Top 8 Things to Do in Pyeongchang: A Perfect 2-Day Nature Getaway
Pyeongchang is a premier travel destination in Gangwon-do where you can enjoy nature and relaxation all year round. Centered around Daegwallyeong, it offers easy access to green pastures, forest trails, and traditional villages, making it perfect for a 1-night, 2-day itinerary. In this guide, we introduce the top 8 places to visit in Pyeongchang, offering a mix of nature, cultural experiences, and relaxation for families and couples.
Top 8 Things to Do in Pyeongchang
Yukbaek Majigi (Highland Wildflower Garden)
This spot offers the most open and expansive views in the Daegwallyeong area. Located at an altitude of about 1,100m (3,600 ft), it features stunning scenery with wind turbines and green meadows. In summer, it feels like you are walking above the clouds, while in autumn, silver grass and reeds color the mountainside. You can drive your personal vehicle all the way to the summit parking lot, and on clear days, you can see the entire city of Pyeongchang at a glance.
|
| Yukbaek Majigi |
Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch
As a landmark of Pyeongchang, this ranch is famous for its picturesque landscape where sheep roam freely on green pastures. The walking trail is designed as a loop, taking about 30 to 40 minutes to complete.
|
| Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch |
You can experience feeding hay to the sheep near the entrance, and in winter, you can see sheep running on the snowy fields. It is particularly popular with families.
|
| Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch |
Hyoseok Culture Village
This village is the setting for the famous Korean novel *When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom* by Lee Hyo-seok. The area around Bongpyeong-eup is famous for its Buckwheat Flower Festival. Visiting between August and September allows you to see fields of white buckwheat flowers in full bloom. The literary house exhibits the author's life and works, and the village features restored traditional houses, making it a great place for a leisurely stroll.
|
| Hyoseok Culture Village |
Herbnara Farm
A representative garden attraction in Pyeongchang filled with fragrant herb scents. Various herbs like lavender, rosemary, and mint show different colors each season. In addition to greenhouses and gardens, there are small cafes and experience zones, making it a nice place to take a break. It is a great spot for garden walks in spring and summer, and for enjoying a warm cup of tea in winter.
|
| Herbnara Farm |
Balwangsan Cable Car
The cable car rising to the peak of Mt. Balwangsan (1,458m / 4,783 ft) is the best way to enjoy panoramic views of Pyeongchang's four seasons. The ride takes about 20 minutes, and once you reach the top, you can visit the 'Sky Garden' and 'Skywalk' observatory. On days with low clouds, you can experience the feeling of walking through a sea of clouds. The snowy landscape in winter is exceptionally beautiful.
|
| Balwangsan Cable Car |
Museum Deep Dive
A newly opened cultural complex in Pyeongchang, characterized by exhibitions utilizing media art and lighting effects. It is an immersive exhibition that uses light and sound, enjoyable for both children and adults. There are many photo-friendly zones inside, making it popular among couples.
|
| Museum Deep Dive |
Woljeongsa Fir Tree Forest Path
A representative walking spot in Pyeongchang, known for its 1km long fir tree path starting from the entrance of Odaesan Mountain. Fir trees over 30 meters tall form a natural tunnel, calming your mind just by walking through it. The forest path leads to the Woljeongsa Temple grounds, creating a harmony between temple architecture and nature. It offers cool shade in summer and a serene snowy landscape in winter.
|
| Woljeongsa Fir Tree Forest Path |
Pyeongchang Olympic Memorial Hall
This is a space dedicated to the records of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. It displays stadium models, athletes' equipment, and videos from the event. Located within the Alpensia Resort, there is also a ski jump tower observatory outdoors. It is a great place to visit with children as they can experience the Olympic legacy firsthand.
|
| Pyeongchang Olympic Memorial Hall |
Recommended Stay - Phoenix Park Resort
Among the accommodations near Daegwallyeong in Pyeongchang, Phoenix Park Resort offers the best accessibility. Its close proximity to nearby tourist attractions makes it a great addition to a 2-day itinerary. The rooms are spacious and the facilities are well-equipped, ensuring a comfortable stay for both families and couples.
|
| Phoenix Park Resort |
Rooms and Facilities
The facilities at Phoenix Park Resort vary by building. The recently remodeled Blue Building (Sky Condo) features a clean and modern interior, with separate living rooms and bedrooms providing a spacious feel.
|
| Phoenix Park Resort Room |
The rooms are equipped with a kitchenette, microwave, and refrigerator, allowing for simple meal preparation. Many rooms offer views of the mountains and ski slopes through the windows, creating a particularly nice atmosphere when the morning sunlight pours in.
|
| Phoenix Park Resort Room View |
Amenities
Within the resort, you can find a sauna, indoor pool, Blue Canyon Water Park, convenience stores, and cafes. You can enjoy most of your relaxation and meals without leaving the premises.
The water park connects indoor and outdoor zones, and discounts are available for guests. The pool water temperature is kept constant, making it usable even in winter.
Restaurants within the resort offer diverse menus but can be a bit pricey, so cooking simple meals in the room or visiting external restaurants might be more efficient.
|
| Phoenix Park Resort Water Park |
Prices and Booking Tips
Rates are somewhat higher during peak season (winter ski season), but reservations can be made starting from around 100,000 KRW (approx. $70 USD) on weekdays during the off-season. The official website or booking platforms often release package deals (Room + Breakfast + Water Park included), so you can enjoy a cost-effective stay by being flexible with your dates.
When booking, it is recommended to check if you are assigned to the remodeled Blue Building. Some rooms in the Green Building have been remodeled, so confirmation is needed, while the Orange Building is older and cheaper but has mixed reviews due to its dated interior.
|
| Phoenix Park Resort |
Blue Building Review
Although the resort has been around for some time, showing signs of age, the rooms are spacious and perfect for families. The open views prevent any feeling of stuffiness. Above all, the convenience of being able to handle most activities within the resort thanks to the well-equipped facilities was a major plus. The parking lot is large, but it can get somewhat crowded on winter weekends due to the high number of visitors.
As expected from a resort operated by a major corporation, the staff were friendly, and requests were handled relatively quickly. It is a great place to enjoy a quiet rest at a reasonable price during the off-season.
Pyeongchang is an excellent region for a 1-night, 2-day trip. The introduced attractions such as Yukbaek Majigi, Sheep Ranch, Hyoseok Culture Village, and Woljeongsa Forest Path are clustered close together, making travel easy. Planning your stay around Phoenix Park Resort allows for an efficient itinerary, offering both sightseeing and leisurely relaxation using the resort facilities. Pyeongchang reveals different landscapes each season, offering new charms whenever you visit.
Top 10 Sokcho Travel Courses: Best Places to Visit Guide - GybeLife
Discover the top 10 places to visit in Sokcho, South Korea. This guide covers must-see travel courses like Seoraksan, Sokcho Beach, and local markets.
en.gybelife.com
Seoraksan Cable Car Guide: Tickets, Hours & Parking Info - GybeLife
Your complete guide to the Seoraksan Cable Car in Seoraksan National Park. Get info on ticket fees, operating hours, parking, and tips.
en.gybelife.com
10 Best Places to Visit in Yangyang, Korea - A Travel Guide - GybeLife
Explore the 10 best places in Yangyang, Korea's surfing capital. This guide covers top spots from Surfyy Beach to the tranquil Naksansa Temple.
en.gybelife.com