Gangwon-do's landscape is dominated by the Taebaek Mountains (Taebaek Sanmaek) which almost reach the sea. The towering, 1,000-meter high Taebaek Mountain Range runs north to south, dividing the province of Gangwon-do in half. To the east is the region of Yeongdong and to the west is the region of Yeongseo. Known as The Alps of Asia, Mount Seoraksan is Korea's most popular National Park, an area of breathtaking national beauty that boasts dense forests, granite peaks, spectacular waterfalls and sparkling streams. The Daechongbong Peak of Seoraksan reaches a dizzying 5,603 feet. Take a cable car ride for a spectacular rider overlooking the giant Bronze Buddha of Sinheungsa, a cluster of Buddhist temples and beyond out to sea over Sokcho. Mt. Seoraksan is also home to numerous hot water springs with great spa and resort facilities.
In addition to the Mt. Seoraksan National Park, the Mt. Odaesan National Park and Mt. Chiaksan National Park, are also renowned as habitats for rare plants and animals and several natural treasures.
Gangwon-do experiences four distinct seasons. Winters, from December to February, are cold with spectacular snowscapes in the mountains. Spring, from March to May, heralded by the arrival of pink blossom, is generally mild and pleasant. Summer combined with the monsoons, from June to August, is hot and humid. Beautiful autumn, from September to November, is typified by clear blue skies and crimson red leaves.
The beauty of the various seasons plays a remarkable role on the abundant natural environment of Gangwon-do. Winter in Korea starts with the first snowfall in Gangwon- do in November and ends with the final snow in March. When the first snow flakes cover the magnificent mountains of Gangwon-do, skiers of all ages eagerly wax their skis and flock to Gangwon-do. The long, cold winter with abundant snow, provides the perfect setting to enjoy every variety of winter sports.
The very best ski resorts are found in Gangwon-do. Each of the five ski resorts of Yongpyeong Resort, Phoenix Park, Hyundai Seongwoo Resort, Vivaldi Park and Alps Resort offer unique attractions that lure winter sports enthusiasts. These ski resorts are equipped with internationally certified facilities, comfortable and relaxing accommodations with fun-filled facilities and happening winter festivals.
The mountains of Seorak and Chiaksan are must sees for visitors and the region boasts some of the country's finest beaches and cleanest coastlines. One of Gangwon-do's most famous and largest beaches is Gyeongpo in Gangneung, 240 kilometers from Seoul. This beach is unusual in that it sits right next to a lake. Legend has it that one can see the moon five times from Gyeongpo, in the sky, in the sea, in the lake, in the drinking glass, and in the eyes of a lover! The white sands stretch 1.8 kilometers and fall back onto abundant pine forest. Seafood restaurants serving fresh sashimi and soju, line the shore.
Chuncheon, the provincial capital, is the famed as the city of romance and culture. With its scenic lakes and fun-filled festivals, Chuncheon is rated by Koreans as the finest city to live in. The Gongjicheon lake area is a favourite resort spot for the people of Chuncheon. It is said that spring arrives in Chuncheon when the ice of Gongjicheon melts and boat lover come out to enjoy boating. The Chuncheon Myeongdong Street with its splendid stores is a great place to spend time shopping for trendy clothes. Soak up the amazing ambience in blossoming cities like Gangneung, Sokcho, Wonju, and Donghae where gracious locals go out of their way to welcome and inspire. Come to Gangwon-do where, to quote a famous Korean proverb, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step!"
