Gangwon Province Coast
The coast of Gangwon State (강원특별자치도; map) lies along a thin stretch between the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea’s shores. Go on a journey along the scenic coastline, while getting insights into the broader wonders of Gangwon State, from its rich history to diverse cultural and culinary traditions.
Gangwon State
Gangwon State (강원특별자치도; map), once also known as Gangwon Province (Gangwon-do), is located in the northeastern part of South Korea. It is the national’s largest and also least populated provincial district. Known for its mountainous terrain, it touches the East Sea, people-infused Gyeonggi Province, North Korea’s Kangwŏn Province.
- Gangwon State (강원특별자치도; Gangwon-do)
- 16,875 km² (6,515 sq mi) — 1st among 9 provinces
- 1,527,807 people — 9th among 9 provinces
- 90 folks per km² (238 per sq mi)
Historically, Gangwon State was part of the Eight Provinces of Korea during the Joseon Dynasty, formed in 1395. It played a pivotal role in the country’s history, including its division in 1945.
In recent times, Gangwon State gained prominence for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Pyeongchang County.
Geography
Gangwon State, located in the northeastern part of South Korea, is a region of contrasts and diverse landscapes. Taebaek Mountains, which form a backbone down the Korean Peninsula, dominate the region. These mountains divide Gangwon into two distinct areas: Yeongseo (영서) in the west and Yeongdong (영동) against the sea in the east. This division not only influences the province’s topography and climate but also shapes Gangwon’s distinct cultural and economic lives.
- Encompassing Gangwon State:
- To the North: the DMZ and North Korea’s Kangwŏn Province
- To the South: North Gyeongsang Province
- To the East: the East Sea
- To the West: Gyeonggi Province
- All throughout: Taebaek Mountains
Yeongseo
Yeongseo, the western part of Gangwon State, claims rugged mountainous terrain, with notable peaks like Seoraksan and Odaesan. Less developed compared to the eastern Yeongdong region, it’s known for natural beauty and outdoor recreation, including hiking and snowy sports.
Agriculture, forestry, and tourism form its economic backbone. Cities like Chuncheon, Gangwon’s capital, and Wonju are major urban centers, serving as hubs for commerce and education. The Yeongseo’s cultural identity is closely tied to its nature, with a slower pace of life and a focus on traditional lifestyles and practices.
Yeongdong
Eastern Yeongdong Region of Gangwon begins at the top of the Taebaek Mountains roll towards the East Sea (Sea of Japan). It sports a milder climate and picturesque coastal ports and cities. Yeongdong is more urbanized, featuring economic and cultural engines like Gangneung, Donghae, and Sokcho Cities.
The economy of Yeongdong mixes of fishing, agriculture, and a strong tourism industry. Its beaches and coastal attractions draw visitors year-round.
Yeongdong’s culture is influenced by its maritime heritage, with a distinct dialect, cuisine, and coastal traditions.
Taebaek Mountains
The Taebaek Mountains (태백산맥), often described as the backbone of the Korean peninsula, extend in a northeasterly direction from North Korea’s Wonsan City, a significant port city on the Sea of Japan (East Sea), down through South Korea to the coastal city of Busan. This majestic mountain range is not just a geographical landmark but also a cultural and historical symbol, dividing the Korean peninsula longitudinally.
As the origin point for two of South Korea’s most significant rivers — the Han River, which flows through Seoul and plays a crucial role in the capital’s water supply, and the Nakdong River, the longest river in South Korea — the Taebaek Mountains are vital for the country’s hydrology. These rivers are essential for both agricultural and urban areas, providing water for millions of residents and acres of farmland.
The range’s division of the country into eastern and western halves has led to distinct variations in water systems, climate, and cultural development. The eastern side, facing the Sea of Japan (East Sea), receives more precipitation and has a slightly cooler climate, influencing both the lifestyle and agricultural practices of the region.
