A small town in the Taebaek Mountains, Pyeongchang offers beautiful nature, hiking and winter sports. Explore the town’s historical temples and monuments and try the local specialty, Pyeongchang beef, in traditional restaurants.
Things to do in Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang is famous for its winter sports, and the facilities have been given a serious upgrade thanks to the 2018 Winter Olympics. The Alpensia and Yongpyong resorts have dozens of skiing and snowboarding runs, as well as ski jumps that cater to all skill levels. On clear days, you can see as far as the Sea of Japan from the mountaintop.
If you’re visiting in warmer weather, take a walk along the riverbank or visit the nearby Chiaksan National Park. The park has numerous waterfalls, azaleas in spring and vibrant foliage in autumn, along with stunning views from the tops of the peaks year-round. Don’t miss Guryongsa Temple, an 18th-century temple that houses several important Buddhist artifacts.
Getting around Pyeongchang
There is a direct train between Seoul and Wonju, along with an intercity bus that connects Wonju to Pyeongchang and other towns in the area. Buses also go from Pyeongchang to the winter resorts and national park.