Wonju Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Wonju with our comprehensive travel guide, featuring tips on where to stay, what to do, and how to get around this stunning city in South Korea


Introduction to Wonju

Wonju is the capital city of Gangwon, a province located in the northeastern part of South Korea. It has a rich history and cultural heritage, dating back to the Joseon dynasty. Today, it is a bustling city that combines modern amenities with traditional charm.

List of Places to Visit in Wonju

Here are some of the top places to visit in Wonju:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Wonju National Museum: This museum showcases the history and culture of the region, featuring over 30,000 artifacts and exhibitions on topics such as pottery, clothing, and weaponry.
  • Guryongsa Temple: One of the oldest temples in Korea, dating back to 668 AD. Visitors can admire the 11-story wooden pagoda, as well as the temple’s beautiful gardens and scenic location.
  • Gangwon Provincial Museum: Focusing on the history and culture of Gangwon province, this museum features interactive exhibits on topics such as folk customs, regional industries, and traditional music.

Natural Attractions of Wonju: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Chiaksan National Park: This mountainous park is located just outside of Wonju and is famous for its stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Visitors can hike the trails, admire the waterfalls, and enjoy the nature.
  • Seom River: This scenic river is a popular spot for kayaking and rafting, as well as fishing and family picnics.
  • Bomunsan Park: This park features a scenic lake, walking trails, and a traditional Korean pavilion.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Wonju

Wonju has some of the best hiking and biking trails in all of South Korea. Here are some favorites:

  • Chiaksan National Park: The park features over 60km of hiking trails, ranging from easy to challenging routes.
  • Gangwon Bike Path: This scenic bike path runs through the countryside of Gangwon province, passing through villages, forests, and rice paddies.
  • Guryongsa Temple: Visitors can hike to Guryongsa Temple and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.

Best Things to Do in Wonju: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the top things to do in Wonju:

  • Experience Traditional Crafts: Visitors can learn traditional crafts including pottery, weaving, and papermaking at the Wonju Hanji Theme Park and the Gangwon Creative Economy Innovation Center.
  • Attend a Festival: Wonju hosts several festivals throughout the year, including the Hanji Festival, Gangwon International Film Festival, and the Taekwondo Festival.
  • Visit a Local Market: Wonju has several traditional markets, including the Wonju Traditional Market and the Jijeon Market, where visitors can buy local food, clothing, and handicrafts.

Week-Long Itinerary for Wonju

Here is a suggested itinerary for a one week trip to Wonju:

Day 1: Arrival and settling in at the hotel Day 2: Visit the Wonju National Museum and Guryongsa Temple Day 3: Explore Chiaksan National Park Day 4: Enjoy outdoor activities like rafting, kayaking, or fishing on Seom River Day 5: Visit Bomunsan Park and participate in traditional crafts Day 6: Take a bike ride on the Gangwon Bike Path and attend a local market Day 7: Departure

Food and Drink Scene of Wonju

Wonju is known for its delicious traditional Korean food and local beverages. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Wonju Sundae: This is Wonju’s most famous food, a traditional Korean sausage made from pig’s intestines stuffed with glass noodles and vegetables.
  • Makguksu: A chilled noodle dish made with buckwheat noodles, vegetables, and spicy sauce.
  • Gangwon-style Fried Chicken: Local twist on fried chicken.

Local Beverages

  • Makgeolli: A traditional Korean rice wine that is milky and slightly sweet.
  • Subak Hwachae: A refreshing drink made from watermelon, sugar, and ice.

Where to Stay in Wonju: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Wonju has a range of accommodations, including luxury hotels, budget-friendly guesthouses, and cozy hostels.

Some of the most popular options include the Hilton Wonju, Wonju Inter-Burgo Hotel, and Wonju Maria Hotel.

What to Buy in Wonju: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Visitors to Wonju can take home traditional Korean products such as hanji paper, porcelain pottery, and wooden crafts. Some notable shopping areas include Wonju Traditional Market and Gangwon Cultural Industry Center.

Local Culture and Customs of Wonju

Wonju has a unique culture that is heavily influenced by traditional Korean customs. Visitors should be aware of etiquette such as removing shoes before entering a home, bowing when greeting someone, and using two hands when passing or accepting an object.

Best Time to Visit Wonju

The best time to visit Wonju is during the spring and fall, when the weather is mild and the scenery is beautiful. The Hanji Festival takes place in October and the Gangwon International Film Festival takes place in August, both great events to plan around if they align with your travels.

Do’s and Don’ts of Wonju

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind while visiting Wonju:

Do:

  • Try the local food and drinks
  • Participate in traditional crafts
  • Respect local customs and traditions

Don’t:

  • Wear shoes in temples or traditional homes
  • Eat while walking on the street
  • Speak loudly or disruptively in public places.

Safety and Health

Wonju is a safe city with a low crime rate. Visitors should still take care of their belongings and be aware of their surroundings, especially at night.

For health concerns, visitors should ensure they have updated immunizations and travel insurance.

Getting to Wonju: Transportation Options and Logistics

Wonju is easily accessible by several modes of transportation.

Airports Near Wonju

The nearest airport is Incheon International Airport, which is located about 2.5 hours away by express bus. Alternatively, visitors can take the KTX train from Incheon International Airport to Wonju Station.

Bus Stations Near Wonju

Wonju has two major bus stations: Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal and Wonju Express Bus Terminal. Both offer transportation to nearby cities and other regions of South Korea.

Other Options

Visitors can also reach Wonju by taking the KTX train from Seoul or Busan or driving by car.

How to Get Around in Wonju

There are several ways to get around Wonju, including taxis, public buses, and rental cars. Taxis are considered the easiest and most convenient way to travel, with reasonable rates and easy availability.

Where to Go Next from Wonju: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Visitors to Wonju can investigate nearby destinations and excursions, including:

  • Pyongchang: The host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyongchang is known for its skiing and winter sports.
  • Sokcho: A scenic coastal city that is famous for its Mount Seoraksan National Park
  • Gangneung: Known for its beautiful beaches and historical sites.

Conclusion

Wonju is a stunning city with a rich history and cultural heritage, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. Whether you’re interested in outdoor adventures, traditional crafts, or trying delicious Korean food and drink, Wonju has something for everyone. Plan your visit today and experience all that this beautiful city has to offer.

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