Jeongseon Alpine CentreJeongseon Alpine Centre sits on the slopes of Gariwangsan in rural Bukpyeong-myeon, Jeongseon County, in Gangwon Province; it was constructed as the dedicated site for alpine speed events (downhill, super-G and combined) at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. The venue was built to FIS vertical-drop standards and accommodated several thousand spectators during the Games.
The centre attracted environmental criticism during construction because of deforestation on steep slopes and diversion of a nearby stream to a reservoir used for artificial snow; officials said reforestation and restoration would follow the Games. After the Olympics the site was closed and many of the temporary spectator and race facilities were partially dismantled.
Since 2023 some cable cars serving the area have been reopened to the public for a limited period, offering access and views over the former race courses, but permanent facilities are being removed and full restoration of the mountain is planned after the temporary reopening period ends.
- Olympic downhill and super-G courses: Walk or view the lines of the former Olympic speed courses from vantage points or from above by cable car to appreciate their steep, long vertical drops carved into Gariwangsan.
- Cable-car viewpoints: The reopened cable cars provide panoramic views over forested slopes, the race lines and the valley below during their temporary public runs.
- Reservoir and finish area: The base-area reservoir created for snowmaking and the former finish zone are visible reminders of the venue’s Olympic infrastructure and waterworks.
- Gariwangsan forests and ridgelines: The surrounding old-growth forest and high ridgelines form a wild, remote mountain setting - note the site’s ecological sensitivity and ongoing restoration efforts.
Nearby Attractions to Jeongseon Alpine Centre#
Best Time to Visit Jeongseon Alpine Centre#
The area has cold, snowy winters and a wet summer monsoon; visiting time depends on whether you want winter views or clearer shoulder-season weather.
Weather & Climate near Jeongseon Alpine Centre#
Jeongseon Alpine Centre's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) - Hot-Summer Continental (Dry Winter) climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -11°C to 26°C. Abundant rainfall (1299 mm/year), wettest in August.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -11° - -1° | -9° | 35 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 9.8h |
| February | Poor | -8° - 2° | -7° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 2.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| March | Acceptable | -3° - 7° | 0° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 76% | 2.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Good | 4° - 16° | 8° | 82 mm | partly cloudy | 73% | 2.6 m/s | 1.1 high | 13.0h |
| May | Good | 9° - 20° | 15° | 87 mm | partly cloudy | 72% | 2.5 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.0h |
| June | Good | 14° - 23° | 18° | 131 mm | overcast | 75% | 2.0 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.5h |
| July | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 267 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.8 m/s | 1.4 high | 14.3h |
| August | Good | 18° - 26° | 22° | 271 mm | overcast | 86% | 1.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 13.4h |
| September | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 169 mm | overcast | 85% | 1.8 m/s | 1.1 high | 12.3h |
| October | Very Good | 5° - 17° | 11° | 67 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 1.9 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 11.1h |
| November | Good | -1° - 9° | 2° | 56 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 2.3 m/s | 0.4 low | 10.0h |
| December | Acceptable | -7° - 3° | -6° | 32 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 2.2 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.5h |
How to Get to Jeongseon Alpine Centre#
The centre is in rural Jeongseon County; the nearest larger towns are the county centre of Jeongseon and Pyeongchang County to the west. The nearest major international airport for most visitors is Incheon International Airport (Seoul), with domestic connections and road links into Gangwon.
From regional rail or bus hubs and from cities such as Wonju or Gangneung, reach the Jeongseon area by regional train or intercity bus and then use a local taxi, private transfer or any available local bus for the final mountain approach; the site is remote and services on the last stretch are limited, so plan connections in advance.
Tips for Visiting Jeongseon Alpine Centre#
- Check current public access and cable-car operating dates locally before travelling, as the site has limited, temporary public openings.
- Facilities are minimal around the former venue since partial dismantlement; do not expect full resort services on site.
- Dress for cold, changeable mountain weather in winter and bring waterproofs in summer monsoon months when rainfall is heavy.
- Respect restoration and conservation notices on the mountain and avoid entering fenced or restricted areas around race lines.
- If you want more winter-sports infrastructure or accommodations, consider nearby larger resorts such as Yongpyong Resort.