Things To Do
in Wŏnju
Wonju is a city located in the Gangwon province of South Korea. It is known for its beautiful natural landscapes, including mountains, lakes, and rivers. The city also has a rich cultural heritage, with traditional Korean architecture and historical sites such as Chiaksan National Park and Sogeumgang River.
Wonju is a vibrant city with modern amenities, bustling markets, and a lively arts and entertainment scene.
- "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: $7 - $20
- ☕ Coffee: $2 - $5
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $60
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing hike at the Wŏnju Hanok Village area. Enjoy the serene surroundings and picturesque views.
Visit the Wŏnju Museum to learn about the local history and culture. Don't forget to explore the nearby parks for a pleasant stroll.
Dine at a local Korean BBQ restaurant for an authentic taste of the region. Wrap up the day with a quiet walk along the river.
Begin with a visit to Chiaksan National Park for breathtaking views and fresh air. Take a short hike to awaken your senses.
Pack a picnic and enjoy lunch amidst nature in the park. Visit the nearby waterfall for a serene experience.
Head back to the city for dinner at a local diner. Unwind by visiting a nearby spa for relaxation.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful natural scenery, including mountains and rivers, ideal for outdoor activities.
- Rich cultural heritage with historical sites, temples, and festivals.
- Proximity to Seoul, allowing for easy access to urban amenities while enjoying a quieter lifestyle.
- Lower cost of living compared to larger cities in South Korea.
- Community-oriented atmosphere with friendly locals.
- Limited job opportunities compared to bigger cities like Seoul or Busan.
- Less diverse entertainment and dining options.
- Public transportation may be less frequent and comprehensive than in metropolitan areas.
- Language barrier for non-Korean speakers, as English may not be widely spoken.
- Risk of natural disasters like floods due to its geographical location.
Best Activities in Wŏnju
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the beautiful hiking trails and stunning scenery of Chiaksan National Park.
Enjoy inline skating with friends and family at the Wŏnju Inline Skating rink.
Visit the historic Guryongsa Temple and immerse yourself in the serene surroundings.
Tours
Uncover the best of Wŏnju with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Wŏnju
Visit one of these nice places.
A beautiful temple with stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
Offers breathtaking mountain scenery and picturesque spots for photography.
Provides panoramic views of the city and the surrounding nature.
Food in Wŏnju
Wŏnju Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Soft tofu stew made with freshly curdled soy milk, served in a hot stone pot. It can be found in restaurants like Baedari Sundubu and Chodang Sundubu Jip.
Must-Try!
Buckwheat noodles served in a savory chilled broth, often topped with pickled radish and a slice of kimchi. Visit Wŏnju Makguksu for an authentic taste.
Spicy stir-fried chicken, typically cooked at the table with vegetables, sweet potato, and tteok (rice cake). This dish is a specialty at Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Wŏnju better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This market is a hub for experiencing various street foods such as tempura-fried vegetables, fish cakes, and tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes).
A lively market where you can find grilled skewers of meat, bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes), and a wide array of banchan (side dishes).
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Wŏnju, it is important to show respect for elders by using formal language and gestures, and by acknowledging their status within the community.
It is customary to remove shoes before entering someone's home or certain indoor spaces as a sign of respect for cleanliness and the space of others.
When dining in Wŏnju, it is polite to wait for the eldest or most senior person present to start eating before beginning your meal, and to be mindful of how you use chopsticks and interact with food.
Hidden Gems
Discover the hidden gems of Wŏnju with these exclusive activities.
Safety
Tipping in Wŏnju
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not a common practice in South Korea, including Wŏnju. It is not expected in restaurants, hotels, or other service industries. In some cases, attempting to tip may even be seen as disrespectful.
In Wŏnju, as in the rest of South Korea, cash is still widely used for transactions, although credit cards are becoming increasingly accepted. Mobile payment methods are also popular, with many businesses accepting payments through smartphone apps and QR codes.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Wŏnju is during spring, from April to June, when the weather is mild and the cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Expect pleasant temperatures and colorful landscapes.
Summer, from July to August, can be hot and humid in Wŏnju. However, this season offers a variety of outdoor activities and cultural events.
Autumn, from September to November, is another ideal time to visit Wŏnju. The weather is cool and comfortable, and the autumn foliage creates beautiful sceneries.
Although Wŏnju can be cold and snowy in winter, from December to February, it provides opportunities for winter sports and stunning snowy landscapes.
Wŏnju at Night
Hiking in Wŏnju
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located just north of Seoul, Bukhansan National Park offers a range of hiking trails with various difficulty levels, stunning mountain landscapes, and views of the city.
One of Korea's most famous national parks, Seoraksan is known for its dramatic peaks, diverse flora and fauna, and numerous trails that range from easy walks to challenging climbs.
Close to Wŏnju, Chiaksan National Park features rugged terrains and beautiful scenery, with trails that lead to majestic mountain views and historical sites.
Located near Wŏnju, Odaesan offers serene hiking paths through dense forests, scenic vistas, and is home to several notable temples.
Known for its stunning vistas and rich biodiversity, Taebaeksan provides hikers with a range of trails leading to beautiful peaks and flower fields.
Aiports
How to reach Wŏnju by plane.
The largest and busiest airport in South Korea, located about 70 km west of Wŏnju, serving as a major hub for international flights.
Located approximately 48 km west of Wŏnju, it primarily handles domestic flights but also has a range of international flights.
Located around 40 km northeast of Wŏnju, it caters to both domestic and limited international flights.
Situated about 90 km west of Wŏnju, it serves both domestic and international routes, but is smaller than ICN and GMP.
Located around 110 km south of Wŏnju, it mainly serves domestic flights with some international services.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority ethnic group in Wŏnju, comprising the bulk of the population.
Includes people from various countries who live and work in Wŏnju, such as Chinese, Americans, and other expatriates.
Individuals from mixed Korean and non-Korean backgrounds, often highlighting the increasing diversity.
Visitors who come to experience the cultural and natural attractions of Wŏnju.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in Wŏnju, attracting large crowds for local and national matches.
Basketball has a significant following in Wŏnju, with many schools and local leagues promoting the sport.
Baseball is widely played and watched in Wŏnju, with local teams competing in various tournaments.
Badminton is popular for both recreational play and competitive events, with many facilities available for training.
Volleyball has a strong presence in Wŏnju, with community leagues and school teams participating in local competitions.
As a traditional Korean martial art, taekwondo is widely practiced in Wŏnju, with many dojos and training programs available.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Wŏnju.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While South Korea is known for its meat-centric dishes, most restaurants in Wŏnju offer vegetarian bibimbap (mixed rice with vegetables) and tofu-based stews. Additionally, establishments like Jang Won provide dedicated vegetarian and vegan menus.
Gluten-free travelers can enjoy dishes such as bibimbap (without the gochujang sauce), grilled meat, and various seafood-based dishes. Communication with restaurant staff about dietary needs is recommended.