There’s a certain magic to winter in Korea, and nowhere captures it quite like Inje County in Gangwon Province. While the ski resorts get all the headlines, Inje offers a quieter, more serene kind of winter wonderland. Imagine walking through a forest where snow-dusted white birch trees stretch as far as the eye can see, or standing before a towering waterfall frozen in time. If you’re looking to swap the hustle for a hushed, frosty paradise, this is your guide!
1. Witness the Majestic Yongdae Maebawi Ice Wall
Start your journey with a view that will take your breath away. The Yongdae Maebawi Waterfall transforms into a massive, shimmering ice wall during the winter. It looks like a scene straight out of Frozen! It’s the perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and anyone who wants to feel the true scale of a Gangwon-do winter.
📍 Location: 1719 Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
2. Stay at Baekdam Mountain Valley Pension
For an authentic Korean experience, book a stay at Baekdam Mountain Valley Pension (백담마운틴밸리펜션). This pension features beautiful traditional Hanok-style rooms that stay incredibly warm and cozy. An added bonus? The grounds are home to some very friendly local felines who love to greet visitors!
📍 Location: 43-17 Baekdam-ro, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
3. Get Lost in the Wondae-ri Birch Forest
The Wondae-ri Birch Forest is perhaps Inje’s most iconic winter landmark. Walking through thousands of tall, slender white birch trees covered in snow feels like stepping into a fairytale. Be sure to wear sturdy boots, as the hike up is even more beautiful when the ground is white.
📍 Location: 581 Wondae-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
4. Coffee with a View at 38COFFEE
Take a break and warm your hands with a hot latte at 38COFFEE. This cafe offers a magnificent panoramic view of the frozen Soyangho Lake. The contrast of the blue sky against the icy lake and surrounding mountains provides a peaceful moment of reflection.
📍 Location: 1070-3 Bupyeong-ri, Nam-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
5. Indulge in Local Inje Delicacies
You can’t visit Inje without trying the local specialties. From warm, comforting tofu to refreshing buckwheat noodles, here are two must-visit spots:
• Inje Jaeraesik Son-Dubu (인제재래식손두부): Famous for their traditional handmade tofu. Try the spicy tofu stew (dubu-jeongol) to melt away the winter chill.
📍 Location: 427-11 Sangdong-ri, Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
• Yedang Makguksu Sikdang (예당막국수식당): A local favorite for Makguksu (buckwheat noodles) and savory potato pancakes (gamja-jeon).
📍 Location: 553-9 Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
🧤 Before You Go: Essential Winter Tips
- Layer Up: Gangwon-do winters are bitterly cold. Wear thermal layers, a heavy coat, waterproof boots, gloves, a hat, and a scarf.
- Footwear is Key: crampons are highly recommended for the icy hiking trails at the birch forest and near the waterfall. Some places may rent them on-site.
- Check Conditions: Weather can affect access. Before your trip, a quick online search for recent reviews or posts about “Wondae-ri Birch Forest” or “Maebawi Ice Wall” can give you a good idea of current trail and ice conditions.
Inje in winter is more than a destination; it’s an experience of quiet majesty. It’s the crunch of snow in a silent forest, the awe of a frozen waterfall, and the warmth of a simple, delicious meal after a day of adventure.
Map of Places Mentioned in This Post
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