Taebaek

Decorations during Taebaek Winter Festival

Taebaek (태백) is a city in Gangwon.

Understand

Taebaek is located in the southern interior of Gangwon State. The east-west length is 27.1 km and the north-south length is 33.8 km, and the area is 303.47 ㎢, which is 1.8% of Gangwon State's total area. As of 2016, the population was 47,333, which is 3% of Gangwon State's total population.

Get in

By plane

From Incheon or Gimpo International Airport (ICN or GMP), there is a direct intercity bus from the airports to Taebaek. These only operate four times a day, so it may be more efficient to enter Seoul by bus or AREX and use the more numerous bus and rail connection from there.

By bus

All intercity buses arrive at Taebaek Bus Terminal. There are connections to most cities in the capital region and the rest of Gangwon, as well as Busan, Daejeon, and Gwangju.

From Seoul, an intercity bus to Taebaek departs from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal every 30 minutes. The bus will make one or two stops along the way before reaching Taebaek. The trip takes around three hours. There are milk run buses that makes over 20 stops as well, which are not advisable as they will arrive later than the next direct bus. ₩24,600 or ₩31,900 depending on bus class.

By train

The main train stop is Taebaek Station located right next to the bus terminal. Dongbaeksan and Cheoram Stations are also within city limits but probably are not convenient for travellers.

From Seoul, six trains depart from Cheongnyangni station each day to stop at Taebaek en route to Gangneung. The trip costs ₩15,200 and takes 3 hours and 40 minutes.

From other cities direct rail connections are rare and undesirable compared to buses. There is one daily train that leaves from Busan (Bujeon Station) and arrives Cheoram a whopping 6 hours later. Two trains run between Daegu (Dongdaegu Station) and Cheoram and Dongbaeksan Stations each day as well.

Get around

By foot

Taebaek is quite small therefore transportation around the city core can be done mostly by walking. There is a car rental directly across the train station and bus terminal.

By bus

All city bus lines start and end at the bus terminal. Buses with three-digit line numbers are the same routes as their two-letter counterparts, only more expensive. The most commonly used bus lines for travellers are 1 (11,12,110,120), 4 (41, 410). Bus 1 and 4 are circular lines that loop (counterclockwise and clockwise respectively) around the city limits every 20 minutes to reach the main villages.

See

• Manggyeonsa Temple (망경사), 강원 태백시 태백산로 4246-168, ☏ +822 33-553-1567. A Buddhist temple atop Taebaek-san. There is a store selling snacks and (non-alcoholic) drinks for hikers. 
• 1 Yongyeon Cave (용연동굴), Yongyeon Cave 283-29, Taebaek-ro (Buses beginning with 11 and 12 go to the caves, but they go back and forth between the terminal and other destinations before heading there so check with the driver. There is an articulated shuttle bus operating between the bus stop and parking lot and the entrance to the caves (replaced by vans during off season)), ☏ +82 33-553-8584. 09:00 - 18:00 (booth close 17:00, Closed at Monday). It was designated as a Gangwon State monument on February 26, 1980, as a limestone cave created by the gradual dissolution of limestone deposited in the ancient Ordovician period in the past hundreds of years in rainwater and groundwater. It is about 843m in length and has a large square with a width of 50m and a height of 30m inside the cave. The temperature inside the cave is 9 to 11 degrees, and as the only dry cave in Korea, there are no underground water at the bottom of the cave, but there are 5 to 6 limp pools large and small. ₩3,500 (adults), ₩2,500 (13-19), ₩1,400 (under 13). (updated Jul 2020)
• 2 Taebaek Coal Museum (태백 석탄박물관), 195, Cheonjedan-gil, ☏ +82 33-552-7730. 09:00-18:00. Adult ₩ 2,000 / Teenage ₩ 1,500 / Child ₩ 700. (updated Nov 2016)

Do

• Mountain climbing. Climbing Taebaek-san is the main attraction in Taebaek city. Mt. Taebaek is one of the higher peaks of Korea and the area around the mountain has been designed a provincial park. The peak is criss-crossed with numerous hiking trails but none of them overly strenuous. At a reasonable rate a hiker can expect to reach the summit in about two hours. From the Taebaek Bus Station (located across the street from the train station) a local city bus can be taken to the Taebaek Provincial Park entrance. 

Somunsubong Peak on Mt. Taebaek, South Korea (July 2015)

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Buy

Traditional foods and oils can be found in the main city market.

Eat

A local specialty is the Taebaek Hanu beef, from Taebaek cattle. You can find many restaurants with Hanu beef on the menu by exiting the main terminal and cross the roundabout. Most taxi drivers, if asked in Korean, will be able to direct you to their personal choice.

