Pyeongchang
Olympic Ski Slopes and Mountain Temples
The highland county that hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics: Yongpyong and Alpensia ski resorts from about December to March, with ski schools that teach beginners in English. Out of season it is cool summer hill country, with the fir-lined path to Woljeongsa temple in Odaesan National Park and the sheep farms of Daegwallyeong. The KTX to Gangneung stops at Pyeongchang and Jinbu; resorts run shuttles from the stations.
Highlights
- Skiing at Yongpyong and Alpensia
- Beginner ski lessons in English
- Woljeongsa fir-tree path
- Odaesan National Park
- Daegwallyeong sheep farm
- Olympic ski-jump tower
- Cool summer nights
Things to do
- Ski or snowboard day with a lessonDec–MarMorning · 6h
- Woljeongsa temple & the fir-tree pathMorning · 2h 30m
- Daegwallyeong sheep farmAfternoon · 2h
- Alpensia ski-jump observatoryAfternoon · 1h 30m
Tours & tickets
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When to go
Best time: December – February (ski), July – October
Worth knowing
Jangma: the Summer Monsoon
The monsoon (jangma) brings days of heavy rain from late June to late July, hot and humid in between. Flash floods can close riverside parks, mountain trails and some roads. Plan museums, markets and indoor days, carry an umbrella, and keep hiking days flexible.
Worth knowing
Seollal (Lunar New Year) Travel Rush
Seollal falls on 6 February 2027 (holidays 5-7 February). Trains, express buses and Jeju flights sell out weeks ahead, expressways jam, and many small restaurants and shops close for the three days. Book every train and flight that week early, or stay in one city over the holiday.
Worth knowing
Chuseok Holiday Rush
Chuseok, the harvest holiday, falls on 15 September 2027 (holidays 14-16 September; in 2026 it was 24-26 September). KTX and bus seats for the holiday sell out within hours of opening, roads are gridlocked, and many shops and family restaurants close. Stay put over the three days and book any train before or after them.
Heads up
Hard Winter Cold
December to February is dry and bitterly cold: Seoul averages around -2 °C in January with cold snaps to -15 °C and below, colder in Gangwon with the wind. Bring a down jacket, gloves, a hat and thermals; heated floors and hot soups make up for it. Sunny days are good for palaces and ski slopes.
Heads up
Ski Slopes Closed
Yongpyong and Alpensia ski from about late November or December to March. The rest of the year Pyeongchang is cool hill country: Woljeongsa and Odaesan, the sheep farms and the summer gondola at Yongpyong.
- Seollal (Lunar New Year) — Three days of family holiday when much of Korea travels home: KTX, SRT and express-bus seats sell out weeks ahead, Gimpo–Jeju flights are full, and many small restaurants, markets and shops close. Palaces and the big sights stay open, often with folk games and free entry days. Avoid moving between cities on the first and last day.
- Chuseok (harvest festival) — Korea's biggest holiday: tens of millions travel to their home towns, trains and buses sell out the day bookings open, expressways jam, and many family restaurants, markets and shops shut for the three days. Seoul's palaces and folk villages hold events. Plan to stay put in one city over the holiday, and book any train before it.