2026 Kangwon Travel Guide: must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transport & travel experiences (updated in August)

"❄️❄️ "Gingko Tree Lane" is one of the most popular landmarks on Nami Island that visitors should not miss. This iconic road lined with gingko trees is renowned for its beauty and is a must-see spot for photography enthusiasts. Located in Chuncheon City, Gangwon Province, South Korea, it offers a picturesque view that captivates all who visit. ❄️❄️ Nami Island is famous for its golden gingko tree-lined roads, creating a romantic and breathtaking scenery. Fans of Korean dramas will especially enjoy the charm of this place 😍😍. ❄️❄️ During the autumn season, the gingko trees turn a vibrant golden yellow, offering a stunning visual treat. However, in this photo, we visited during winter (December 2025), when the snow had just started to fall. Although the snow wasn't thick yet, its soft, clean white blanket added a touch of winter beauty to the landscape. ✅✅ Nami Island is open daily, with operating hours depending on the ferry schedule that transports visitors to and from the island. ⏰ Operating Hours: 07:30 AM – 9:45 PM ⛴️ Ferry Schedule: 07:30 AM – 09:00 AM: Ferries depart every 30 minutes 09:00 AM – 6:00 PM: During peak hours, ferries depart every 10–20 minutes 6:00 PM – 9:45 PM: Ferries depart every 30 minutes until the last trip 📸 Trip Dates: December 26, 2025 – January 1, 2026"

Location: Gangneung Found Address: 4, Gyeonggang-ro 2015beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Found is a wine bottle shop that exclusively stocks about 15 to 20 types of wine, carefully selected after personal tasting!! A place that has all kinds of delicious wine, regardless of whether it is natural or conventional!! It is great for wine beginners to enjoy, and you can find a wine that suits your taste! They even have simple snacks to pair with the wine and cheese plates!! It is a wine bar in Gangneung with a great atmosphere~~~ The weather had warmed up a bit that day, so we sat outside. On windy days, indoor seating is also available. #GangneungTravel #Hanok #WineBar #HotSpot #PleaseTakeCareOfWinter

This is the view near to KANGWON NATIONAL UNIVERSITY in South Korea I am actually a student of KNU and When I first came to South Korea and to my university in chuncheon city I was surprised by the beautiful and peaceful view I would recommend to everybody to visit here you won’t regret it

Winter in Gangwon-do is not just about the snow and Nami Island; there's another super popular activity—strawberry picking. We went during the winter, and it was freezing outside, but the moment we stepped into the strawberry greenhouse, the warm air hit us, and seeing the sea of red berries instantly melted our hearts. If you're planning a trip to Nami Island or Petite France, adding strawberry picking to your itinerary is perfect, as it's a great day trip heading in the same direction 🍓 ❄️ Itinerary Pairing: Gangwon-do + Nami Island + Petite France The strawberry farm we visited this time was in the Gangwon-do area, making it ideal to pair with Nami Island and Petite France. We picked strawberries at the farm in the morning, had Chuncheon Dakgalbi (spicy stir-fried chicken) for lunch, and then took a stroll around Nami Island or Petite France in the afternoon—it's a very smooth route. If Nami Island is covered in snow during winter, pairing it with fresh strawberries picked that morning as a snack is just perfect. I recommend booking a day tour, or you can charter a car/take the subway to Gapyeong Station and transfer. You can use this along with my previous guides on Nami Island and Petite France. 👢 Strawberry Picking Tip: Wear easy-to-clean shoes Although the strawberry fields have walkways, you still have to step into the mud or dirt trenches when picking (especially after the snow melts or watering in winter, it gets quite muddy). I recommend wearing waterproof, easy-to-clean shoes (like rain boots or old sneakers), otherwise, getting red dirt on designer shoes will break your heart. I wore a pair of old canvas shoes that day, stomping around without a care in the world, and just scrubbed them clean when I got home. 🍓 How to pick the sweetest ones? The farm owner told us: look for ones that are red all over, even around the stem—those are the sweetest. If the tip is still white or green, it means it's not ripe yet and will taste sour. When picking, gently pinch the strawberry stem and snap it with your thumbnail or twist it a bit. Don't yank it hard, or you might damage the plant. We ate as we picked (some farms have restrictions, so remember to ask if you can eat them on the spot first). Freshly picked strawberries still holding the warmth of the sun are honestly times sweeter than the ones you buy at city supermarkets. 🥘 Lunch pairing: Chuncheon Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken) After picking strawberries, of course, you have to eat Chuncheon Dakgalbi for lunch! It's the most famous dish in the Gangwon-do area. We found a specialty restaurant in downtown Chuncheon. The iron pan was sizzling with spicy chicken, cabbage, sweet potato slices, and rice cakes—the aroma was incredible. You can stir-fry it yourself or ask the staff for help. Eating strawberries as a post-meal fruit (yep, we brought the ones we picked in the morning to the restaurant), the mix of sweet and spicy surprisingly went really well together. If you don't eat spicy food, you can order a mild or soy sauce flavor, and there are versions with extra cheese too, which is super satisfying. 💡 Pro Tips 1. Dress warmly: Korean winters are seriously freezing, especially in the Gangwon-do suburbs, which are several degrees colder than Seoul. Thermal wear, thick coats, scarves, beanies, and gloves are a must. Toss a few extra hand warmers into your pockets and shoes 🧤 2. Wear non-slip shoes: With melting snow or soft soil in the strawberry fields, the ground can be slippery. It's safer to walk in shoes with good grip. 3. Great to pair with Nami Island/Petite France: It's the perfect full-day trip on the same route, easily doable from Seoul. 4. Strawberry picking season: The Korean strawberry season runs from about December to May of the following year, peaking in February and March. The price is about 15,000-25,000 KRW per person, and they usually give you a small box to take your harvest home. 5. Check farm rules first: Some farms let you eat while you pick, while others don't. Ask clearly before you go or when you enter to avoid extra charges. 6. Bring wet wipes: There might not be a sink on-site. Your hands will get dirty with mud or strawberry juice, so wet wipes are a lifesaver. 📌 Conclusion For me, the winter strawberry picking experience in Gangwon-do was a "cold but happy" journey. The wind outside was piercingly cold, but the cozy greenhouse and red berries made you forget the temperature. It doesn't matter if you step in the dirt or get your shoes dirty—when you bite into that fully red, plump strawberry you picked with your own hands, the sweetness in your mouth tells you: it's all worth it. "Gangwon-do Strawberry Fields: The sweetest strawberry in winter is always the one you pick yourself." 🍓❄️💚

