Wonju

Wonju  (원주,原州) is a city in Gangwon.

Understand
Wonju is a modern city of 365,000 people (2023) to the east of Seoul. It was the capital city of the historical Gangwon province during the Joseon Dynasty.

By bus
For around ₩8,000 you can travel from the Express bus terminal in Seoul to Wonju bus terminal and the journey takes about 1 hr 45 min. For ₩20,900 an express bus from Incheon International Airport will go to Wonju bus terminal, taking an average of 2 hr 30 min (April 2012). Wonju is on a major intersection in the country and buses run from the Wonju bus terminal to almost all major cities.

By train
KTX high-speed rail connects Wonju to Seoul and Pyeongchang.

Get around
Wonju has an extensive public bus network. The cost is ₩1,100 although it is cheaper if you use your t-money card. Transfers are free for an hour with t-money. Further information and timetables are available in Korean at the city's web site.

Eat
Wonju has the typical Korean restaurants that you'll find in other cities. For Western food, your best bet is the area around Lotte Cinema - you'll find Outback, Family Taco, Irish Potato, a few coffee shops, and a Papa Spaghetti. A McDonald's is also coming to that area. Pizza places (including Pizza Hut and Dominoes) can be found throughout the city. The local E-Mart also houses a McDonald's.

The district of Hoengseong is famous for Hanu, a Korean breed of cattle. The cattle thrive in the clean environment of Hoengseong. Every October, there is a Hanu Festival where visitors can try many foods made with Hanu beef, learn about traditional farming techniques, and engage in several entertaining activities.

Sleep
As a rule of thumb, places to spend the night are usually close to bus terminals. You can find love motels behind the Wonju bus terminal. A room typically cost ₩45,000, complete with a flat screen and Internet.