If you go

VITALS

The train and bus systems can get you almost anywhere in Gangwon, including the Woljeongsa Temple. Crews are working to complete the high-speed rail line from Seoul to Pyeongchang in time for the 2018 Winter Olympics, which will make Gangwon more accessible. Korail: www.letskorail.com. For bus service, see the Visit Korea site (below).

Note: Google Maps is able to show locations in Gangwon, but it would not give directions. If driving, most car rentals (especially to Western tourists, apparently) come with a GPS unit.

GeTTING THeRe

United Airlines and Korean Air fly regular nonstops from San Francisco to Seoul, starting around $800 round trip.

WHeRe TO STAY

Woljeongsa Temple Stay: Pyeongchang-gun Gwangwon-do63, Dongsan-ri, Jinbumyeon; +82-33-339-6607; https://eng.templestay.com (click on “Gangwon”). Overnight stays range from $52 to $61 per night for adults. Add $17 per night for a room with private bathroom.

Hanwha Resort Seorak Sorano:

111, Misiryeong-Ro, Beon-gil, Sokcho 217-130; +82 27 895267. Sprawling modern resort not far from Seoraksan National Park. Rates in April started at $81 per night, but can double in July and August.

WHERE TO EAT

Abai Shikdang: 748, Cheongho-dong, Sokcho, Gangwon-do; +82 33-635-5310. One of a collection of seafood and sushi places in the Abai neighborhood of Sokcho where the local specialty is squid “sundae” (sausage).

WHAT TO DO

Odaesan National Park: Samsan-ri, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do; +82 33-332-6417; http:// english.knps.or.kr (click on “Odaesan” on the map) or http://english.visitkorea.or.kr (search “Odaesan”). Parking: $2-$5. Seoraksan National Park:

43, Seorak-dong, Sokcho Si, Gangwon-Do; +82-33-6367700; http://english.knps.or.kr (click on “Seoraksan” on the map) or http://english.visitkorea.or.kr (search “Seoraksan”). Parking: $2-$5.

INFORMATION

Visit Korea: http://english.vis itkorea.or.kr