Exploring Daegwallyeong’s Scenic Ranches: Trekking & Camping Guide

In 2024, I set out on multiple road trips to experience trekking and camping in Daegwallyeong, Gangwon-do across all seasons. My first visit in winter was all about skiing, but summer brought me back for dog-friendly trekking and camping in the region’s breathtaking landscapes.

Along with my wife and our border collie, I explored Daegwallyeong’s lush green scenery in the cool June weather—an entirely different experience from the snowy slopes we had once known.

Daegwallyeong, a highland pass in the Taebaek Mountains, is one of Gangwon-do’s most scenic outdoor destinations. It’s best known for its sweeping views and year-round activities, particularly at Han Neul Sky Ranch (Daegwallyeong Sky Ranch) and Samyang Ranch (Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch).

For simplicity, I’ll mostly omit “Daegwallyeong” from the ranch names as we go along.

With its mild summers and snowy winters, Gangwon-do is a top destination for skiing, snowboarding, trekking, and camping throughout the year.

I now live in Daegu, South Korea, but I’ll give you two guesses where I’m from!

I’ve written detailed ski resort guides on YongPyong Resort, High 1 Resort, and Muju Deogyusan Resort, three of South Korea’s top ski destinations. I’ve also skied in Hokkaido, Japan several times—most recently in winter 2025—with guides on Niseko and Rusutsu coming soon.

While Gangwon-do is best known for skiing, it also offers 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 Han Neul Sky Ranch—two stunning locations that showcase Daegwallyeong’s beauty, whether covered in snow or bursting with summer greenery.

These spots offer a great alternative to the more famous Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch, which, while equally breathtaking, does not allow dogs. Since that has prevented me from personally visiting Samyang Ranch, I’ll provide only the essential details rather than a firsthand account.

Whether you’re exploring with a furry friend like our border collie, Winnie, or simply enjoying the mountains with fellow adventurers, there’s plenty to discover in Gangwon-do.

Let’s get started!

Gangwon-do is a province in northeastern South Korea, known for its breathtaking landscapes, including mountains, beaches, and dense forests. It’s a year-round outdoor destination, offering skiing and snowboarding in winter and hiking, trekking, and camping in warmer months.

Home to some of South Korea’s most famous national parks, including Seoraksan and Odaesan, Gangwon-do is a perfect getaway for those looking to escape the busy cities and immerse themselves in nature.

Gangwon-do is also highly accessible from major cities across South Korea:

• From Seoul: 2-3 hours by car
• From Daegu (where I live): 3-4 hours by car
• From Busan: 4-5 hours by car

Unless you’re up for a really long day, it’s an ideal choice for weekend getaways and longer outdoor adventures for those who live in South Korea.

Located near the city of Pyeongchang and YongPyong Ski Resort, Daegwallyeong’s ranches and trekking spots make for an excellent side trip from the region’s ski resorts and tourist attractions.

(Recommended)

The best way to explore Daegwallyeong is by car, offering freedom and flexibility to visit ranches, scenic viewpoints, and nearby attractions at your own pace.

Driving time: ~2.5 hours from Seoul, ~3-5 hours from Daegu or Busan

Car Rentals: Available to foreigners with an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) or a Korean driver’s license.

For the most flexibility, rent a car with DiscoverCars, which lets you compare prices from top rental companies at major airports and city hubs. With transparent pricing, free cancellations, and a wide selection of vehicles, it’s an easy way to explore Daegwallyeong and beyond at your own pace.

For a complete guide on renting a car and driving in Korea, check out Drive in South Korea: A Complete Foreigner’s Guide.

If you prefer public transportation, KTX (Korea Train eXpress) is the fastest and most convenient way to reach Daegwallyeong.

• Take the KTX from Seoul to Pyeongchang Station (~1.5 hours).
  • If you’re planning multiple train trips in Korea, consider getting a Korail Pass for unlimited KTX travel within a set period.
• From Pyeongchang Station, take a short taxi ride (~20-30 minutes) to Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch, or other attractions.

For those traveling by bus, the Hoenggye Bus Terminal is the most convenient stop for visiting Daegwallyeong and its nearby ranches.

• Take an intercity bus to Hoenggye Bus Terminal from major cities like Seoul, Daegu, or Busan.
• From Hoenggye Bus Terminal, take a short taxi ride (~10-15 minutes) to Pure Sheep Ranch, Han Neul Sky Ranch, or other Daegwallyeong attractions.

