Writer: Priya Pailkar (Dombivli, Maharashtra, India)
Editor: Divya Sonawane (Pune, Maharashtra, India)
Pyeongchang, located in the Taebaek Mountains of South Korea’s Gangwon-do Province, is known as the birthplace of Korean skiing and is often called the “Alps of Korea.” It’s a go-to destination for winter sports and famously hosted the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games. It takes approximately 1.5 hours to travel from Seoul to Pyeongchang, and the KTX bullet train is the most efficient way to reach the destination.
As we know, Pyeongchang is known for being the perfect spot for winter sports, there are many other places to explore. Like the Odaesan National Park, the Taebaek Mountains are also home to several Buddhist temples and 7 themed gardens of Herbnara Farm. Additionally, the area features the Trout Festival at Jingbu-myeon, Jeonggangwon (Korean Traditional Food Culture Center), and Bongpyeong Traditional Market. Let’s dive in to explore the 5 places you must-visit in Pyeongchang.
Odaesan National Park
Odaesan Mountain is located in the central and eastern part of Gangwon. It became South Korea’s 11th national park in February 1975. The name Odaesan means “Five Plains Mountain,” because it has five main peaks: Birobong, Horyeongbong, Sangwangbong, Dongdaesan, and Durobong. The highest peak, Birobong, is 1,563 meters tall. Odaesan Mountain has the largest natural forest in Korea, and is home to many wild animals and plants, with lush forests and gentle slopes.
The mountain is divided into smaller sections like the Odaesan Section, Bangadari Bridge Section, Byeongnae-ri Section, Hwangbyeongsan Mountain Section, Hongcheon-myeon Section, and Sogeumhang River Section. Two famous temples—Sangwonsa Temple and Woljeongsa Temple—are also located here. One can visit this place in any season: it’s white with snow in winter, pink in spring, green in summer, and golden in autumn.
Woljeongsa Temple & Fir Tree Forest
Woljeongsa Temple is located in a forested valley on the eastern side of Odaesan Mountain. It was founded between 590–658 during the Silla Kingdom by Monk Ja Jang. The temple grounds include the Woljeongsa Museum, which displays artifacts and Buddhist treasures from the Goryeo Dynasty (918–1392). It features a nine-story octagonal stone pagoda and a stone seated Bodhisattva. The path to the temple passes through a forest of 500-year-old fir trees. Woljeongsa temple manages over 60 temples and 8 monasteries in the region. The scenery is stunning in both winter and fall.
The Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda at Woljeongsa represents Goryeo-era architecture, similar to the ten-story pagoda from Gyeongcheonsa Temple in Gaeseong. It stands on a two-story octagonal base, with a Buddhist statue on the 1st story. It features elegant proportions and carving techniques. The simply-trimmed roof stones lack stepped cornices. In front, a stone Bodhisattva offers a Buddhist ritual. The base includes lotus patterns and pillar carvings on the 2nd–story base. A bronze bell hangs from the roof’s edge. The bronze bell hangs at the end of the eaves.
Balwangsan Skywalk
Balwangsan Mountain in Gangwon-do is the 12th-highest mountain in Korea, standing at 1,485 meters above sea level. You can easily reach the top by taking Korea’s longest cable car (7.4 km), which leads to the Gi Skywalk at Yongpyong Resort. The mountain view stretches like a sea beneath the blue sky, with a cool breeze adding to the experience. The cable car offers a 20-minute scenic ride each way, allowing you to enjoy breathtaking views.
Enjoy a 360° view of Yongpyong Resort in every season—colorful flowers in spring, lush greenery in summer, red and yellow leaves in autumn, and white snow blossoms in winter. Don’t miss the Gi Skywalk along the forest trail, and be sure to enjoy a refreshing sip of natural spring water at the Balwangsan rest area.
Sangwonsa Temple
This temple is located 8 kilometers north of Woljeongsa Temple. It was built by the Buddhist monk Ja Jang in the 12th year of Queen Seondeok’s reign during the Silla Dynasty, and it was rebuilt in 705, during the 4th year of King Seongdeok’s reign. The temple was burned down in 1946 and restored in 1947.
The temple houses a national treasure—the Bronze Bell of Sangwonsa—which is the oldest bronze bell in the nation. It was cast in the 24th year of King Seongdeok’s reign. The bell stands 1.67 meters tall, with a diameter of 91 centimeters, and produces a beautifully clear ring. The temple also preserves a Statue of the Child Manjusri, as well as a tablet written by King Sejo, commemorating the rebuilding of Sangwonsa Temple.
Yongpyong Ski Resort
Situated in the center of Korea’s Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, Yongpyong Resort receives an average of 250 centimeters of snowfall per season, making it an excellent destination for skiing. The resort spans a massive 17-million-square-meter complex and includes a 45-hole golf course, gondolas, a swimming pool, and other facilities.
