GANGWON – KOREA
Gangwon-do possesses various historical / cultural resources from prehistoric to the modern age, and it is the best place for historic / cultural experience and education. Old data is preserved in museums and memorial halls, and historic regional culture such as national property and national treasures is succeeded according to the characteristics of the region. In particular, the DMZ, the only buffer area in the world, is connected with tourist attractions. Also, it is the field of active exchange between South and North Korea through the overland route to Mt. Geumgangsan and tourist ship to Mt. Baekdusan.
Gangwon-do is a mountainous province, (a much greater part is occupied by mountains)and is usually divided into two areas, Yeongdong and Yeongseo, with the Taebaek Mountains, which form the backbone of the Korean Peninsula, in the middle. The area east of the Taebaek Mountains is marked by steep slopes with few coastal plains, while the western area is marked by gentle slopes and mountains containing the headwaters of some of Korea’s largest rivers, such as the Namhan and Bukhan Rivers.
1. Drama & Film open studio
The best drama and films, that are loved by all Asians, such as “Autumn in My Heart” and “Winter Sonata”, “Descendants of the sun”, etc. were filmed in several places in Gangwon-do, and the places are favorite destinations for foreigners and various tourist products are being developed at this time.
2. World Festival
Festivals such as the Gangneung Dano Festival, Yangyang Mushroom Festival and International Mime Festival are held every season in conjunction with tradition, modernization, culture and play according to several themes around the Gangwon-do province. In particular, the Chuncheon Puppet Festival, Gangneung Dano Festival, Chuncheon International Theatre Festival, Chuncheon Mime Festival and Wonju Dynamic Festival etc. are popular with both foreign and domestic visitors.
3. Traffic access and resting place
With the opening of Yangyang International Airport and the expansion of the express highway, the domestic and foreign transportation network into Gangwon-do is more convenient. Also, a multi-resort project will upgrade existing resorts is being expanded and promoted. Gangwonland Casino, ‘the Las Vegas of Asia’, will present a special experience and the hot spring resort complex made by the natural environment of Gangwon-do provides heavenly pleasure.
4. Natural treasure
In Gangwon-do, approximately 80% of the area consists of mountainous district and various kinds of animals and plants are spread out around the clean and clear rivers that flow around the mountains. Also, with 3 national parks of Mts. Seoraksan, Odaesan, and Chiaksan, and several picturesque places, it can be said this is truly a natural treasure. It is also designated and protected as a natural preserve.
5. Heaven of leisure sports
Gangwon-do has been the center of winter sports in Asia since the 99 Winter Asian Games were held here and we were appointed as an Olympic host city for the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. In addition, it has the optimum natural environment and facility for leisure sports such as hiking, rafting, bungee jumping, MTB, and trekking etc.
6. Climate of Gangwon-do
Gangwon-do is located in the medium-latitude temperate zone between 37° and 38° north latitude. Located in the medium-latitude temperate zone between 37° and 38° north latitude, Gangwon-do’s climate is characterized by high temperatures and humidity during the summer and coldness and dryness in the winter. This is due to the high continental pressure which is low in temperature and humidity.
Gangwon-do is geographically divided into two areas, Yeongdong and Yeongseo, by the Taebaek Mountains as they stretch from north to south along the east of the Korean Peninsula. Both areas feature remarkably different climatic conditions.As for the general characteristics of the province’s climate, the Yeongdong area, in which steep mountain slopes are directly connected with the coasts, displays elements of an oceanic climate whereas the Yeongseo area, located in the middle of the Korean Peninsula, shows characteristic elements comparable to those of a continental climate. Meanwhile, the highlands of the Taebaek Mountains exhibit characteristic features of a mountain climate.
The Yeongdong area has a few paddy fields because of the steep mountain slopes running downwards and directly into the sea, thus leaving only a limited area of paddy fields lying along some parts of the coastline. Such geographical features of the area create a comparatively warmer winter and cooler summer, with a low annual temperature range.
The annual mean temperature in the Yeongdong area is higher than that of the Yeongseo area by 2° C. The annual precipitation rates in the two areas are 2,058.5mm and 1,690.3mm, respectively, showing that Gangwon-do’s eastern part, including Gangneung, Sokcho and Samcheok, has more rainfall (by about 370 mm annually) than the western part, which includes Chuncheon, Wonju and Cheorwon. In the winter and spring the province tends to have stronger winds than in other provinces. There is also more snow in winter. In January and February the Yeongdong area, in particular, tends to have a much heavier snowfall than the rest of the entire country.
*Download more information: Gangwon tourist guide_2019
by Gangwon guide
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