Pyeongchang is a mountainous county in Gangwon Province, in the northeast of South Korea. It is best known internationally as the host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, and that connection still shapes much of what a visitor finds here, from the venues to the wider sense of a place built around snow and altitude.
Winter sports and the Olympic legacy
The county is home to well-regarded ski resorts, among them Alpensia and Yongpyong. Both are reached from the county and suit visitors who come for skiing and snowboarding, as well as those who simply want to see the facilities that once welcomed athletes from around the world. Visiting in winter gives the clearest sense of what the area is for.
Landscape and setting
Pyeongchang is defined by its mountains. The alpine scenery is the backdrop to most activities here, and the surrounding countryside offers a quieter pace than the larger cities of the peninsula. Gangwon Province as a whole is known for its hills and forests, so a trip here tends to be as much about the views and open air as about any single attraction.
What a visit suits
- Travellers interested in skiing or winter sport
- Those curious about the Olympic venues and their legacy
- Visitors who want scenic mountain country within reach of Seoul
- People who prefer a slower, outdoor-focused trip
Because the county's appeal rests on its mountains and resorts, it works best as a destination in its own right rather than a quick stop. Planning around the season you visit will help you get the most from it.