The notable peaks of the Taebaek Mountains are:
- Mount Taebaek (태백산; Taebaeksan; map): A symbol of national pride, Mount Taebaek stands as an emblematic figure in Korean geography and culture.
- Duta Mountain (두타산; Dutasan; map): Known for its scenic vistas and hiking trails, Dutasan is a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts.
- Seorak Mountain (설악산; Seoraksan; map): One of South Korea’s most famous and visited mountains, Seoraksan is renowned for its rich biodiversity and striking rock formations.
- Odae Mountain (오대산; Odaesan; map): Celebrated for its significant Buddhist heritage and rich, ancient forests, Odaesan holds a special place in Korean spiritual and natural history.
- Kumgang Mountain (금강산; Kumgangsan; map): Located in North Korea, this mountain, also known as Diamond Mountain, is famed for its exquisite beauty and cultural significance and is a subject of countless Korean artworks and poems.
Historically, strategic passes like Jinburyeong, Misiryeong, Hangyeryeong, and Daegwallyeong have crossed the Taebaek Mountains. They were crucial transportation and communication routes that connected various regions of Korea. Towns and cities across the nation were linked via these passes, which facilitated trade, travel, and cultural exchange throughout Korean history. Today, they continue to be significant, both for transportation and as scenic attractions, drawing visitors for their historical significance and natural beauty.
East Sea
The East Sea (Donghae; 동해; map), also known as the Sea of Japan, forms the eastern boundary of both North Gyeongsang Province and the Korean Peninsula.
The East Sea has a handful of unique characteristics:
- It’s the deepest of the three bodies of water that surround the peninsula.
- Narrow straits effectively separate it from other bodies of water, including the Pacific.
- A relatively higher oxygen level produces abundant marine life.
The residents of North Gyeongsang Province’s coast depend on the East Sea’s bountiful fish and crustaceans for food and commerce.
Climate
Major geological features like the Taebaek Mountains and Korea’s norther latitude exert a large influenced on Gangwon State’s climate. Summers are characterized by higher temperatures and notable humidity. In contrast, winters are markedly cold, influenced by high-pressure systems from eastern Asia. This leads to substantial differences in average temperatures and weather conditions between the regions.
For instance, in the eastern, coastal Yeongdong region, the average temperature is around 11.0 °C (51.8 °F), slightly warmer than the mountainous Yeongseo region, where temps average 10.8 °C (51.4 °F).
Gangwon State is also one of South Korea’s snowiest areas, receiving yearly rainfall amounts between 1,300 and 1,900 millimeters (51.2–74.8 inches), mostly in the mountainous regions. This supports a growing winter sports tourism industry, which was supercharged by the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang County.
History
Gangwon State’s history mirrors Korea’s. This region, once a unified province before the Korea War, has witnessed cultural shifts and historical events.
Prehistory
In ancient times, Gangwon’s location on the East Sea (Sea of Japan) and on the towering Taebaek Mountain range provided opportunities and challenges for early settlers. The abundance of forests, rivers, and fertile plains supported a variety of agrarian and hunting lifestyles. But it’s the elevated terrain isolated by early humans from the rest of the peninsula.
Archaeological excavations in Gangwon State found evidence of hunter-gatherer settlements, dating back to prehistoric times, illustrates a gradual transition from nomadic lifestyles to more organized, sedentary communities. Artifacts such as pottery, tools, and remnants of dwellings provide insights into the daily lives of these ancient people.
The Three Kingdoms Period
During the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE ~ 668 CE), where the Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla Dynasties vied for control of the Korean peninsula, Gangwon State was under the influence of the Goguryeo kingdom, known for its military prowess. This era was marked by significant advancements in art, architecture, and science, which influenced the cultural development of Gangwon. The province’s rugged mountains and its strategic ports, such as those in Donghae and Samcheok, were integral to the defense strategies of Goguryeo against its rivals, Baekje and Silla.