If you're visiting South Korea in winter, I highly recommend Nami Island. When it snows in winter, this place looks as beautiful as a wonderland 💕. White snow covers the whole forest, the lake freezes over, and frost hangs on the branches. Every step feels like walking into a fairy tale. When I went, even though it was freezing, my heart kept screaming, "This is so worth it!" ❄️ · -- 🚌 Transportation: Shuttle Bus, Subway, or Day Tour · Shuttle Bus: There are direct buses to Nami Island departing from Hongdae or Myeongdong. Remember to book in advance (just search "Nami Island shuttle bus" online). The ride takes about an hour, which is super convenient. · Subway: Take the Gyeongchun Line to Gapyeong Station, then transfer to a taxi or the local circular bus to the pier. It takes a bit more time but offers more flexibility. · Day Tour: For ultimate convenience, you can just join a day tour. There are plenty of options online that include transportation, tickets, and even lunch. I chose the shuttle bus for my trip—took a nap and I was there. · -- 🍗 Lunch at the Pier: Chuncheon Dakgalbi + Potato Pancakes (Gamjajeon), cooking it yourself is so fun! You need to take a ferry to enter Nami Island, but I suggest grabbing lunch near the pier first—there are far more restaurant choices there than on the island! I had the famous Chuncheon Dakgalbi (Spicy Stir-fried Chicken). The best part is: you cook it yourself! There's a large iron griddle on the table. The staff brings out marinated spicy chicken, cabbage, sweet potato slices, and rice cakes, and then you stir-fry it all together. Watching the food cook while the mouth-watering aroma rises is such a fun and engaging experience~ 🔥 If you're not a fan of spicy food, you can ask for it to be mild. We also ordered a portion of Gamjajeon (Potato Pancakes). Crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside—taking a bite in the dead of winter instantly warms your entire body. Pairing it with the spicy chicken was incredibly satisfying! 😋 · -- ⛴️ Entering Nami Island: Ferry or Zip-wire After a fulfilling meal, walk over to the pier to head onto the island. There are two ways: 🚢 Taking the Ferry (The Classic Choice) · The boat ride takes about 10 minutes. · Ferries run frequently, every 10 to 20 minutes. · Standing on the deck, feeling the cold breeze, and taking in the lake views—with occasional floating ice in winter—is incredibly romantic. 🪂 Zip-wire · Glide straight onto the island from the top of a 25-story tower! · It's a bit pricey, starting at around ₩44,000 KRW (about 250 HKD). · Perfect for thrill-seekers or those wanting to skip the lines. Zipping down offers a bird's-eye view of the entire lake—super thrilling! I chose the ferry that time because I wanted to take it slow and soak in the vibes. If you have enough time and budget, try the zip-wire and share your experience with me later! 🤩🤩 · -- 📸 Must-Take Photos on the Island: The Classic Snowy Tree-lined Path + Frozen Lake Once on the island, the most iconic spot is the path lined with giant trees on both sides—in winter, it transforms into a misty white snowy wonderland. Snow hangs on the branches, and sunlight filters through the canopy. It's an absolutely gorgeous backdrop for photos! 📸 Many Korean dramas have filmed here as well. Keep walking, and you'll find the lake, which completely freezes over in winter. You can step onto certain areas (safety first, don't wander recklessly), and looking at the trapped bubbles beneath the ice feels surreal. I recommend spending 2-3 hours strolling and taking photos around the island at your own pace. · -- ✋ DIY Workshops: Bring Home a Handmade Souvenir There are also several DIY workshops on Nami Island, such as: · Pressed flower handmade bookmarks · Small wooden decorations · Scented candles They're reasonably priced, allowing you to craft a one-of-a-kind souvenir to take home. I didn't have enough time to do it on my trip, but I definitely will next time! · -- 💡 Quick Tips 1. Bundle up! South Korean winters are brutally cold, and since Nami Island is in the suburbs, it’s a few degrees colder than the city. Layer up with thermal wear, heavy winter coats, scarves, and gloves. Also, bring hot packs to put in your pockets and shoes. ❄️ 2. Wear slip-resistant shoes: Icy snow paths are super slippery, so anti-slip boots or snow cleats are highly recommended. 3. Keep your gadgets warm: Extreme cold drains batteries fast. Sticking a hot pack on the back of your phone can help. 4. Book the bus early: The shuttle buses fill up quickly, especially on weekends or during peak seasons. 5. More dining options at the pier: I seriously suggest eating near the pier before boarding. The island has fewer options and they tend to be pricier. --- 📌 To Sum Up Winter in Nami Island is the kind of experience that chills you to the bone but warms your heart with its sheer beauty. The snowy landscapes, the frozen lake, the DIY stir-fried spicy chicken, the piping hot potato pancakes—everything makes braving the cold totally worth it. If you're coming to South Korea in winter, please add this place to your itinerary. "Nami Island: When the snow falls, even the cold can be warmed by a smile." 🩵❄️🌨️

