On May 22, the Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that the Gangwon Tourism Organization has selected Goseong County and Yeongwol County as the recommended travel destinations for June as part of the '2025-2026 Visit Gangwon Years' campaign, and will launch extensive promotional marketing. In celebration of June as the 'Travel Month', the province plans to focus on promoting the 'Goseong Lavender Festival' and 'Yeongwol Byeolmalo Observatory & Rafting'.
The 'Goseong Lavender Festival' held in Kkotdae Village, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, last year's festival site. Lavender flowers are in full bloom. Photo by Korea Tourism Organization, 'Discover Korea' website.
The Goseong County 'Lavender Festival' will be held from June 5 to 25 in Kkotdae Village, Ganseong-eup, a small mountain village at the foot of Geumgangsan. Visitors can enjoy the exotic scenery of lavender, poppy, and rye fields, tranquil gardens, and fragrance shops, making it a visually stunning purple festival.
Alongside the Lavender Festival, visitors can also enjoy Mount Eungbong, which features lush forests and unique rock formations, Songjiho Beach, which boasts beautiful views with Songjiho Lake and dense pine forests, Songjiho Observation Tower, which offers a panoramic view of Songjiho's ecology, and Cheongganjeong, one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong, known for its long history and beautiful architecture. Goseong's signature dish, Makguksu, known for its simple yet deep flavor, will further enhance the joy of traveling in Goseong.
The view of Byeolmalo Observatory in Yeongwol County, Gangwon Province. Photo by Byeolmalo Observatory website
The 'Byeolmalo Observatory' in Yeongwol County, true to its name meaning 'a tranquil peak for stargazing', is the largest observatory in Korea where visitors can observe the beautiful night sky. It is a renowned night view spot, and visitors must make a reservation as access is only available by shuttle bus.
Yeongwol is also famous for Donggang River rafting. Donggang River is considered an ideal spot for rafting due to its harmonious mix of gentle and rapid currents. In particular, the mysterious scenery of Eorayeon is regarded as the highlight of rafting, with its sheer cliffs and dense forests inspiring awe.
In addition, visitors can experience the history and culture of the abandoned mining area and enjoy various exhibitions at the Yeongwol Tourism Center. After exploring the mystical Hanbando-shaped terrain at the end of the Pyeongchang River, visitors can savor Yeongwol's signature local dishes such as Gondre-namulbap, Jeonbyeong, and Chilk-guksu.
Various discount benefits are also being prepared for visitors to the recommended travel destinations of the month in June.
In Goseong County, those who have been issued the Gangwon Resident Card (available on the Gangwon Benefit Easy website) will receive benefits such as 100 free extra rounds of ammunition per person at the Songjiho Military Experience Center, and use of six rides with the purchase of the Oh-ho! VR Marine Adventure Center BIG5 package or four rides with the BIG3 package.
In Yeongwol County, those who have been issued the Digital Tourism Resident Card (available on the Discover Korea website) will receive benefits such as a 3,000 KRW discount on admission to the Yeongwol Tourism Center Exhibition Hall, a 50% discount at the Donggang Photo Museum, a 50% discount at the Gangwon Coal Mine Culture Village, and a 3,000 KRW discount at Jeolmeundal Y Park.
In addition, promotional products for the Visit Gangwon Years are also available in cooperation with resorts in Goseong and Yeongwol.
At Delpino in Goseong, the 'Visit Gangwon Years Happy Baking Package' offers up to 35% discount vouchers for Ocean Play and Kids Club. At Kensington Resort Seorak Beach (Goseong), guests who purchase the Visit Gangwon Years room promotion product will receive two free passes to the seawater sauna, and at Kensington Resort Seorak Valley (Goseong), those who purchase the 'Visit Gangwon Years Purple Healing Travel Package' will receive two flower-patterned umbrellas and two lavender ades. In addition, Donggang Sistar in Yeongwol is also preparing a Visit Gangwon Years promotional product for guests staying in June.
Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Organization, said, "Goseong and Yeongwol, the recommended travel destinations for June, are attractive places where you can enjoy a variety of activities and special experiences in beautiful nature," and added, "I hope you will visit with your loved ones and have a happy time."
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