Pyeongchang County
Geography
Pyeongchang County is located in the province of Gangwon, on the eastern part of the Korean Peninsula. The county is largely mountainous with the Taebaek Mountains running through it. The highest point is Mount Gariwang at 1,563.0 meters above sea level. The county's area is 1,463.65 square kilometers, making it the largest county in Gangwon province.
Climate
Pyeongchang has a humid continental climate, with warm, humid summers and cold, snowy winters. The county is known for its heavy snowfall, which averages about 2.5 meters per year. This makes it an ideal location for winter sports, and it was one of the reasons why it was chosen as the host for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
History
Pyeongchang's history dates back to the prehistoric era, with archaeological evidence of human habitation from the Paleolithic Age. During the Three Kingdoms period, it was part of the Silla Kingdom. In the Goryeo Dynasty, it was the site of several important Buddhist temples. The county was officially established in 1395, during the Joseon Dynasty.
Economy
The economy of Pyeongchang is primarily based on agriculture and tourism. The county is known for its production of potatoes, cabbages, and Korean beef. It also has a thriving dairy industry. Tourism is a major industry, particularly during the winter months when the county's ski resorts attract visitors from around the world.
Culture
Pyeongchang is a center of Korean Buddhist culture, with several ancient temples located within the county. These include Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa, both of which are part of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. The county is also known for its traditional music and dance, and for its unique regional cuisine.
Sports
Pyeongchang is a major center for winter sports in South Korea. The county has several ski resorts, including Alpensia and Yongpyong. These resorts were the main venues for the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2018 Winter Paralympics. The county also hosts the annual Pyeongchang Trout Festival, which includes ice fishing and other winter sports activities.
Education
Pyeongchang has a number of educational institutions, including primary and secondary schools, as well as a campus of the Kangwon National University. The county also has several public libraries and cultural centers that offer educational programs and resources.
Transportation
Pyeongchang is served by a network of highways and local roads, as well as by the Gyeonggang Line of the Korean national railway. The county is also accessible by bus from Seoul and other major cities in South Korea. The nearest airport is Yangyang International Airport, which is about 60 kilometers away.