While Pyeongchang Bus Terminal serves the broader Pyeongchang-eup area, it is farther from Daegwallyeong, making Hoenggye Bus Terminal the better choice for accessing the region’s famous trekking spots and ranches.

Pyeongchang is the epicenter of Korean mountain getaways, offering a wide range of accommodations, from international hotels to cozy pensions. Whether you’re visiting for trekking, skiing, or a relaxing countryside retreat, you’ll find plenty of great options.

For the best search results, use “Pyeongchang-gun” when browsing, or click this link to go straight there: Booking.com.

Since we always travel with our border collie, Winnie, we’re constantly on the lookout for dog-friendly accommodations.

If you’re in the same boat, I highly recommend Ramada Hotel & Suites Gangwon Pyeongchang, where we’ve stayed several times.

• Convenient Location – Steps from Pure Sheep Ranch, making it perfect for early morning walks and mountain views.
• Comfortable & Modern – A well-equipped stay with the reliability of an international hotel chain.
• Pet-Friendly Policies – Dogs are only allowed on one floor in one wing, so other guests won’t be disturbed.

The ranch café next door is a perfect spot for morning coffee before setting off to explore Daegwallyeong’s landscapes.

If you’re looking for a more homey, laid-back stay, pensions are a great alternative. Two solid options include:

• Pyeongchang Skyline Pension – A peaceful retreat with scenic surroundings.
• Sisilli Pension – A cozy, budget-friendly stay with easy access to nearby attractions.

Both options offer a more local experience at a lower price point than major hotels.

Before diving into each ranch, here’s a quick timeline of our visits to help you understand the experiences from different seasons.

Since we always travel with our border collie, Winnie, all the locations mentioned in this guide are dog-friendly.

• Winter 2023 – During a ski trip to YongPyong Resort, we made a side visit to Pure Sheep Ranch (순수양떼목장) for some winter trekking and a cozy café break.
• Winter 2024 – Back at YongPyong Resort for another ski trip, we revisited Pure Sheep Ranch and added Han Neul Sky Ranch (하늘목장) to our itinerary. Despite the heavy snow, we trekked as far as possible, vowing to return in the summer to experience it in full.
• Summer 2024 – After trekking at High 1 Resort, we returned to Daegwallyeong for a full day of summer trekking at Han Neul Sky Ranch, enjoying better trail conditions and warmer weather.
• Car Camping – Instead of booking a hotel, we camped at Sanneomi Ranch, a hidden gem for outdoor lovers.

To give you a visual, here’s a comparison of Sky Ranch in winter (above) vs. summer (below).

Now, let’s explore each location in order of our visits!

Let’s clear something up first—”순수” (Soon Su) means “pure” in Korean, so this ranch is sometimes called Pure Sheep Ranch or Soon Su Sheep Ranch. You may also see it referred to as Daegwallyeong Soon Su Sheep Ranch, but that’s a mouthful.

For clarity, I’ll mostly call it Pure Sheep Ranch throughout this guide.

Located just outside Pyeongchang, Pure Sheep Ranch offers a peaceful, family-friendly trekking experience. Unlike other outdoor activities in the area, you don’t need to dedicate an entire day—a half-day visit is perfect.

Whether you’re taking a break from skiing or exploring Daegwallyeong, this spot provides a relaxing contrast to the region’s adrenaline-fueled activities.

Pure Sheep Ranch is 100% dog-friendly, making it a great year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts with pets.

• Winter – The ranch transforms into a snow-covered wonderland.
• Summer – Lush, rolling pastures provide stunning mountain views.

Since we’ve only visited in winter, all the photos here reflect that season. If you want to see the summer scenery, check out their official website for seasonal images.

Located just up the road from the Ramada Hotel, Pure Sheep Ranch is easily accessible. You can walk from the hotel or use the on-site parking lot.

Upon arrival, take the elevator up to the main floor, where you’ll find a cozy café with panoramic mountain views—a perfect spot to relax before or after your trek.

The on-site San 850 Café serves coffee, drinks, and light snacks. It’s also home to a sheep-themed gift shop and a fun photo zone with stuffed sheep.

📹 Check out this short video for a glimpse of the café setting:

• Entry Fee: ₩7,000 per adult (~$5 USD), ₩4,000 per pet
• Animal Feeding: Small additional fee (~₩1,000-2,000)

After getting your ticket, head to the trekking course via the back exit of the café.

The marked trail leads you through the ranch, offering beautiful scenery and interactive animal feeding stations.

• Animals You Can Feed: Sheep, alpacas, and goats
• Pro Tip: Some animals are a little too excited and might snatch the whole cup of feed—hold on tight!

