When people talk about living in Korea, big cities like Seoul or Busan usually come up first. But more and more foreigners are starting to look beyond the usual urban hubs—to quieter, greener places where life moves a little slower.
Gangwon Province is one of those places. Known for its mountains, coastline, and relaxed pace, it offers a very different kind of experience. It’s not as fast or flashy as Seoul, but that’s exactly what makes it appealing to people who want calm, connection, and space to breathe.
While some parts of Gangwon can feel remote, others are surprisingly well-connected—with KTX lines, intercity buses, and even commuter trains linking you to the capital. And with the rise of remote work, it’s becoming easier than ever to live in a scenic town without giving up your job or lifestyle.
This post will guide you through some of the best places in Gangwon for foreigners who want to settle down in a slower, nature-rich part of Korea.
Table of Contents :
- What Makes a Place in Gangwon Foreigner-Friendly?
- 🔹 Coastal Living: Beach Towns with a View
- 📍 Gangneung (강릉)
- 📍 Sokcho (속초)
- 🔹 Mountain Life & Nature Retreats
- 📍 Yangyang (양양)
- 📍 Pyeongchang (평창)
- 🔹 Urban Convenience within Reach
- 📍 Chuncheon (춘천)
- 📍 Wonju (원주)
- Conclusion
What Makes a Place in Gangwon Foreigner-Friendly?
Gangwon is big—stretching from quiet beach towns to mountain valleys and inland cities. Some areas feel like remote countryside, while others are modern and surprisingly accessible. For foreigners thinking about living here, the right place depends on what kind of lifestyle you’re after.
Here are a few things to look for:
🚆 Access to Transit and Basic Infrastructure
Some parts of Gangwon are well connected to Seoul via KTX, ITX, or express buses. Others may require a car or longer commute. If you need regular access to the city—or want food delivery, fast internet, and nearby hospitals—proximity to transport and amenities matters.
💸 Housing and Living Costs
Overall, Gangwon is cheaper than Seoul or Busan. Rent is lower, and many neighborhoods offer more space and newer housing for the price. However, options can vary depending on how rural the area is.
🌲 Lifestyle Fit: Nature vs. Necessity
Do you want to wake up by the beach? Go hiking after lunch? Or just enjoy clean air and quiet nights? Gangwon makes that possible—but you’ll need to balance that with how far you’re willing to be from stores, schools, or foreigner services.
🌐 English Support and Community
English services are rare outside of major tourist spots like Gangneung or Chuncheon. If you don’t speak much Korean, look for areas with universities, global events, or growing expat networks.
Gangwon isn’t for everyone—but for the right person, it offers something rare in Korea: space, stillness, and a more grounded kind of everyday life.
🔹 Coastal Living: Beach Towns with a View
📍 Gangneung (강릉)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰💰 (3/5)
🚌 Commute: ~2 hrs to Seoul via KTX; local buses within city
🏙️ Vibe: Chill, artsy, beach-focused city life
👍 Best For: Remote workers, creatives, long-term stayers
📝 Notes:
Gangneung is one of Gangwon’s most livable coastal cities. It’s famous for its beaches, cafes, and walkable neighborhoods. The KTX station connects you to Seoul in under two hours, and the city has a decent public transport system for daily errands.
While it’s a tourist hotspot during the summer, it’s also home to universities, creative communities, and a growing remote work scene. You’ll find modern apartments, coastal villas, and guesthouses that can be rented long-term. English is limited, but the vibe is open and relaxed—especially near Anmok Beach and Gyeongpo Lake.
📍 Sokcho (속초)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~2.5 hrs to Seoul by express bus; no KTX
🏙️ Vibe: Laid-back, nature-heavy, small-town feel
👍 Best For: Nature lovers, hikers, minimalist expats
📝 Notes:
Sokcho is smaller and quieter than Gangneung, but offers direct access to Seoraksan National Park and the East Sea coast. It’s ideal for people who want peace, fresh seafood, and plenty of hiking. Rent is lower here, and some older villas or pensions can be rented cheaply for long-term stays.
Public transit is more limited, and English services are rare. But if you’re comfortable with a slower pace and a bit of Korean, Sokcho offers unmatched natural beauty and one of the calmest lifestyles in Korea.
