(Copyright: The Pyeongchang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games)
PyeongChang 208 Winter Olympics will be the kickoff series for the high-profile sporting event in Asia over the next four years, with neighboring countries Tokyo hosting the 2020 Summer Olympics and Beijing hosting the Winter Olympics in 2022.
It will be the first winter games in Korea held in Pyeongchang, Gangneung, and Jeongseon from February 9 to 25, 2018, while the Paralympic Games will be held from March 9 to 18.
With over 50,000 people participating, PyeongChang 2018 will welcome over 3000 athletes from over 95 countries competing in the first Winter Olympics to be held on Korean soil.
The Winter Olympics include 102 events in 15 sports disciplines–Alpine Skiing, Biathlon, Cross-country Skiing, Freestyle Skiing, Nordic Combined, Ski Jumping, Snowboard, Bobsleigh, Luge, Skeleton, Curling, Figure Skating, Ice Hockey, and Speed Skating.
Check out our Awesome Guide as we tour around the Olympic game venues while enjoying some sights and local fare along the way…
PYEONGCHANG 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS
Pyeongchang, Gangneung, and Jeongseon
Facebook: PyeongChang2018
E-mail: info@pyeongchang2018.com
Website: www.pyeongchang2018.com
HOW TO GET THERE:
By Train
Express transit to be established from Seoul (the capital city) to PyeongChang
– Yeongdong Express Route I – Around 2 hours, 40 min from International Airport to Pyeongchang
– Yeongdong Expressway Route II – Around 2 hours, 40 min from International Airport to Gangneung
– KTX (High-Speed Train) Around 70 min from Seoul/Cheongryangri to Gangneung
– Railroads (Olympic Route)
Around 108 minutes from Incheon Airport to Gangneung
Around 93 minutes from Incheon Airport to Jinbu
GAME PERIOD: 9-25 February 2018 (17 days)
GAME VENUES:
(Copyright: The Pyeongchang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games)
Twelve venues (seven for snow sports and five for ice sports) are located within a 30-min distance by car from Alpensia Sports Park. About USD 8,000 million was spent for the existing and new venues.
There are 15 winter sports disciplines included in the Olympic Winter Games and 6 in the Paralympics, divided into snow, ice, and sliding sports. The Games will be the first ever Olympic Winter Games with over 100 gold medals.
There will be six new events introduced to the games such as Snowboard Big Air (men, women), Speed Skating Mass Start (men, women), Curling Mixed Doubles, and Alpine Skiing Team.
Alpensia Sports Park
(Copyright: The Pyeongchang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games)
When winter comes and snow covers the slopes of Gangwon-do, it transforms into a beautiful winter wonderland where skiers, snow boarders, and other winter sports enthusiasts flock to enjoy the world-class facilities.
Located at the highest altitude in Korea, the mecca for winter sports remains snow-covered throughout the winter–a skier’s paradise!
It provides many activities you can enjoy throughout the season. They have the ski-jumping tower, a cross-country skiing platform, the main stadium, and an 18-hole public golf course.
Alpensia Sports Park also houses various hotels, a convention center, a ski resort, and more.
Ski History Museum
Get to know the cradle of skiing and where the history of winter sports began in Korea. At the museum, visitors can see how skiing has evolved as a winter sport in the country. You can also find items such as traditional Korean skiing equipment, gear used by Korean and International competitors, as well as awards and medals received.
Visitors can choose between general admission, which allows access to the observatory, or special admission, which allows them to enter the ski jumping hill.
Read more: PYEONGCHANG 2018: What to Expect In The Winter Olympics! @PyeongChang2018
Alpensia Resort
325 olbong-ro, Daengwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Contact: 033-339-000
Webste: www.alpensiaresort.co.kr
Gangneung Olympic Park
(Copyright: The Pyeongchang Organizing Committee for the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games)
The Gangneung Olympic Park is a sports complex area in Gangneung, which will be the location of four of the venues of the 2018 Olympic Games–Gangneung Hockey Centre, Gangneung Oval, Gangneung Ice Arena, and the Gangneung Curling Centre.
