With world-class facilities and lots of trees, YongPyong (033-335 5757; www.yongpyong.co.kr) is one of Asia’s best ski resorts. It only missed out on hosting the 2010 Winter Olympics to Vancouver by 56 votes to 53. The season runs from December to March a
Wonju is a relaxed, youthful city with a large Korean army base. Yonsei University has a campus here; its green lawns overlook a man-made pond and make for a relaxing place to stroll among students who generally jump at the chance to practice their Englis
The train station, bus terminal, information centre and yeogwan are all conveniently within sight of each other in the town centre, and the tourist information centre (550 2828; 9am-5pm) has kind English-speaking staff.
South of Sokcho is Naksan Provincial Park, famous for the temple Naksansa. There’s a beach here where you can camp in summer.
Sokcho is the biggest city near Seoraksan National Park and enjoys more tourism than most port cities. Fishing is still a major industry and Dongmyeong Port is worth a wander round with its sea views, fishing boats, seafood restaurants and lighthouse. Bar
This park (636 7700; npa.or.kr/sorak/eng/npa/intro.htm; adult/youth/child W3400/1300/700), open two hours before sunrise and closed two hours before sunset, is one of the most beautiful on the entire Korean peninsula – North and South. It boasts oddly sha
Samcheok is a gateway to some gorgeous coastlines, fascinating caves and sculptures. It’s the gateway to Hwanseon Donggul, a huge cave complex under mountains, and is promoting itself as the City of Caves with plenty of cave exhibitions. The area has twic
Like Seoraksan, Odaesan (Five Peaks Mountain) is a high-altitude massif. The park (332 6417; adult/youth/child W2800/1300/700; 9am-7pm) has great hiking possibilities, superb views and two prominent Buddhist temples: Woljeongsa and Sang·wonsa. Near the so
North of Sokcho is Hwajinpo, a popular beach destination in the summer months. While you’re there visit the former holiday villas of Korean politicians and the local aquarium. Luckily for you, ‘English body language’ is spoken at the tourist information c
This small coastal park (670 2518; admission free; 24hr), 12km south of Sokcho, is famous for the temple Naksansa (672 2448; adult/youth/child W2500/1500/1000; 5am-7pm). A 15m white statue of Gwaneum, the Goddess of Mercy, completed in 1977, looks out ove