GANGNEUNG, Jan. 17 (Korea Bizwire) — This winter, there’s a compelling reason to visit Gangwon Province, South Korea – the upcoming 2024 Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics.
Scheduled to start on January 19, the event promises to be a special occasion, not only rekindling the glory of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics but also making use of the same venues. Remarkably, this is the first Winter Youth Olympics to be held outside Europe and the first ever in Asia.
The Winter Youth Olympics, which debuted in Innsbruck, Austria, in 2012, has previously been held in Lillehammer, Norway, and Lausanne, Switzerland. The opening ceremony on January 19 is set to take place at the Gangneung Oval.
Interestingly, apart from the opening ceremony, all events in this edition of the Youth Olympics are free to attend. Some events, like figure skating, short track speed skating, and snowboarding, have already reached full capacity due to their popularity.
For those planning to attend the Gangwon Winter Youth Olympics, key travel destinations in Gangneung and Pyeongchang have been identified for an enriching experience.
The Olympics will feature events in Gangneung (speed skating, short track speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, curling), Pyeongchang (bobsleigh, skeleton, luge, biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, ski jumping), Jeongseon (alpine skiing, moguls), and Hoengseong (freestyle skiing).
Gangneung, known for its breathtaking beaches like Jeongdongjin, Anmok Beach, and the resort-filled Gyeongpo and Gangmun beaches, offers diverse attractions. However, the Jeongdong-simgok Badabuchae-gil Trail stands out for its unique charm. Once a military path, it was converted into an elevated boardwalk and opened to the public in October 2016, offering a scenic beach route.
The trail spans 2.8 kilometers from the Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise Hotel to Simgok Port and is set to extend an additional 640 meters, totaling 3.5 kilometers. It passes through natural wonders like Mongdol Beach, Helmet Rock, and Fan Rock, showcasing 200-250 million years of geological evolution.
In addition to the beautiful beaches, visitors to Gangneung can explore cultural heritage sites steeped in history. The region is home to birthplaces of famous scholars from the Joseon Dynasty, such as the Ojukheon House where Shin Saimdang and her son, the renowned scholar Yi I, were born.
The Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park and the Seongyojang House, a traditional Korean mansion that has been home to generations of a local noble family, are also notable attractions.
These sites offer a timeless charm, especially in winter, providing a sense of stepping back into the past amidst the serene and frosty landscapes.
Pyeongchang, famous for the ‘Take Off’ movie setting with its ski jump ramps, transforms into a winter wonderland. Welcoming the country’s largest snowfalls, Pyeongchang offers various snow-themed experiences. Notably, the Uiyaji Wind Village near Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm provides activities like sledding, tubing, and feeding sheep.
For those seeking scenic tranquility, the fir tree forest at the entrance of Woljeongsa Temple in Odaesan offers a picturesque winter walk. The path, lined with ancient fir trees, has been a filming location for the hit drama ‘Goblin.’
The Pyeongchang Trout Festival, another major attraction, is currently underway in Jinbu-myeon. Visitors can participate in hands-on experiences like bare-handed trout catching and fishing, or simply enjoy freshly caught trout prepared as sashimi or grilled dishes.
The festival also features a variety of fun activities for children, including a 100m snow sled run, thrilling snow rafting, Argo rides, and ice karts, all available for a minimal fee, ensuring an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages.
Image credit: Gangneung City, Korea Tourism Organization, Yonhap / photonews@koreabizwire.com
