Looking for a fun and exciting adventure in Gangwondo, then this 4-Day Gangwondo Itinerary is for you!
4-Day Gangwondo Itinerary Welcome
Welcome to your Gangwon-do adventure travel itinerary. This itinerary has been designed to consider:
1) limit extensive drive times
2) allow for independent and group activities
3) maximize adventure
4) provide flexibility
5) access to Korean culture
Gas Stations
South Korea has two primary types of fueling stations:
- Traditional Gas Types (Diesel/Petrol)
- Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG)
Traditional gas stations color code the fuel types and offer the following choices:
- Diesel (green) 경유
- Gasoline/Petrol (yellow) 휘발유
Both self-service and full-service gas stations exist in South Korea. The self-service kiosks each have their own digital screen process which may be confusing at first. However, most self-service gas stations have attendants who can help walk you through the screen. If you need help try this written gas station tutorial.
Day 1 of 4 Day Gangwondo Itinerary
Depart Pyeongtaek
Departure Time: 7:00 am
You will regret leaving any later than this for a cross-country trip that’s on schedule.
Estimated Drive Time to first stop: 1-1.5 hours
We recommend fully packing and loading the car the night before you leave. Simply wake up in the morning, grab a shower and coffee and head out.
Korean Rest Stop Adventure
Estimated Time: 30 – 60 minutes
Purpose: Breakfast & cultural experience
A road trip in South Korea must include at least one stop at an epic rest stop. We recommend finding a fun snack, taking a little rest, and shopping for unique finds. Each rest stop has its own unique theme or experience. Try a few on the trip if you get tired.
It might feel overwhelming at first so plan about an hour into your trip for this experience. Don’t rush. It’s a nice time to have a chat and stretch your legs.
Deokpyeongjayeon Rest Stop
031-645-0001
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
경기 이천시 마장면 덕이로154번길 287-76
An epic expressway rest stop with shopping, restaurants, gardens, dog park, and more.
Mountain Adventure Resort
Estimated Drive Time: 2 hours
Purpose: hiking, views, adventure activities, and cultural experiences
South Korean ski resorts turn into amazing summer adventure zones for families who want to enjoy the mountains and avoid the need to drive from one activity to the other. Everyone can find something that’s their speed.
Yongpyong Ski Resort
033-335-5757
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715
Korea’s first ski resort. A wide variety of runs.
Lunch: Choose an Option on-site
The resort has a food court and various restaurants. Keep life simple and eat in the area. We will say, the food is very expensive in Dragon Valley hotel so the food court would be the more reasonable and affordable choice.
There is also a brewery if you feel like a sit-down meal.
The activity for the morning is a Gondola ride and there is a restaurant at the top of the mountain that you could eat at. More information in the following activity.
After Lunch Family Group Activity
After lunch, it’s time to relax and enjoy a stunning and long gondola ride to the top of the mountains.
This is a high-reward activity perfect for families with small children and families with mobility restrictions.
Check-in at the Hotel
Dragon Valley Hotel is one of the most reliable places we have stayed. Check-in is possible after 1:30 pm.
Dragon Valley Hotel
033-330-7111
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 평창군 대관령면 올림픽로 715
A ski resort right by the lifts. Huge breakfast buffet. The buffet may come with the room or extra depending on how the room was booked.
Afternoon Separate Activities
After lunch, you can leisurely choose what you would all like to do individually. Maybe you would like to try some of the adventure activities, go hiking, or take a relaxing nap.
Grandparents and Grandchild Activities
- Drinks at the beer garden
- Walking paths
- Games
Parents Activities
- Downhill mountain biking
- Rail luge
- Mountain hiking
- Luge course
Dinner in Nearby Town
Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes
Donuri
033-335-3392
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 평창군 대관령면 대관령로 112
Very tasty Korean bbq and other dishes. Menu available in English. As of 2021, only floor seating available. The kimchi is fantastic.
If this does not work for you another dinner option exists right across the street.
Daegwallyeong Korean Beef Butcher
033-333-8292
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 평창군 대관령면 대관령로 116 대관령한우실비식당
This great beef Korean bbq is perfect after a long day of skiiing.
Day 2
Breakfast at 8:00 am
Getting an early start to your day is always recommended. You don’t have to travel anywhere for breakfast. Just head down and enjoy the breakfast buffet.
