Gangwon Korea Travel 2026: The Hidden Frontier Beyond Seoul

The bus from Seoul pulls into Sokcho at dusk. Already, the East Sea is putting on a show — tangerine light spilling across the water, fishing boats bobbing in silhouette. You catch the faint smell of grilled squid drifting from the harbor stalls. Then you step out, stretch your legs, and realize something surprising. Yet you are barely two and a half hours from the neon crush of Gangnam. Yet you might as well be in a different country. Welcome to Gangwon — the part of Korea that most foreign visitors never see. And that is precisely what makes Gangwon Korea travel 2026 one of the smartest moves you can make this year.

In recent years, Seoul welcomed over 17 million international visitors. As a result, overtourism has become a genuine concern in places like Myeongdong and Bukchon Hanok Village. Meanwhile, Gangwon is stepping into the spotlight. In fact, this mountainous province stretches from Korea’s eastern coast all the way to the DMZ. Furthermore, it now boasts a shiny new political identity, a coast-to-coast hiking trail that National Geographic loves, and a two-year “Visit Gangwon Year” campaign. The target? A total of 200 million visitors by the end of 2026. Accordingly, for travelers ready to go beyond Seoul, this Gangwon travel guide covers everything you need to know.

From “Potato Province” to Special State: Why Gangwon Tourism Is Booming

For decades, Koreans affectionately called Gangwon-do the “potato province.” People knew it mainly for military bases, coal mines, and root vegetables. That nickname, however, no longer fits. In fact, on June 11, 2023, Gangwon officially became a Special Self-Governing Province. As a result, this move granted it regulatory autonomy from the central government. In addition, it placed Gangwon in an elite club alongside Jeju and Sejong.

What Changed Under the Gangwon Special Act

Importantly, it was not just a ceremonial name change. The Gangwon Special Act gave the province sweeping powers. Specifically, it can now ease restrictions in forestry, agriculture, environment, and defense sectors. For decades, these rules had kept development frozen. As a result, Gangwon’s GRDP surpassed ₩62 trillion in 2023. That marked a 7.6% year-over-year increase — the second-highest among Korea’s 17 regions. Furthermore, the province now pursues seven future-focused industries. In particular, these sectors include semiconductors, hydrogen energy, and food tech. The goal? A ₩100 trillion GRDP by 2032.

Record-Breaking Visitor Numbers

But for travelers, the most exciting changes involve Gangwon tourism infrastructure. Notably, foreign visitor arrivals hit a record 3.36 million in 2025. That figure represents a 28% jump from 2023. International visitor spending also rose from ₩50.8 billion to ₩67.6 billion over the same period. In addition, low-cost carrier Parata Air launched flights between Yangyang Airport and Jeju in October 2025. Routes to Gimpo, Japan, and Southeast Asia come next. Moreover, large cruise ships now call at Sokcho Port. For the first time, Gangwon is genuinely accessible to international travelers without a car.

The Dongseo Trail: The Hiking Route Redefining Gangwon Korea Travel 2026

If one development could single-handedly transform Gangwon Korea travel 2026, it is the Dongseo Trail. This trail stretches 849 kilometers (527 miles) from Anmyeon Island on the west coast to Uljin on the east coast. It is also South Korea’s very first coast-to-coast long-distance hiking route. Likewise, National Geographic included it in their 2026 travel recommendations. Similarly, publications from AFAR to Wanderlust have covered it extensively.

Trail Layout and Timeline

The trail splits into 55 sections. In total, each one runs roughly 9 to 10 miles long. Every section starts and ends in a mountain village. A full thru-hike would take 40 to 50 days. However, most hikers tackle individual sections as day hikes or multi-day treks. Additionally, several western sections are already open. All 55 sections should then open by late 2026 or early 2027.