Artifacts found in Gangwon, like ancient murals in Goguryeo tombs, are examples of the era’s artistic achievements. The Three Kingdoms Period ended in 668 CE when the Silla Dynasty conquered and unified the peninsula. Both Korea and Gangwon State experienced a time of relative peace and cultural flowering. Once a battleground for competing kingdoms, Gangwon now enjoyed a period of stability and development. Buddhism spread in earnest during this time, establishing temples like Woljeongsa and Naksansa, and spreading Buddhist art throughout the region.
Goryeo & Joseon Dynasties
The Goryeo Dynasty (918 ~ 1392 CE), succeeding the Silla Dynasty, saw Gangwon State emerge as a crucial player in Korea’s development. Its iron-rich mountains not only fueled the era’s advancements in metallurgy and craftsmanship but helped build fortifications needed to repel invaders, such as the northern Jurchens. Notably, during this period, the Gwongeumseong Fortress in Sokcho was established, serving as a significant defensive structure.
Gangwon State also witnessed the continued spread of Buddhism during the Goryeo era, with many temples being established or expanded, including Sinheungsa and Oseam Temple, each carrying significant historical and cultural value. These temples served as centers of Buddhist worship and learning, and preserved the art and culture of the Goryeo Dynasty.
However, with the onset of the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1897 CE), there was a shift in focus. The ruling parties emphasized a centralized Confucian state, which transitioned from Gangwon away from Buddhism. During this era, the province’s rugged terrain played a critical part in national defense, particularly against frequent Manchu invasions. Numerous fortresses and defensive structures were erected across the region, reinforcing its strategic importance.
Economically, Gangwon contributed significantly as a source of timber and minerals for the Joseon Kingdom. However, because of its remote geography and challenging terrain, the central government’s developmental efforts were less concentrated in the region, leading to a unique, somewhat isolated cultural and economic development compared to the rest of Korea.
Japanese Occupation
During the Japanese Occupation of Korea (1910-1945), Korea and Gangwon State fell under the harsh control of Japanese colonial rule. Japan exploited Gangwon’s natural resources, particularly its iron and coal. Mining operations in the region were expanded and intensified, often at the cost of local workers who were forced into labor, damaging the area’s picturesque mountains and altering the landscape drastically.
Japanese occupation employed a systematic suppression of Korean culture and identity. In Gangwon and Korea at-large, Japanese authorities implemented policies like the Sōshi-kaimei, forcing Koreans to adopt Japanese names, and promoted the Japanese language and Shinto religion. Forced assimilation was met with resistance and resentment in Gangwon. Secret societies and underground movements in Gangwon played a crucial role in preserving Korean traditions, language, and a sense of national identity during these trying times.
Despite its oppressive nature, Japan’s occupation led to certain infrastructural developments in Gangwon. Railways and roads enabled the efficient transport of extracted resources to Japan. While these developments modernized Gangwon’s infrastructure, they were designed to serve Japan’s colonial interests, often disregarding the needs and well-being of the local Korean population.
Korean War
Korea was cut into two following World War II and Japanese Occupation. The northern half came under Communist influence from Russia, while the southern half aligned with capitalist countries like the US.
Gangwon’s strategic position, straddling the 38th parallel, put it center stage for military operations during the Korean War. Its rugged mountains and valleys became the sites of numerous critical battles.
The aftermath of the Korean War divided Gangwon State. The northern part of Gangwon fell into the jurisdiction of North Korea, forming the present-day Kangwon Province. The southern part of the original province remained with South Korea and became Gangwon State. This division resulted in massive displacement, separating countless families and creating a significant refugee crisis within the region.
The war inflicted severe damage on Gangwon’s economic and infrastructural framework. Towns and villages were destroyed, natural resources were depleted, and vital infrastructure such as roads, bridges, and railroads were decimated, leading to a prolonged period of recovery for Gangwon Province.
In 1953, the Korean War armistice was signed, effectively ceasing active military combat without establishing a formal peace treaty. Following this, the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) was established along the 38th parallel. The DMZ, along with memorials, observatories, and museums in its vicinity, stands today as a reminder of Korea’s tumultuous history, attracting both local and international visitors.
