Gangwondo Province officials have announced that the International Ski Federation has selected South Korea’s northeastern province as the site of the 2009 Snowboard World Championships. The event, which local officials are promising will be a “festival of World Cultures,” will primarily be held at the Hyundai Sungwoo Resort, located in Gangwondo’s Hoengseong County, less than a two hour drive from Seoul.

Hoengseong County is known as the Alps of Korea, because of its pristine landscaping and abundant mountain ranges. The resort, which is popular for skiing and snowboarding, houses a complete recreation center and expansive fitness center and Sauna.


Currently in expansion mode in preparation for the Snowboard Championships, the resort is also developing a golf course, an indoor water park and new 400-room hotel, scheduled to open in 2008.

Gangwondo, Korea’s second-largest province, gained international recognition in 2003 in its bid to host the 2010 Winter Olympics. The province, with 1.5 million inhabitants, is home to seven ski resorts, pristine landscapes, historical relics and world-class accommodations. The province attracts more than 50 million visitors each year, with nearly half a million hailing from other Asian countries, specifically for the purpose of ski travel. For more information about Korea’s Gangwondo Province, contact the KNTO at 800/TOUR-KOREA or visit the internet at www.tour2korea.com.