Gangwon — South Korea’s most mysterious province | National Geographic Traveller (UK)
視聴回数 60,332 回
0
0
Partner Content for Gangwon Tourism Organisation.
Whether it’s outdoor thrills, hot springs, buzzing street markets, beachside cafes or the serenity of its many Buddhist temples, this is Gangwon in South Korea, a mountainous northern province that’s home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the country. The region is even home to the DMZ, one of the last vestiges of the Cold War.
In 1945, North and South Korea split and Gangwon was cut in two. Nowhere is this historical legacy more evident than from Gangwon’s Unification Observatory Tower. No trains have passed through Jejin Station into North Korea for many years. The platform stands silent and empty, though plans to reopen it are underway. Gangwon hopes for reconciliation one day, and every year a global Peace Forum is held at the Winter Olympic Park in Pyeongchang.
In Gangwon’s seaside city of Sokcho, evidence of South Korea’s economic boom is clear. This urban hub combines high-tech industries and a buzzing restaurant scene with the country’s more traditional values. Fishing has been at the heart of the city for centuries, and Sokcho Central Market is famous throughout the country for its seafood.
Aside from the region’s metropolitan areas, Gangwon is renowned for its natural beauty. Seoraksan National Park is the country’s oldest protected park, and without doubt one of the most enchanting. This huge expanse of silent wilderness has no fewer than 30 mountains, crisscrossed by 50 miles of hiking trails. Remote Buddhist temples such as Sinheungsa show the slower, spiritual side of Gangwon. This is a peaceful place, far removed from the trappings of modern life. It’s hard to imagine that just 30 miles to the north lies Gangwon’s heavily fortified border. But although the province is divided, its people are united in their optimism for a bright future.
Get more of the latest travel inspiration and travel news from the team at National Geographic Traveller (UK): https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
Follow us on social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natgeotraveluk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatGeoTravelUK
Flipboard: https://flipboard.com/@NatGeoTravelUK
Whether it’s outdoor thrills, hot springs, buzzing street markets, beachside cafes or the serenity of its many Buddhist temples, this is Gangwon in South Korea, a mountainous northern province that’s home to some of the most spectacular national parks in the country. The region is even home to the DMZ, one of the last vestiges of the Cold War.
In 1945, North and South Korea split and Gangwon was cut in two. Nowhere is this historical legacy more evident than from Gangwon’s Unification Observatory Tower. No trains have passed through Jejin Station into North Korea for many years. The platform stands silent and empty, though plans to reopen it are underway. Gangwon hopes for reconciliation one day, and every year a global Peace Forum is held at the Winter Olympic Park in Pyeongchang.
In Gangwon’s seaside city of Sokcho, evidence of South Korea’s economic boom is clear. This urban hub combines high-tech industries and a buzzing restaurant scene with the country’s more traditional values. Fishing has been at the heart of the city for centuries, and Sokcho Central Market is famous throughout the country for its seafood.
Aside from the region’s metropolitan areas, Gangwon is renowned for its natural beauty. Seoraksan National Park is the country’s oldest protected park, and without doubt one of the most enchanting. This huge expanse of silent wilderness has no fewer than 30 mountains, crisscrossed by 50 miles of hiking trails. Remote Buddhist temples such as Sinheungsa show the slower, spiritual side of Gangwon. This is a peaceful place, far removed from the trappings of modern life. It’s hard to imagine that just 30 miles to the north lies Gangwon’s heavily fortified border. But although the province is divided, its people are united in their optimism for a bright future.
Get more of the latest travel inspiration and travel news from the team at National Geographic Traveller (UK): https://www.nationalgeographic.co.uk/travel
Follow us on social media
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NatGeoTravelUK
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natgeotraveluk/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/NatGeoTravelUK
Flipboard: https://flipboard.com/@NatGeoTravelUK
