Gangwon: Of Olympic winter wonderland & wellness

The snowiest province in South Korea spotlights its inspiring sporting legacy and invigorating wellness escapes to encourage tourists to visit and reconnect

The snowiest province in South Korea is both an Olympic winter wonderland and wellness destination
The snowiest province in South Korea is both an Olympic winter wonderland and wellness destination

Brought to you by Gangwon Provincial Government

Keeping the Olympic legacy strong
Hosted by Gangwon Province, South Korea (Gangwon), Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) and various well-known ski resorts, Gangwon Snow Festa is an annual celebration to commemorate the legacy of PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games and showcase a uniquely Korean winter wonderland to an international audience.

Festivities revolve around exhilarating winter activities, K-wave-themed experiences, complete with immersive cultural and wellness highlights.

The 2020/2021 edition amid the pandemic saw Gangwon staging its first virtual concert, On:tact K-OST Concert Snow Festa, with a special shoutout to Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games.

Global viewers got to take in the spectacular dreamy snowscapes in the province and savour the wildly-popular K-drama soundtracks online during the much-anticipated worldwide digital campaign.

In February this year, the province organised the 2022 Gangwon Snow Festa Global Day, in conjunction with the 39th Yongpyong International Ski Festival.

During the winter event attended by more than 200 from 30 nations, the governor alongside 19 ambassadors also expressed their wishes for the success of Gangwon 2024 Youth Olympic Games.

Hot on its heels in March, Gangwon and KTO wasted no time in inviting travel agents, trade partners, as well as media from Singapore to experience Sing Ski Festival, which was specially curated to cater to the vaccinated travel lane between South Korea and Singapore.

Participants got to try their hand at the skiing and wellness offerings, as well as explored the latest attractions. The festival culminated in a gala dinner, complete with an award ceremony for winners of the ski competition, K-drama soundtrack performances and even K-culture games from mega hit, Squid Game.

Kim Jong Woug, director-general, tourism, culture and sports bureau, Gangwon said: “We will proceed more proactively with our marketing efforts in tandem with the recovery of international travel so more tourists will be keen to visit Gangwon, moving forward.”

Leading wellness destination
While wellness is not a new trend, novelty can come from unexpected partnerships and itineraries, as the wellness destinations adopt an integrated approach to health and fitness.

Take it from the Slow Pacers, pandemic travellers who are avid about wellness and safety – they seek innovative healing experiences and will bring their desire to live better, healthier and stronger abroad when they travel for both business and leisure.

The annual well-loved Gangwon Wellness Week, taking place in various wellness destinations across the province, showcases soothing mind-body therapies amidst the awe-inspiring lush greenery of Gangwon.

Health enthusiasts can go on their pursuit of wellness with forest trekking, yoga and fitness-themed classes packed in the event schedules.

With breath-taking forested expanse and pristine streams surrounding the town, Jeongseon stands out and can certainly claim to be a note-worthy healing destination, housing the largest number of wellness attractions.

Weary travellers looking to recharge can also turn to High 1 Resort, after it expanded into a wellness complex. The premium ski retreat offers a special HAO programme comprising Querencia yoga, healing meditation, as well as tea confectionery and flower tea to relieve fatigue and uplift the spirit.

A refreshing trekking experience in the scenic Mt Balwangsan in mona Yongpyong Resort is also another wellness highlight for fitness-loving tourists and locals.

In fact, the picturesque ecosystem of Mt Balwangsan is most ideal for invigorating trails and hikes from spring until early fall. During winter, indoor wellness programmes at the resort centre on meditation yoga, handicraft courses, as well as aroma and nishi therapies.

For more information on destinations and activities in Gangwon, email Dexter Liew, marketing manager, Gangwon Kuala Lumpur Office at gangwon.kl@gmail.com

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