If you’re planning a Korea trip and looking for a peaceful nature getaway, Samyang Ranch (Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch) in Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province is the perfect destination. Located in the highlands of Daegwallyeong, this scenic ranch is famous for its vast green meadows, fluffy sheep roaming freely, and breathtaking panoramic views.
This summer, I traveled to Gangwon Province with my wife’s family. After a memorable stay in Sokcho, we decided to visit Samyang Ranch on our way back to Seoul. Even though the weather was cloudy with light rain, our experience was truly special. We took a tourist shuttle bus to the top, felt the cool mountain air, and admired the stunning ocean view from the peak.
In this guide, I’ll share how to easily get to Samyang Ranch from Seoul, the best transportation options, and some important travel tips for visitors.
🚆 How to Get to Samyang Ranch from Seoul
Samyang Ranch is located in Daegwallyeong, about 180 km east of Seoul. You can reach it by train, bus, rental car, or even a guided tour. Here are the best options for international travelers.
1. By KTX High-Speed Train – Fastest & Most Comfortable
The KTX (Korea Train Express) is the fastest way to get to Pyeongchang from Seoul Station.
| 🚆 Train | 💰 Fare (One-Way) | ⏰ Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| KTX Seoul → Jinbu Station | $17 (22,000 KRW) | About 1 hour 30 minutes |
🚉 How to Take the KTX to Samyang Ranch
- Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Jinbu Station (Pyeongchang).
- From Jinbu Station, take a taxi to Samyang Ranch (about 20 minutes, $15–$20).
✅ Pros: Fast, comfortable, and suitable for foreign tourists
❌ Cons: Requires a taxi ride from Jinbu Station
💡 Tip: Check Korail’s official website for discounted KTX tickets for foreign travelers.
2. By Express Bus – Cheapest Option
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to visit Samyang Ranch, taking an express bus is a great option.
| 🚌 Bus Route | 💰 Fare (One-Way) | ⏰ Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Seoul → Hoenggye (Daegwallyeong) | $12 (15,000 KRW) | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Hoenggye → Samyang Ranch (Taxi) | $5–$10 | About 10 minutes |
🚌 How to Take the Express Bus
- Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Hoenggye Bus Terminal.
- From Hoenggye Terminal, take a taxi to Samyang Ranch.
✅ Pros: Cheapest way to travel
❌ Cons: Takes longer than KTX
💡 Tip: If you’re traveling in winter, check the road conditions beforehand, as snowfall can sometimes affect bus routes.
3. By Rental Car – Best for Family Trips
If you prefer flexibility, renting a car is a great choice.
| 🚗 Rental Option | 💰 Cost (Per Day) | ⏰ Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Rental Car (Compact) | $50–$80 | About 2 hours 30 minutes |
| Toll Fee (Expressway) | $7 | – |
🚗 How to Drive to Samyang Ranch from Seoul
- Take the Gyeongbu Expressway (IC 1) → Yeongdong Expressway towards Pyeongchang.
- Follow signs for Daegwallyeong and enter Samyang Ranch Parking Lot.
✅ Pros: Convenient for families and groups
❌ Cons: Requires an International Driver’s Permit (IDP)
💡 Tip: Parking is free for all visitors at Samyang Ranch.
🚍 Taking the Samyang Ranch Tourist Shuttle Bus
Once you arrive at the entrance, you can take a shuttle bus to the top.
| 🚌 Tourist Shuttle Bus | 💰 Fare (Round Trip) | ⏰ Ride Time |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Ticket | $5 (6,500 KRW) | About 10 minutes |
| Child Ticket | $3 (4,000 KRW) | About 10 minutes |
💡 Tip: You can also hike up (about 40 minutes), but the shuttle bus is recommended on rainy or hot days.
🌥️ Experiencing Daegwallyeong’s Unique Weather
Despite being mid-summer, the temperature at Samyang Ranch was unexpectedly cool due to its high elevation (850m above sea level).
| 🌡️ Season | 🌞 Day Temperature | ❄️ Night Temperature |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (July–August) | 18–24°C (64–75°F) | 10–15°C (50–59°F) |
| Winter (December–February) | -10–0°C (14–32°F) | -15–-5°C (5–23°F) |
💡 Tip: Even in summer, bring a light jacket for the top!
