Things To Do
in P’yŏngch’ang
P’yŏngch’ang is a county located in Gangwon Province, South Korea, known for its beautiful mountainous landscapes and as a popular destination for skiing and winter sports. It gained international recognition as the host site for the 2018 Winter Olympics' events such as skiing and snowboarding. The area is characterized by its natural beauty, featuring lush forests and a variety of outdoor recreational activities year-round.
P’yŏngch’ang also has a rich cultural heritage, with a number of historical sites and traditions that reflect the region's unique identity.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $3
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $20 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a hearty breakfast at a local café. Then, head to the Pyeongchang Alpensia Resort for some skiing or snowboarding.
Enjoy lunch at a nearby restaurant serving traditional Korean dishes. Spend the afternoon hiking the stunning trails of Odaesan National Park.
Relax with a hot cup of soju at a cozy izakaya. Conclude your day by watching the sunset over the mountains.
Visit the beautiful Woljeongsa Temple and soak in its serene environment. Take a leisurely walk around the temple grounds and enjoy the cherry blossoms, if in season.
Have lunch at a local eatery offering fresh fish. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic trails of the temple’s nature park.
Dine at a restaurant with a view of the mountains. Wind down your day by stargazing in the peaceful surroundings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, especially during winter, attracting tourists for skiing and snow activities.
- Rich cultural heritage and history, with various traditional festivals and events.
- Peaceful environment, making it a great place for relaxation and retreat.
- Development of infrastructure for tourism, including hotels and ski resorts.
- Limited job opportunities outside of the tourism sector.
- Harsh winters can make transportation and daily life challenging.
- Potential for overcrowding during peak tourist seasons.
- Dependence on seasonal tourism may lead to economic instability.
Best Activities in P’yŏngch’ang
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse flora and fauna in Odaesan National Park, known for its beautiful mountain trails and serene atmosphere.
Experience thrilling skiing and snowboarding at Alpensia Resort, which offers well-maintained slopes and facilities for winter sports enthusiasts.
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the scenic Han River, with dedicated paths and beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Relax and unwind while fishing at P’yŏngch’ang Lake, a tranquil spot perfect for anglers of all skill levels.
Discover the numerous local trails for hiking and trekking, offering a range of difficulties and breathtaking views of the natural beauty of the area.
Places to Visit in P’yŏngch’ang
Visit one of these nice places.
A popular ski resort in P’yŏngch’ang known for its stunning winterscapes and panoramic mountain views, perfect for winter photography.
Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding nature and is especially beautiful during sunrise and sunset, ideal for landscape photography.
A serene lake surrounded by mountains, providing a tranquil setting for nature photography and reflections in the water.
Known for its diverse flora and fauna, this park offers numerous trails and viewpoints, showcasing stunning views throughout the seasons.
This ancient Buddhist temple is nestled in the mountains and offers unique photo opportunities with its historic architecture amidst lush greenery.
A picturesque sheep ranch with rolling green hills and grazing sheep, offering a beautiful pastoral scene perfect for photography.
A stunning waterfall located in the Daegwallyeong area, providing a breathtaking backdrop for photos, especially during the autumn foliage.
The highest peak in the area, offering sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, perfect for adventurous photographers.
A legacy site from the 2018 Winter Olympics, where you can capture architectural shots alongside the beautiful Olympic ambiance.
A scenic ridge offering amazing views over P'yŏngch'ang, especially breathtaking during sunset and sunrise, providing excellent photo ops.
Food in P’yŏngch’ang
P’yŏngch’ang Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A signature dish made from buckwheat, known for its nutty flavor and chewy texture. Often served cold with a tangy dipping sauce during hotter months.
Must-Try!
Locally sourced pork known for its rich flavor and tenderness, often grilled and served with a variety of dipping sauces and traditional side dishes.
Seasonal greens and herbs harvested from the surrounding mountains, typically sautéed or seasoned with sesame oil, providing a fresh and healthy side dish.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling local market where visitors can find an array of fresh local produce, handmade goods, and street food stalls offering delights such as hotteok (sweet pancakes) and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
Near the train station, this area is filled with street vendors serving various quick bites, including odeng (fish cakes) and kimbap (Korean sushi rolls).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
When meeting someone, a polite bow is customary. A handshake can follow, but ensure that you use both hands, and be gentle. It’s important to acknowledge the hierarchy; the eldest person should be greeted first.
When presenting gifts, do so with both hands and avoid opening the gift in front of the giver, as this is seen as impolite. Common gifts include fruits, sweets, or small souvenirs that reflect thoughtfulness.
