Korea’s Mountain Paradise & Nature Capital
Gangwon-do (강원도) is South Korea’s most scenic province, known for its mountains, forests, ski resorts, coastal beauty, winter sports, and preserved nature.
Located in the northeastern part of the peninsula, it is the least urbanized yet most nature-rich region, offering a peaceful contrast to the country’s megacities.
🏛️ Formation & Historical Background
Gangwon-do was established during the Joseon Dynasty and has maintained its identity for over 600 years.
Historically, it served as a spiritual and political retreat for monks, scholars, and kings.
Key Historical Timeline:
| Period | Major Event |
|---|---|
| 1395 | Gangwon Province established during Joseon era |
| 1896 | Modern provincial division confirmed |
| 1945 | Province divided into North & South Gangwon after Korean War |
| 2018 | Hosts Pyeongchang 2018 Winter Olympics |
| 2023 | Becomes “Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province” |
Gangwon-do symbolizes Korean heritage, resilience, and natural harmony.
🧭 Basic Provincial Information
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province |
| Korean Name | 강원특별자치도 |
| Capital City | Chuncheon (춘천) |
| Major Cities | Wonju, Gangneung, Sokcho |
| Area | ~16,875 sq km (2nd largest in Korea) |
| Population (2025 est.) | ~1.5 million |
| Climate | Cold winters, cool summers |
| Time Zone | UTC +9 |
| Dial Code | +82 33 |
| Top-Level Domain | .gw.go.kr |
| Provincial Motto | “Peace, Nature & Future” |
⚖️ Government & Leadership
| Position | Officeholder (2025) |
|---|---|
| Governor | Kim Jin-tae |
| Provincial Assembly | Gangwon Special Self-Governing Provincial Council |
| Administrative Divisions | 7 Cities (Si) + 11 Counties (Gun) |
Gangwon-do now enjoys special autonomy, granting more power over development, tourism, and environmental policies.
🗺️ Administrative Structure
Gangwon-do consists of:
7 Cities (시 Si)
11 Counties (군 Gun)
🏙️ List of Cities (7)
| City | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Chuncheon (Capital) | Lakes, culture, Nami Island access |
| Wonju | Largest city, tech industries, universities |
| Gangneung | 2018 Olympics venue; beaches and pine forests |
| Sokcho | Gateway to Seoraksan National Park |
| Donghae | East Sea coastal city |
| Samcheok | Caves, marine attractions |
| Taebaek | Mining heritage & highland climate |
🏞️ List of Counties (11)
| County | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Hongcheon | Healing forests, wellness resorts |
| Hoengseong | Famous for Hanwoo beef |
| Pyeongchang | Winter Olympics, ski resorts |
| Jeongseon | Traditional markets, mountains |
| Yeongwol | Cultural heritage & river canyons |
| Inje | Best rafting & extreme sports |
| Goseong | DMZ coastline & peace trails |
| Yangyang | Surfing beaches & pine honey |
| Yanggu | Border observatories |
| Cheorwon | DMZ wildlife & history |
| Hwacheon | Trout festival & freshwater lakes |
🌐 Geography & Environment
Terrain: 80% mountains
Major Ranges: Taebaek Mountains, Seoraksan
Coastline: Long East Sea coastal line
Rivers: Han River sources in Gangwon
Climate: Snowiest region of Korea
Eco Zones: National parks, wetlands, DMZ eco-preserves
Gangwon-do is Korea’s cleanest, most eco-friendly province.
🧩 Development Focus & Innovation
Gangwon-do focuses on nature-based development:
Eco-tourism
Winter sports industry
Forest wellness & healing centers
Green hydrogen & renewable energy
Smart farming & mountain agriculture
DMZ peace tourism initiatives
It leads Korea in sustainable regional growth.
🛡️ Law Enforcement & Safety
| Department | Role |
|---|---|
| Gangwon Provincial Police | Mountain, coastal & border security |
| Fire & Disaster HQ | Wildfire, winter storm & mountain rescue |
| DMZ Security Forces | Peace & border monitoring |
Gangwon-do is a highly secure region due to border proximity.
🕊️ Religion, Language & Culture
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Religions | Buddhism, Christianity, folk traditions |
| Dialect | Gangwon dialect (soft, coastal influence) |
| Cultural Identity | Peaceful, nature-loving, traditional |
| Festivals | Pyeongchang Trout Festival, Gangneung Danoje Festival (UNESCO) |
Local culture reflects nature, simplicity, and tradition.
📈 Economy & Key Sectors
| Sector | Details |
|---|---|
| Main Industries | Tourism, agriculture, winter sports, renewable energy |
| Exports | Forest products, seafood, clean energy |
| Tourism Revenue | One of Korea’s top destinations |
| Tech Development | Wonju Medical Device Valley |
Gangwon-do is moving from traditional industries to green innovation.
🎓 Education & Healthcare
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Major Universities | Kangwon National University, Hallym University |
| Education Strengths | Rural studies, medical device technology |
| Healthcare | Regional medical centers & university hospitals |
| Life Expectancy | ~83 years |
✈️ Transport & Infrastructure
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Airports | Yangyang International Airport |
| Rail | KTX connects Seoul ↔ Gangneung |
| Highways | Donghae, Seoul–Yangyang Expressway |
| Major Projects | DMZ peace railway proposals |
Gangwon-do is being developed into Korea’s global nature gateway.
🏞️ Tourism & Attractions
Seoraksan National Park
Nami Island (via Chuncheon)
Pyeongchang Ski Resorts (Alpensia, Yongpyong)
Ojukheon House (Gangneung)
Sokcho Beach
DMZ Peace Trail (Goseong)
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Point
Samcheok Caves
Daegwallyeong Ranch
Gangwon-do is Korea’s #1 nature travel destination.
🌍 Global Role & Relations
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| International Fame | Host of 2018 Winter Olympics |
| Global Partnerships | Mountain tourism & conservation cities |
| Environmental Leadership | Forest preservation & climate resilience |
Gangwon-do showcases Korea’s nature-first diplomacy.
📝 Summary
Gangwon-do stands as the nature capital of South Korea with mountains, oceans, forests, and winter sports defining its identity.
From Olympic venues to ancient festivals and peaceful DMZ landscapes, Gangwon-do is where nature meets culture, heritage meets future.
📢 News & Articles
“Gangwon-do: Inside Korea’s Winter Wonderland”
“DMZ Peace Trails – A New Era of Eco-Tourism”
“Pyeongchang’s Transformation After the Olympics”
🎯 Our Mission
This profile is part of the AFP Global Knowledge Hub, offering structured, factual, and globally useful knowledge.