Republic of Korea Pyeongchang
Located in South Korea’s northeast, Pyeongchang was instantly made famous for playing host to the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics. As evident by the presence of the Olympics, the area is most popular in winter, when travellers flock to the two main ski resorts, Alpensia and Yongpyong, which are some of the best ski resorts in Asia. Alpensia was home to the main Olympic Village in February 2018, while the main township of Daegwallyeong-myeon housed the Olympic Stadium.
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.
Pyeongchang, South Korea
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