Brilliant high notes
My first trip of four days in Gangwon was skiing. The excitement of watching the pure white snowflakes made me unable to stop. When it comes to skiing in Gangwon, we are talking about Alpensia Ski Resort located on the mountain at an altitude of 700 m above sea level. The Alpensia complex is like a miniature town with full facilities from winter sports areas, golf courses, restaurants, casinos and a system of luxury hotels. With 6 ski peaks and a capacity of more than 3,000 people, Alpensia was the venue for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics.
Excitedly putting on my bright red ski suit, I trudged step by step on my heavy ski boots and followed the instructor. Stepping out of the Ski House door, I was hit by the cold air of a day with temperatures down to -8oC and a landscape covered in white snow to the horizon. But the coldness was quickly dispelled when the instructor guided each warm-up movement, how to attach the boots to the skis and the first sliding movements. The small class of only about ten people - all tourists - suddenly became lively. After a bit of fear and anxiety, I finally decided to step on the lift and go to the top of the slope, the entire vast ski area now in sight.
For the first time in my life, I let myself fall down the snowy slope at an unimaginable speed in a state of “alertness” joy. The long falls on the slope became softer than ever when the snow “embraced me”. I lay quietly on the snow, looking up at the cloudless blue sky. My childhood dream of lying on the snow was really happening, like a fairy tale, like a wonderful experience that Gangwon had given me.
The soft bass notes
As the blazing sun gradually sank to the mid-day, I quickly gathered my ski gear and headed to the Balwangsan cable car. This is the longest cable car in Asia, with a one-way distance of 7.4 km, offering a breathtaking view of the Balwangsan mountains. After nearly 20 minutes sitting in the cabin looking outside, the cold once again greeted me at the top of Balwangsan with the brilliant yet profound sunset of winter. Each layer of sparkling snow reflected, creating a magical light that immersed people in that moment of rosy sunlight.
To end a long day with snow, enjoying a traditional Korean meal Hanjeongsik is the most standard choice. Looking at the table of food arranged in order with all the colors makes any diner excited and amazed.
There is also another way to fully enjoy the wonders of winter in Gangwon: catch fresh salmon yourself on the ice at the Hwacheon Ice Fishing Festival.
Held in late January every year on the upper reaches of the Bukhan River, ice fishing for trout has become a popular choice for a true winter getaway. All you need is a fishing rod, a pair of gloves, and a little patience. Sancheoneo are native freshwater salmonidae, living in waters below 20°C.
My Korean friend told me, “If Sancheoneo salmon can live somewhere, it must have very clear water!” I don’t know how long I sat there quietly, but what really attracted me was not how many salmon I could catch, but enjoying the clear water that could see all the way to the bottom of the river.
And a few moments of silence
“It’s so cold in Gangwon, how about some hot coffee!?” - and that’s how I got to the famous Anmok Gangneung coastal coffee road. For a small fee, you can make yourself a cup of “handdrip coffee” under the guidance of professional baristas.
The strong aroma of coffee mixed in the air made everyone feel comforted on a cold day. Holding a cup of hot coffee in hand and looking into the distance, watching the calm blue sea in the sunlight, everything seemed to calm down.
Another peaceful experience that I also loved was the time I visited Woljeongsa Temple - a complex of traditional Buddhist relics dating back to the 7th century during the Shilla Dynasty. Nestled among the towering pine forests of Odaesan Mountain, Woljeongsa Temple brings peace of mind to visitors with special experiences: tea ceremony, meditation, practicing Buddhist rituals, stringing prayer beads...
Nearly two hours of experience making rosary beads with 108 prayers taught me a lesson in patience and tranquility. Each bead strung was a time when my heart was freed from worries.
In the soft golden afternoon sunlight, I followed the monk on a small path between the tall pine forests. There was the sound of rustling leaves, the sound of a stream flowing softly through layers of ice, and a gentle breeze quietly bringing my heart back to serenity. These peaceful moments are hard to find, to return to amidst the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
More information
Visa: Submit application at the Korean Embassy, minimum processing time is 14 working days.
Trip:From Vietnam, there are many airlines that offer direct flights to Seoul, landing at Incheon Airport. Travel another 3 hours by bus to Gangwon.
WeatherFebruary and March are winter months in Korea, with average temperatures around 3 degrees Celsius.
Means of transport: Bus or self-drive car rental.
Accommodation:In Gangwon, there are many resorts and hotels, large and small, serving tourists who love skiing. Our group stayed at Alpensia Ski Resort.
Cuisine: Pollock soup is a popular dish at most eateries in town. Don't miss the chance to enjoy a traditional Hanjeongsik meal at Jeonggangwon, smoked pork and tofu at Daecheongmaru...
Skin:Winter in Korea is very cold, especially when you want to go skiing. Therefore, prepare warm clothes, snow boots, gloves, scarves, hats… to ensure your health.
Money: 1 KRW ~ 20 VND.
Find out more details at the website of the Korea Tourism Organization: https://www.visitkorea.org.vn/
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