Pyeongchang

Historically, Pyeongchang has passed between the various claimant ruling families of Korean antiquity, including the Goguryeo Dynasty and the Silla Dynasty. You’ll find remnants of this historical heritage in the many temples throughout the mountain range. The most significant of these national heritage sites are Sangwansa Temple, founded in 705, and Woljeongsa Temple, founded in 643, both of which are located on Odaesan Mountain. Odaesan Mountain itself has been a national park since 1975. Aside from the temples, you’ll find the Daegwallyeong Snow Festival taking place each February, which brings the opportunity to take part in various snowbound activities, including a snowman crafting contest and a snow sled competition. You can also find Samyang Ranch in the area, which is the largest highlands petting zoo in Asia.

Although Pyeongchang attracts visitors all year round, it’s most popular in the winter, when the ski clubs are open and fresh snow on the mountainsides transforms the landscape into a winter wonderland. Hoenggye is the main transit hub while many visitors base out of Daegwallyeong-myeon. The region has a continental climate, meaning lots of snow in the winter. Summer is humid and warm, although relatively short-lived.