filed in: AirAsia / Gangwon / South Korea
