Pyeongchang County Travel Guide
City City in Gangwon-do famous for winter sports
Pyeongchang County hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics; visitors come for ski resorts like Alpensia and Yongpyong, mountain hiking in Odaesan National Park and seasonal festivals in Gangwon Province.
Why Visit Pyeongchang County? #
Set in Korea’s Taebaek highlands, Pyeongchang County is synonymous with winter sports, mountain scenery and alpine resorts. Skiers and snowboarders head to Alpensia and Yongpyong-2018 Olympic venues-while summer visitors find hiking, cool air and local specialties like mountain trout. Seasonal festivals and quiet highland villages offer a contrast to Korea’s cities and a chance to experience rural mountain culture.
Top Things to Do in Pyeongchang County
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- Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium - Visit Alpensia Ski Jumping Stadium to see Olympic facilities and mountain vistas.
- Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm - Walk Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm's grassy pastures and enjoy café views of rolling hills.
- Woljeongsa Temple - Explore Woljeongsa Temple's serene forest setting and centuries-old wooden architecture.
- Odaesan National Park trails - Hike Odaesan National Park's quieter trails among pine forests and mountain ridges.
- Pyeongchang Trout Festival (seasonal) - In winter, sample local cuisine and ice fishing at the Pyeongchang Trout Festival.
- Lee Hyo-seok Cultural Village - Visit Lee Hyo-seok Cultural Village, honoring the famed Korean author and local culture.
- Seoraksan National Park - Drive east to Seoraksan National Park for rugged peaks, temples, and cable car rides.
- Gangneung - Travel south to Gangneung for beaches, coffee street cafés, and cultural museums.
Best Time to Visit Pyeongchang County #
Pyeongchang is a mountain destination: winters are reliably snowy and superb for skiing, while summers are mild but include a monsoon period. Spring and autumn offer quieter trails and crisp, clear days.
Best Time to Visit Pyeongchang County #
Pyeongchang County'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 -10°C to 27°C. Abundant rainfall (1283 mm/year), wettest in July.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of 0°C and lows of -10°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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February
February is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -8°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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April
April is cool with highs of 17°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 10°C. Regular rainfall (89 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Significant rainfall (136 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (287 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 19°C. Heavy rain (266 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 23°C and lows of 13°C. Significant rainfall (161 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of -1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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December
December is freezing with highs of 3°C and lows of -7°C. Moderate rainfall (30 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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How to Get to Pyeongchang County
Pyeongchang County is reached from Seoul via KTX high-speed trains to Gangneung or Jinbu followed by local buses/taxis, or by intercity coach services from Seoul. Yangyang Airport offers limited regional flights and ground connections.
Incheon International Airport (ICN): Incheon is South Korea’s main international gateway. To reach Pyeongchang County you typically transfer by train or bus into Seoul and then take KTX high-speed services toward Gangneung or Jinbu, followed by local buses or taxis to specific Pyeongchang destinations.
Yangyang International Airport (YNY): Yangyang is a small regional airport serving parts of Gangwon Province; if you can find scheduled flights, ground transfers (taxi or local bus) from Yangyang to Pyeongchang take about 50-90 minutes depending on exact destination.
Train (KTX / Korail): The KTX high-speed service from Seoul (Seoul Station) to Gangneung is the main fast rail route for the region; travel time is about 2-2.5 hours. From Gangneung station or Jinbu station you take local buses or taxis into Pyeongchang County.
Bus: Intercity buses run from Seoul (Seoul Express Bus Terminal and Dong Seoul Terminal) to towns in Gangwon Province, including stops serving Pyeongchang-area towns; journey times vary (around 2-3 hours) and fares depend on the operator.
How to Get Around Pyeongchang County #
Pyeongchang County is geographically large and rural; a car is the most practical way to get around outside main resort hubs. Public buses link towns, but schedules can be infrequent. During winter the ski resorts run shuttle services between lifts and accommodations; taxis are available but can be costly for long trips.
Where to Stay in Pyeongchang County #
- Local guesthouses and pensions - Basic pensions in mountain villages
- Small inns and guesthouses - Economical rooms near ski lifts
- Alpensia Resort Hotels - Comfortable ski-in/ski-out hotel options
- Yongpyong Resort hotels - Wide mid-range choices near slopes
- Phoenix Pyeongchang Resort - Full-service resort with ski facilities
- Alpensia (premium suites) - High-end rooms and event spaces
Where to Eat in Pyeongchang County #
- Alpensia Resort Restaurants - Resort dining near ski slopes and trails
- Phoenix Park Resort (dining) - Casual and buffet options at resort
- Yongpyong Resort Dining - Multiple restaurants at large ski resort
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Pyeongchang County's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Nightlife in Pyeongchang County #
Nightlife in Pyeongchang is concentrated in resort hotels and ski-base areas; expect hotel bars, occasional live music and resort-focused after-ski options rather than an extensive club scene. Outside peak ski season, evenings are generally quiet and amenities may have reduced opening hours.
- Alpensia Resort - Resort complex with bars and hotel nightlife near ski slopes.
- Yongpyong Resort - Large ski resort featuring après-ski bars and resort shopping options.
Shopping in Pyeongchang County #
Shopping across Pyeongchang is limited to small local stores, market stalls and resort shops in ski areas selling gear, souvenirs and local food products. For a wider retail selection you’ll need to travel to larger nearby cities such as Gangneung or Seoul.
