- Pyeongchang-gun maintains an average elevation of 700 meters above sea level, a height marketed locally as the 'Happy 700' zone for its purported health benefits to the human body.
- The region experiences some of the heaviest snowfall in South Korea, leading to the development of extensive winter sports infrastructure.
- Despite hosting major international sporting events, Pyeongchang remains a sparsely populated administrative district primarily focused on agriculture and mountain forestry.
- The county was the first in South Korea to develop a massive wind power complex, utilizing its consistent mountain ridge winds.
About Pyeongchang-gun
Pyeongchang-gun is a high-altitude county in the Taebaek Mountains of South Korea, recognized globally for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics. Its geography is defined by rugged alpine terrain and deep forests, centered around the significant religious and natural heritage of Odaesan National Park. Visitors can explore the historic Woljeongsa Temple & Fir Tree Forest or traverse the scenic Odaesan National Park Jingogae Walking Trail Starting Point to experience the region's biodiversity. The area serves as a primary hub for mountain-based tourism and traditional Buddhist culture in the Gangwon province.
Highlights of Pyeongchang-gun
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Temples
Walk through an ancient, towering fir tree forest leading directly to one of Korea's most significant Buddhist temples.
Historical places
Observe a rare octagonal, nine-story stone pagoda that has survived centuries of regional shifts.
Parks
Access high-altitude alpine trails known for some of the most vibrant fall foliage in the country.
Historical places
View a historic wooden seated Bodhisattva statue housed within the mountain temple complex.
Historical places
Visit the site where the Joseon Dynasty stored royal archives within the secure mountain environment.
Parks
Explore the expansive mountainous district known for preserving diverse ecological habitats.
Venues
Participate in local traditional ice fishing events held during the peak winter season on frozen river waters.
Top things to do in Pyeongchang-gun
The 95 highest-rated places in Pyeongchang-gun, ranked by travellers.
1
Places of interest
The Balwangsan Skywalk is a circular glass-floored observation deck located at an elevation of 1,458 meters above sea le...
2
Temples
Woljeongsa is a major Buddhist temple complex founded in 643 AD during the Silla Dynasty, located within the boundaries...
3
Temples
Sangwonsa is a historic Buddhist temple located deep within the Odaesan National Park, distinguished by its preservation...
4
Parks
Ocean 700 is an indoor water park facility located in the Pyeongchang-gun area of Gangwon-do. The facility features a va...
5
Natural attractions
Alpensia Ski Resort is a year-round destination located in the Taebaek Mountains of South Korea, reaching an elevation o...
6
Parks
Woljeongsa District is a primary gateway to Odaesan National Park, centered around the historic Woljeongsa Temple founde...
7
Parks
Phoenix Pyeongchang Blue Canyon is a Mediterranean-themed water park located within the Phoenix Pyeongchang resort compl...
8
Parks
YongPyong Water Park, branded as Peak Island, is an alpine-themed water complex located within the Yongpyong Resort in P...
9
Natural attractions
Nochusan Mojungtap-gil is a hiking trail distinguished by 3,000 stone towers built by a single woman, Cha Sun-ok, over 2...
10
Places of interest
Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest is a private forest spanning approximately 40,000 square meters, exclusively planted with over 2...
11
Venues
The Pyeongchang Ice Fishing Festival, also known as the Odaecheon Stream Ice Fishing Festival, takes place on the frozen...
12
Museums
The Daegwallyeong Ski Museum serves as the premier repository for the history of South Korean winter sports, specificall...
13
Historical places
Jungdae Jeokmyeolbogung is one of five sacred sites in Korea established by the monk Jajang-yulsa to enshrine the relics...
14
Places of interest
Heungjeong Valley is a scenic 5-kilometer mountain stream located in Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, know...
15
Museums
The Lee Seung-bok Memorial Museum is dedicated to the memory of Lee Seung-bok, a child who became a prominent symbolic f...
16
Parks
The Jingogae Walking Trailhead serves as a high-altitude entry point into Odaesan National Park, situated at an elevatio...
17
Museums
Woljeongsa Museum serves as the primary repository for cultural assets associated with Woljeongsa Temple, one of the old...
18
Venues
19
Parks
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Parks
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Venues
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Venues
23
Historical places
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Temples
25
Historical places
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Parks
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Temples
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Places of interest
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Places of interest
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Places of interest
Around Pyeongchang-gun
Worth the short trip out of the city.
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Pyeongchang-gun on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Pyeongchang-gun
Winter (December to February) for skiing and snow-related festivals, or Autumn (October) for the vibrant fall foliage in the national park.
2-3 days to explore both the cultural temple sites and the natural trails of the Odaesan area.
A rental car is highly recommended due to the mountainous terrain and dispersed nature of the tourist sites, as public bus service can be infrequent.
Visitors typically stay near the Daegwallyeong area for proximity to resorts or within the vicinity of Woljeongsa for a more serene, nature-focused experience.
Mid-range; while nature attractions are low-cost, the specialized winter resorts can command premium pricing.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 95 curated attractions in and around Pyeongchang-gun, ranked by traveller ratings.
Balwangsan Skywalk is the highest-rated place to visit in Pyeongchang-gun right now.
The largest category is places of interest, with 42 places to explore.
Travellers also explore Bucheon, Busan, Seongnam.
Explore more of South Korea
Other cities ranked by number of curated places.
