The name “Pyeongchang” became known to the whole world when this South Korean county received the right to host the 2018 Winter Olympics, taking over from Sochi. Perhaps it is difficult to find a more suitable place for the main sporting event of winter, because in addition to excellent skiing, biathlon, skiing and bobsleigh tracks and other winter sports, Pyeongchang boasts beautiful nature, clean mountain air and first-class service. For South Korea climate and geography, please check TopPharmacySchools.
Pyeongchang is a county located in the center of Gangwon Province, which is located in the northeastern part of South Korea. Pyeongchang is one of the largest counties in the entire country, or rather the third largest, although its population is not large. The region is famous for its mountains and many opportunities for outdoor activities.
How to get there
The distance from Seoul to Pyeongchang is about 200 kilometers, it takes about 4 hours by public transport, and 2.5 hours by car.
History
Once upon a time, on the site of modern Pyeongchang, there was a district called Wuko, later, during the time of the Unified Silla, renamed Paego. The county received the status of a county and the modern name Pyeongchang back in 1387, during the Goryeo era. Over the long history of its existence, Pyeongchang has changed its borders more than once, the last time relatively recently, in 1996.
Leisure
Most of Pyeongchang County is located at an altitude of 700 meters above sea level, and this is known to be the most favorable altitude for human health. It is not surprising that tourists from all over the country and around the world flock here at any time of the year. First of all, Pyeongchang is famous for its variety of options for active pastime. Almost all types of outdoor activities are available here. Excellent resorts are suitable for skiers: Alpensia, Phoenix Park, Yongpyeong. For lovers of extreme river rafting, the rivers of the Kymdan and Sukhyan valleys are ideal. Those who like mountain climbing, mountain hiking or walking along mountain paths should definitely visit Odaesan Mountain Park, which is home to the famous peaks of Gyeongbasan, Baekdoksan, Chanamasan and many other peaks.
The park has a calm and peaceful atmosphere, conducive to relaxation from the hustle and bustle in the bosom of virgin nature.
Fishermen will be pleasantly surprised by the catch in the rivers of the Suhyang Valley or near the Taegwallyon Pass. In a word, the local mountains and valleys, forests and rivers are suitable for everyone who comes here, both for quiet walks and picnics, and for extreme sports.
Olympics in Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang, having such a beautiful landscape for practicing various sports, of course, could not help claiming to host one of the main sporting events in the world – the Olympics. Pyeongchang has been nominated not once, but rather three times as a candidate city to host the Winter Olympics. For the right to host the games in 2010, the Koreans fought with the Canadian Vancouver and, in the end, despite the status of the favorite, they lost to him. And the right to host the next White Games in 2014, as you know, went to the Russian resort of Sochi, which bypassed Pyeongchang in a bitter struggle. But the Koreans, with their characteristic oriental perseverance and wisdom, did not lose their hands, drew conclusions, and luck finally smiled at them. The 2018 Winter Olympics will be held in PyeongChang.
Pyeongchang has been nominated not once, but rather three times as a candidate city to host the Winter Olympics.
There is no doubt that the games will be held here at the highest level, because the people of Pyeongchang, and the whole country, were looking forward to the chance to host the main sporting event of the winter of 2018.
In addition to sports facilities being built throughout the region, there is an excellent infrastructure that will delight all guests, and of course, impeccable service. By the way, in 2008, Pyeongchang was the first Asian city to host one of the stages of the Biathlon World Cup, and in 2009 it already hosted the World Championship.
Entertainment and attractions of Pyeongchang
Undoubtedly, for the general public, Pyeongchang is known as the Korean capital of outdoor activities, and now also the capital of the 2018 Olympics, but this region is not only famous for this. A large number of historical and cultural attractions, covered with local color, are also concentrated here. One of the main features of the district are pollock dryers, with which literally the entire province is crammed. The dryers are very long and tens of thousands of fish can fit on one.
Do not ignore the Daegwalleong Pass, which is the coldest point in South Korea. At the beginning of the road to the pass, you can visit the museum, which exhibits items related to Buddhism. The museum is located in a picturesque valley, and is surrounded by a beautiful park in oriental style. Not far from the pass is the Samyang farm, which is mainly engaged in breeding cows and sheep. Once here, one might think that he found himself far to the west – in the Alps. Nature in these parts is very rare for Korea.
In Korea, they are concerned about the search for new, environmentally friendly sources of energy, and it must be said that the Koreans are succeeding in this matter. There is a museum on the Daegwallyon Pass dedicated to new and renewable energy sources.
The Odaesan Nature Park already mentioned above has a large number of historical monuments related to Buddhism. Particularly noteworthy among others is the ancient monastery of Woljongsa, founded in 643.
Developments
Pyeongchang is also famous for its festivals, which are held in the county almost every month. Their themes are the most diverse – snow festivals, potato festivals, festivals of mountain flowers, festivals of national and Buddhist culture. In winter, the region hosts a lot of interesting and unusual competitions, such as car racing in the snow or climbing icy rocks.
