Gangneung, South Korea: travel guide
East Sea beaches, tofu village, coffee culture and old heritage houses
Host city of the 2018 Winter Olympics coastal venues. Famous for Gyeongpo Beach, Ojukheon heritage site, Chodang tofu village, and Korea's most celebrated coffee-culture strip.
About Gangneung
Gangneung is a coastal city on Korea's east coast, set between the sea and the Taebaek mountains. It hosted events at the 2018 Winter Olympics and has since become a popular weekend destination for people from Seoul.
Among the things to do in Gangneung are strolling Gyeongpo Beach, visiting the Ojukheon heritage house, eating soft tofu in Chodang and sipping coffee along the seafront strip known for its cafés. The mix of sand, pine woods and old buildings makes for easy days.
Gangneung suits couples, families and coffee fans looking for a relaxed trip. Summer is the beach season, and autumn and early spring offer quieter shores.
- Country
- South Korea
- Currency
- KRW
- Time zone
- Asia/Seoul
- Nearest airport
- YNY
Last updated
Top places to visit in Gangneung
Gyeongpo Beach & Gyeongpo Lake
Beach · 4.5 rating · about 2 h · check the fee at the gate
A 1.8 km sandy beach fronted by the freshwater Gyeongpo Lake. The lake offers swan-boat rentals and jogging paths; the beach faces the East Sea for memorable sunrises. Chodang tofu village and Anmok Coffee Street are within easy reach.
Jeongdongjin Beach
Beach · 4.3 rating · about 1.5 h · check the fee at the gate
Jeongdongjin holds the Guinness World Record for the world's closest railway station to the sea. The Sundial cruise-ship hotel is a visual landmark. Famous for New Year's sunrise crowds, it is beautiful year-round. The Hourglass Park adds…
Ojukheon House
Heritage · 4.4 rating · about 1 h · check the fee at the gate
The oldest surviving wooden residential building in Korea (c. 1505), birthplace of scholar-artist Shin Saimdang (₩50,000 note) and her son Yi I (₩5,000 note). Set in ancient black bamboo groves.
Things to do
- Gyeongpo Lake Sunrise Cycling Nature · 2.5 h · from KRW 30,800 per person
- Gangneung Specialty Coffee Roastery Crawl Food · 3 h · from KRW 51,300 per person
Where to stay in Gangneung
- Gyeongpo Beach / Anmok about KRW 200,000 per night
Best area for the "five moons" sunrise over Gyeongpo Lake and Anmok specialty coffee strip with 30+ roasters. Most boutique hotels are here.
Hotels
- Seamarq Hotel Gangneung 5-star · KRW 300,000 to KRW 650,000 per night
Where to eat
- Anmok Coffee Street Cafe · about KRW 8,000 per person
- Chodang Sundubu Village Korean Tofu · about KRW 10,000 per person
- Gyeongpo Beach Hoe Restaurant Seafood · about KRW 40,000 per person
Getting to Gangneung
Airport: Gangneung (via Yangyang Intl) (YNY)
Getting around
- Bicycle
- Bus
- Car Rental Self
- Walking
More in South Korea
Frequently asked questions about Gangneung
- What are the top-rated places to visit in Gangneung?
- The highest-rated places in our Gangneung guide are Gyeongpo Beach & Gyeongpo Lake, Ojukheon House, Jeongdongjin Beach.
- Where should I stay in Gangneung?
- Our guide covers these areas to stay in Gangneung: Gyeongpo Beach / Anmok.
- How do I get around Gangneung?
- Ways to get around Gangneung covered in our guide: Bicycle, City bus, Self-drive car, Walking.
- Which airport is nearest to Gangneung?
- The nearest airport to Gangneung has the code YNY.