5-Day Pyeongchang Budget Guide: Backpacking South Korea’s Highlands
Pyeongchang is often associated with the glitz of the 2018 Winter Olympics, but beyond the ski resorts lies a backpacker's paradise of misty peaks, ancient temples, and incredibly affordable local markets. If you are looking to experience the 'Alps of Korea' without the resort price tag, this itinerary focuses on the ultra-lean budget lifestyle, utilizing efficient public buses and sticking to the hearty street food that fuels the locals.
By staying in traditional guesthouses or hostels in the Hoenggye and Jinbu areas, you can keep your costs remarkably low. Embracing the backpacking spirit here means trading expensive lift tickets for free forest trails and swapping high-end dining for the famous buckwheat pancakes of Bongpyeong. Get ready to breathe in the crisp mountain air and explore the rural soul of Gangwon Province.
Day 1: Daegwallyeong - The Roof of Korea
Hoenggye Town Arrival
Arrive at the Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal. This small town is the gateway to the mountains. Drop your bags at a local guesthouse and grab a quick kimbap from a convenience store for a cheap, portable lunch.
Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm
While there is a small entry fee, it is the most iconic spot in the area. Walk the circular trail for panoramic views of the rolling hills that look more like Switzerland than Korea. It is a perfect spot for budget-friendly photography.
Daegwallyeong Wind Village
A short walk from the main ranch areas, this village offers a look at the massive wind turbines that power the region. The walking paths are free and offer some of the best sunset views over the ridges.
Hoenggye Street Food Crawl
Head back to the town center. Look for small stalls selling 'Hwangtae-guk' (dried pollack soup) or simple spicy rice cakes. These local spots are significantly cheaper than the tourist-heavy BBQ restaurants.
Day 2: Jinbu - Ancient Forests and Temples
Odaesan National Park
Take a local bus to the entrance of Odaesan. The park offers various trails, many of which are flat and accessible. Breathing in the pine-scented air is the best free activity in Pyeongchang.
Woljeongsa Temple Fir Tree Forest
Walk the famous 1-kilometer path lined with ancient fir trees leading to Woljeongsa Temple. This forest was a filming location for famous K-dramas and costs nothing to traverse.
Woljeongsa Temple Grounds
Explore the octagonal nine-story stone pagoda. While some areas require a small cultural heritage fee, the surrounding temple grounds and river views are expansive and peaceful.
Jinbu Traditional Market
Located near the Jinbu station, this market is the place to find 'Sanchae Bibimbap' (wild vegetable rice bowl) at a fraction of the price you would pay in a city. It is fresh, healthy, and very budget-friendly.
Day 3: Bongpyeong - Buckwheat and Literature
Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village
Dedicated to the author of 'When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom,' this village is a beautiful, walkable area. In the right season, the fields are covered in white blossoms. Walking through the village and hills is free.
Bongpyeong Traditional Market
This market is famous for buckwheat. Try 'Memil-buchimgae' (buckwheat pancakes) for just a few dollars. It is a filling meal that fits perfectly within a backpacker's daily budget.
Pyeongchang Herb Nara Farm
A short bus ride away, this farm features beautiful gardens and a river. While there is an entry fee, the walking trails along the Heungjeong Valley nearby are free and equally stunning.
Gasan Park
A quiet park in Bongpyeong perfect for a budget evening stroll. It features monuments and a peaceful atmosphere to reflect on the day's travels.
Day 4: Pyeongchang-eup - Rivers and Caves
Pyeongchang Rock Garden
Located in the southern part of the county (Pyeongchang-eup), this free outdoor park features massive, naturally shaped rocks collected from the region. It is a unique, cost-free landmark.
Pyeongchang Traditional Market
Sample the local 'Buckwheat Crepes' filled with spicy radish. This market has a more local feel than the one in Bongpyeong and offers some of the lowest food prices in the county.
Baengnyeong Cave (Entrance Area)
While the full cave tour has a cost, the surrounding limestone cliffs and the Joyanggang River views are magnificent and free to enjoy for hikers.
Riverside Walk
End your day with a walk along the river that loops around the town. It’s a popular spot for locals and offers a great glimpse into the quiet, rural life of South Korea.
Day 5: Olympic Legacy and Departure
Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre
Visit the iconic ski jump towers from the 2018 Olympics. You can walk around the base and take photos of the impressive structure for free, feeling the scale of the winter games.
Pyeongchang Olympic Medal Plaza
Located in Hoenggye, this site remains a tribute to the games. It’s a great spot for a final stroll to see the sculptures and the cauldron without spending a dime.
Daegwallyeong Museum
Before heading to the station, stop by this museum on the mountain pass. It houses a private collection of folk artifacts and provides a deep dive into the local mountain culture.
Final Departure
Head to Jinbu Station for the KTX back to Seoul or take the intercity bus from Hoenggye for a cheaper, albeit slower, journey back to the capital.
Best Time & Weather
Pyeongchang is a year-round destination, but for budget backpackers, autumn (September to November) is ideal. The weather is cool and dry, perfect for hiking, and the fall foliage is spectacular and free to enjoy. Winter (December to February) is the peak season for skiing, which drives up accommodation prices. Spring brings beautiful blossoms, while summer is humid but offers a cool escape from the heat of Seoul.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). While credit cards are widely accepted in convenience stores and larger restaurants, many small stalls in the Bongpyeong and Jinbu markets prefer cash. Tipping is not expected and can sometimes be refused. To stick to an $18/day budget, rely heavily on market snacks and convenience store meals (Dosirak), which are high quality and affordable.
Getting Around
Public transportation in Pyeongchang consists of the KTX (high-speed train) which stops at Jinbu and Pyeongchang stations, and a network of local buses. The local buses are affordable but infrequent, so it is essential to check schedules at the terminals. Using the 'KakaoBus' or 'Naver Maps' apps is highly recommended for real-time tracking. For short distances in town, walking is free and the best way to soak in the mountain scenery.