It will host the ice sports curling, figure skating, short track speed skating, speed skating, and ice hockey.
Read more: PYEONGCHANG 2018: What to Expect In The Winter Olympics! @PyeongChang2018
ATTRACTIONS NEAR THE WINTER OLYMPIC VENUE:
1. Ojukheon (Gangenueng)
(National Treasure No. 165)
Built in 1450 during the Joseon Dynasty, Ojukheon House is one of oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea, where Shin Saimdang lived, and her son Yulgok Yi Yi–a great philosopher and politician who finalized Korea’s neo-Confucianism–was born.
The building has been well maintained by the descendants throughout the generations.
Her son Yi Yi’s face, on the other hand, can be found in the current 5,000 won bill.
There are plenty of black bamboo around the house, hence the name Ojukheon.
The compound also includes Mongnyongsil, Munsengsa, Eoje-gak, Yulgok Memorial, the guesthouse, the main building, and the museum.
Admission Fees: Individual – Adults 3,000 won / Teenagers 2,000 won / Children 1,000 won
Read more: GANGNEUNG: Attractions Near The Winter Olympic Venue! @PyeongChang2018
Ojukheon
24, Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact: +82-2-1330 ,+82-33-660-3301~3308
Website: www.gn.go.kr
2. Korean Beef Barbecue (PyeongChang)
Enjoy prime Korean Beef! The climate and the environment are said to be perfect for raising cattle. Where the cold weather helps increases the fat deposit in cows, making the beef of Heongsang Hanu more tender and flavorful.
The charcoal-broiled slices of hanu taste even more delicious with the variety of complimentary side dishes.
Enjoy your barbecue with a glass of rice wine or soju! Geon-bae!
Expect to pay between 20,000 won and 30,000 won per person.
Read more: PYEONGCHANG: Attractions Near The Winter Olympic Venue! @PyeongChang2018
Daegwallyeong Hanu Town
393, Taegi-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea
Website: www.isj-hanwoo.com/
3. Jeong Gang Won (Korea Traditional Food Culture Experience Center) (PyeongChang)
Jeong Gang Won is open to visitors who want to taste and get hands-on lessons in traditional Korean food! Find a wide array of delicious fare here, beginning with the popular kimchi, bibimbap, and bulgogi.
It is the first traditional food experience center in Korea, teaching guests a variety of programs such as pickling, traditional cooking, and even offering overnight stays complete with the traditional outfits.
The place was established to preserve the values of traditional Korean food, with various hands-on facilities for traditional food culture such as an exhibition hall, cooking room, and fermentation rooms spread throughout the area.
Korean meals can be largely divided into a staple, usually rice, and side dishes that are eaten with rice.
We stirred this huge bowl of bibimbap for 200 people. Bibimpab is a simple dish composed of steamed rice topped with stir-fried beef and a variety of vegetables mixed with gokchujang (Korean Chili Paste).
Tip: Phone reservations are required for all experience programs (traditional cooking class for groups of 10 and above only)
Read more: PYEONGCHANG: Attractions Near The Winter Olympic Venue! @PyeongChang2018
Jeong Gang Won
2010-13, Geumdanggyeok-ro, Yongpyeog-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun
Contact: +82-33-333-1011~3, +8210-9968-7500
Website: www.ktfce.com
4. Woljeongsa Temple Stay (PyeongChang)
The best way to visit the temple is from the thousand-year-old scenic Seonjae Trail, a 9-kilometer trail connecting Woljeongsa Temple and Sangwonsa Temple.
The trail is filled with tall trees on both sides, offering trekkers a splendid view of nature.
Temple stay is a cultural program that gives you the chance to experience 1,700-year-old traditions of Korean Buddhism. It is believed that through the Woljeongsa Temple’s Temple Stay Program, visitors can spend time healing, finding themselves, and becoming one with nature.
