Intercity travel is best via train (ITX-Saemaeul, Mugunghwa) or express/intercity buses connecting major cities. Within cities, use local buses and taxis. For remote areas, renting a car is ideal (international license required). Popular navigation apps include Naver Map and KakaoMap (more accurate than Google Maps in Korea). The Gangwon Pass offers discounts on transportation and attractions. In winter, consider shuttle services to ski resorts.
September to November (Autumn) for stunning fall foliage in the mountains and pleasant hiking weather; December to February (Winter) for skiing, snowboarding, and winter festivals; April to June (Spring) for cherry blossoms and mild temperatures. July and August (Summer) can be hot and humid but are good for beach activities on the east coast.
Remove shoes before entering traditional homes or certain restaurants. Be respectful at temples and historical sites; dress modestly. Tipping is not customary in Korea. When hiking, greet fellow hikers with a nod or 'annyeonghaseyo'. In communal dining settings, wait for elders to start eating. Public drunkenness is frowned upon despite Korea's drinking culture. In ski resorts, follow queue etiquette.
Gangwon-do is generally very safe with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions in tourist areas. When hiking in national parks like Seoraksan, stay on marked trails, check weather forecasts (sudden changes are common), and be prepared for rocky terrain. In coastal areas, heed warning flags at beaches. The province borders the DMZ; only visit designated observatories like the Gangwon Peace Observatory with authorized tours. No specific scams are prevalent, but be cautious with taxi meters in tourist hubs. Emergency services are reliable and responsive.
Gangwon-do has modern medical facilities in major cities like Chuncheon and Wonju, including Wonju Severance Christian Hospital and Chuncheon Sacred Heart Hospital. For remote mountain or coastal areas, carry a basic first-aid kit. Tap water is generally safe but bottled water is recommended. No specific vaccinations are required beyond routine travel vaccines. Be cautious of tick-borne diseases like Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome (SFTS) when hiking; use insect repellent and wear long clothing. In winter, be aware of frostbite and hypothermia risks during outdoor activities. Travel insurance covering medical evacuation is advised.