Another local specialty is Taebaek Dalkgalbi also known as Water Dalkgalbi (물닭갈비). Taebaek Dalkgalbi is more of a soup version of the more common Chuncheon Dalkgalbi, hence the name 'water'. It is marinated chicken in a gochujang sauce served with ramyeon or udon noodles. There are many places that serve dalkgalbi, but the original restaurant is simply called "Taebaek Dalkgalbi".

A traditional Korean home specializing in mountain vegetable bibimbap can be found within the city. To reach it: travel to the Il-ju-gong building complex, go down the alleyway which is on the left hand side of Paris Baguette and turn right at the intersection. It is the third restaurant on your right, located in a wooden shingled Korean home.

Many restaurants offer traditional mountain herbs in their side dishes as well.

Drink

There are several Korean hof, one dancing establishment and one Korean/Western bar in Taebaek.

• Village of Aroma: A place where you can savor various types of craft beers and traditional liquors. It's an opportunity to taste locally-produced drinks and engage with the local culture.
• Scent of the Sky: A sophisticated bar offering a range of wines and cocktails. Particularly during sunset, you can enjoy a beautiful view while sipping on your drink.
• Cafe and Wine Bar: Combining the elements of a cafe and a wine bar, this venue provides a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy various wines. It's a space where you can pair light snacks with your drinks.
• Taebaek Makgeolli House: A specialized venue offering a variety of makgeolli (Korean rice wine) made from local ingredients. It's a great place to taste fresh and distinctive makgeolli while immersing yourself in the local ambiance.
• Village of Aroma (향토주방): A place where you can savor various types of craft beers and traditional liquors. It's an opportunity to taste locally-produced drinks and engage with the local culture.
• Scent of the Sky (하늘향기): A sophisticated bar offering a range of wines and cocktails. Particularly during sunset, you can enjoy a beautiful view while sipping on your drink.
• Cafe and Wine Bar (카페겸 와인바): Combining the elements of a cafe and a wine bar, this venue provides a comfortable atmosphere to enjoy various wines. It's a space where you can pair light snacks with your drinks.
• Gangwon Province Soju House: This establishment focuses on traditional Korean soju, offering a variety of alcoholic beverages. You can enjoy locally-produced soju along with delicious side dishes.
• Taebaek Beer Warehouse (태백 맥주창고): A beer warehouse that offers a wide selection of beers, both local and international. The casual and friendly environment makes it a popular spot for those looking to enjoy a laid-back evening.

• Taebaek Spring Water: Taebaek is known for its clean and clear mountainous water. Trying the local spring water will allow you to experience the pure taste unique to the region.
• Taebaek Tea: Taebaek is renowned for its tea cultivation. Sample some locally produced tea, and you'll likely enjoy the refreshing and aromatic qualities, especially if it's grown in the lush greenery of the region.
• Pine Nut Juice: With abundant pine forests surrounding Taebaek, pine nut juice is a popular and healthy local beverage. It offers a unique flavor and is known for its nutritional benefits.
• Cornelian Cherry Juice: Cornelian cherries, commonly found in Taebaek, produce a juice with a slightly tart taste. Especially refreshing during the summer, this beverage is favored for its crisp and invigorating flavor.
• Taebaek Makgeolli (Korean Rice Wine): Makgeolli, a traditional Korean rice wine, is produced in various regions, each with its own unique characteristics. Taebaek's makgeolli reflects the local flair and can be enjoyed at local establishments.

In Taebaek, there are unique and cozy cafes that make for great places to spend some time. During your travels, consider exploring local cafes where you can enjoy beverages and desserts made with regional specialties. Here are some recommended cafes in Taebaek

• Milk Plus: Located in Taebaek, this cafe is renowned for using fresh milk and cheese to create a variety of beverages and desserts. You can enjoy special drinks in a cozy atmosphere.
• Kurobin: This cafe boasts an artistic and cozy ambiance. It's a place where you can experience a sense of artistry along with various types of coffee.
• Herb Bakery Cafe: Famous for using fresh herbs and ingredients in their bread and desserts, this cafe offers healthy and delicious drinks in a comfortable setting.
• Ruden: Situated in the heart of Taebaek, this cafe provides various types of coffee and desserts. You can also enjoy the beautiful scenery of Taebaek through the windows.
• Old Bookstore: Converted from a charming old bookstore, this cafe is a place where you can enjoy coffee amidst a variety of books. The serene and cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to spend some time.

These cafes each offer a unique atmosphere and flavors, providing an opportunity to have a special experience during your travels.

Dance clubs

• GoGo Sunnis. 

Korean/Western bar

• S-bar.