9:00 am Depart for the next destination
I’m not sure how fast you guys like to move. Leaving around 9:00 would be the best for the daily schedule so you can spend about 2 hours at the ranch
9:30-11:30 Visit a Mountain Sheep Ranch
Drive Time: 30 Minutes
Purpose: Agricultural experience
Spend a few hours on a sheep farm in the mountains of Gangwon-do.
Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch
033-335-1966
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 평창군 대관령면 대관령마루길 483-32
Whether youre looking for a place to stop, grab a bite, some coffee, and just be one with nature OR you have a child who loves sheep, this sheep ranch will not disappoint. Its difficult to miss because youll see sheep statues on both sides of the freeway as you near this location. Large parking lot and rest stop with street vendors and cafes before you walk uphill towards the ranch.
12:00 pm Lunch in Gangneung
Drive Time: 20 Minutes
Purpose: Delicious artesian food and beers.
The growing artesian food and beer scene in South Korea should be celebrated and explored at least once on this trip. This restaurant and brewery bring the East and West together seamlessly.
Budnamu Brewing
033-920-9380
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 강릉시 경강로 1961
A budnamu is a willow tree. Budnamu Brewery was founded in Gangneung-si in 2015. The brewery is situated in Gangneung’s oldest makgeolli distillery which creates a comfy atmosphere for those who visit. The dining room has a mixture of high and low ceilings, with wood and brick accents throughout. It is very interesting to observe the architecture and craftsmanship from 70+ years ago. An outdoor seating area is out the side door and provides the opportunity to eat and drink alongside flowers, trees, and a few kittens. Many of Budnamu’s beers have signature local ingredients such as chrysanthemum, pine, and rice. These ingredients blend nicely with the barley and hops and highlight what the local market can add to the beer. Budnamu also has a great food selection. The burgers are big and filled with plenty of toppings. The pizzas are also large, with thin crusts and fresh toppings. In addition to the brewery and dining room in Gangneung, Budnamu also has a pub at the Lake Como mall in Dongtan New City.
1:30 pm Lazy Drive toward Sokcho
This drive takes about 1 hour but give yourself since you will want to stop along the way, starting with the following beach and cafe.
1:50 Park Beach and Cafe Stop
Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes
Make sure to spend some time relaxing and letting your lunch settle. Don’t drive far on the after-lunch food coma.
Terarosa Coffee Forest
033-648-2760
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 강릉시 사천면 순포안길 6
Beautiful cafe tucked away in a seaside forest. There are a few Terarosa Coffee Shops in Gangneung.
Gyeongpodo Beach Cafe Area
Hangul Address
강원 강릉시 사천면 순포안길 6
A beautiful beach lined with lined with excellent cafes.
3:00 pm Sokcho Hotel Check-in
We need to talk about the best hotel options for this 2-night stay.
5:30 pm Grilled Fish Dinner in Sokcho
Estimated Drive Time: TBA
This place is very popular so you want to arrive and get seated as early as possible. Try to be seated by 5:30 or 6:00
NOTE: It will take about 15 minutes to walk from parking to the restaurant at a slow pace. You also may want to drop off your parents near the restaurant and then walk back to meet them.
Sokcho Downtown Parking
88 Grilled Fresh Fish
033-633-8892
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
7:00 pm Sokcho Market and Foot Ferry
We recommend getting to bed early since you will hike Seoraksan tomorrow! However, take time to visit the market while you are there.
Sokcho Market Mural Street
Hangul Address
강원도 속초시 중앙로 143
This street is not what you would expect. The street is a quiet reflection on the history of Sokcho. The street is lined with historical photographs that provide heartfelt insight into the rapid grown and heart of the city. This small street is a must see. Arrive expecting something simple but engaging. These are not big painted murals. They are real photographs of the history and life in Sokcho.
Day 3
5:30 – 6:00 am Departure for Hike
Estimated Driving and Parking Time: TBA
The hike will take between 3-4 hours. If you want to take your time and enjoy the views – 5 hours would be smart. This does not include the travel time, parking time, etc. Give yourself 5-6 hours of time to avoid stress and rushing.
Seoraksan National Park
Since you want to avoid the hot sun, leave at 5:30 am from your hotel. You should be back with the family by lunchtime.
For Grandparents and Kids
Since you are staying close to the park your parents can get up early in the morning, enjoy a slow breakfast, and then go to the park and take the cable car or enjoy walking around the expansive park grounds.
