| Pyeongchang Hangŭl: 평창군, Hanja: 平昌 郡 | ||
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Coat of arms  | ||
| State | South Korea | |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Gangwon | |
| Altitude | 600 m a.s.l. | |
| Inhabitants | 46.531 (2004) | |
| POSTAL CODE | 232700–232956 | |
| Time zone | UTC 9 | |
Position
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| Tourism site | ||
| Institutional website | ||
Pyeongchang is a city and county of the South Korea in the province of Gangwon.
To know
The city hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. The county's motto is "Happy700 Pyeongchang" and refers to the fact that according to some studies the altitude at which the city is located, about 700m above sea level, would be the best to live in.
Geographical notes
The altitude of Pyeongchang is wide, with 84% of its territory comprising mountains with average altitudes of 750m.
Its best known place, the municipality of Daegwallyeong-myeon, averages between 700 and 800m above sea level, with some areas over 1,000m high.
When to go
| Climate | gen | Feb | mar | apr | mag | down | Jul | needle | set | Oct | nov | dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maximum (° C) | -2,5 | -0,4 | 4,4 | 12,9 | 17,6 | 20,5 | 22,8 | 22,8 | 18,6 | 14,0 | 7,0 | 0,5 |
| Minimum (° C) | -12,6 | -10,5 | -5,2 | 1,2 | 6,3 | 11,2 | 16,0 | 16,1 | 10,0 | 3,1 | -2,8 | -9,1 |
| Precipitation (mm) | 62.,6 | 53,6 | 75,6 | 89,5 | 122,3 | 201,0 | 326,7 | 420,9 | 307,3 | 124,9 | 76,9 | 36,8 |
| Light (h / day) | 6,4 | 6,6 | 6,5 | 7,6 | 7,4 | 6,0 | 4,5 | 4,2 | 4,8 | 6,2 | 5,9 | 6,2 |
Korea Meteorological Administration | ||||||||||||
Pyeongchang County is characterized by a hot-summer continental humid climate. Pyeongchang's winters are long and very snowy, while summers are relatively short.
The average temperature of Pyeongchang from 2001 to 2010 was 7.0 ° C, and it was lower than that of Gangwon at 8.9 ° C. The region's annual precipitation from 2001 to 2010 was 1,555 mm, which was higher than the Gangwon's 1,491.5 mm.
The hottest months of the year are July and August, while January and February are the coldest.
Background
The Pyeongchang region was ruled by the Goguryeo dynasty during the Three Kingdoms period, and was called Uk-o-hyeon (욱 오현). After the Silla dynasty conquered the Goguryeo dynasty and the Baekje dynasty, it was renamed Baek-o-hyeon (백오현).
After the Goryeo dynasty was founded, it changed its name to Pyeongchang-hyeon. Hence, it was under the control of Wonju.
How to orient yourself
Pyeongchang: full screen map.How to get
By plane
Depending on the destination you choose (city center or more distant resorts) it may be more convenient to reach Pyeongchang from Seoul (195 km) by bus or train rather than taking a plane to the airport of Yangyang.
- Seoul Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN) (TO Incheon). South Korea's main airport.
- Seoul Gimpo International Airport (IATA: GMP) (TO Gimpo). Secondary airport of the capital.
- 1 Yangyang International Airport (IATA: YNY) (TO Yangyang). Although almost as far away Seoul, Yangyang Airport has connections with the Gimhae International Airport of Busan, and with the islands Jeju is Kitakyushu in Japan.
- 2 Wonju Airport (IATA: WJU) (TO Wonju). With Korean Air connections from Jeju but not from Seoul, this is certainly the closest airport to the city.
By car
The 234 km long Yeongdong Expressway connects Incheon to Gangneung. Marked with the number 50, it connects to the area of Seoul with the region of Gangwon. Pyeongchang is located on the line between Incheon and Gangneung. To reach the city follow the signs and exiting the Yeongdong Expressway take the Pyeongchang InterChange.
On the train
For the 2018 Winter Olympics, a high-speed railway line (KTX) was built connecting the main airports of Seoul and the city itself a Gangneung in about 2 hours without stops.
A new high-speed line from Seoul and Seoul-Incheon International Airport opened in December 2017. Korail has KTX express trains every hour. The journey takes just under 90 minutes. There is a rail pass dedicated to foreigners called Pyeongchang Korail Pass, which allows you to board any Korail train including KTX.
By bus
The Pyeongchang bus station is located near the sports complex and is the only terminal in the city for intercity buses. Main national lines:
- Dong-seoul terminal (Korean: 동서울 종합 터미널, located at Seoul) - Pyeongchang intercity bus terminal (Korean: 평창 시외 버스 터미널)
- Wonju intercity bus terminal (Korean: 원주시 외 버스 터미널, located in Wonju) - Pyeongchang intercity bus terminal
- Chuncheon intercity bus terminal (Korean: 춘천시 외 버스 터미널, located in Chuncheon) - Pyeongchang intercity bus terminal
How to get around
By taxi
Pyeongchang has few city bus lines, so it may be more convenient for a tourist to take a taxi. There are numerous taxis for tourists and the base price is ₩ 2,800 which will increase by ₩ 200 every 152m.
What see
Mountains
- 1 Odaesan National Park (오대산 국립 공원 (Hangul)). The Odaesan National Park is one of the main mountainous areas of the South Korea, known for its temples and waterfalls. Focused on Birobong, five peaks with an average altitude of 1,563 m a.s.l .. The Sogeumgang Valley, or Mount Geumgangsan, are located further south. Mount Odaesan is a name originally given to the Chinese Mount Qingliangshan, but the scholar Jajangyulsa, who was commissioned to study this mountainous area during the dynasty Silla he decides to call the Korean mountain Odaesan. The slopes of Mount Odaesan are smoother than those of Mount Seoraksan, anyone can easily hike here. Furthermore, people of all ages love Mount Odaesan as the perfect place for a forest bath.
