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Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang gained global fame as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, but the region features far more than just world-class ski slopes. Situated at an average altitude of 700 meters above sea level, the city is a year-round destination for nature lovers. Odaesan National Park is the crown jewel of the area, housing significant Buddhist temples like Woljeongsa, famous for its towering fir tree forest path. In winter, resorts such as Alpensia and Yongpyong transform the landscape into a premier destination for skiers and snowboarders. Beyond the winter resorts, the Daegwallyeong Sheep Farms offer pretty, rolling green hills that feel almost European, providing a cool escape during the humid Korean summer. Traveling here is convenient via the KTX Gyeonggang Line, reaching Pyeongchang from Seoul in under two hours. The prime time for winter sports is from December to February, while hikers flock here during spring and the lively autumn foliage season. The crisp mountain air and panoramic vistas make it a first-rate spot for relaxation and healing. Local gastronomy is celebrated for its buckwheat dishes (makguksu) and fresh wild mountain herbs. Pyeongchang is also a leader in sustainable tourism, offering unique Templestay programs for those seeking spiritual reflection. Whether you are looking for the thrill of Olympic-grade facilities or the profound silence of ancient forests, Pyeongchang perfectly embodies the rugged, untouched beauty of Gangwon Province.
- Location: South Korea
- Top sights: Pyeongchang Culture & Arts Center · Pyeongchang Olympic Market
- Nearby: Jecheon (26 km)
- Population: ~9.940 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -6 | -3 | 2 | 8 | 14 | 19 | 22 | 22 | 17 | 11 | 4 | -4 |
| Rain mm | 29 | 40 | 49 | 83 | 77 | 124 | 321 | 264 | 184 | 80 | 58 | 27 |
Geography
Facts
- Host of the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Located at an average altitude of 700m.
- Home to Odaesan National Park.
- Yongpyong is Korea's largest ski resort.
- Famous for Daegwallyeong Sheep Farms.
- KTX connection from Seoul in approx. 90 mins.
- Renowned for local buckwheat dishes.
- Woljeongsa Temple is over 1,300 years old.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Pyeongchang (2)
Frequently asked questions
Pyeongchang: where is it located?
Pyeongchang: what is there to see?
Pyeongchang: when is the best time to visit?
Pyeongchang: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
Nature
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