#OutdoorDate The amount of coffee was so generous, it was so impressive! 😲 Usually, cafes with such stunning interiors and views tend to have small portions. But here, the portions were similar to a generous latte I'd make at home, which was so nice! ☕ Sitting by the window, quietly gazing at the ocean, and sipping a refreshing latte felt so refreshing. 🌊 It's been a while since I've seen a cafe that pays such attention to even the smallest details.😊 ⏰Opening Hours 10:00 - 18:00 Last order at 17:40 📍Paddle 140 Toseong-ro, Toseong-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

#AbsolutelyFreeTrip I discovered a cafe in Gangneung, a suburb of Seoul, Korea, that I definitely want to visit 💡🍨 It's called [Koma Sokuri] They make and sell ice cream using the flavor (corn) that reminds the owner of his grandmother It's a new sensation, and a shame! They also have fresh caramel, which is rare in Korea! The interior of the store retains an old-fashioned atmosphere, with tables such as the earthen floor, chabudai table, and sewing machine table that remind the owner of his grandmother. You can read the story of the grandmother in a picture book ✨📕Why not take a break in this retro and cute store? [Koma Sokuri] 📍Address: 81-18 Gyohang-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do ※Business hours: Weekdays 10:30-19:00 Nearby tourist attractions: Filming location of the drama "Goblin" #Gangneung#Suburbs of Seoul#Ice Cream#Cafe

#4月好去处2025 The natural scenery of Gangwon-do amazes me, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms and azaleas bloom in the mountains, forming a beautiful picture. I took a hiking trip and enjoyed the magnificent scenery along the mountain trails. The fresh air was refreshing. The local hot springs are also a highlight. Soaking in the steaming hot springs can instantly soothe your tired body and mind.

#AprilGoodDestinations2025 💞Recommendation reason: Gangwon-do has many ski resorts and becomes a paradise for ski enthusiasts in winter. The snow quality here is excellent and the facilities are complete, suitable for skiers of all levels. Besides skiing, you can also enjoy the relaxation of hot springs. 🗓️Itinerary: The best ski season in Gangwon-do, Seoul: usually from mid-November to mid-March of the following year. Based on the climate in previous years, the snowfall in December and January is relatively stable and abundant, so these two months are also the peak skiing season in South Korea.

