Travel : Gangneung-si - scenetic coastal city of South Korea- Highlights

 


Gangneung-si is a scenic coastal city located in Gangwon Province on the eastern side of South Korea. Nestled between the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea (Sea of Japan), it is celebrated for its natural beauty, traditional heritage, and strong cultural identity. Gangneung gained global attention as one of the host cities for the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, particularly for ice sports. It’s a beloved getaway for both Koreans and international tourists looking for beaches, cafes, historic temples, and festivals.

Best Spots to Visit in Detail

Gyeongpo Lake & Gyeongpo Beach 

  • A popular resort area combining a serene lake and a long, white-sand beach.
  • Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, biking, or walking along the scenic paths.
  • Close to famous cherry blossom trails in spring and sunrise views year-round.

2️⃣ Ojukheon House 

  • A historic home and museum, it’s the birthplace of the famous Confucian scholar Yi I (Yulgok) and his mother Shin Saimdang, a respected artist and poet.
  • One of Korea’s oldest preserved buildings from the Joseon era.

Anmok Beach & Anmok Coffee Street (안목해변 & 커피거리)

  • A beachfront area lined with stylish cafes and coffee shops overlooking the ocean.
  • Famous for Gangneung’s coffee culture, especially during sunrise and sunset.
  • Try local brews while watching the waves – very popular with young travelers.

Jeongdongjin 

  • A beach town near Gangneung known for having the closest railway station to the ocean in Korea.
  • A famous sunrise spot and home to the Hourglass Park and Jeongdongjin Railbike ride.

Haslla Art World 

  • A unique oceanfront art park and museum with quirky sculptures, installations, and galleries.
  • Great for photography and a walk through creative landscapes.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch 

  • Located in the highlands just outside the city. Visitors can feed sheep, hike through meadows, and take in alpine scenery.
  • Especially scenic in spring and autumn.

Unification Park 

  • A military park showcasing a North Korean submarine, war relics, and a battleship.
  • Offers insight into Korea’s divided history and defense efforts.

Seongyojang House 

  • A grand noble residence from the Joseon era, featuring hanok architecture, pavilions, and lotus ponds.
  • Great for a cultural walk into Korea’s aristocratic past.



Best Seasons to Visit
  • Spring (April–May): Mild and blooming. Perfect for cherry blossoms around Gyeongpo Lake and cultural festivals. (~12–20°C)
  • Summer (June–August): Peak beach season. Warm to hot, perfect for seaside fun and night markets. (~25–32°C)
  • Autumn (September–October): Clear skies and fall foliage in nearby mountains. Great for hiking and photography. (~15–22°C)
  • Winter (December–February): Cold and sometimes snowy, especially in Daegwallyeong. Great for nearby ski resorts (~-5 to 5°C).

Best Cuisines in Gangneung

Chodang Sundubu 

  • Silken tofu made from seawater. Try it in stew form (sundubu jjigae) or plain with sauces. The Chodang Tofu Village near Gyeongpo is a must-visit.

Hwangtae-gui 

  • Grilled dried pollock, marinated and roasted — a local winter specialty.

Ojingeo Sundae

  • A local delicacy: squid stuffed with vegetables, tofu, and noodles. Unusual but beloved.

Seafood Pancakes Haemul Pajeon

  • Gangneung-style pancakes with fresh squid, mussels, and green onions — perfect with makgeolli (rice wine).

Gangneung Coffee

  • Home to the Gangneung Coffee Festival every autumn. Enjoy artisanal brews along Anmok Coffee Street.

Fresh Seafood

  • Due to its location on the East Sea, expect fresh sashimi, clams, abalone, sea urchin, and more at seafood markets and restaurants.

Connectivity in Detail

By Train

  • Gangneung Station is served by the KTX (Korea Train Express) from Seoul’s Cheongnyangni or Seoul Station:
    • Takes ~2 hours via the Gangneung Line.
    • Clean, fast, and scenic.

By Bus

  • Gangneung Express Bus Terminal connects the city to major locations including:
    • Seoul (Dong Seoul Terminal) – ~3 hours
    • Incheon, Suwon, Daejeon, Daegu and others.
  • Intercity and local buses are frequent and reliable.

By Air

  • The nearest airport is Yangyang International Airport (YNY) – ~40 minutes by car.
    • Offers flights to Jeju and limited international routes.

By Car

  • Drive from Seoul via Donghae Expressway (Route 65) or Yeongdong Expressway (Route 50) – takes around 2.5 to 3 hours.
  • Scenic coastal drives toward Sokcho, Donghae, and Samcheok are highly recommended.

 Local Transport

  • Gangneung is bike-friendly, especially near Gyeongpo Lake and beaches.
  • Taxis are affordable. Local buses connect neighborhoods but may require Naver Maps for real-time info.



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