Why the Dongseo Trail Stands Out

What makes this trail special is not just its length — it is also its philosophy. The Korea Forest Service designated 90 villages along the route as “base camps.” Hikers can rest, eat, and stay overnight at these stops. Additionally, crews are building 44 camping sites and five information offices. The trail passes through national parks, ancient pine forests, and rural farming communities. Most tourists — even Korean ones — have, after all, never seen these landscapes.

Think of it as Korea’s answer to Spain’s Camino de Santiago or Japan’s Kumano Kodo. However, the Dongseo Trail offers something unique. You traverse an entire country from coast to coast. Also, the scenery changes dramatically along the way. For instance, the Jirisan section features the highest peaks on the Korean mainland. It also has mountain refuges for overnight stays. The Deogyusan section dazzles with autumn foliage. And the Uljin section winds through ancient pine forests that have stood for centuries.

Practical info:The western starting point at Anmyeon Island sits about three hours from Seoul by bus or car. You can reach the eastern endpoint at Uljin in just under four hours. Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) offer the best conditions. Expect mild weather and postcard-perfect scenery during those months.

PyeongChang’s Olympic Legacy: From Gold Medals to Year-Round Playground

The 2018 Winter Olympics put PyeongChang on the global map. But the real story begins after the medals ceremony. Indeed, many former Olympic host cities let their venues gather dust. However, Gangwon took a different approach. Instead, the province transformed its Olympic infrastructure into a year-round Gangwon tourism asset.

Alpensia Resort now operates as a four-season destination. In winter, visitors ski and snowboard. During summer, they golf and mountain bike. Moreover, Yongpyong Resort remains Korea’s premier ski destination with 28 slopes. Its gondola ride also offers panoramic views even in the off-season. Meanwhile, the 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games brought 2,900 participants from 80 countries back to Gangwon. This reinforced the region’s reputation for mega-scale international events.

Beyond Sports: Culture and Countryside

PyeongChang has also carved out a niche as a cultural retreat. For example, the PyeongChang Daegwallyeong Music Festival draws classical music lovers from across Asia. The Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm — sometimes called the “Alps of Korea” — offers rolling green pastures. They look straight out of New Zealand. In winter, snow blankets the highlands. The area then transforms into a quiet wonderland. This layered experience is what makes visiting Gangwon so rewarding. You can ski in the morning and soak in a hot spring by afternoon.

Sokcho and Yangyang: Visit Gangwon for Surfing, Cafés, and K-Drama Vibes

If PyeongChang represents Gangwon’s highlands, then Sokcho and Yangyang form its soul coast. Over the past five years, these two neighboring East Sea towns have undergone a remarkable change. They evolved from quiet fishing villages into Korea’s answer to Bali. In other words, think surf shops, beachfront cafés, DJ nights, and a distinctly bohemian atmosphere.

Yangyang: Korea’s Surf Capital

Indeed, Yangyang is the undisputed surfing capital of Korea. Jukdo Beach and Ingu Beach form the heart of the scene. Surf-themed pensions, cafés, and bars line this stretch of coastline. In particular, board rentals run about ₩20,000 per hour. You can also find English-speaking surf lessons at Surfyy Beach. It is Korea’s first private beach for surfers only. The best waves roll in from July to September. Water temperatures hover around 23°C during that period. However, even outside peak surf season, the café culture alone justifies the trip.

Sokcho: Markets, Mountains, and Fresh Seafood

Sokcho anchors the northern end of this coastal strip. Above all, the Sokcho Central Market is a must-visit. It is a labyrinth of stalls selling fresh squid sundae (stuffed squid), dak gangjeong (sweet crispy chicken), and red bean buns. Not only that, but these snacks have gone viral on Korean social media. Just north of town, the entrance to Seoraksan National Park beckons hikers.

So what makes this coastal stretch so compelling for foreign visitors? First, there is accessibility. Sokcho and Yangyang sit just 2.5 hours from Seoul by express bus. Second, the vibe is relaxed and the seafood is impossibly fresh. Third, the Korean MZ generation (millennials and Gen Z) has turned the area into a trend incubator. On any given weekend, you will find Seoul creatives shooting content on the beach. Couples pose outside pastel-colored cafés. And surfers chase waves as the sun dips below the Taebaek Mountains.