Wait for the eldest person at the table to begin eating before you start your meal. It is considered polite to pour drinks for others rather than yourself, and always use two hands when pouring or receiving drinks.
Safety
Tipping in P’yŏngch’ang
Ensure a smooth experience
In P’yŏngch’ang, as in much of South Korea, tipping is not a common practice and is generally not expected. Service charges may be included in restaurant bills, and refusing to accept a tip can be seen as polite. However, in some tourist areas or high-end establishments, small tips may be accepted as a token of appreciation.
Payment practices in P’yŏngch’ang are similar to those throughout South Korea. Cash is widely accepted, but there is a growing trend toward digital payments using credit/debit cards and mobile payment apps. Many businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops, support electronic transactions, and some may even prefer card payments over cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Spring (April to June) is a beautiful time to visit P’yŏngch’ang, as the cherry blossoms bloom and the weather starts to warm up. Expect mild temperatures, vibrant flowers, and outdoor festivals celebrating the season.
Summer (July to August) can be quite humid and warm, with temperatures reaching highs of around 30°C (86°F). However, it’s a great time for outdoor activities such as hiking and enjoying the lush greenery of the area. Be prepared for occasional rain and thunderstorms.
Autumn (September to November) is one of the best times to visit, as the foliage changes color, creating stunning landscapes. The temperatures are comfortably cool, making it ideal for hiking and exploring the area's natural beauty.
Winter (December to February) brings cold temperatures and heavy snowfall, making P’yŏngch’ang a prime destination for winter sports. Expect ample opportunities for skiing, snowboarding, and other winter activities, along with beautiful snowy scenery.
P’yŏngch’ang at Night
Hiking in P’yŏngch’ang
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Odaesan National Park is known for its beautiful mountain scenery and a variety of hiking trails that range from easy walks to challenging hikes. It features scenic views, temples, and diverse flora and fauna.
Located to the southeast of P’yŏngch’ang, Chiaksan National Park offers a range of hiking trails that lead through dense forests, rocky terrain, and stunning vistas of the surrounding mountains.
Wangsan Mountain is a popular spot for hikers looking for a less strenuous trail. The area provides lovely views and is known for its tranquil atmosphere.
Although a bit further from P’yŏngch’ang, Bukhansan is a renowned park with trails of varying difficulty levels. It features rich biodiversity and is a favorite among serious hikers.
A famous national park in South Korea, Seoraksan offers breathtaking scenery and challenging trails. It is further away but is renowned for its stunning rock formations and autumn colors.
Aiports
How to reach P’yŏngch’ang by plane.
The largest airport in South Korea, located near Seoul, approximately 180 km from P’yŏngch’ang.
Located in Seoul, about 150 km from P’yŏngch’ang, it serves primarily domestic and a few international flights.
Located closer to P’yŏngch’ang, approximately 70 km away, serving domestic and limited international flights.
Located on Jeju Island, it is about 400 km from P’yŏngch’ang, serving a wide range of domestic and international flights.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The predominant demographic group in P’yŏngch’ang, consisting mainly of ethnic Koreans.
A smaller demographic group that may reside in the area, primarily due to recent economic interactions.
Various other ethnic groups and minorities that may be present, though they are significantly less numerous.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
P’yŏngch’ang is famous for its ski resorts, particularly the Yongpyong Resort, which offers various skiing options and is a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
With its excellent slopes and facilities, snowboarding is a popular winter sport in P’yŏngch’ang, attracting many enthusiasts during the winter season.
P’yŏngch’ang hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, where bobsleigh was one of the key events. The area has facilities dedicated to this thrilling sport.
Curling gained popularity in P’yŏngch’ang during the Winter Olympics and continues to be played at various local clubs and competitions.
Combining cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, biathlon is practiced in P’yŏngch’ang, taking advantage of the area's snowy terrain.
Ice hockey is played in various rinks around P’yŏngch’ang, drawing both professional and amateur players to compete.
Speed skating is a popular sport in P’yŏngch’ang, especially after the facilities used during the Winter Olympics became available for public use.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting P’yŏngch’ang.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine often incorporates meat, many restaurants offer vegetarian versions of popular dishes, particularly with vegetable side dishes and bibimbap (mixed rice).
Veganism is becoming more recognized, and establishments are increasingly providing vegan choices, especially in cafes where plant-based ingredients are used in salads and smoothies.
Gluten-free options can be challenging to find but are available in some restaurants that offer rice-based dishes and gluten-free buckwheat noodles. It's advisable to communicate dietary needs clearly.