🏔️ Discover Gangwon’s 5 Best Hiking Destinations (with Places to Stay)
Gangwon-do is a paradise for nature lovers—home to Korea’s highest peaks, national parks, and forest-covered hills that stretch from coast to border.
Whether you're into high-altitude trekking or peaceful forest walks, here are the top 5 hiking spots in Gangwon and where you can stay nearby for ultimate comfort.
🌄 1. Seoraksan (설악산) – Korea’s Most Iconic Mountain
📍 Location: Sokcho
🧭 Best Season: Spring (April–May) & Fall (October)
Trail Highlights:
- Ulsanbawi Trail – 3.8 km of rocky stairs and stunning granite formations
- Daecheongbong Peak – For seasoned hikers, the 1,708m summit is breathtaking
🏨 Hotel Nearby:
KensingtonHotel Seorak
– British-themed hotel right by the national park entrance. Mountain views, brunch, and even hanbok photo ops.
🌳 2. Odaesan (오대산) – Peaceful Forest Trails & Buddhist Temples
📍 Location: Near Jinbu & Pyeongchang
🧭 Best Season: Late Spring & Early Fall
Trail Highlights:
- Birobong Trail – Moderate, scenic, and lined with pine trees
- Woljeongsa Temple Trail – Flat, serene, and temple-filled
🏨 Hotel Nearby:
Yongpyong Resort Dragon Valley Hotel
– Olympic resort hotel with hot tubs and ski-lift views (yes, even in spring!)
⛰️ 3. Chiaksan (치악산) – Quiet Challenge Close to City Life
📍 Location: Near Wonju
🧭 Best Season: April–May, October
Trail Highlights:
- Guryongsa Temple Trail – Lush forest, waterfalls, and a steep but rewarding climb
- Birobong Peak – 1,288m summit with peaceful pine surroundings
🏨 Hotel Nearby:
Wonju Interburgo Hotel
– Comfortable, business-style hotel with spa, ideal for post-hike relaxation.
🌊 4. Taebaeksan (태백산) – Snowy Legends & Spring Revival
📍 Location: Taebaek City
🧭 Best Season: Late Winter (snow) & Spring blooms
Trail Highlights:
- Cheonjedan Trail – An ancient shrine at the summit, stunning at sunrise
- Yuilsa Trail – Gentle slopes, cultural sites, and alpine flowers
🏨 Hotel Nearby:
Mayhills Resort
– Mid-range resort with forest views and onsen-style baths.
🏞️ 5. Balwangsan (발왕산) – Gondola Views & Gentle Trails
📍 Location: Yongpyong area, Pyeongchang
🧭 Best Season: Year-round (gondola access)
Trail Highlights:
- Balwangsan Healing Forest Walk – Short trails with wooden paths and a skybridge
- Summit via Gondola – Enjoy high-altitude views without breaking a sweat!
🏨 Hotel Nearby:
Yongpyong Resort Tower Condo
– Direct access to hiking, skiing, and cable cars. Perfect for families or couples.
🎒 Tips for Hiking in Gangwon
- 🚄 Transport:
KTX to Gangneung (for Odaesan/Balwangsan), express bus to Sokcho or Wonju - 🍱 Packing:
Water, snacks, light jacket (weather shifts fast!), and sunscreen - 🗺️ Language:
Trails are well-marked, but download Naver Map and Papago just in case - 🚿 Post-hike:
Try a jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) or enjoy local hot spring hotels nearby
🎯 Call to Action
Which Gangwon hike are you adding to your bucket list?
Whether you're climbing Korea’s iconic Seoraksan or strolling through the healing forests of Odaesan, Gangwon is your ultimate mountain getaway.
⛺ Book your trail + stay today, and don’t forget to tag your journey with
#GangwonHikes2025 and mention us @FragmentSeoul 🥾
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