5-Day Family-Friendly Guide to Pyeongchang's Classic Routes
Pyeongchang is often remembered for its Olympic glory, but for families, it offers a refreshing escape into South Korea's high-altitude landscapes. This itinerary follows a classic route designed specifically for parents with young children, focusing on wide paths, interactive animal encounters, and the fresh, crisp air of Gangwon Province.
We have curated this journey to ensure a relaxed pace, avoiding steep climbs while hitting the most iconic spots. From feeding sheep on rolling green hills to walking through ancient forests on paved trails, Pyeongchang provides a peaceful backdrop for creating lasting family memories without the stress of city crowds.
Day 1: Daegwallyeong - Rolling Hills and Sky Ranches
Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch
Known as the 'Alps of Korea,' this ranch offers gentle walking paths. Kids can get up close to feed the sheep with hay provided at the entrance. The paths are generally wide enough for sturdy strollers, though some uphill sections might require a little muscle.
Lunch at Hwangtae-deokjang
Enjoy a local specialty: dried pollack soup (Hwangtae-guk). This mild, nutritious broth is perfect for children and is a staple of the Daegwallyeong region.
Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch
Unlike the sheep ranch, this spot offers a tractor-drawn carriage ride to the summit. It’s a thrill for children and saves little legs from long walks while providing breathtaking views of the wind turbines.
Dinner near Alpensia Resort
Wind down at one of the many family-friendly restaurants in the Alpensia village area, which offers plenty of space for kids to roam safely.
Day 2: Odaesan National Park - Ancient Forests
Woljeongsa Temple Fir Tree Forest
This is perhaps the most stroller-friendly nature walk in Korea. The 1.9km path is flat, shaded by towering 80-year-old fir trees, and offers many benches for snacks and breaks.
Mountain Vegetable Bibimbap Lunch
Sample fresh, local herbs and vegetables at the restaurants located just outside the Woljeongsa entrance. These dishes are healthy and can be served with non-spicy options for toddlers.
Woljeongsa Temple
Explore the colorful temple complex. The flat courtyard makes it easy for children to watch the monks and admire the famous octagonal nine-story stone pagoda.
Pyeongchang Botanical Garden
A quiet, beautifully landscaped garden with paved paths. It's a great spot for children to learn about local flora in a controlled, safe environment.
Day 3: Olympic Spirits and Water Fun
Alpensia Ski Jumping Centre
Take the monorail up to the top of the ski jump. The ride itself is a highlight for kids, and the view from the lounge at the top is spectacular without any hiking required.
Ocean 700 Water Park
Located within the Alpensia Resort, this indoor water park is perfect for families. It features kid-sized slides, a wave pool, and lazy rivers that are safe for various ages.
Daegwallyeong Museum
A small, manageable museum showcasing local history and folk artifacts. It is rarely crowded, making it a stress-free cultural stop for families.
Korean BBQ Dinner
Indulge in Daegwallyeong Hanu (local beef), world-renowned for its quality. Many restaurants offer private booths which are ideal for families with energetic children.
Day 4: Bongpyeong - Flowers and Markets
Herbnara Farm
A whimsical herb garden with themed areas like the 'Toy Garden' and 'Water Garden.' The paths are easy to navigate, and there are many photo opportunities for the family album.
Bongpyeong Traditional Market
If your visit falls on a market day (dates ending in 2 or 7), explore the local snacks. Try the buckwheat pancakes (Memil-jeon), which are soft and easy for kids to chew.
Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village
Dedicated to a famous Korean author, this village is surrounded by buckwheat fields. During the flowering season, the white blossoms look like snow, providing a magical experience for kids.
Relaxed Evening Walk
Take a slow stroll along the river in Bongpyeong before heading back to your accommodation.
Day 5: Culture and Culinary Traditions
Jeonggangwon (Traditional Food Culture Center)
Explore the thousands of traditional fermentation jars (jangdokdae) lining the courtyard. Families can book a hands-on bibimbap or red pepper paste making class, which is a great tactile experience for children.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Pick up some local buckwheat tea or dried mountain herbs at a local shop. Many stores are located near the main resorts for easy access.
Pyeongchang River Park
A final, low-key activity. Let the kids run around the open green spaces of the river park before you begin your journey home.
Departure
Head to the Jinbu or Pyeongchang KTX station for a smooth, high-speed train ride back to Seoul.
Best Time & Weather
Pyeongchang is a year-round destination, but for families, late spring (May to June) and autumn (September to October) are ideal. During these months, the weather is mild (15°C to 22°C), perfect for outdoor walks without the intense heat of summer or the freezing winds of winter. If you enjoy snow, January is great for the Trout Festival, but ensure you have heavy-duty winter gear for the kids.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are universally accepted in Pyeongchang, from restaurants to convenience stores. However, keeping some cash (around 50,000 KRW) is helpful for smaller stalls at traditional markets like Bongpyeong. Tipping is not expected or required in South Korea.
Getting Around
While the KTX (High-Speed Train) connects Seoul to Pyeongchang (Jinbu Station) in under 90 minutes, the best way to get around the various attractions with a family is by rental car. Taxis are available but can become expensive for longer distances between districts. Most major attractions offer free or low-cost parking and are designed with accessibility in mind.
