A Lap Around a 930-Meter-High Hill: Walking Route at Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch

Daegwallyeong’s grassland, transformed from Pungjeon Ranch in 1988 into a tourist ranch in 2000

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch was established in 1988 in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, as a sheep-specialized ranch, initially operating under the name “Pungjeon Ranch.” In 2000, it changed its name and operating character to become a tourist ranch open to the general public, creating a place where visitors can experience both sheep-raising areas and walkable grassland.

The ranch’s grassland covers approximately 200,000㎡, and its highest point is about 930m above sea level. Given that Pyeongchang-gun is a mountainous plateau with an average elevation of about 700m, the ranch can be windier and colder than the lowlands regardless of the season. Even in summer, it is advisable to prepare a light outer layer; in winter, bring a windproof coat and shoes with good slip resistance.

1.2km walking trail and a 930m-elevation viewpoint: climb first, then descend to the sheep barns

The ranch’s main route is an approximately 1.2km walking trail that loops around the grassland. Unlike photos that may make it look gentle, the route includes uphill sections rising to around 930m above sea level, so it is best to allow about 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for the round trip, taking photos, and feeding the sheep. Visitors using walking aids or strollers should ask the ranch about slopes and unpaved sections before setting out.

The most efficient route is to follow the trail from the entrance up to the higher points first, then descend toward the sheep barns and sheep-feeding area. From May to August, the ranch operates until 18:30, but tickets are issued only until one hour before closing, so even in summer you should finish ticketing by 17:30 at the latest. In January–February and November–December, the ranch closes at 17:00 and ticket sales end at 16:00.

Closing times by four seasons: opens at 09:00, with ticketing ending one hour before closing

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch opens daily at 09:00. It closes at 17:00 in January–February and November–December, 17:30 in March and October, 18:00 in April and September, and 18:30 from May to August. Because the seasonal hours are divided into several periods, visitors—especially those coming around sunset in spring or autumn—should check the day’s notices and ticketing deadline again.

The regular holidays are Lunar New Year’s Day and Chuseok Day. The main telephone number is 033-335-1966, and the official website is https://yangtte.co.kr/HOME. Online reservations are also available, but since operations may vary depending on the weather and on-site conditions, it is best to call ahead before traveling a long distance to confirm whether the ranch is open and whether activities are operating.

• January–February, November–December: 09:00–17:00
• March, October: 09:00–17:30
• April, September: 09:00–18:00
• May–August: 09:00–18:30
• Ticketing: closes one hour before the end of each operating period

Adult admission of 6,000 won and hay baskets: the barn area where you get closest to the sheep

Admission is 6,000 won for adults, 4,000 won for children, and 3,000 won for seniors and people with disabilities. Infants under 48 months, Daegwallyeong-myeon residents, and persons of national merit are eligible for free admission. Before purchasing tickets, it is advisable to check whether documentation is required for the applicable discount or exemption.

Sheep-feeding activities take place near the barns. In summer, the sheep graze on the grassland, while in winter they are raised in the barns, so the way visitors encounter the sheep in the grassland varies by season. Rather than putting your hand close to a sheep’s mouth, hold out the hand with the hay briefly; children should be guided by an accompanying adult regarding where to place their hands.

To 483-32 Daegwallyeongmaru-gil: parking for cars and a KTX–Hoenggye transfer plan

The address is 483-32 Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. It is better to enter “Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch” or this road-name address together into your navigation system. Official information and Korea Tourism Organization materials describe the site as having ample parking, making access by private car the simplest option. However, in winter, when snow and ice are possible, you should separately check road conditions on the Daegwallyeong mountain pass.

Since there is no railway station with a direct connection to the ranch entrance, the most practical option when using public transportation is to combine a bus or taxi toward Hoenggye after arriving at Pyeongchang Station or Jinbu (Odaesan) Station on the KTX-Eum line. KTX-Eum is described as taking approximately 1 hour 30 minutes from Seoul Station to Pyeongchang Station, but transfer schedules from the station to the ranch vary by date. Foreign visitors should plan Korean railway reservations separately from local-bus transfers and secure in advance the available times for calling a bus or taxi for the return journey.

Nursing room, diaper-changing table, and rest areas are available, but the hills themselves are not flat

The ranch lists a nursing room, diaper-changing tables in the restrooms, rest areas, a café, and a souvenir shop, so it has the basic amenities needed when visiting with infants and young children. Parking is also available, making it convenient to leave baby supplies in the car and bring only what is needed.

However, the presence of amenities does not mean that the entire walking trail is barrier-free. The approximately 1.2km course includes slopes rising to around 930m above sea level, so visitors using wheelchairs, traveling with someone who has difficulty walking, or bringing a stroller may wish to consider spending their time mainly around the entrance and sheep barns. Whether on-site guidance is consistently available in foreign languages such as English and Chinese could not be confirmed from the official materials. If needed, call 033-335-1966 before visiting for accurate information.

20 minutes and 10km by car to the Balwangsan Cable Car: an ideal afternoon addition after the ranch

In the Korea Tourism Organization’s recommended Pyeongchang itinerary, the drive from Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch to the Balwangsan Tourist Cable Car is listed as approximately 20 minutes and 10km. After allowing 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours for walking around the ranch and feeding the sheep, connecting to the cable car in the afternoon lets you compare the elevations of the Daegwallyeong plateau and Balwangsan in a single day.

The Balwangsan Tourist Cable Car departs from Dragon Plaza and travels 7.4km round trip to Dragon Castle at an elevation of 1,458m, with each one-way trip taking approximately 18 minutes. Since both the ranch and cable car involve outdoor travel at high elevations, on days with rain or strong winds in the forecast, it is better not to force both into the same day. Instead, consider shortening your time at the ranch or using the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Memorial Hall, an indoor-oriented alternative.