🌊 Stunning Ocean Views from the Peak
One of the best surprises at Samyang Ranch was the spectacular view of the East Sea from the top. On clear days, you can see Sokcho Beach and Naksansa Temple in the distance.
📍 Best Photo Spots at the Summit
📸 Sheep Pasture Viewpoint – Wide grasslands and blue skies
📸 East Sea Overlook – Ocean view with rolling hills
📸 White Wind Turbines – Iconic landmark of Samyang Ranch
💡 Tip: Visit in the morning for the best lighting conditions for photos!
📝 Travel Tips for Samyang Ranch Visitors
✅ Check the weather before visiting.
✅ Take the shuttle bus to save energy for exploring the top.
✅ Wear comfortable shoes for walking down the scenic trail.
✅ Buy tickets online to avoid long queues on weekends.
🐑 Watching Sheep Roam Freely in Samyang Ranch
One of the main highlights of Samyang Ranch is watching fluffy white sheep grazing on endless green meadows. These sheep are raised in a free-range environment, making the experience feel like you’re in the Swiss Alps.
1. Sheep Grazing Experience – What to Expect
Visitors can get up close with the sheep and observe them in their natural habitat.
| 🐏 Activity | 📍 Location | 🕒 Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Sheep Feeding | Main Ranch Area | 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM |
| Sheep Grazing | Open Pastures | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Photography | Various Scenic Spots | All day |
💡 Tip: If you want to feed the sheep, visit before noon, as they tend to eat less in the afternoon.
2. Walking Along the Scenic Sheep Pastures
Instead of taking the tourist shuttle bus back down, we walked along the pasture trail to fully enjoy the serene landscapes. The well-maintained walking path makes it easy and safe for visitors of all ages.
🌿 Key Features of the Sheep Pasture Trail
✔ Breathtaking mountain views with endless green fields
✔ Easy walking trail (perfect for kids and families)
✔ Wooden fences along the trail for safety
✔ Freely roaming sheep adding to the picturesque scenery
💡 Tip: Wear comfortable shoes, as the trail has mild slopes.
📸 Best Photo Spots in Samyang Ranch
Samyang Ranch is a paradise for photographers! Whether you’re an Instagrammer or just love capturing scenic landscapes, there are plenty of perfect spots for stunning photos.
1. White Wind Turbines – The Signature Landmark
The giant white wind turbines standing tall over the rolling green hills are an iconic symbol of Samyang Ranch. These turbines generate eco-friendly energy, making this location not just beautiful but also environmentally significant.
📌 Best Time to Take Photos:
- Morning (9:00 AM – 11:00 AM): Soft natural light, fewer crowds
- Sunset (5:30 PM – 7:00 PM in summer): Stunning golden-hour lighting
💡 Tip: Stand at the lower angle with the wind turbines in the background for an epic shot!
2. The “Endless Road” – A Movie-Like Scene
There’s a long, straight road between two expansive meadows where many Korean dramas and commercials have been filmed.
✔ Perfect for cinematic shots
✔ Great perspective photography
✔ Few people around in the early morning
💡 Tip: Try a jumping pose or walking away from the camera for a dramatic effect.
3. Sheep Barn & Wooden Fence Area
Near the entrance, you’ll find a rustic wooden fence and a traditional sheep barn, making it a charming spot for cozy farm photos.
✔ Sheep often gather here, making it an easy place to take pictures with them.
✔ The rustic barn backdrop gives a vintage countryside feel.
💡 Tip: Kneel down to take eye-level photos with the sheep for the best results!
🎒 Essential Travel Tips for Visiting Samyang Ranch
✅ Arrive early to avoid crowds and take better photos.
✅ Wear layered clothing – temperatures drop suddenly at the top.
✅ Bring a reusable water bottle – the ranch is big, and you’ll need to stay hydrated.
✅ Try a local specialty dish before heading back to Seoul.
✅ Use a phone tripod or selfie stick for better photos!
With so many amazing experiences at Samyang Ranch, from feeding sheep to taking incredible landscape photos and enjoying the best Pyeongchang food, this place is a must-visit for travelers.
Whether you’re a nature lover, photographer, or foodie, Samyang Ranch offers a memorable adventure in Korea’s countryside!
