Exploring Daegwallyeong: Year-Round Adventures in Gangwon-Do
In 2024, I took several road trips to experience year-round trekking and camping in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-Do. In winter, I visited for skiing, while in summer, I returned for dog-friendly trekking and camping in the region’s stunning landscapes.
My wife, our border collie, and I explored the lush green scenery in the cool June weather, enjoying a new perspective on an area we had previously only known for its winter ski resorts.
Daegwallyeong, a highland pass in the Taebaek Mountains of Gangwon-Do, is famous for its breathtaking landscapes and year-round outdoor activities, particularly at Han Neul Sky Ranch (often called Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch) and Samyang Ranch (known as Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch).
For simplicity, I’ll generally omit “Daegwallyeong” from the ranch names as we go along.
With its moderate climate, Gangwon-Do is an ideal destination for skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and camping throughout the year.
About Colorado Saram
Growing up in Vail, Colorado, I naturally developed a love for the outdoors, which I carried with me when I moved to South Korea in 2007.
Colorado Saram shares my experiences as a Colorado-bred outdoor enthusiast living in Asia, with a focus on winter skiing and year-round outdoor adventures.
In addition to my recent guides on YongPyong Resort, High 1 Resort and Muju Deogyusan Resort (in Jeolla Province), which highlight two of South Korea’s better ski destinations, I’ve also visited Gangwon-Do numerous times for ski trips to Alpensia, and Vivaldi Park, with guides on these locations coming soon.
While Gangwon-Do is best known for its ski resorts, it also provides incredible trekking and camping opportunities throughout the year.
In this guide, I’ll share my experiences with dog-friendly trekking at Pure Sheep Ranch and Daegwallyeong Han Neul Sky Ranch—two beautiful spots that showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty, whether blanketed in snow or bursting with summer greenery.
These locations offer a great alternative to the well-known Daegwallyeong Samyang Roundhill Ranch, which, while equally breathtaking and perhaps more famous, does not permit dogs.
As such, I haven’t had the chance to visit Samyang Ranch personally, so I’ll just provide you with the essential details, without the personal narrative.
Whether you’re exploring with a furry friend like our border collie, Winnie, or just out and about with some fellow humans, there’s plenty to discover in Gangwon-Do.
Let’s get started!
Where is Gangwon-Do?
Gangwon-Do is a province located in the northeastern region of South Korea, renowned for its stunning natural landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and dense forests.
It’s a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering activities ranging from skiing and snowboarding in the winter to hiking and trekking in the warmer months.
The province is home to some of South Korea’s most famous national parks, such as Seoraksan and Odaesan, and serves as a popular escape for those looking to experience the country’s natural beauty away from the bustling cities.
Gangwon-Do is easily accessible from major cities across South Korea. It’s approximately a 2-3 hour drive from Seoul, making it a popular weekend getaway for residents of the capital.
From Daegu, where I live, it’s about a 3-4 hour drive, while from Busan, it typically takes around 4-5 hours by car.
This convenient proximity makes Gangwon-Do an ideal destination for both short trips and extended stays, offering a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation.
Getting There and Away
Just a short drive from the famous YongPyong Ski Resort, these ranches offer a delightful side excursion from the bustling tourist attractions and ski resorts in the area.
Easily accessible by car—approximately 2.5 hours from Seoul and about 3-5 hours from Daegu or Busan—most of thees ranches are also reachable via public transportation with a bus or train ride to Pyeongchang, followed by a short taxi ride.
You can easily reach Pyeongchang by taking the KTX (Korea Train eXpress) high-speed train from Seoul. The KTX offers a direct route to Pyeongchang Station, making it a convenient option for travelers.
From the station, a short taxi ride will take you to Pure Sheep Ranch or other nearby attractions.
And if the name Pyeongchang sounds familiar, it’s because it hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, with skiing and snowboarding events at several nearby resorts, including YongPyong Resort.
The area is best explored by car, as it offers the most flexibility and convenience for visiting nearby attractions like YongPyong Resort and other scenic spots in and around Pyeongchang and Gangwon Province.
If you don’t have a car, rentals are available to foreigners who possess an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or a Korean driver’s license. For more detailed information on renting a car and driving in South Korea, check out: Drive in South Korea: A Complete Foreigner’s Guide.
Hotels: Where to Stay in Pyeongchang
Pyeongchang and the surrounding ski resorts are the epicenter of Korean mountain holidays, so there’s no shortage of accommodations in the city or around the resorts.
Since our travel crew includes our border collie, Winnie, we’re always on the hunt for dog-friendly stays. If you don’t have those kinds of limitations, you’ll have plenty of options to match your budget and travel style on Booking.com. For the best search results, use the term Pyeongchang-gun. The above link will take you straight there.