This all-season recreational complex allows visitors to relax and escape their hectic daily lives. It features various ski slopes, including the popular Rainbow Slopes. The resort’s Dragon Plaza offers a variety of services for skiers and snowboarders. Yongpyong Resort has hosted numerous international competitions, including World Cup Ski events and the Asian Winter Games.
Pyeongchang, in northeastern South Korea, is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor adventures—ski resorts, Odaesan National Park, and Taebaek Mountain trails. Enjoy traditional Korean food, stay in a Hanok, and visit top spots like Balwangsan Skywalk and Eco Green Campus.
What’s on your Pyeongchang bucket list? Tell us in the comments!
Wanna visit all these beautiful places😍
Such a well-written article! I had no idea Pyeongchang was called the ‘Alps of Korea.’ Definitely adding it to my travel bucket list.
Such a beautiful place and well described in words.
Amazing article !! Adding it to my bucket list for sure 💗
A well articulated article! Especially Gi Skywalk at Yongpyong Resort caught my eye , such a serene destination.
Excited to explore the beauty.!!
Love to visit the Octagonal Nine-Story Stone Pagoda.🫶🫶🩷
Pyeongchang looks absolutely breathtaking! 😍 From the serene Woljeongsa Temple and 500-year-old fir trees to the thrilling Balwangsan Skywalk and Yongpyong Ski Resort, it seems like the perfect mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Definitely adding this to my travel bucket list
Pyeongchang’s beauty description is so fascinated like the place you can visit any season it doesn’t loose it’s beauty as white in winter, pink in spring, green in summer and red or yellow in autumn. I’m imagining how beautiful it’s looks and the best thing of the place is the two temples Sangwonsa and Woljeongsa which represents budhuistattva is so beautiful ❤️ and most best part is it’s just 1.5 hours far away from Seoul and we can easily go there with ktx bullet train thanks for giving so much information about this beautiful place.
The whole description of pyeongchang is absolutely amazing. This article has covered all info of pyeongchang from ski resort to enjoy beautiful 360° degree view from yongpyong resort,sangwonsa temple. And best part is that we don’t have to travel long way just have to use KTX . Definitely going to add in my go to list.
This list makes me want to plan a Pyeongchang trip right away! Woljeongsa Temple in the forest of ancient firs sounds so peaceful, especially in autumn or winter. Riding the cable car up to Balwangsan and walking the skywalk seems like a must. And a trip to Yongpyong Resort would be perfect — relaxing or adventurous, depending on the season.
These are so beautiful omg. Specially the Balwangsan Skywalk took my breath away. One must visit this place once in their life. I would love to experience my first snow at Yongpyong Ski resort.
This guide makes Pyeongchang sound like a dream getaway — from snow-touched mountains and serene Buddhist temples in Odaesan National Park to the vibrant markets and scenic cable-car rides at Balwangsan Skywalk. The mix of nature, history, and adventure makes it feel like a perfect escape from city life. Definitely bookmarking this if I ever travel to Korea!
Pyeongchang has so many interesting places to explore, and the Balwangsan Skywalk honestly attracted me the most ,the views look amazing. Woljeongsa Temple also seems calm and meaningful, adding a nice touch of history to the area.
Pyeongchang honestly looks like a dream for anyone who loves nature and slow, peaceful travel. Odaesan’s seasonal colors and the fir tree forest feel straight out of a movie. And that cable car ride to Balwangsan? I’d definitely put that first on my list. This place truly seems like a perfect mix of calm, culture, and adventure.
The Three Kingdoms period is truly one of the most fascinating chapters in Korean history! The rise and fall of Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla—and how their cultures shaped Korea and even influenced Japan—is incredible. It’s amazing how diplomacy, warfare, and cultural exchange all shaped the peninsula’s identity.
What a fantastic breakdown of Pyeongchang’s must-visit spots! The details about Odaesan’s seasonal beauty, the 500-year-old fir tree forest, and the Balwangsan cable car ride were so captivating. This feels like a perfect itinerary for anyone planning a trip. Loved reading it! 🌄💛
Pyeongchang looks absolutely magical! 🏔️✨ The mix of adrenaline at Yongpyong Ski Resort and the serenity of the fir tree forest at Woljeongsa Temple is my kind of perfect trip. And that view from the Balwangsan Skywalk? Breathtaking! Definitely adding the ‘Alps of Korea’ to my travel bucket list.
Pyeongchang seems to have beautiful culture and exceptional scenic views. If I ever went to Korea. Would definitely want to go to this place 😌
Honestly, I’m just here for the Skywalk views and the calm energy at Woljeongsa Temple. Pyeongchang has so many gems!
“What a fantastic overview of Gangwon-do’s gems! I didn’t realize Pyeongchang had such a deep history with the Silla Kingdom through the Sangwonsa and Woljeongsa temples. The contrast between the high-tech 2018 Olympic legacy and these ancient spiritual sites is so interesting. Definitely bookmarking this for my future trip to Korea. Great work to the writer and editor!”