Displaying items by tag: south korea

Let the games begin! The opening ceremony for this year’s Olympics has gotten athletes, family, friends, and fans alike fired up for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in PyeongChang, South Korea. Located in the Gangwon Province of South Korea, PyeongChang is hosting the first ever winter games in the country, and is the smallest city to do so since the 1994 games in Norway. South Korea was selected as the host city in 2011 after submitting 3 bids, in order to be selected. While the city is currently centered around the Olympics, there are still plenty of sightseeing and activities for tourists who are looking to get a break from the games. Lucky for you, Rubinsohn Travel is here with your go-to guide on PyeongChang and the Gangwon Province!

Seoraksan National Park

In 1965, Seoraksan was chosen as a nature preservation area and was distinguished as Korea’s fifth national park in 1970. Seoraksan, also known as, Seorak Mountain, is the most popular mountain in the Taebaek Mountain range. Not only does this park offer hikes for any level of expertise, but it also offers some of the most beautiful sceneries of Korea. Seoraksan is known for its unique and oddly shaped rock formations, dense forests, and hot springs. It is also home to over 2,000 different species of animals and 1,400 species of plants. Be sure to visit Sokcho Seorak-dong, as it is home to multiple hotels, restaurants, bars, and karaoke rooms, known as noraebang!

Unification Park

Immerse yourself in Korean history at Unification Park! Built in 1973, this historical site was created to honor those who fought for South Korea during the Korean War. It features two main attractions: a display of a warship, which was used during WWII and the Vietnam War, and a submarine that was used to spy on military facilities. A monument rests within the park that pays tribute to the 18 Korean and foreign war correspondents who lost their lives trying to share their stories of the war. There is also a tower built to commemorate the loyalty and courage of 10 brave soldiers who sacrificed themselves in a bomb attack. Unification Park holds dear to South Korean’s as it honors brave individuals who fought for unification within their country.

Yongpyong Ski Resort

Looking for some winter fun that doesn’t have to do with the Olympics? Head over to Korea’s first ski resort! Built in 1975, Yongpyong Ski Resort was the first of its kind but has quickly become internationally renowned. Visitors can ski, snowboard, and even go bowling in the resort’s bowling alley! We’ve heard of bars and shops at resorts, but a bowling alley at a ski resort makes the experience even better! Why wouldn’t you want to check it out? The resort also has incorporated a 45-hole golf course and 28 ski slopes for visitors that are looking to get the full Yongpyong experience. Home to some of the Olympic sporting events, you can also watch and cheer on your country’s athletes!

Jeong Gang Won (Korea Traditional Food Culture Experience Center)

Korea is known for its unique culture, including its food! The Food Culture Experience Center promotes traditional Korean food culture, and was opened by chef, Jo Jeong Gang, a local chef. It was established as a way of preserving values of traditional Korean foods and allows visitors to get a hands-on experience by learning how to cook traditional dishes themselves. The Center also offers overnight stays complete with traditional Korean outfits!

Namiseom Island

Known for its half-moon shape and beautiful roads filled with trees, Namiseom Island was formed after the Cheongpyeong Dam was constructed. Visitors often camp and visit the education and training facilities in a grass field in the middle of the island. Be sure to also check out the island’s theme park, complete with a merry-go-round and roller skating rink. Not into theme parks? Head over to Petite France, a French-themed village! Named after the 1943 novel, Le Petit Prince, this village is centered around flowers, stars, and the Little Prince. Visitors can get the full French experience through the village’s French food, clothing, and household culture!

Interested in representing your country while experiencing all the Gangwon Province has to offer? Call Rubinsohn Travel at (215) 886-5200 to start planning your Olympic getaway today!