Dog or no dog, I can personally recommend the Ramada Hotel & Suites Gangwon Pyeongchang, where we’ve stayed several times. It offers all the comforts you’d expect from a popular American hotel chain and is conveniently located just steps from the Pure Sheep Ranch. The ranch’s cozy café is the perfect spot to start your day with a great coffee and take in the stunning mountain views.
If you’re worried about being surrounded by a pack of furry friends, don’t be. Dogs are only allowed on one floor in one wing of this spacious hotel, and they have strict rules to ensure other guests aren’t bothered.
Affiliate Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links in this section are affiliate links, meaning I may earn a small commission if you click through them to book your lodging. This helps support my blog at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Timeline: Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch, and Sanneomi Ranch
Before diving into the specifics of each ranch, I’d like to provide a brief timeline of our visits to the area to give you some context for the experiences.
For further reference, all of these locations are dog-friendly because we bring our dog on all of our South Korea road trip adventures.
In the winter of 2023, during a ski trip to YongPyong Resort, we made a side visit to Pure Sheep Ranch (순수양떼목장). We explored the facility, enjoyed some winter trekking, and relaxed with coffee at the base café.
In the winter of 2024, we returned to YongPyong Resort for another ski trip. This time, we revisited Pure Sheep Ranch and added Han Neul Sky Ranch (하늘목장), also known as Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch, to our itinerary. Despite the heavy snow at Han Neul, we trekked as far as possible, vowing to return in the summer to fully experience the ranch.
Our most recent trip was in the summer of 2024. We explored High 1 Resort and enjoyed a day of trekking there (you can read about summer trekking at High 1 in the summer section of my High 1 Resort Guide).
We then returned to the YongPyong area for camping and a full day of summer trekking at the Daegwallyeong Han Neul Sky Ranch, enjoying much better trail conditions and warmer weather compared to our winter visit.
For reference, you can see the same trekking location at Sky Ranch in winter (above) and summer (below).
On this final summer trip, instead of staying at a dog-friendly hotel, we discovered an amazing spot for car camping at Sanneomi Ranch (below).
Let’s explore each location in the order of my visits.
Pure Sheep Ranch
(순수 양떼목장)
Let’s clear something up from the start: “Soon Su” (순수) translates to “pure” in Korean, is sometimes called Pure Sheep Ranch and sometimes Soon Su Sheep Ranch. You might also hear it referred to as Daegwallyeong Soon Su Sheep Ranch, though that’s quite a mouthful.
Since most of my readers are likely English-speaking, I’ll call it Pure Sheep Ranch throughout this guide for simplicity and clarity.
Introduction
Pure Sheep Ranch (순수 양떼목장) is a charming excursion on the outskirts of Pyeongchang, Gangwon-Do, a region I previously mentioned as one of the most scenic and mountainous areas in South Korea.
The ranch generally doesn’t require a full day’s commitment, making it perfect for a leisurely half-day, especially if you’re looking to enjoy some peaceful trekking or family-friendly activities amidst serene landscapes.
The moderate trekking course is suitable for most fitness levels, as well as for children.
Whether you’re taking a break from a day on the slopes or simply exploring the area, Pure Sheep Ranch offers a refreshing contrast to the more adrenaline-fueled experiences nearby.
Dog-Friendly Activities
Pure Sheep Ranch (순수 양떼목장) offers a range of 100% dog-friendly activities that can be enjoyed year-round, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and their furry companions.
Whether you’re visiting in the winter, when the ranch is blanketed in snow, or in the summer, when the pastures are lush and green, the experience is equally rewarding.
You may notice that all of my photos in this section are from our winter visits. We’ve been to Pure Sheep Ranch twice, both times during the winter season. If you haven’t already, I encourage you to visit their website to see how the ranch looks in the summer.
Let’s explore what you can expect during your visit, regardless of the season.
What to Expect
In the Hotels section, I mention that Pure Sheep Ranch is conveniently located just up the road from the Ramada Hotel. If you’re staying there, you could even walk to the ranch, though ample parking is available at the entry.
Upon arrival, you’ll find an elevator that takes you to the main floor, which features a spacious café offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
San 850 Café
The café serves coffee, drinks, and snacks, making it a great spot to relax before or after exploring the trails.
This video provides a brief overview of the café setting.
In addition to the comfortable café setting with amazing views, you can explore a sheep-themed gift shop and take pictures with the stuffed sheep displayed in front of their sign.
Ticket Prices, Hours, and Activities
After enjoying the scenery and cozy atmosphere at San 850 Café, you can purchase your tickets for the trekking course.
