The province was formed 1395, and derived its name from the names of the principal cities of Gangneung (or Kangnŭng; Korean: 강릉; Hanja: 江陵) and the provincial capital Wonju (or Wŏnju; 원주; 原州).

In 1895, Kangwŏn was replaced by the Districts of Chuncheon (Chuncheon-bu; 춘천부; 春川府) in the west and Gangneung (Gangneung-bu; 강릉부; 江陵府) in the east.

Although Wonju rejoined Kangwŏn province, the provincial capital was moved to Chuncheon.

[2] The DPRK Nature Conservation Union is trying to preserve mixed forests of pine and broad-leaf trees.

[2] The DPRK Cabinet-level decision has banned animal grazing and collecting plant resources and other acts of damaging the environment.

[2] Kangwŏn Province is divided into two cities (si), one special administrative region, and 15 counties (kun).