To skip straight to the activities and places, SCROLL DOWN to Activities and Places...or CLICK here.
Background Information
Wonju is located in Gangwon Province. It is one of the more “rural” provinces, and mostly consists of mountains and myeons (면). Myeons are tiny farming pockets of civilization scattered all-over Gangwon.
Wonju, on the other hand, is not a myeon. It is the most populous city in Gangwon-do. It sits in the gaze of Chiaksan (치악산), which is a big mountain range overlooking the south-west of Gangwon.
Wonju is located approximately 140km east of Seoul.
It has a small airport, which is used for both commercial and military purposes. Due to the military aspect of the airport, photography is banned. On a trip with some other foreigners, we were promptly stormed by soldiers, tasked to prevent photography within the bounds of the airport.
In addition to the airport, one can access it via bus (Wonju Bus Terminal/원주시외버스터미널), or train/KTX (Wonju Station/원주역), (Manjong Station/만종역).
Activities and Places to Visit in Wonju
This list is not a complete and comprehensive list, there are a great deal more to do in Wonju, and depending on each individual, the experience may vary. Below is a quick-link list for your convenience:
1) Hike Chiaksan(치악산)
2) Wonju Rail Park (래일파크)
3) Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge (소금산 출렁다리)
4) Kevin House (케빈하우스)
5) Blue Moon Bar(블루문)
6) Latelier KimGa (빵공장라뜰리에김가 원주점)
7) Bakery Cafe (베이커리궁)
8) Welli Hilli Park Snow Park (웰리힐리파크 스노우파크)
9) Rose Park (장미공원)
10) Walk through Down Town and City Hall (무실동)
1) Hike Chiaksan
Chiaksan is a vast mountain range with many hiking trails, most of which lead to the peak, Biribong. The more frequent trails are divided into 1-day trails, and 2 -day trails. Some of the trails are as follows:
1 Day Hikes
- Course Information – Geumdae Ranger Station – Namdaebong Peak Course
– 2 hr 40 min / 5.2 km
– Along the route you could see the Yeongwonsa Temple, apparently built by a Buddhist priest, named Uisang Daesa, during the Silla period.
– Location Here
– Yeongwonsa Temple
Course Milestones – Geumdae Ranger Station – Yeongwonsa Temple – Namdaebong Peak
– More Information about the Trail Here
- Course Information – Bugok Park Ranger Post – Birobong Peak Course
– 3 hr / 8.9 km
– This trail is less developed than some of the others, consequently is popular amongst those whom seek a more natural and tranquil hike. Along the route one can find many historical sites, in particular the Gajaebawi rock, and the resting place for the souls of Taejongdae, Nogoso as well as the historical site where the famous Won Cheon-seok took refuge from society.
– Location Here
Course Milestones – Bugok Park Ranger Post – Godeunjae – Birobong Peak
– More Information about the Trail Here
- Course Information – Guryong Information Center – Birobong Peak Course
– 3 hr 30 min / 5.7 km
– This trail is considered to be one of the more difficult routes.
– Location Here
Course Milestones – Guryong Information Center – Guryongsa Temple – Daegok Campground – Seryeom Falls – Sadari Byeongchang – Birobong Peak
– More Information about the Trail Here
- Course Information – Hwanggol Information Center – Birongbong Peak Course
– 2 hr 30 min / 4.1 km
– This is the shortest trail to the Biribong peak.
– Location Here
Course Milestones – Hwanggol Information Center – Ipseoksa Temple – Birobong Peak
– More Information about the Trail Here
2 Day Hike
- Course Information – Guryong Information Center – Seongnam Park Ranger Post Course
– 10 hr / 23.8 km
– This is the most difficult trail, as it encompasses most of the trails. To be safe, it is recommended to start hiking from at least 8 AM. In addition, it is extremely important to reserve accommodation in advance.
– Location Here
Course Milestones – Guryong Information Center – Birobong Peak – Hyangnobong Peak – Namdaebong Peak – Seongnam Park Ranger Post
– More Information about the Trail Here
*Please note: These times are based off of an average. Depending on your experience, you could either finish it faster, or slower than indicated.