- Trails in the fir forests of Odaesan Woljeongsa (오대산 월정사 전나무 숲길 o Odaesan Woljeongsa fir forest trails), 350-7, Odaesan-ro, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do.
- 2 Daegwallyeong (대관령), Hoenggye-ri, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea / Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Korea. Daegwallyeong is a mountain pass in South Korea. At an altitude of 832 m a.s.l. it is located between Hoenggye-ri, Pyeongchang-gunn and seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si.
Caves
- 3 Baegnyong Caves (백룡 동굴), 82 Maha-ri, Mitan-myeon, ☎ 82 33-334-7200.
₩ 15,000-10,000, discounts for groups. 
09:00-15:00. Baengnyong Caves are located at the foot of Mount Baegunsan. They are the first caves in Korea where visitors can indulge in caving with the help of a professional guide. Recognized in 1979 as a natural monument (number 260), the caves have icicle-shaped stalactites inside, stalagmites formed on the ground, rock formations similar to fried eggs and stone pillars formed by stalactites from the ceiling and stalagmites from the ground that as they pass of the years have come together. Only 240 visitors are allowed every day, so it's best to book. 
₩ 15,000-10,000, discounts for groups. 
09:00-15:00. Baengnyong Caves are located at the foot of Mount Baegunsan. They are the first caves in Korea where visitors can indulge in caving with the help of a professional guide. Recognized in 1979 as a natural monument (number 260), the caves have icicle-shaped stalactites inside, stalagmites formed on the ground, rock formations similar to fried eggs and stone pillars formed by stalactites from the ceiling and stalagmites from the ground that as they pass of the years have come together. Only 240 visitors are allowed every day, so it's best to book.
Temples and shrines
- 4 Woljeongsa Temple, 63 Dongsan-ri, Jinbu-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun. Famous for the Citadel museum which exhibits numerous relics and treasures and for the 8-story octagonal pagoda. The road bordered by the fir trees is very scenic and has been used as the setting for some films. In the complex there is also the Woljeongsa museum with many treasures and artifacts related to the Buddhist religion.
- Pyeongchang Hyanggyo, ☎ 82 33 330-2771.
Museums
- 5 Potatoflower studio (감자 꽃 스튜디오), 105 gogilcheollo, Pyeongchang-eup, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, ☎ 82 33-332-5337. School converted into a multifunctional center with a museum, a library, an exhibition area.
- Daegwallryeong New and Renewable Energy Exhibition Hall (강원 신 재생 에너지 전시관), ☎ 85 33 336-5008.
- Pyeongchang Freshwater Fish Museum (평창 민물 고기 생태관).
- Daegwallryeong Ski History Museum (대관령 스키 역사관).
- Lee Seung-bok Memorial Hall (이승복 기념관).
- 6 Jeonggangwon (Traditional Korea Cuisine Experience Center (한국 전통 음식 문화 체험관)), 21 Baekokpo-ri, Yongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Kangwon 강원도 평창군 용평면 백옥포리 21. Jeonggangwon was founded with the aim of preserving and spreading Korean culinary art. Tourists can visit it and learn the secrets of the country's cuisine.
Events and parties
- Winter games of 2018. From 9 to 25 February 2018. The XXIII Olympic Games and the XII Paralympic Games represent the second Olympics hosted by South Korea after the 1988 summer edition, held in the capital Seoul. Pyeongchang won the assignment after trying twice before. First in 2000 for the 2010 Games which were then held in Vancouver, then again for the 2014 games that were awarded to Sochi.
- Hyoseok Cultural Festival. Pyeongchang is the hometown of Lee Hyo-seok, a Korean writer, and this festival takes place in the Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village, where he grew up.
- Daegwallyeong Snow Festival. Started as "Daegwallyeong Winter Snow Festival" in 1992 by the Daegwallyeong Ski Club. In 1993 the first festival was officially held.
What to do
Sport
Ski
- 1 Alpensia Resort (알펜시아 리조트), 325, Solbong-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, ☎ 82 33 339-0000. Alpensia has six slopes for skiing and one for snowboarding up to 1.4 km long with different difficulties: for both beginners and experts. Although the resort is open all year round, out of season, meaning no snow, the lower part of the slopes is transformed into a lawn. All slopes close between 16:30 and 18:30 for maintenance. You can also ski at night from 18:30 to 20:00.
- 2 Yongpyong (Dragon Valley) Ski Resort (용평 리조트), 715, Olympic-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, ☎ 82 33 335-5757. Yongpyong ski resort offers skiing in the winter and golfing in the summer months. It is the largest ski and snowboard resort in South Korea. The ski season runs from November to early April. In the area there are 31 slopes, 15 ski lifts. Yongpyong is South Korea's oldest ski resort.
- 3 Phenix Pyeongchang (휘닉스 평창), 174, Taegi-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do.
Rafting
- Donggang Rafting, ☎ 82 33 330-2741.
Shopping
How to have fun
Where to eat
The province of Gangwon is famous for tofu and Sanchae Bibimbap. The locals say that among the things to drink, the soju del Gangwon has a unique flavor.
Where stay
There are plenty of hotels and the like in the area, prices range from ₩ 15000 and up.
Safety
How to keep in touch
Around
- Mount Seorak - Considered one of the most beautiful mountains of the Korean peninsula, especially in autumn and the most visited in all of South Korea. Known for its particular rock formations, numerous waterfalls and temples.
- Gangneung
- Sokcho - City on the coast.
Other projects
Wikipedia contains an entry concerning Pyeongchang
Commons contains images or other files on Pyeongchang
