Hongcheon County: Discover the Natural Beauty of Korea

Hongcheon County: Discover the Natural Beauty of Korea Located in western Gangwon Province, Korea, Hongcheon County is famous for its beautiful mountains and lakes, abundant hot springs, and distinctive cuisine. It's a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of city life. Itinerary Planning Day 1: Arrival and First Nature Experience • Morning: After arriving in Hongcheon County, check in at your hotel. We recommend the "Hongcheon Daemyung Vivaldi Park Hotel," located within a ski resort. With beautiful surroundings and comprehensive facilities, it offers a comfortable stay whether during ski season or other times of the year. • Noon: Try the local specialty, Hongcheon naengmyeon (cold noodles), at the hotel restaurant or nearby eateries. The chewy noodles, served with cold sweet and sour broth and fresh vegetables, are particularly refreshing on hot summer days. • Afternoon: Visit the Hongcheon Buckwheat Flower Field. From September to October, vast fields of buckwheat flowers bloom, creating a sea of white petals swaying in the breeze - perfect for photos. Walking paths through the flower fields allow visitors to enjoy nature's tranquility and beauty. Day 2: Hot Springs and Cultural Experience • Morning: Visit Hongcheon Hot Springs, known for its high-quality mineral-rich waters. Soak in the springs to relax, relieve fatigue, and experience traditional Korean spa culture. • Noon: Savor Hongcheon grilled ribs, tender meat marinated in special sauce and grilled until crispy outside while remaining juicy inside. Enjoy it with fresh lettuce and kimchi for an authentic Korean meal. • Afternoon: Visit Hongcheon Hanji Culture Center to learn about traditional Korean paper-making. Try making your own hanji paper and purchase beautiful hanji crafts as souvenirs. Day 3: Outdoor Activities and Departure • Morning: Visit Cheongpyeong Lake. Enjoy the stunning scenery by taking a boat tour or walking and cycling along the lakeside trails. • Noon: Enjoy fresh lake fish dishes at a lakeside restaurant, where various cooking methods cater to different tastes. • Afternoon: Pack up and prepare for departure after an enjoyable trip in Hongcheon County. Transportation Guide • Public Transportation: From Seoul, take a bus from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Hongcheon County (about 2 hours). Once there, use local buses or taxis to reach various attractions. • Self-driving: From Seoul, take the Gyeonggang Expressway and follow navigation to Hongcheon County. Driving offers more flexibility in visiting different attractions. Shopping Recommendations • Hanji Crafts: Purchase various beautiful hanji products at Hongcheon Hanji Culture Center, such as notebooks, lanterns, and jewelry - both practical and memorable. • Agricultural Products: Hongcheon County offers fresh and delicious produce, including local fruits, honey, and buckwheat products - perfect as gifts for friends and family. Important Notes • When visiting natural attractions like the buckwheat fields, protect the environment by staying on designated paths and properly disposing of waste. • Follow hot spring facility rules and maintain personal hygiene when using the springs. • Korean public transportation runs on precise schedules. Check timetables carefully to avoid travel delays.