2) Wonju Rail Park
The Ganhyeon Wonju Rail Park is definitely a recommended activity. The Wonju Rail Park is known to be the longest rail park route in Korea. You purchase your ticket, wait for a train, get on the train, get off the train, get in your rail-bike(car) and start pedaling. It is honestly fun and relaxing, as the track has a ever so slight descend and the view of the mountains and surroundings are breathtaking.
The train and the rail-bikes operate according to a set schedule. It is therefore recommend to check the schedule and plan according to your day. The train ride is about 20 minutes. The track is roughly 7.8 km long, however, due to how fun it is, it goes by much quicker than one would think. I suggest getting a rail-bike at either the front, or the back, because this way you would have more options with regards to controlling your pace. All along the route, there are tunnels through which you will ride. Each tunnel has a different theme.
The bikes are four-wheeled, pedal-driven bikes and are over-all safe (as one should expect from Korea). They are fitted with a few safety features, such as seat belts, brakes(2 per bike), canopies, and bumpers.
Costs: At the time of writing this, the costs are ₩38 000 for 2 people, and ₩48 000 for four people.
Address: 163 Ganhyeon-ro, Jijeong-myeon, Wonju, Gangwon-do
강원도 원주시 지정면 간현로 163
– Location
3) Suspension Bridge
Appropriately referred to as Wonju Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge. (원주 소금산 출렁다리)
It is Korea’s longest and highest pedestrian bridge, at a length of
200 meters, height of 100 meters, and width of 1.5 meters.
- Operating hours
- Summer season (May – October) 09:00 ~ 18:00
- winter season (November – April) 09:00 ~ 17:00
Entrance and admission fees
- General public : KRW 3,000 (ages 7 and above)
- Wonju residents : KRW 1,000 (ages 7 and above)
– More information
– Bridge Location
– Parking Location
* It is important to note that you can’t drive to the bridge. You would have to park in the tourist parking area, and then walk to the bridge.
4) Kevin House
Kevin House is personally my favorite place to have a drink and unwind. It has a laid back western-style bar atmosphere. In addition, it is also one of the immensely few “Foreign” bars to be found in Wonju.
The owner is a Korean gentleman, whom taught himself English over a period of 2 years, whilst having served English speakers. By virtue of the restaurant’s name, one could assume his name is Kevin… It is in fact, as one would assume.
Operating Hours:
– They open at 7pm and close at 12pm.
*(These are the present times as of writing this article in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic).
Food & Drinks:
He serves a variety of beers, hard liquor and your other typical Korean liquid-based sustenance. With regards to the food… The food is good; nay, impeccable. He takes immense care of serving you proper meals, and I highly recommend his pizza and chicken basket.
I could share a great deal more about Kevin House, the bar, my experiences there and the community; however, long story short… Go there!
– More information ; They also have an Instagram account.
– Location
*Images taken from Kevin House’s Instagram account 케빈하우스. Go and support them 🙂
5) Blue Moon
6) Skip to Latelier KimGa (빵공장라뜰리에김가 원주점)
Blue Moon to me was like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. It is special to me, because they played rock music, had comfortable couches, dark lighting and allowed smoking inside. Usually in Korea, bars would have a specific little room, designed just for smoking. It often is not a very nice room, nor is it relaxing or comfortable. The alternative is to stand outside, yet, again… not very comfortable and relaxing.
The owner and his barmaid are both phenomenal people and allow you to just sit back, relax, drink your poison and have a smoke. This bar is often chosen by foreigners and Koreans to enjoy pre-drinks and, or after-drinks.
At the time I visited there, they did not have much food to choose from, and their snack basket was … ok… However, they never denied me the opportunity to bring my own food/take out. They do have live music performances, but at the time of writing this, the Covid-19 pandemic destroyed such luxury entertainment.
– Location
6) Latelier KimGa (빵공장라뜰리에김가 원주점)
7) Skip to Bakery Cafe (베이커리궁)
This cafe was by far the most aesthetically pleasing cafe I have ever been to. It has a rustic theme, with a little man-made river and waterfall to accompany your vibe. It felt as if I entered a secret realm. One which combines the ancient world with the new, void of human destruction… It was beautiful and peaceful.
I often sat here reading and studying. It has an extremely laid back and relaxing atmosphere. It is a fairly big place, so you are bound to have a seat, and fortunately, all the different areas have their own unique appeal. My favorite was to sit indoors next to the waterfall. It was immensely tranquil.
