Wonju and the Gangwon Gamyeong

Wonju is the highest populated city in the Gangwon province in South Korea. In the heart of Wonju city we find the Gangwon Gamyeong. This used ot be the administrative center of the Gangwon area that governed 26 administrative districts during the Joseon era. The Huwon (meaning "rear garden") behind the Magistrate's office will capture your attention and offer a moment to take a break and relax in the middle of a busy city.

Gangwon Gamyeong served as the office of Gangwon-do Province for about 500 years. Although we only can see a few remaining buildings today, it was consisting of several more. If you visit the museum that is located at the site you can see an architectural maquette of how the Gangwon Gamyeong area used to be.

The Seonhwadang (main office) is probably the most important building at the Gangwon Gamyeong and it in relatively good condition.

The overall Seonhwadang Hall Area consist of different building and also a three gate system which was used as an identity check before reaching the main office. At the back of the main office , lies a beautiful rear garden with a nice little pond. It was used by the magistrate fore relaxation or to entrain his guest. It is certainly a nice place to relax in the middle of the busy city of Wonju. In the rear garden there are some nice pavilions where you can rest. Everything is designed with a specific meaning in this garden that tries to reflect the utopian world of Daoist immortals; in the information labels available in the garden you can read more about the history of this place.

Things to Know

Take the time to visit the rear garden, there are many places you could sit, including the very beuatifully preserved pavilions.

There is a museum in the Gangwon Gamyeong where you can read further on the history of the place and see some of the site findings

You will need about 2-3 hours to explore the overall area.