Pyeongchang is best known for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics and is a top destination for outdoor enthusiasts, especially those interested in winter sports. It’s located in Gangwon Province and offers stunning natural beauty throughout the year.

1. Top Tourist Attractions

1.1. Alpensia Resort

• Description: Alpensia Resort is a prime destination for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports. It also offers a water park, golf courses, and luxury accommodations for non-winter months.
• Highlights: Ski slopes, Olympic venues, and stunning mountain views.
• Entrance Fee: Ski passes range from ₩45,000 – ₩70,000 ($35 – $60), depending on time and season.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM (seasonal variations).
• How to Get There: From Seoul, take the KTX to Jinbu Station, then a 15-minute shuttle bus or taxi ride to the resort.

1.2. Yongpyong Resort

• Description: Yongpyong Resort, one of the largest ski and snowboard resorts in Korea, is known for its wide range of slopes, catering to both beginners and professionals.
• Highlights: 28 slopes, gondolas, and the Rainbow Paradise Slope (famous for its length and challenge).
• Entrance Fee: Ski passes range from ₩50,000 – ₩80,000 ($40 – $65), depending on the season.
• Opening Hours: 8:30 AM – 10:00 PM (seasonal variations).
• How to Get There: Take the KTX to Pyeongchang Station, then a 20-minute shuttle bus or taxi ride.

1.3. Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

• Description: This picturesque farm offers sweeping views of the highlands, with hundreds of sheep grazing in the fields. Visitors can feed the sheep, enjoy the walking paths, and take in the tranquil atmosphere.
• Highlights: Feeding sheep, hiking paths, and stunning views of the countryside.
• Entrance Fee: ₩6,000 for adults, ₩4,000 for children.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (extended hours in summer).
• How to Get There: Take a bus from Pyeongchang Station to Daegwallyeong (around 30 minutes).

1.4. Odaesan National Park

• Description: A beautiful national park perfect for hiking and nature lovers, featuring temples like Woljeongsa Temple, ancient forests, and serene mountain trails.
• Highlights: Woljeongsa Temple, Sogeumgang Valley, and forest hiking trails.
• Entrance Fee: Free; temple entry is ₩3,000 for adults.
• Opening Hours: 24 hours for the park; temple hours are 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM.
• How to Get There: Take a bus from Pyeongchang or Jinbu Station to Odaesan National Park.

1.5. Woljeongsa Temple

• Description: This temple, located in Odaesan National Park, is a significant cultural and spiritual site. It offers temple stay programs, allowing visitors to experience Buddhist traditions.
• Highlights: Nine-story stone pagoda, fir tree forest, and temple stay programs.
• Entrance Fee: ₩3,000 for adults, ₩1,000 for children.
• Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM.
• How to Get There: Take a bus from Jinbu Station to the park, followed by a 15-minute walk.

2. How to Get Around Pyeongchang

• Taxis: Taxis are the most convenient mode of transport, especially to get to remote areas like ski resorts or national parks. Fares start at ₩3,800 ($3).
• Buses: Public buses are available but infrequent, mainly serving larger towns and attractions.
• Rental Cars: Renting a car is highly recommended if you plan to explore more remote areas, as public transport can be limited.
• Resort Shuttles: Many ski resorts offer free or paid shuttle services from nearby train stations and bus terminals.

3. Popular Local Food

• Pyeongchang Hanu (Korean Beef): The region is famous for its high-quality Hanu beef, often grilled or served in stews.
• Buckwheat Dishes: Buckwheat is a staple in Pyeongchang. Try memil guksu (buckwheat noodles) and memil jeon (buckwheat pancakes).
• Osetra Caviar: Produced locally, this high-end delicacy is becoming popular in upscale restaurants.
• Wild Vegetable Bibimbap: This dish features a variety of mountain vegetables mixed with rice and a spicy sauce.

4. Top Nightlife Spots in Pyeongchang

While Pyeongchang is not known for a bustling nightlife scene, some bars and lounges in ski resorts offer evening entertainment.

4.1. Alpensia Resort Bars and Lounges

• Description: Alpensia Resort offers several hotel bars and lounges where you can relax after a day on the slopes.
• Popular Spots: The Sky Lounge in the InterContinental Alpensia Resort offers stunning mountain views and a variety of cocktails.
• How to Get There: Available within Alpensia Resort; access depends on your accommodation or entry to the resort.
• Happy Hours: Some lounges offer happy hour from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM, with discounted drinks.

4.2. Yongpyong Resort Bars

• Description: Yongpyong has a number of cozy pubs and lounges catering to skiers and snowboarders, offering craft beers and warming drinks.
• Popular Spots: Dragon Bar and Lounge is popular for après-ski gatherings.
• How to Get There: Located inside Yongpyong Resort.
• Happy Hours: Discounts available at certain times (usually 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM).

5. How to Get to Pyeongchang

• By Train: Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Pyeongchang Station or Jinbu Station, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. There are shuttle buses available from the stations to major attractions and resorts.
• By Bus: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, you can take an express bus to Pyeongchang, which takes about 2.5 hours.
• By Car: Driving from Seoul takes around 2.5 hours via the Gyeongbu Expressway (Route 1).

Pyeongchang is a perfect blend of outdoor activities and natural beauty, making it a year-round destination. Whether you’re skiing in winter or hiking in summer, Pyeongchang offers a serene escape with plenty of adventures.