Gangwon Province, Special self-governing province in northeastern South Korea.
Gangwon is a special self-governing province in northeastern South Korea, stretching along the coast and deep inland to the forested Taebaek mountain range. These mountains split the province into a narrow coastal strip with sandy beaches and a mountainous western section with valleys and plateaus.
The province lost its northern section in 1945 during the division of Korea, which now belongs to North Korea and cuts off access to some historical sites. Over the following decades, the southern part developed into a retreat for Seoul and a center for winter sports, reaching a peak with the 2018 Olympics.
Many place names in the area retain old references to mountain passes, valleys and rivers that people have traveled for centuries. Visitors often notice small shrines and stone towers along coastal roads and mountain villages, stacked by travelers as signs of hope and safe passage.
The province is easiest to reach from Seoul by train or bus, with travel times ranging from two to four hours depending on the destination. Those visiting the mountains should dress in layers, as temperatures drop quickly with altitude, while the coast remains milder in summer.
Two of South Korea's largest rivers begin in the mountains of this province and flow in opposite directions: one west toward the capital, the other south. The area is also known for its potato fields, which thrive on the cool plateaus and provide much of the country's harvest.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
