Winter Symphony in Gangwon

Brilliant high notes

My first activity during my four-day trip to Gangwon was skiing. The delight of seeing the pristine white snow was irresistible. When talking about skiing in Gangwon, the Alpensia Ski Resort, located on a mountain 700 meters above sea level, comes to mind. The Alpensia complex is like a miniature town with all the amenities, from winter sports facilities and a golf course to restaurants, a casino, and a system of high-class hotels. With six ski peaks and a capacity of over 3,000 people, Alpensia was the venue for the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics.

Excited to put on my bright red ski suit, I trudged along in my heavy ski boots, following my instructor. Stepping out of the Ski House, I was hit by the cold air of a day with temperatures dropping to -8°C and a vast expanse of snow stretching to the horizon. But the chill quickly dissipated as the instructor guided me through the warm-up exercises, how to attach my boots to the skis, and the first steps of skiing. The small class of about a dozen people – all tourists – quickly became lively. After a little fear and anxiety, I finally decided to take the elevator to the top of the slope, and the entire vast ski area was now within my view.

For the first time in my life, I plunged down a snow-covered slope at an incredible speed, filled with a mixture of exhilaration and "vigilance." The long falls down the slope felt softer than ever as the snow embraced me. I lay silently on the snow, gazing up at the clear, cloudless blue sky. My childhood dream of lying on snow was truly coming true, like a scene from a fairy tale, a wonderful experience that Gangwon had given me.

Gentle low notes

As the scorching sun began to set, I hurried to pack up my ski gear and head to the cable car station leading up Mount Balwangsan. This is Asia's longest cable car route, stretching 7.4 km in one direction, offering breathtaking views of the Balwangsan mountains. After nearly 20 minutes in the cabin, the chill once again greeted me at the summit of Balwangsan, accompanied by a brilliant yet somber winter sunset. The glistening snow reflected the light, creating an enchanting glow that captivated me at that moment of radiant sunset.

To end a long day in the snow, enjoying a traditional Korean meal, Hanjeongsik, is the perfect choice. The sight of the food arranged in an orderly fashion with its vibrant colors is sure to impress and excite any diner.

There's also another way to fully enjoy the wonders unique to winter in Gangwon: by catching your own fresh salmon on the frozen river at the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival.

Held annually at the end of January in the upper reaches of the Bukhan River, ice fishing for trout has become a popular choice for those seeking a truly relaxing winter getaway. A fishing rod, gloves, and a little patience are all you need. Sancheoneo trout are native freshwater salmon, living in areas with water temperatures below 20°C.

My Korean friend told me, "If Sancheoneo salmon can live anywhere, it's because the water is incredibly clean!" I don't know how long I sat there quietly, but what truly captivated me wasn't how many salmon I might catch, but rather enjoying the crystal-clear water that allowed me to see all the way to the bottom of the river.

And a few moments of silence.

“Gangwon is so chilly, how about some warm coffee!?” – and that’s how I discovered the famous Anmok Gangneung seaside coffee street. For a small fee, you can brew your own cup of “handdrip coffee” under the guidance of professional baristas.

The rich aroma of coffee permeates the air, making everyone feel comforted on a cold day. Holding a hot cup of coffee in your hand and gazing out at the calm blue sea bathed in sunlight, everything seems to gently settle down.

Another peaceful experience that I loved was my visit to Woljeongsa Temple – a traditional Buddhist complex dating back to the 7th century during the Shilla Dynasty. Nestled amidst the towering pine forests of Mount Odaesan, Woljeongsa Temple offers visitors inner peace with unique experiences: tea ceremony, meditation, Buddhist rituals, prayer beads, and more.

Nearly two hours spent making prayer beads and offering 108 prayers taught me about patience and inner peace. Each bead strung together represented a release of worries from my heart.

In the soft golden afternoon sunlight, I strolled with the monk along a small path through a forest of towering pine trees. There was a gentle rustling of leaves, the murmur of a stream flowing over layers of ice, and a soft breeze whispering, bringing a sense of tranquility. These peaceful moments are so hard to find, so difficult to rediscover amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Additional information

VisaApplications must be submitted to the Korean Embassy; the minimum processing time is 14 working days.

Trip:From Vietnam, several airlines offer direct flights to Seoul, landing at Incheon Airport. It's then a 3-hour bus ride to Gangwon.

WeatherFebruary and March are the peak of winter in South Korea, with average temperatures around 3 degrees Celsius.

Means of transportationTake a bus or rent a car.

Accommodation:Gangwon has many resorts and hotels of all sizes catering to ski enthusiasts. Our group stayed at Alpensia Ski Resort.

CuisinePolloctopus soup is a popular dish at most eateries in town. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Hanjeongsik meal in Jeonggangwon, smoked pork and tofu in Daecheongmaru…

Skin:Winters in South Korea are very cold, especially if you want to go skiing. Therefore, be sure to prepare plenty of warm clothing, snow boots, gloves, scarves, hats, etc., to ensure your health.

Money1 KRW ~ 20 VND.

For more detailed information, please visit the Korea Tourism Organization website: https://www.visitkorea.org.vn/

Text and photos: Tong Hoang Ha My