Gangneung: Korea’s Coffee Capital and a Must on Any Gangwon Travel Guide

Drive 30 minutes south of Yangyang and you arrive in Gangneung. This city has quietly become one of Korea’s most interesting cultural destinations. Most foreign visitors know Gangneung — if they know it at all — as the host of the 2018 Olympic ice events. However, locals know it for something else entirely: coffee.

Anmok Coffee Street: From Vending Machines to Specialty Brews

Anmok Coffee Street runs along a 500-meter stretch of beachfront. Over 30 cafés line the road. As a result, each one competes to serve the best cup with the best ocean view. In fact, the origin story is quite compelling. Back in the 1980s, the area offered nothing more than instant coffee vending machines for tired taxi drivers. Then, in 1998, pioneering baristas arrived. Park Yi-choo opened Bohemian Roasters. Kim Yong-duk launched Terarosa Coffee Factory. They used the East Sea as their backdrop. Word then spread through Korean media, and Gangneung’s coffee revolution took off.

Today, the city hosts the annual Gangneung Coffee Festival every October. The event draws coffee professionals and enthusiasts from across Asia. You can also visit the Gangneung Coffee Museum in Wangsan Valley. In addition, there are local coffee plantations to tour in the Daegwallyeong foothills. The specialty hand-drip brews here rival anything in Seoul or Tokyo. If you are a coffee-loving digital nomad, Gangneung might become your new favorite city.

Beyond Coffee: Culture, History, and Food

Besides caffeine, Gangneung offers far more. The UNESCO-recognized Gangneung Danoje Festival ranks among Korea’s most important traditional celebrations. Ojukheon House is the birthplace of the Confucian scholar whose face appears on the 5,000-won bill. It sits quietly amid black bamboo groves. Jeongdongjin holds the distinction of being the closest train station to the sea in the world. Koreans treat watching the sunrise here as something of a pilgrimage. For visitors interested in traditional food, Chodang Sundubu Village serves impossibly silky tofu made with seawater. This tradition dates back centuries. You can learn more about Korea’s evolving food landscape in our coverage of the $80 billion Korea food service market.

Wild Gangwon Tourism: National Parks and Natural Wonders

Roughly 70% of the Korean peninsula is mountainous. As a result, Gangwon boasts some of the most spectacular terrain in the country. Consequently, the province contains four national parks. Above all, each one offers a distinct experience.

Seoraksan: The Crown Jewel

First, Seoraksan National Park is Gangwon’s star attraction. UNESCO designated it a Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The park spans 163 square kilometers of granite peaks, shimmering streams, and ancient Buddhist temples. Daecheongbong, at 1,708 meters, is the highest peak in the Taebaek Mountains. Because of this varied terrain, trails range from gentle 20-minute forest strolls to grueling 14-hour summit attempts. For first-timers, try the Ulsanbawi Rock trail. It takes about 4 hours round trip and offers dramatic cliff-face views. In particular, autumn transforms Seoraksan into a canvas of crimson and gold. The colors rival anything in New England or Kyoto.

Odaesan and Taebaeksan: Quieter Alternatives

Odaesan National Park is Seoraksan’s quieter, more contemplative sibling. It is home to Woljeongsa Temple, a 1,400-year-old Buddhist monastery. Towering fir trees surround the complex. The 9-kilometer forest path from Woljeongsa to Sangwonsa ranks among Korea’s most beautiful temple walks.

Taebaeksan National Park offers a different character entirely. At 1,567 meters, Taebaek Mountain holds deep significance in Korean shamanism. Furthermore, the annual Taebaeksan Snow Festival runs from January to February. It features snow sculpture competitions and winter hiking events. As a result, families from across the country attend. After hiking, warm up with the local specialty: mul-dakgalbi. This spicy chicken stew has become synonymous with Taebaek.