To be honest, I have no words to bring justice to this place. I loved it. I would visit Wonju again and again just for the sake of visiting this cafe.
They sell a wide variety of drinks, and they have a great selection of deserts and snacks to choose from. You can get a tray from the counter, or alternatively at the desert area, and then simply walk around the desert area and choose what you want. Take it to the counter, give it to the employees, order your drinks and voila! Sit and relax.
I only have two photos here, as to give you an idea of what to expect, but I would rather have you view and experience it for yourself.
7) Bakery Cafe (베이커리궁)
Similar to #6 on this list This place took great strides in making this place homely and aesthetically pleasing.
The decoration and the vibe is similar to Latelier Kimga, but it felt more commercial, and less homey. However, with that being said, I still felt like a giddy school girl when I walked in for the first time, because it was phenomenal.
They have a similar, yet bigger selection of deserts and drinks than Latelier Kimga.
Between Bakery Cafe and Latelier Kimga I would always choose Latelier Kimga, but that’s mostly due to the tranquility and peace I find there. Bakery Cafe would win with regards to their selection.
8) Welli Hilli Park Snow Park
This particular park is not quite in Wonju, but it came as the recommended nearest ski park. The alternative is Oak Valley Ski resort, which is closer, but I have no experience to share anything concrete.
It was my first time going skiing/snowboarding, and this place definitely did not disappoint. The resort has a few slopes you can choose from, ranging from beginner to expert. The only negative about the place is the integration of the intermediate slope with the beginner slope. Reason being, often some experienced skier/snowboarder would get quite up close and either stop, or swerve in front of the beginners (my mates and I included), which would cause the beginners to capsize. Not only did I consider this to be dangerous, but just downright idiotic.
For those who are interested in going, they offer just about everything you would need to enjoy the day.
Depending on how long you want to be on the snow, I suggest going early, as the acquisition of all the necessary gear could take some time. This delay is largely due to the lack of comprehensive directions given, both from staff and signage. You would mostly need a Korean speaker, or a translator app to get around here. I made use of the latter… Maybe this was the root of my problem.
If it is your first time, I recommend taking a long sleeve shirt to protect you from the snow if/when you fall. I won’t suggest a super hot jacket or coat though(depending on the day’s weather and the individual of course), as the constant activity had me sweating.
– Prices:
The Day Ticket starts you off at ₩76 000. This does not include all the essential gear. This is simply your ticket to enter.
Gloves – ₩15 000
Goggles – ₩20 000; includes a ₩10 000 deposit (Googles aren’t essential and could be replaced with bringing sunglasses)
– Website (Korean)
– Operating Times:
Late November – late March
8:30 – 17:00
9) Rose Park
10) Skip to Walk Through Downtown
Rose Park is a quaint romantic place to be. It has a peaceful atmosphere and every now and then, at night, on a weekend, you would be blessed with a busker sharing their music with the people. There are some beautiful artificial flower lights, integrated amongst actual flowers, cute heart shaped walkways and some more visuals. Surrounding the park are a wide variety of bars and restaurants. Overall, a very good place to go on a date.
10) Walk Through Downtown and City Hall (무실동)
Musil-dong (무실동) is known to be the new “in” area, where all the cool kids hang out. The alternative is Dangu-dong (단구동), where Kevin House is located, but personally, I think the places in Dangu-dong is stretched much further away from each other, than in Musil-dong.
In Musil-dong you can find a great diversity in bars, restaurants, including both Western and Korean culture. There are also some activity based places. Drafting a list would be too tedious to keep up to date, as with the current pandemic, the places cycle quite often. I honestly recommend to walk around the area and find what interests you
– In addition to my list, there are a great deal of other things to do in Wonju, but as mentioned before, due to the pandemic, I am uncertain whether they are still open for business or not. Also, the things which definitely still are open for business are government sanctioned places, such as parks, museums, historic sights, etc… These are bound to remain open and accessible, but they are found on almost every other “What to do in Wonju” site.
I hope this page has been useful to you. Please let me know if there are any issues with the page, or if you would like to say/ask something. Also, please subscribe and show some love.
Here is my face:
Wandering Wentzel 
Great read Udo.i enjoyed traveling through your writing!
LikeLiked by 1 person