Sangwonsa Temple is home to the Wooden Seated Child Manjusri (National Treasure No. 221) as well as the oldest bronze bell (National Treasure No. 36) in Korea.
During your stay, you will be immersed in activities such as a tour of the temple, Buddhist services, a tea ceremony, making lotus lanterns, making prayer beads, Zen meditation, and a formal monastic meal ritual.
Tip: You don’t need to be a Buddhist to join. The temples have an English program led by monks and staff that speak in English.
Read more: PYEONGCHANG: Attractions Near The Winter Olympic Venue! @PyeongChang2018
Woljeongsa Temple Stay
374-8 Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
Entrance: 50,000 won
Contact: 033-339-606
Webiste: www.woljeongsa.org
5. Haslla Art World (Gangenueng)
Covering an area of 61 acres, Haslla Art World was built atop a seaside hill, maintaining its natural landscape to minimize damage to nature.
Various modern art pieces are displayed including paintings, sculptures, crafts, etc.
One of my favorite sections is the extensive Pinocchio exhibit, which is fascinating for adults and kids alike.
Their Art Garden features different themed sections including the Sea Garden, Pine Tree Garden, Time Hall, Wetlands, Field Garden, and Fun Garden that brings together nature, people, and art.
Visiting the art garden involves a lot of walking. It’s not a hard walk, and there are many benches plus a cafe to where you can relax.
Read more: GANGNEUNG: Attractions Near The Winter Olympic Venue! @PyeongChang2018
Haslla Art World
1441, Yulgong-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact: +82-33-1330 , +82-33-644-9411
Website: www.haslla.kr
6. Jumunjin Seafood Market (Gangeneung)
Squid, crabs, mackerel, pike, seaweeds, delicious sashimi, and various dried products can be found here at inexpensive prices!
The Jumunjin Seafood Market was founded in 1936 and is the largest seafood market on the East Coast. It is located in Gangneung next to Jumunjin Port, where large fleets of squid boats dock.
There are also many restaurants in the market offering fresh seafood, a dried seafood market, and a sashimi center.
Read more: GANGNEUNG: Attractions Near The Winter Olympic Venue! @PyeongChang2018
Jumunjin Seafood Market
38, Sijang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact: +82-2-1330 , +82-33-661-7302
Website: ffish.co.kr
7. Gyeongpo Lake: Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival (Gangneung)
Many spring festivals happen all over Korea, but one of the most anticipated is the Cherry Blossom Festival.
Every year, Gangneung hosts the Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival, which usually starts early to mid-April where you’ll catch the cherry blossoms at their peak. This year the festival ran from April 6 to April 12.
The peak bloom is the magical moment visitors want to experience during the cherry blossom season. This happens when 70 percent of the trees have opened their buds, creating a magical sea of pink and white.
It is not as famous as the other cherry blossom festivals in Korea so expect a lesser volume of people.
It takes place at the center of Gyeongpodae Pavilion. During the festival, various cultural events are held against the beautiful cherry blossom backdrop. There are also food stalls and shops available during the festival dates. Bicycles can be found on the festival grounds for rent!
Read more: Gangneung Gyeongpo: Cherry Blossom Festival by the Lake!
8. Winter Olympics Promotion Hall
Get to know more about your favorite winter sports and visit the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics Promotion Hall.
This is an Olympic promotion center where visitors can see the entire Olympic processes, from the bidding to the actual hosting of the Games, and a 4D experience room.
PyeongChang 2018 House
131 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Contact: 033-651-1722
PYEONGCHANG 2018 WINTER OLYMPICS
Pyeongchang, Gangneung, and Jeongseon
Facebook: PyeongChang2018
E-mail: info@pyeongchang2018.com
Website: www.pyeongchang2018.com
Live an Awesome Life,
ABI of Team Our Awesome Planet
Disclosure: We were media guests of the Korea Tourism Organization. I wrote this article with my biases, opinions, and insights.
P.S. Don’t miss the PyeongChang Winter Olympics 2018 so close to Manila this coming February 2018.
