The city is located approximately 140 kilometres (87 mi) east of Seoul.

Wonju was the site of the first ever massacres conducted by the Republic of Korea Army against suspected communists that occurred on 30 June 1950.

Unlike much of Gangwon Province, Wonju is not a mountainous area, but rather a basin along the wide plain created by the Seom River.

Wonju is divided into 1 eup (town), 8 myeon (townships), and 16 dong (neighborhoods).

The total ride journey is about 40 minutes, offering scenic views of the surrounding mountains while cycling.