🔹 Mountain Life & Nature Retreats
📍 Yangyang (양양)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~2.5 hrs to Seoul by bus; limited local transit
🏙️ Vibe: Surf town meets mountain village
👍 Best For: Digital nomads, surfers, wellness seekers
📝 Notes:
Yangyang is small but growing in popularity—especially among younger Koreans and foreigners looking for balance. It’s famous for surfing beaches like Hajodae and Ingu, as well as quiet pine forests and hiking trails. A casual surf culture has taken root here, with several year-round surf schools, gear shops, and beachside cafes that cater to both locals and expats.
There’s no KTX, but buses run regularly to Seoul and nearby cities. Most foreigners here are remote workers or long-stay travelers who don’t mind being a bit off the grid. Housing is affordable, with guesthouses, one-room apartments, and even small houses available for longer rentals. The vibe is peaceful, friendly, and very focused on outdoor living.
📍 Pyeongchang (평창)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~1.5–2 hrs to Seoul via KTX or bus
🏙️ Vibe: Mountain town with Olympic legacy
👍 Best For: Families, retirees, winter sports fans
📝 Notes:
Best known for hosting the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang is more than just a ski town. The area includes farms, forests, and small villages, with solid KTX access from Jinbu Station. It offers a peaceful rural setting with just enough infrastructure to support long-term life.
Housing is relatively cheap, and some resorts or condos offer extended-stay options during off-seasons. English services are minimal, but the town is used to tourists, and locals are generally welcoming. One thing to note: winters in Pyeongchang can be long and harsh, with heavy snow and freezing temperatures. If you're sensitive to cold, it's worth considering carefully before making a move.
🔹 Urban Convenience within Reach
📍 Chuncheon (춘천)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~1.5 hrs to Seoul via ITX or Line Gyeongchun
🏙️ Vibe: Small city with lakeside charm
👍 Best For: Students, young professionals, weekend Seoul access
📝 Notes:
Chuncheon is one of the easiest Gangwon cities to live in without a car. Thanks to the ITX train and Gyeongchun subway line, you can reach northern Seoul in under two hours. It’s a university city, with a youthful vibe and lots of cafes, riverside parks, and food spots.
The city is affordable and walkable, and offers enough infrastructure—clinics, big-box stores, decent Wi-Fi—for comfortable long-term living. While English services are limited, Chuncheon is foreigner-friendly compared to more rural towns.
Personally, I have a soft spot for Chuncheon. When I used to work in Korea, I often traveled there for business trips, since our company’s factory was nearby. Stopping by the famous dakgalbi alley was a ritual—and honestly, if I had lived in Chuncheon, I probably would’ve eaten dakgalbi every day.
📍 Wonju (원주)
💰 Housing Cost: 💰💰 (2/5)
🚌 Commute: ~1.5–2 hrs to Seoul via KTX or express bus
🏙️ Vibe: Quiet but modern inland city
👍 Best For: Families, healthcare workers, long-term residents
📝 Notes:
Wonju is Gangwon’s largest city by population and feels more like a suburban hub than a tourist town. It has major hospitals, schools, department stores, and newer housing developments. KTX and express buses connect it to Seoul and other parts of the country.
Some of my coworkers from my time working in Korea were from Wonju. I still remember how kind and down-to-earth they were. There was a kind of honesty and innocence to the way they spoke and carried themselves—something that still sticks with me when I think about the city.
For foreigners who want modern comforts at a lower cost, Wonju is a practical choice. It’s calm, relatively clean, and has just enough density to support daily needs—without the stress of a mega-city.
Conclusion
Gangwon might not be the first place foreigners think of when moving to Korea—but for those seeking peace, space, and a closer connection to nature, it’s well worth considering. It offers a very different lifestyle than the big cities: less rush, more room, and a deeper sense of calm.
Whether you’re drawn to the coastal cafes of Gangneung, the hiking trails of Sokcho, the surf-friendly shores of Yangyang, or the modern comforts of Chuncheon and Wonju, there’s a part of Gangwon that fits nearly every pace and priority.
Of course, English support and foreigner services are limited in many areas, so having some basic Korean skills will help. But if you're looking to stay long-term, work remotely, or simply enjoy a slower rhythm of life, Gangwon offers a refreshing and grounded alternative to Korea’s fast-paced cities.
