Embrace Pyeongchang’s winter beauty at Samyang Roundhill

PYEONGCHANG, Gangwon Province -- Pyeongchang, a popular summer getaway for families and friends who wish to escape the unrelenting heat, beckons even more holidaymakers in winter.

Winter is also the season when Samyang Roundhill, among many farms and ski slopes here, becomes a go-to destination with its iconic wind turbines and seemingly unending snow-covered open grassland.

While a number of programs -- including taking care of calves, border collies herding sheep and feeding sheep and ostriches -- entertain visitors in summer, the farm might seem quiet and empty in winter.

But visitors will soon realize that the snow-covered hills and clear weather are all that they need to enjoy Samyang Roundhill.

“The sheep wandering around on the plateau are adorable. It is certainly a sight to enjoy (in summer). But I personally find the winter scenery of snow-covered fields, Daegwallyeong Mountain and the East Sea, which can all be seen at the top of Samyang Roundhill, to be unmatched,” a housewife in her early 50s surnamed Lee from Icheon, Gyeonggi Province, told The Korea Herald on Jan. 11.

Lee was among a few people at a small market near Samyang Roundhill’s entrance waiting for snow to be cleared. She shared that she and her family had decided to wait a few more hours to enjoy the winter wonderland.

“There was some heavy snow across Gangwon Province. And the weather is expected to be sunny throughout the day. Samyang Roundhill officials told us that they have been removing the snow from the morning, so I hope we will be able to tour around the farm soon,” she added, her face beaming.

The official also said that an ideal day to take pictures at Samyang Roundhill is on a cloudless sunny day after a snowfall.

Visitors who were waiting at the market agreed that the white snow field and wind turbine shine brighter and stand out better against the vibrant blue sky as the background.

Though Samyang Roundhill offers three major tourist attractions, including Lover’s Concerto Tree, Donghae Observatory and more, every corner of the field is a natural photo zone for the holidaymakers.

The slope is not steep, but some visitors bring a small sled to enjoy the ride downhill.

“In summer, we offer a shuttle bus service for visitors to tour the farm, but visitors are asked to drive their cars in winter. Boots and even crampons are recommended for a safe tour,” a Samyang Roundhill official told The Korea Herald, explaining that sneakers will become soaked after only a few steps.

Despite lacking any special installations, artwork or decorations, the tranquil plateau still offers everything to capture memories of a stunning winter day with friends and family.

Make sure to check the official Instagram account of Samyang Roundhill before visiting as the farm offers the latest weather news and shares whether it is open or not in the morning.

Admission costs 12,000 won for adults and 10,000 won for children.

The hours are 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The farm is open seven days a week.