Wonju
Wonju (원주시) is a city in Gangwon.
Understand
Get in
By bus
For around ₩8,000 you can travel from the Express bus terminal in Seoul to Wonju bus terminal and the journey takes about 1 hour 45mins. For ₩20,900 an express bus from Incheon International Airport will go to Wonju bus terminal, taking an average of 2 hours 30 minutes (April 2012). Wonju is located on a major intersection within the country and buses run from the Wonju bus terminal to almost all major cities.
By train
KTX will connect Wonju to Seoul and Pyeongchang in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics, but for now the only option is a regular-speed train on the Jungang Line, which can be caught at Cheongnyangni Station in Seoul.
By plane
Wonju has an airport to the north of the city offering a domestic daily flight to and from Jeju island. As of October 2013 there are no other flights.
Get around
Wonju has an extensive public bus network. The cost is ₩1,100, although it is cheaper if you use your t-money card. Transfers are free for an hour with t-money. Further information and timetables are available in Korean at the city's web site.
See
- Sangwonsa Temple, 1060, Seongnam-2ri, Sillim-myeon, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do 강원 원주시 신림면 성남2리 1060번지 (Take bus 23 bound for Seongnam-ri (성남리) from Wonju train station or Wonju Intercity Bus Terminal.), ☏ +82 33-763-5232. Sangwonsa Temple: Sangwonsa Temple preserves Korea's oldest grand temple bell (National Treasure No. 36). Ash remains of the Buddha brought from the Tang Dynasty are embedded at Jeongmyeolbogung in Sangwonsa Temple, singled out as the Buddhist number-one sacred ground in Korea. Free.
- Guryongsa Temple. Guryongsa Temple is intertwined with an interesting legend that in the Silla dynasty, the year 666, nine dragons filled up a pond and built the temple atop. The splendid golden single-story building inside Daeungjeon and Daeungjeon itself were built in the representative architecture of the Joseon dynasty. Korea's largest straw mat is another attraction at Guryongsa Temple.
- Toji Literature Park.
- Toji Cultural Park.
- Wonju City Museum.
- Mureung Museum.
- Hanji museum.
- Myeongjusa Chiaksan and Engraving Museum.
- Jangsongmo Ceramic Research Center. The Jangsongmo Ceramic Research Center (about 14 thousand square meters) has a museum displaying pottery from the Silla Kingdom two thousand years ago, Goryeo-era celadon, and white porcelains of the Joseon Dynasty. There is a hands-on D.I.Y center for visitors to make ceramics the traditional way with a potter's wheel.
- Hoengseong County. Forested area where there are many eco-tourism destinations, such as Byeongjibang Ravine and several mountains.
Do
Cinemas
- Cinus.
- Lotte.
- Primus.
Festivals
- Wonju Children's Day.
Buy
- AK Plaza.
- Home Plus.
- E-Mart.
Eat
Wonju has the typical Korean restaurants that you'll find in other cities. For Western food, your best bet is the area around Lotte Cinema - you'll find Outback, Family Taco, Irish Potato, a few coffee shops, and a Papa Spaghetti. A McDonald's is also coming to that area. Pizza places (including Pizza Hut and Dominoes) can be found throughout the city. The local E-Mart also houses a McDonalds.
The district of Hoengseong is famous for Hanu, a Korean breed of cattle. The cattle thrive in the clean environment of Hoengseong. Every October, there is a Hanu Festival where visitors can try many foods made with Hanu beef, learn about traditional farming techniques, and engage in several entertaining activities.
Drink
Sleep
As a rule of thumb, places to spend the night are usually close to bus terminals. You can find love motels right behind the Wonju bus terminal. A room typically cost ￦45,000, complete with a flat screen and Internet.
- Wonju Tourist Hotel (in the center of town). Good for families and rooms typically start at around ￦60,000 won per night. This hotel does not have floor heating, so in the winter time ask for a second heater.
- Oak Valley Resort, ☏ +82-33-3501. 711 rooms
- Hyundai Sungwoo Resort (in Hoengseong), ☏ +82 33-523-7111. 767 rooms