Seoraksan Cable Car
033-636-4300
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
LUNCH at the Park
Seoraksan has many restaurants to choose from. A great place to enjoy some Korean food with the family. Any of the places will be lovely.
Family Beach Afternoon
For your afternoon at the beach, we recommend two comfortable beach tents. These can be purchased from Emart or Home Plus for between 30,000 – 50,000 won and can be used again and again. You may also borrow these tents from family or friends.
Beaches nearly always have quicky marts nearby. The marts offer affordable ice cream, drinks, snacks, etc. Visiting a quicky mart for all the summer treats might even be considered an important part of Korean beach culture. Instead of packing everything from home, you grab what you need in the moment from the marts.
We recommend packing: 2 Tents, sunblock, rashguards, hats, beach towels, etc
Korean beaches have free public bathrooms as well as paid public showers. The showers may charge between 2,000-5,000 won. The showers may or may not have warm water and they are usually designed in an open locker room style.
We recommend packing: Flip flops, towels, and toiletries.
Sokcho Beach
Hangul Address
강원도 속초시 조양동 1450-4
A large popular tourist beach with nice waves, deeper water, and often packed during high season.
Other beaches
option 1:
Name: 아야진해수욕장
Address: 강원도 고성군 토성면
Maps Link: http://naver.me/5LfDbCpJ
Option 2:
Name: 삼포해수욕장
Address: 강원도 고성군 죽왕면 삼포리
Maps Link: http://naver.me/xgaODKAL
Seafood Feast
After your day at the beach head to one of the local fish markets for a seafood feast. We recommend skipping the famous market in Sokcho and going with one of the smaller markets just South of the city due to parking and crowds.
There are three markets to choose from. (add three locations)
In the large yellow menu below we choose the option circled.
The meal looked like this.
They also choose the fish in front of you and then prepare it. You can choose to watch or go inside their seating area and take a rest while waiting.
Seorak Port Fish Market
Day 4
Leave the Final Day
Depart by 9:00 am
As usual, it’s best to be on the road somewhat early
11:00 am Canoeing in Chuncheon
Estimated Drive Time: 2 hours
Since you spend yesterday using your legs, the final day is perfect for getting your arms worked out.
King Canoe
0507-1373-9600
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 송암동 684
A canoe rental company in Chuncheon. Reservations recommended.
Dalkgalbi Street
Estimated Driving and Parking Time: 30 Minutes
Menu Options: (add the menu translation here) We recommend getting the melted cheese fondue with the dalkgalbi.
Chuncheonbongasutbul Dalkgalbi
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 금강로62번길 13
Floor and table seating.
Group Activity: Rail Bikes 9:30-10:00am
Estimated Drive Time: 20 minutes
Estimated Cost: 4 people 48,000 won or take 2 carts for 70,000 won. A child rides in the parent’s lap.
Gangchon Rail Park Gimyujeong
033-245-1000
Copy and paste phone numbers into Naver Maps to get directions
Hangul Address
강원 춘천시 신동면 김유정로 1383
One of the amazing things to do near Nami Island is to take this beautiful rail park adventure. The cost is about 40,000won for a 4 person bike rail car. It’s quite beautiful with the gorgeous fall colors! Try to take the time to come out and see it before the colors disappear. â¤ï¸ This is one of the most popular things to do near nami island. You should book between 3-5 days in advance.
Drive Home
Drive Time: 2.50 Hours
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Lanae Rivers-Woods moved to Korea in 2011 where she lives in the countryside with her family, friends, and puppies. She holds a BSSW (Bachelor’s of Science in Social Work), a MAIT (Master’s of Arts in International Teaching), and registered by the Pyeongtaek Korean Times with the Korean government as a Cultural Expert.
Ms. Rivers-Woods used her 15 years experience as a social architect, UX/UI designer, and technology consultant to found South of Seoul in 2015. South of Seoul is a volunteer organization that leverages technological tools to mitigate cultural dissonance in multi-cultural communities.
Through South of Seoul, Ms. Rivers-Woods works with independent volunteers, non-profit organizations, businesses, local & federal government, universities, and US military organizations to develop solutions to support English speaking international residents in rural South Korea.
Additionally, Ms. Rivers-Woods founded the South of Seoul smart phone app available for Google Play and iPhone. The app provides information a resources for those living and traveling in South Korea.
When she isn’t in South of Seoul development meetings or working her day job, Ms. Rivers-Woods loves to be outside at skate parks, the beach, or playing in the mountains.