For those interested in Gangwon’s broader economic ambitions, the province now positions itself as a leader in climate technology and hydrogen energy. As a result, conservation and development go hand in hand. This strategic pivot mirrors the innovation-driven approach seen across Korea’s broader startup ecosystem.

Gangwon Travel Guide to Food: Potatoes, Buckwheat, and the Freshest Seafood

No Gangwon travel guide would be complete without covering the food. That said, eating in Gangwon differs fundamentally from eating in Seoul. The province’s cuisine reflects its geography: mountains to the west, sea to the east, and cold winters that demand hearty dishes.

Mountain Dishes: Makguksu and Dakgalbi

Makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles) is Gangwon’s signature dish. Of course, Chuncheon, the provincial capital, made it famous. Chefs serve these thin, chewy noodles in an icy broth or toss them in a spicy vinegar sauce. In summer, a bowl of makguksu after a hike is one of life’s small perfections. Similarly, Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) is Chuncheon’s other star. Restaurants then cook it on a sizzling iron plate. It pairs beautifully with soju and good conversation.

Coastal Bounty and K-Food Exports

Along the East Coast, in contrast, the seafood is extraordinary. Sokcho’s markets overflow with fresh squid, snow crab, and raw fish platters. Hwangtae (dried pollack) is a Gangwon specialty. Producers wind-dry it on wooden racks through freezing winters. They then rehydrate it into soups and stews with surprising depth of flavor. Similarly, gamja-ongsimi (potato dumpling soup) and gamja-jeon (potato pancakes) showcase Gangwon’s humble potato in elevated form.

Gangwon is also emerging as a K-Food export hub. The government designated the province a K-Food Export Special Zone. It leverages agricultural strengths in potatoes, Korean beef (hanwoo), and specialty grains to target global markets. As a result, food-focused travelers can enjoy farm-to-table experiences, local food festivals, and a culinary authenticity that Seoul’s globalized dining scene can rarely match.

Your Gangwon Travel Guide: Getting There, Getting Around, and Where to Stay

Ready to plan your trip? Here is everything you need for a smooth Gangwon Korea travel 2026 experience.

Getting to Gangwon from Seoul

Transport	Destination	Time	Cost (approx.)	Notes
KTX	Gangneung	~2 hours	₩23,000–33,000	From Seoul Station; fastest option
Express Bus	Sokcho	~2.5 hours	₩15,000–20,000	From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal
Express Bus	Gangneung	~2.5 hours	₩14,000–18,000	Multiple daily departures
Rental Car	Flexible	~2.5–3 hours	From ₩50,000/day	Best for exploring rural areas
Domestic Flight	Yangyang	~1 hour	Varies	Parata Air from Jeju; Gimpo routes coming

Pro tip: The KTX to Gangneung is the fastest option for the East Coast. However, if your itinerary includes Sokcho and Seoraksan, take the express bus from Dong Seoul Terminal instead. It is more direct. For maximum flexibility, rent a car. This works best if you plan to explore Dongseo Trail trailheads or smaller villages. Also, download Naver Map before you go. Moreover, Google Maps is notoriously unreliable for directions in Korea.

Recommended 4-Day Gangwon Itinerary

Day 1: Yangyang — Surf, Sand, and Sunset Arrive via express bus from Seoul. First, check into a beachfront pension near Ingu Beach. Take an afternoon surf lesson at Surfyy Beach. In the evening, explore the Jukdo Beach café strip. Then grab dinner at a local seafood restaurant and catch the sunset.

Day 2: Sokcho and Seoraksan — Market, Mountain, Sea Start with a morning visit to Sokcho Central Market. Next, try the dak gangjeong and squid sundae. Then head to Seoraksan National Park for the Ulsanbawi Rock trail (4 hours round trip). Afterward, soak in the Osaek Carbonated Hot Springs. Finish with a fresh sashimi dinner at Sokcho Harbor.