⚠️ Winter Trekking Tip: Wear waterproof boots for snowy conditions, as the higher elevations can be slippery.

You can explore Pure Sheep Ranch on Instagram here, or watch our own highlight reel below:

Han Neul Sky Ranch offers a secluded, open-space trekking experience with expansive views and towering windmills—a contrast to Pure Sheep Ranch’s smaller, intimate setting.

🚕 Getting There: Since it’s further from town, you’ll need a car or taxi. Public buses exist, but schedules can be infrequent—plan accordingly.

The ranch features a long trekking course, taking you through rolling pastures up to a mountaintop viewpoint.

At the base, you’ll find:

• Animal Feeding & Petting Areas
• Sky Café & Gift Shop

Below is an English-language map of the property. Click here to access the full PDF brochure in English, Korean, or Japanese.

🎟️ Entry Fee: ₩8,000 adults ($6 USD), ₩6,000 children ($4.50 USD), ₩5,000 per pet

For non-hikers, a tractor-drawn carriage (₩5,000 per person) offers a scenic ride to the top. However, only small dogs are allowed—so our border collie had to hike, which she definitely preferred.

We visited in both winter and summer, and the contrast was incredible.

• Winter – A freezing, snow-covered trek, with few visitors at the higher elevations.
• Summer – Perfect trekking conditions, with lush landscapes and panoramic views.

🚶‍♂️ Trekking Tip: The descent via the paved tractor path is a gentler route if you want to avoid the steeper hiking trail.

📍 Location: 210 Sanneomi-gil, Mitan-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

During our summer Gangwon Province trekking tour, instead of a hotel, we opted for a car camping adventure at Sanneomi Ranch—a hidden gem in the Gangwon-do countryside.

• Dog-friendly 🐶
• Peaceful countryside vibes 🌿
• Trekking trails & grazing black goats 🐐

🔥 Campfire Tip: You can rent a fire pit (~₩10,000) and buy firewood on-site.

🍔 Surprise Highlight: The ranch has a burger restaurant with amazing views—a perfect post-hike meal!

🚗 Getting There: You must have a car, as the road is steep and remote—but totally worth it.

Samyang Ranch, also known as Samyang Roundhill, is one of Asia’s largest highland farms and a well-known attraction in Gangwon-do.

Located in the Daegwallyeong area, much like Han Neul Sky Ranch, Samyang Ranch offers vast open spaces, panoramic views, and rolling pastures dotted with wind turbines—creating a unique and picturesque setting.

Note: This section is based on available research, as I haven’t personally visited Samyang Ranch. Unlike Pure Sheep Ranch and Han Neul Sky Ranch, Samyang Ranch does not allow dogs, which has prevented me from experiencing it firsthand.

Samyang Ranch is even larger and more expansive than Han Neul Sky Ranch, making it ideal for visitors who want to explore wide-open landscapes.

As a working dairy farm, it offers a rare opportunity to see large-scale farming operations in action while enjoying the scenic natural surroundings.

Samyang Ranch caters to a variety of visitors with trekking trails, scenic viewpoints, and animal experiences.

• Trekking Trails – Well-maintained paths let visitors explore the ranch at their own pace.
• Windmill Hill – A highlight of the ranch, offering close-up views of wind turbines and breathtaking landscapes.
• Animal Feeding & Petting Areas – Similar to Pure Sheep Ranch and Han Neul Sky Ranch, guests can interact with sheep and other livestock.
• Tractor Rides – Visitors can opt for a tractor ride to access key viewpoints without hiking.

Samyang Ranch is open year-round, with each season offering a different experience:

• Summer – Lush green pastures, mild temperatures, and ideal trekking conditions.
• Winter – Snow-covered hills create a picturesque winter wonderland, perfect for photography and snowy hikes.

If you’re visiting Gangwon-do, Samyang Ranch is a great option for those looking for wide-open landscapes and a unique farm experience.

If you’ve made it this far, I hope this guide has given you a helpful look into trekking, camping, and exploring Daegwallyeong’s beautiful ranches.

While my experiences focus on dog-friendly destinations, these locations are equally enjoyable for all travelers, whether you’re an outdoor enthusiast, a photographer, or just looking for a peaceful escape.

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 escaping city life, looking for a summer adventure, or taking a break from the slopes, Gangwon-do remains my favorite province in South Korea for all of these reasons!

If you have any questions about visiting Daegwallyeong, join my free Facebook group and community, where I’m happy to chat and help!

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