In Gangwon Province, where the scars of division coexist with the tranquility of nature, travel destinations holding profound stories are once again gaining attention.
Designated as May's recommended travel spots for the '2025-2026 Visit Gangwon Year,' Hoengseong County and Yanggu County each offer visitors serene respite amidst their unique narratives and ecologies.
Hoengseong, where the memories of a submerged land are woven into its lakeside paths, and Yanggu, where the breath of the DMZ's ecology lives on, approach visitors with landscapes of emotion that convey nature, history, and the warmth of life together.
Lakeside Scenery Holding Memories of Submergence
Located in the western part of Gangwon Province, Hoengseong is widely known for its 'Hoengseong Hanwoo' (Korean beef), but the true essence of this region becomes clearer amidst the nature encountered while walking. With its blend of nature, tradition, and rural culture, Hoengseong is an ideal spring travel destination where one can fully experience the changing seasons.
Hoengseong Lake, an artificial lake created by the construction of the Hoengseong Dam, was born from the submergence of five villages: Junggeum-ri, Budong-ri, Hwajeon-ri, Gubang-ri, and Podong-ri. This place, imbued with the memories of those who lost their livelihoods, has been reborn as a famous spot where the past and present coexist within the serene scenery of the water.
The six themed walking trails along Hoengseong Lake, collectively known as 'Hoengseong Lakeside Trail,' reflect the sky, forests, and clouds embracing the lake on its surface, mirroring the walker's heart. In particular, the forest path where groves of white poplars and primeval forests intertwine creates a mystical atmosphere as if walking through a deep forest. This path, perfect for washing away the fatigue of the day while walking along with nature, is also ideal for family trips.
Eodapsan Mountain, Trodden by Royalty
Eodapsan Mountain, meaning 'mountain trodden by royalty,' originates from a legend that Silla's Park Hyeokgeose stayed here while chasing Taegiwang of Taegisan Mountain. As the legend tells of only the king's footsteps reaching this place in the past, it is a place where the tranquility and mysterious scenery of a deep, remote mountain harmonize.
From the summit, one can have a panoramic view of Samgeori Reservoir and Hoengseong Lake. The Byeongjibang Valley, which follows Eodapsan Mountain, is a pristine valley with clear water flowing between large and small rocks, attracting many visitors in summer for water activities, hiking, and mountain biking.
The nearby 'Taegisan ECO 800 Trekking Road' is a themed forest road created on a plateau 800m above sea level, establishing itself as a walking destination where one can enjoy both trekking and forest bathing. The scenery of the 300-year-old pine tree standing tall at the foot of Eodapsan Mountain and the ridgeline stretching like a folding screen offers different expressions each season, captivating the hearts of those who walk.
Nature Encountered at the Boundary of Division
Yanggu, located in the central part of the Korean Peninsula and adjacent to the Military Demarcation Line, is a border region that harbors the scars of division yet preserves a rich ecological environment and cultural resources. Gaining attention as a DMZ ecotourism destination, this place is a special travel spot where nature, peace, and art harmoniously coexist.
Yanggu Arboretum, the sixth public arboretum in Gangwon Province located at the foot of Daemamsan Mountain, began full-scale operation following the establishment of an ecological botanical garden in 2004. Here, visitors can observe over 1,000 species of trees and plants and explore various ecological learning facilities such as the DMZ Wildlife Ecology Center, the DMZ Wildflower Bonsai Garden, and the Wood Culture Experience Center. The DMZ Barrier-Free Sharing Trail, ecological exploration paths, and a four-season sledding slope harmoniously blend together, making it a focal point for ecological education where one can experience nature with all five senses at an altitude of 450m above sea level.
Hanbando (Korean Peninsula) Island, created in the upper reaches of Paro Lake, is the largest artificial wetland in Korea, completed in 2007 with a size of 1.63 million square meters (approximately 490,000 pyeong). Designed in the shape of the Korean Peninsula, this island is located in the middle of the lake and is connected to the land by a wooden deck path. Various photo zones are prepared inside, making the journey of walking and staying amidst nature even more special.
Seeing Peace at the Boundary Where Time Has Stopped
Dutaeyeon is the northernmost part of the Suipcheon Stream's tributary, originating from the Demarcation Line, located north of the Civilian Control Line, at the forefront of the division.
The clear water flowing through the beautiful mountain scenery preserves untouched nature, and it is also known as a pristine area where the Manchurian trout, a rare fish species, inhabits.
The name 'Dutaeyeon' originates from a legend that a Duta envoy stayed here 1,000 years ago. Thanks to the restriction of civilian entry for over 50 years, an ecosystem close to a primeval forest is still well preserved along the roadside.
The Punchbowl in Haean-myeon, Yanggu County, was named by a UN reporter who covered the Korean War and likened its topography to a 'punch bowl.' Surrounded by highlands over 1,000m above sea level, this erosion basin bears the vivid traces of the fierce Korean War and stands as a symbolic place of division.
Various security tourism sites such as the Fourth Infiltration Tunnel, the Eulji Observatory, the Unification Hall, and the War Memorial Hall are concentrated nearby, making this place also utilized as an educational site for learning about peace, security, and history.
The Art of Earth, Space Imbued with Time
The Yanggu White Porcelain Museum is a space that encapsulates the essence of 600 years of white porcelain, where one can appreciate the serene and elegant pottery crafted from Yanggu white clay, including blue and white porcelain, considered the last flowering of Joseon white porcelain.
Under the theme 'Yanggu White Clay, Becoming a Thousand Lights,' works donated by 1,000 potters nationwide who were provided with Yanggu white clay are also exhibited. Visitors can directly experience the art of earth through pottery wheel and shaping activities, and relax in the Baekja (white porcelain) Cafe within the exhibition hall, lingering over the impressions of the exhibits.
Pungsuwon Catholic Church, the first Catholic church in Gangwon Province, holds over 100 years of history. Built by Catholic believers who migrated to avoid persecution, it is the fourth church built in Korea and the first built directly by a Korean priest, holding symbolic significance. The Gothic-style chapel and the old zelkova tree standing in front of the church create a serene atmosphere, captivating visitors with their presence as if they have stood there for a long time.
Hoengseong is accessible from Seoul in about 1 hour and 40 minutes via the KTX Hoengseong and Dunnae stations, while Yanggu is conveniently reached by national roads via Chuncheon. Both regions are well-equipped with accommodations, making them suitable for trips with family, couples, and friends.
Various benefits are available for the 'Visit Gangwon Year,' including SNS events, stamp tours, and discounts on tourist products.
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