Ticket Prices
As shown above, each adult ticket costs ₩7,000 (approximately $5 USD), while pets are charged ₩4,000. Children’s pricing isn’t specified, so it’s assumed that all human tickets are priced the same unless you qualify for “preferential treatment” (see notes).
Hours of Operation
Trekking Course Map: Animal Feeding, Viewpoints and Activities
After purchasing your tickets, exit through the back of the café, which leads directly to the Pure Sheep Ranch trekking course.
As shown in the map below, the course offers a relatively gentle walk through the ranch, with stops to feed animals such as sheep, alpacas, and goats.
You can purchase animal feed for a small fee (around a dollar or two), though be mindful that some of the more enthusiastic animals might snatch the entire cup from your hand!
The trail is well-marked, so you won’t have to worry about getting lost. However, if you visit during winter, be sure to wear boots or shoes that can handle getting wet, as some parts of the trail, especially at higher elevations, may be covered in snow.
Our Pure Sheep Ranch Experience in Photos
Feeding Animals
Dog Playground
Winter Trekking & Photo Zones
Sky Viewpoint at Pure Sheep Ranch
Instagram Highlight Reel: Pure Sheep Ranch
You can explore Pure Sheep Ranch on Instagram here, or watch our own highlight reel below:
Daegwallyeong Han Neul Sky Ranch
(하늘목장)
Han Neul Sky Ranch (하늘목장) is a scenic destination located in the Daegwallyeong area of Pyeongchang, Gangwon-Do, offering visitors a blend of gentle and more challenging outdoor experiences.
Introduction
Compared to Pure Sheep Ranch, which is conveniently located on the edge of town, Han Neul Sky Ranch is set a bit further out in the countryside, providing a more secluded and expansive natural setting.
If you don’t have a car, you may need to take a taxi to reach the ranch. While there might be a public bus option, schedules can be infrequent, so it’s best to plan ahead.
What to Expect
Han Neul Sky Ranch features a lengthy trekking course that winds through lush pastures and takes you up to the top of a mountain, where you can enjoy stunning panoramic views alongside towering windmills—a contrast to Pure’s simpler loop.
Below is an English-language map of the property. Click here to access the full PDF brochure in English, Korean, or Japanese.
For those looking to reach the summit without the hike, a tractor-drawn carriage, designed with a charming “old west” aesthetic, is available to transport visitors to the top viewpoint and back down. However, please note that larger dogs are not permitted on the carriage.
At the base of the ranch, you’ll find animal feeding stations, petting areas, a cozy café, and a gift shop, making it an ideal spot to spend a few hours immersed in the serene countryside of Daegwallyeong.
Ticket Prices
Tickets for entry to Han Neul Sky Ranch are ₩8,000 for adults (about $6 USD) and ₩6,000 for children (about $4.50 USD).
Admission for a dog is ₩5,000, and the tractor carriage ride costs ₩5,000 per person. Only small breed dogs are allowed on the carriage, so our border collie had to stick to the trekking trail—though she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Hours of Operation
The following are the seasonal hours of operation at the Sky Ranch.
Year-Round Activities
Like Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch operates year-round, and we’ve had the opportunity to visit in both winter and summer, so I’ll share our experiences from both seasons below.
Winter Season Trekking at Han Neul Sky Ranch (하늘목장)
This is a collection of photos from our winter trekking experience at Han Neul Sky Ranch. On this particular day, a blistering cold February day in Gangwon-Do, you’ll notice that we’re all bundled up to brave the elements.
Although dogs are technically required to be leashed at all times, especially around farm animals and other visitors, the freezing conditions meant that as we climbed higher, we found ourselves alone. So, we let Winnie enjoy some snowy freedom.
If a tree falls in the woods and no one is there to hear it, does it really make a sound?
Instagram Highlight Reel: Han Neul Sky Ranch Winter
Summer Season Trekking at Han Neul Sky Ranch (하늘목장)
On a sunny day the following June, with the lush greenery of Gangwon-Do in full bloom, we returned to Han Neul Sky Ranch to experience a different side of the ranch compared to our winter visit.
With the trail clear of snow and near-perfect temperatures for trekking, we reached the top, where we were rewarded with stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
We followed the same trekking path up that we took during the winter, but descended via a paved road used by the tractor carriage for those who prefer a less strenuous visit to the top.
This collection of photos highlights the contrast between our winter and summer experiences at the ranch.
Animals at Sky Ranch
Summer Trekking Trail
Han Neul Sky Ranch Views
Paved Tractor Carriage Path
Instagram Highlight Reel: Han Neul Sky Ranch Summer
Hotels
Since Han Neul Sky Ranch is just a short drive from Pyeongchang in the Daegwallyeong area, I’ll direct you back to the hotels section in the Pure Sheep Ranch guide.