#MarchTravelSupportEvent If you are traveling to Sokcho, Gangwon-do, visit ! You can see the blue sea of ​​the East Sea and the wonderful Yeonggeumjeong Observatory, and if you take a picture here, you can get the picture of your life right away. You can get really pretty pictures during the day, but it is said that the atmosphere is just as pretty when you visit at sunset or sunrise..❤️ 📍43 Yeonggeumjeong-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do #DomesticTravel #Gangwon-doTravel #Sokcho #SokchoTravel #Yeonggeumjeong #FriendshipTravel

#January travel support event This is the Gangwon-do sea with a beautiful beach that can be seen in just 2 hours from Seoul. In Korea, many people travel to Gangwon-do to see the beautiful sea, and the place is Yangyang, which can be called a mecca for surfers. Yangyang has a surfer beach where you can have a good time, and there are many places to drink beer and shop around, so it is a domestic travel destination that I recommend. I recommend you go in the summer and enjoy surfing. #Gangwon-do travel #Yangyang travel #February travel support event

#Travel with me #Korean food @#강원도여행 @#Favorite activities @#Favorite activities food @#Jang Keun-suk @#Gun-chan footprints @#Korean homemade miso @#Korean homemade tofu This restaurant was featured in a famous Korean food review program, and serves wild vegetable namul, homemade miso, and homemade tofu. Only open for lunch. It takes about 2 hours to get there from Seoul using the highway, but since I went at the beginning of a holiday in Korea, it took 6 hours in heavy traffic. The highway to the East Sea was very congested. The jars for making the homemade miso were filled with miso made with love. In the restaurant, you can eat wild vegetable namul and homemade tofu that were featured in the food review. Edible dandelions and acacia flowers picked in the mountains were also used generously in the dishes. The meat and fish were also very delicious. The food was locally produced. Jang Keun-suk ate freshly made tofu on a food review program with relish, and you can only get it at this restaurant. If you go there outside of your Korean vacation, the highway is not crowded. The manager who appeared on the program was very friendly and kind, and told us about the miso assortment that he gave to Jang Keun-suk during the program location shoot. We bought that too. The happiness of being able to eat delicious food in a place with great air and scenery🩷 The happiness of being able to eat what my idol ate🩷 The happiness of walking where my idol walked🩷 The happiness of feeling the warmth of Korean people🩷 The happiness of eating delicious food made with love in a place with a nice view🩷 It was very, very fun. The name of the restaurant is in the photo. Please search for it and go there. You can enjoy the authentic taste~(^^)

#HongKongFlightEvent #GangWonDo Location: Gangwon-do GongGane Potato Ongsimi A really delicious place… . They sell traditional Korean food like mooncakes and sujebi. It was the first time in my life that I ate a proper mooncake, not the mooncakes I used to eat at school, and it was so delicious. The sujebi was also perilla-based, so it was very rich and delicious. I want to go again…

The resort is large and has many ski slopes. The hotel rooms are apartment-style, large enough and have parking spaces. The only downside to the resort is that there are not many restaurants to choose from.

Korea also has places as beautiful as Sapporo! This place has become a winter travel destination in life. On the third day of coming to Seoul, we ran to Gangwon-do, and it was really right! Nature is so wonderful, and it understands aesthetics. I love this gift from nature! I went to Samyang Ranch, and I felt like I was in a fairy tale world. I wore three pairs of pants and completely resisted the temperature of minus ten degrees. I didn't feel cold when I took pictures, and the large snow made this little potato from the south so happy! Location: Samyang Round Hill (formerly Samyang Ranch) Every day 9:00-17:30 (admission ends at 16:30) Adults 12,000 won / Children 10,000 won (1,000 won discount when pre-selling online - not available on the day) How to go to Gangwon-do tips: Buy KTX train tickets, get off at Jinbu station and then take a taxi to Samyang Ranch. (Make sure to buy in advance, we just wanted to go the day before, and the tickets were sold out) We chartered a car, the advantage is that it is very convenient, no need to take an extra taxi, if you have more time, you can also go to Gangneung to see the sea, the sea in winter should also have a wonderful feeling. Please be sure to confirm the snow removal information and weather conditions before visiting! (It may be difficult to enter on a heavy snow day) Samyang Ranch

It's so clean and the owner is so kind I love it because it looks right at the ocean There's also a yard and the kids love it I had a great time resting