Pyeongchang Daegwallyeong’s Wind, Grasslands, and Old Trail Starting from the 832m Pass

Conditions of the Terrain That Made Daegwallyeong at 832 m above sea level a “Pasture Zone”

Pyeongchang Daegwallyeong is an 832 m-high pass located between Hoenggye-ri in Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, and Eohul-ri in Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si. The Namdaecheon River to the east flows through downtown Gangneung and into the East Sea, while the Songcheon River to the west connects to the Namhangang River basin and flows toward the Yellow Sea. In other words, this single pass is a watershed dividing Yeongdong and Yeongseo, and the Hoenggye area west of Daegwallyeong is a high-level flatland/basin terrain surrounded by high mountains.

This terrain is linked to Daegwallyeong’s long winters, frequent strong winds, and broad open grasslands. The climate statistics presented by the Encyclopedia of Korean Folk Culture show an annual average temperature of 7.1℃, a January average of -6.9℃, an August average of 19.7℃, and an annual average precipitation of 1,695.1 mm. Even in summer, it is safer to prepare a windproof layer, and in winter, plan your schedule and clothing with the assumption that the wind speed can make the perceived temperature drop significantly.

From the road improvement under King Jungjong of Joseon to Provincial Route 456, the people who crossed Daegwallyeong

Daegwallyeong was not merely a scenic viewpoint but a gateway over which east-west logistics passed. During the reign of King Jungjong of Joseon, Gangwon-do Provincial Governor Go Hyeong-san cut into the mountain ridges and improved the road so carts could pass, and in 1917 an automobile road opened. With the full opening of the Yeongdong Expressway in 1975, Daegwallyeong became a modern transportation axis, and after the expressway section over Daegwallyeong was relocated southward in 2001, the old section became Provincial Route No. 456.

The name is said to have originated either from the Dagulryeong theory, meaning a pass so steep that one would roll down it, or from the interpretation that it is a major gateway crossing from Yeongseo to Yeongdong. Daegwallyeong Old Road follows the traces of that transportation history and was designated a nationally designated scenic heritage site on November 15, 2010. In the past, seafood from the East Sea traveled this route to Yeongseo, while local products from Pyeongchang went to markets in Yeongdong.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch 1.2 km loop: a short, clear walk through a paid ranch

If you want to walk a short stretch of grassland and also try feeding sheep in one place, Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch is the simplest choice. The address is 483-32 Daegwallyeongmaru-gil, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and the phone number is 033-335-1966. Admission is 9,000 won for adults and 7,000 won for children, and feeding hay is listed at 1,000 won. The official notice says the closing time may vary by season, so it is better to check again on the day of departure.

According to the publicly available information, it operates from 09:00 to 17:00 in January-February, 09:00 to 17:30 in March and October, 09:00 to 18:00 in April and September, and 09:00 to 18:30 from May to August. The loop trail is known to be about 1.2 km, so if you include photography and feeding, allowing 1 hour to 1 hour 30 minutes is reasonable. Free parking is available, but because some routes may change during heavy snowfall, strong winds, or rain, shoes with good traction are recommended.

Two starting points for Seonjaryeong, 6 km and 6.5 km: a different day on the Baekdudaegan beyond a ranch stroll

Seonjaryeong is a choice that places more emphasis on hiking than on an easy ranch stroll. In the spring 2026 opening status announced by the forestry authorities, the 6 km section from the former uphill side Daegwallyeong Rest Area to Seonjaryeong in Hoenggye-ri, Daegwallyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, and the 6.5 km section from Daegwallyeong to Guksaseonghwangdang to Seonjaryeong are open as Baekdudaegan routes. Before departing, be sure to reconfirm the latest notice from the relevant management authority regarding whether the distance figures refer to one way or round trip and whether the route is actually restricted.

Seonjaryeong is known to be 1,157 m high, and winds can be stronger on the exposed ridges than around the top of the pass. In winter, it is advisable to bring crampons, gaiters, and trekking poles, and on days with rain in the forecast, a waterproof jacket and spare socks are recommended. If you have little hiking experience or are unsure whether you will descend before sunset, it is better to switch to a short route with fixed operating hours, such as Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch.

Just over 6 km from Banjeong to the Daegwallyeong Museum, an old road that is “downhill” but still needs preparation

Daegwallyeong Old Road is a route focused more on history and walking than on the ranch. Banjeong along Provincial Route 456, formerly the Yeongdong Expressway section, is the main trailhead, and Banjeong has parking, restrooms, and an observatory. Banjeong to the Daegwallyeong Museum on the Gangneung side is introduced as being about 6 km, and it mostly follows a gentle downhill path. Travelers relying only on public transportation should first check the return transportation from the destination.

Do not underestimate it just because it is downhill. In Daegwallyeong, where heavy snow is common, crampons, gaiters, and trekking poles are recommended, and long downhill walking can strain the knees and ankles. On days when snow and icing are expected, bring waterproof shoes and warm gloves, and allow 2 hours 30 minutes to 4 hours. Even in summer, when fog and rain overlap, visibility can drop rapidly, so it is safer to avoid walking alone at night.

The practical scope of car-free travel using Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal as a base

The ranches, ridgelines, and old roads in the Daegwallyeong area are spread apart, so whether or not you have a car greatly affects the density of your trip. According to the official location guide for Samyang Roundhill, it can be accessed by rural bus or taxi from Hoenggye Intercity Bus Terminal, and it takes about 2 hours on foot from the terminal. Therefore, if you have luggage or are visiting in winter, it is practical to combine one ranch with the Hoenggye town area and use a taxi or a local bus that is operating on the day.

A private car is convenient for connecting the ranches and ridge trailheads based on Daegwallyeong IC, but in winter you should check road conditions and parking lot icing before departure. The address of the Daegwallyeong-myeon Office is 83 Daegwallyeong-ro, Daegwallyeong-myeon, and the phone number is 033-330-2103, which can be used as a point of contact for local administrative inquiries. For general tourism inquiries, you can use the Pyeongchang County Office main number, 033-330-2000.

• Ranch-centered itinerary: Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch for 1 to 1 hour 30 minutes + time for meals and movement in Hoenggye
• Walking-centered itinerary: choose either Daegwallyeong Old Road, about 6 km, or one of the open Seonjaryeong routes, 6 to 6.5 km
• Winter itinerary: do not enter the ridges or old roads late in the afternoon, and prioritize crampons and windproof layers