For our summer trip, however, instead of booking a hotel, we enjoyed some amazingly scenic car camping at Sanneomi Ranch (산너미목장).
Camping at Sanneomi Ranch (산너미목장)
210 Sanneomi-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do Sanneomi Ranch
Sanneomi Ranch (산너미목장) is a working “black goat” ranch located in the serene countryside outside of Pyeongchang. The ranch spans a large area and has been run by the same family for three generations, focusing on eco-friendly and animal welfare practices.
In addition to its agricultural operations, Sanneomi offers camping sites where visitors can enjoy the tranquil surroundings. The camping area is split into various sections, allowing for a more private and relaxed experience.
Guests can observe the freely grazing black goats, which adds a unique charm to the camping atmosphere. There are also trekking trails where you can walk among the goats while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Like everything else in this guide, Sanneomi is dog-friendly.
To camp at Sanneomi Ranch, you’ll need a car—either your own or a rental—as it’s slightly off the beaten path.
The provided address should work well in your navigation system, but once you leave the main road and start the climb to the ranch, you’ll encounter a narrow, one-way road that gets steep at times. While a 4-wheel drive isn’t required, you might wish you had one.
Despite the challenging drive, it’s absolutely worth the effort. The stunning scenery felt surprisingly similar to my Colorado upbringing—far more than what you’d expect to find in South Korea.
Though it’s a bit remote and off the beaten path, the main building offers basic snacks and Korean ramyeon. They also sell firewood and rent metal fire pits for around 10,000 KRW.
You’ll need to bring your own tent and camping equipment, but the site is equipped with bathrooms and shower facilities.
Despite the secluded location, there’s also a burger restaurant that’s a must-try. We had an early lunch there the next morning, and the burgers were fantastic—with unbeatable views!
Click here for more details on camping at Sanneomi Ranch, including prices and availability.
Please note that the booking system is only available in Korean. Unless you’re proficient in the language, you may need to ask a Korean friend for assistance.
Instagram Highlight Reel: Sanneomi Ranch Camping
Samyang Ranch
(삼양목장)
Samyang Ranch, also known as Samyang Roundhill, is one of the largest highland farms in Asia and a well-known destination in the Gangwon-Do region.
Located in the Daegwallyeong area, much like Han Neul Sky Ranch, Samyang Ranch offers an expansive, open-air experience that is perfect for visitors who love wide, panoramic views of rolling pastures and wind turbines set against a backdrop of stunning mountain scenery.
Note: Please note that this overview is based on available information, as I have not personally visited Samyang Ranch. Unlike Pure Sheep Ranch and Han Neul Sky Ranch, Samyang Ranch does not allow dogs, which has limited my ability to experience it firsthand.
What to Expect
Samyang Ranch is a sprawling property, even larger and more expansive than Han Neul Sky Ranch. The ranch is best known for its vast pastures filled with grazing cows, sheep, and other livestock, all set amidst some of the most picturesque landscapes in the region.
The ranch is a working farm, so visitors have the unique opportunity to see how dairy farming operations work while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.
Activities and Attractions
Samyang Ranch offers a variety of activities that cater to different interests. For those who enjoy trekking, there are well-maintained walking trails that allow you to explore the ranch at your own pace.
One of the highlights is the trek to the Windmill Hill, where you can see large wind turbines up close and take in breathtaking views of the surrounding area.
The ranch also features animal feeding stations and petting areas, similar to Pure Sheep Ranch and Han Neul Sky Ranch, where visitors can interact with sheep and other animals.
Additionally, Samyang Ranch has several viewpoints that are accessible either by foot or via a tractor ride, providing a more leisurely way to explore the ranch’s vast terrain.
Seasonal Operations
Samyang Ranch is open year-round, offering different experiences across the four seasons. In the summer, the pastures are lush and green, providing a serene environment for trekking and sightseeing.
In the winter, the landscape is transformed into a snowy wonderland, perfect for winter trekking and photography. Like the other ranches, visiting in different seasons will give you a completely different experience.
Conclusion
If you’ve made it this far, I hope you found the information and photos from our experiences helpful.
While everything I’ve mentioned is dog-friendly, you can certainly enjoy these adventures without a dog as well.
I understand that not everyone living in or visiting South Korea has access to a car, but don’t worry—there are also some excellent package tours available for trekking in this area.
Whether you’re looking to escape the hustle of city life, beat the heat, or take a break from the slopes, Gangwon-Do remains my favorite province in South Korea for all of those reasons!
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