Day 3: Gangneung — Coffee, Culture, and Coast Take the KTX or bus to Gangneung. Start with a morning coffee crawl along Anmok Coffee Street. Next, visit Ojukheon House. Then enjoy lunch at Chodang Sundubu Village. Spend the afternoon at Gyeongpo Beach or Haslla Art World. Finally, stay for the sunset at Jeongdongjin. Arrive early for the best spot.

Day 4: PyeongChang and Return Drive or bus to PyeongChang. Visit the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm first. Then explore the Olympic legacy venues. Enjoy a lunch of local buckwheat dishes. In the afternoon, return to Seoul via KTX from Jinbu Station.

Where to Stay

Overall, Gangwon offers accommodation ranging from budget guesthouses to boutique hotels. In Yangyang, beachfront pensions near Jukdo and Ingu Beach provide surf-and-stay convenience. Sokcho visitors should choose hotels near the harbor. This gives you easy access to both the market and Seoraksan. Besides, Gangneung features modern hotels near the KTX station along with traditional hanok stays. Over in PyeongChang, developers converted the former Olympic athlete village into affordable residences. Likewise, Alpensia Resort also offers four-star comfort.

Budget tip: Korean pensions (small rental villas) typically include kitchens and barbecue facilities. This makes them ideal for groups. Expect to pay ₩80,000–150,000 per night for a pension that sleeps four. For solo travelers, guesthouses near bus terminals run ₩30,000–50,000 per night.

Why Visit Gangwon Now: The Case for 2026

Several factors make 2026 the optimal year to visit Gangwon.

First, the 2025–2026 Visit Gangwon Year campaign delivers tangible visitor benefits. These include accommodation discount vouchers, tourism challenge rewards, and leisure ticket promotions. The Gangwon Tourism Foundation is also rolling out programs for international visitors. These include tourism taxis for independent travelers and long-stay content packages.

Second, the Dongseo Trail’s phased opening lets you walk sections of a trail that already draws global attention. Arriving before the trail reaches full fame means smaller crowds. It also means a more authentic experience.

Third, Gangwon represents the antidote to Seoul’s overtourism problem. Myeongdong and Hongdae grow more congested each year. In contrast, Gangwon offers the Korea that Korea lovers dream about: mountains, sea, temples, incredible food, and locals who are genuinely delighted to see foreign faces. Additionally, the province’s investment in K-wellness tourism infrastructure further enriches the experience. Hot springs, forest therapy, and wellness retreats are all becoming more accessible.

Finally, for those exploring Korea’s digital nomad opportunities, Gangwon’s improving infrastructure makes it increasingly viable. Faster internet, co-working spaces in Gangneung, and new flight routes from Yangyang all help. On top of that, the cost of living sits significantly below Seoul’s level. Those considering Korea for remote work should also check out our comprehensive guide to living and working in Korea.

Conclusion: Gangwon Is Korea’s Next Chapter

South Korea’s tourism story has long centered on Seoul — palaces, pop-up stores, K-pop, and kimchi jjigae in Myeongdong. That narrative is now expanding. Gangwon brings new political autonomy, world-class hiking trails, Olympic-grade facilities, and a coastline that rivals Southeast Asia’s best.

Ultimately, the province that Koreans once teased as the “potato province” is now a Special Self-Governing State attracting record foreign visitors and billions in investment. As such, the world’s most respected travel publications now feature it prominently. Whether you chase the Dongseo Trail, ride Yangyang’s swells, explore Gangneung’s roasteries, or simply want to see Korea beyond the guidebook — Gangwon Korea travel 2026 deserves a spot at the top of your list.

Pack your hiking boots. Download Naver Map. And get ready to discover the Korea that has been hiding in plain sight.

---

Featured Image: The East Sea coastline near Sokcho, Gangwon Province Author: Seoulz Editorial Team Published: February 2026 Category: Travel / Lifestyle