Modern Era
Since the end of the Korean War, Gangwon State has undergone a significant transformation. Originally focusing on industrial and economic development, utilizing iron and timber to rebuild and stabilize its economy. Over time, Gangwon shifted its focus towards tourism. The state promoted beaches along its its East Sea coastline and the ski resorts on its Taebaek Mountains.
The evolution of Gangwon’s tourism industry was further propelled by the snow sports industry. This culminated when Gangwon hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangwon State’s Pyeongchang County and Gangneung City. The games not only elevated Gangwon’s profile on the global stage, but also built modern infrastructure, like high-speed rail and highway networks.
Culture
Gangwon State has cultivated a unique cultural identity within Korea. It’s home to several historical and religious sites, like Woljeongsa and Oseam Temples nestled in the Taebaek Mountains, and celebrated festivals, such as:
- Gangneung Danoje Festival: A UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, this festival is renowned for its vibrant shamanistic rituals and folk performances. It takes place annually in Gangneung and celebrates the coming of spring with traditional music, dances, and various cultural events.
- Pyeongchang Trout Festival: Celebrated in winter, this festival promotes ice fishing and a range of winter activities, including ice sculptures, sledding, and folk games.
- Chuncheon Mime Festival: An international event held in Chuncheon. This unique festival showcases the art of mime. It features performances by local and international artists, combining traditional and contemporary mime techniques.
Gangwon also boasts museums that preserve its rich art and history, including:
- Chuncheon National Museum: This museum is a trove of regional history, showcasing artifacts from the prehistoric to the modern era. Its exhibits provide insights into the cultural and historical journey of the Gangwon region.
- Park Su-geun Art Museum: Located in Yanggu, this museum is dedicated to one of Korea’s most esteemed modern painters, Park Su-geun. The museum displays a collection of his works, offering a glimpse into the life and art.
- Taebaek Coal Museum: Situated in the city of Taebaek, known for its coal mining history, this museum explores the impact of the coal industry on the local community. It features exhibits on the history of coal mining, the lives of miners, and the economic transformation of the region.
Food
Gangwon’s cuisine is a vivid reflection of its geographical diversity, featuring distinct inland and coastal dishes that are deeply influenced by the local environment.
In the mountainous inland regions, the cuisine is largely influenced by the terrain and climate. Local staples like potatoes and buckwheat, which thrive in the cooler mountain climate, form the basis of many traditional dishes.
- Potato Dumplings (감자옹심이; Gamja-ongsimi): Made from potatoes, a staple crop in Gangwon Province, these dumplings are a testament to the resourcefulness of mountainous agriculture.
- Soybean Paste Noodle Soup (장 칼국수; Jang Kalguksu): A comforting dish flavored with fermented soybean paste, reflecting the region’s reliance on preserved foods that can withstand harsh winters.
- Buckwheat Pancakes (메밀전; Memiljeon): These pancakes, made from locally grown buckwheat, are a popular and versatile dish, often served with a variety of toppings or fillings.
- Mountain Vegetable Bibimbap (산채 비빔밥; Sanchae Bibimbap): A healthy and colorful dish featuring a variety of wild mountain vegetables, showcasing the region’s rich biodiversity.
Along the coast, the cuisine is dominated by seafood, influenced by the abundant marine life in the East Sea.
- Mulhoe (물회): A cold seafood soup that is particularly refreshing in the summer, featuring the fresh catch from the East Sea.
- Snow Crab (대게; Daegae): A regional delicacy, these crabs are prized for their sweet, tender meat and are a highlight of the local seafood cuisine.
- Grilled Squid (오징어 구이; Ojingeo Gui): A popular dish in coastal towns, showcasing the simplicity and freshness of local seafood.
- Seafood Pancake (해물파전; Haemul Pajeon): A savory pancake filled with various seafood, green onions, and other ingredients, representing the coastal region’s diverse marine offerings.
