Why go?

Pyeongchang, a winter wonderland within easy reach of Seoul, is hosting the Winter Olympics this 9-25 February. Head to the Taebaek Mountains to immerse yourself in South Korean culture while visiting one of Asia’s nest winter sports destinations.

What to do

South Koreans will be aiming to make history at the Winter Olympics – competing for medals in every discipline from gure-skating to bobsleigh – and sell a few of their cute mascots, Soohorang and Bandabi, too. Events for Pyeongchang 2018 are spread across Pyeongchang county, as well as neighbouring Jeongseon county and the populous east-coast city of Gangneung. All of which offers the chance to explore the region’s winding forest paths, secluded temples and snow-dusted villages. See for yourself on the YongPyong gondola (open 8.30am to 4pm), as it whisks you up to Dragon Peak at the top of Balwangsan Mountain. For more picture-perfect scenes, head to Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, where miles of undulating hills unfold under a blanket of crisp snow. Famous for its buckwheat, the village of Bongpyeong- myeon was the hometown of early 20th-century writer Lee Hyo- seok (also known as ‘Gasan’). Visit the celebrated author’s humble birthplace and museum then check out Buckwheat Street (see where to eat) for numerous variations on the local staple. One of Pyeongchang’s best Buddhist sites is Woljeongsa Temple, established more than 1,000 years ago during the Silla Dynasty. Rebuilt after extensive war damage, today it sits at peace within the natural surroundings of Odaesan Mountain. The nine-storey, octagonal pagoda is considered a national treasure. Travel back in time further at Baengnyong Cave on the banks of the Donggang River, in an area renowned for white-water rafting and wildlife-spotting. The fascinating 1.8km limestone cave system is filled with eerie stalagmites and stalactites.

Where to stay

At the heart of the Olympic action, the Alpine- style InterContinental Alpensia 0800 08 33 808, ihg.com is in a landscaped resort surrounded by mountains. After a snowy stroll, take afternoon tea by the outdoor fire pit or head to the spa for hydrotherapy, massages and skin treatments. Bedrooms are decked out in warming, earthy tones and have king-size beds and LCD TVs. Kensington Flora Hotel 00 82 33 330 5000, kensingtonflora.com is a Korean take on European elegance, with manicured gardens. Dining options include a traditional restaurant and a cosy French café. Classic Western-style rooms are spacious and welcoming. Pyeongchang Edelweiss Pension 00 82 109 366 4997, is a slice of Von Trapp living right across from the main stadium. Lodgings can also be booked in a classic hanok house.

Where to eat and drink

Wander down Bongpyeong-myeon’s Buckwheat Street to sample spicy (bibimmakguksu) and soupy (mulmakguksu) versions of the local buckwheat noodles, along with buckwheat pancakes and buckwheat jelly. Held twice a week, Bongpyeong Traditional Market has all these products, along with fresh mountain vegetables and specialities from local producers. To taste the full spectrum of regional cooking, head to Jeonggangwon jeonggangwon.com. Part culinary lab, part tourist attraction, it lies in the shadow of misty, forested mountains and serves up multi-course menus alongside cooking classes on bibimbap, kimchi, mackerel stew and pancakes. A local institution in Pyeongchang town, Paldo Myeon Ga serves up broiled eel and spicy stir-fries. Or head to Youngchun Garden for its stewed chicken in herbs. Other specialities to look out for include the local highland beef, rainbow trout (which has its own ice-fishing festival) and hwangtae (dried pollock). Hung in the winter sun, it’s a salty, chewy delicacy that’s perfect washed down with a cold beer.

Time running out?

Head to Jeongdongjin on the east coast to marvel at the life-size cruise ship marooned atop a headland. It’s actually a hotel: the Sun Cruise Resort. english.esuncruise.com

Travel Information

Travel Information

Currency is the won. Time is nine hours ahead of GMT. Flight time from the UK to Seoul is 11 hours, then it’s one hour by train. The cost to carbon offset is £18. 24. For more information visit climatecare.org

Getting There

British Airways flies direct to Seoul’s Incheon Airport from London Heathrow Airport, seven times per week. ba.com

Korean Air also has direct flights from Heathrow. koreanair.com

Resources

For Pyeongchang Tourist Information visit eng.pc.go.kr, or find the Korea Tourism Organisation at gokorea.co.uk. Visit pyeongchang2018.com for Olympics essentials.