Samyang Round Hill

High on the Daegwallyeong plateau, between 850 and 1,470 m above sea level, this ranch covers about 6 million pyeong (roughly 20 km²) of grassland. Giant wind turbines turn along the ridges while sheep and cattle graze the slopes below. The landscape changes completely with the seasons, from rolling green hills in summer to endless snowfields in winter, and it offers some of the widest views anywhere in Pyeongchang.

From ramen supplier to highland ranch

The ranch opened in 1972. Its original role was reportedly to supply beef and fat for instant ramen. For decades it was known as Daegwallyeong Samyang Ranch; today it operates as Samyang Round Hill. It promotes raising animals as naturally as possible on organic pasture, and you can try milk, ice cream and desserts made from its own dairy.

Things to do

• East Sea Observatory: a bus runs up to the observatory at the top of the ranch. As the name suggests, on clear days the view opens towards the sea in the east, and you get close to the wind turbines lining the ridge.
• Sheep herding show: from May to October, sheepdogs round up the flock on Mondays, Tuesdays, Fridays, weekends and public holidays. There is no show on Wednesdays, Thursdays or rainy days.
• Animal feeding: visitors can feed sheep and ostriches, which makes it a good outing with children.
• Walking trails: the paths across the hills add up to about 4.5 km and wind over the turbine-topped hills, with views across the whole ranch.

Choosing a route

The ranch suggests five ways to see it, depending on your time and interests.

1. Herding show and animal course: the show plus animal feeding, about 3 hours; the easiest choice with children.
2. Photo spot course: about 2 hours, focused on the hills below the turbines and the best photo spots.
3. Animal healing course: take the bus to the observatory and meet the animals on the way down, about 2.5 hours.
4. Quick bus tour: up to the observatory and back by bus, about an hour, for when time is short.
5. Full trail course: walk down through the whole ranch from the observatory, about 2 hours or around 3.5 hours with activities. The "Peace of Mind" section along the way is about 900 m.

There is a gift shop and a café on site, as well as a nursing room for babies and a first-aid room.

Different hills in every season

From May to October the green pasture and the sheep take centre stage. In winter, Daegwallyeong's heavy snowfall covers the hills, and many visitors come for the snowfields and frost-covered trees. Depending on the season, the ranch may let visitors drive up in their own cars instead of using the shuttle bus, so check the official website before you go.

Tripto tips

• Time needed: 2 to 3 hours if you take the bus up and walk down; half a day with the show and activities.
• Opening hours: May–October 09:00–18:00 (ticket sales close at 17:00); November–April 09:00–17:30 (ticket sales close at 16:30). Open every day.
• Tickets: adults (19+) KRW 12,000, children from 36 months to high-school age KRW 10,000, concessions (65+ and others) KRW 9,000. Under-36-month-olds and Pyeongchang residents go free; Gangwon residents get 30% off with ID. Parking is free.
• Getting there: easiest by car or taxi from the town of Hoenggye (Daegwallyeong-myeon).
• Watch out for: on the plateau it is windy and cool even in midsummer, so bring a jacket. In winter, be prepared for icy roads with winter tyres or chains.
• Information: +82 33-335-5044