What are the must-visit attractions in Gangneung?

The top must-visit attractions in Gangneung include Gyeongpodae Pavilion for its scenic views, Anmok Beach Coffee Street for its seaside cafes, Ojukheon for its historical significance, and the Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Coastal Trail for its stunning cliffside walk.

Where is the best place to drink coffee in Gangneung?

Anmok Beach Coffee Street is the most famous place for coffee in Gangneung, lined with numerous cafes offering ocean views. Renowned brands like Terarosa Coffee Factory and Bohemian Park Yichu Coffee are also highly recommended for serious coffee lovers.

What is Ojukheon in Gangneung famous for?

Ojukheon is a famous historical site in Gangneung. It is the birthplace of two prominent historical figures from the Joseon Dynasty: the scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother, the artist Shin Saimdang (who is featured on the 50,000 KRW banknote).

What local foods should I try in Gangneung?

When in Gangneung, you must try Chodang Sundubu (soft tofu), especially the unique Jjamppong Sundubu (spicy seafood soft tofu stew) from Donghwa Garden. Other popular local dishes include Kkomak Bibimbap (spicy cockle bibimbap) and Jang-kalguksu (spicy gochujang noodle soup).

What is the Badabuchaegil Coastal Trail?

The Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Coastal Trail is a scenic walking path built along the sea cliffs near Jeongdongjin. It offers breathtaking, close-up views of the East Sea and the unique rock formations along the coast.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Gangneung: Attractions, Food & Cafes

Gangneung is a travel destination where the sea, mountains, and urban vibe come together. Attractive in all seasons, Gangneung is rich in sights and culinary delights, including not only its beaches but also art spaces, traditional markets, and trendy cafes. This article introduces the 10 best places to visit in Gangneung, along with recommended local restaurants and cafes. Plan your Gangneung trip, from a day trip to an overnight stay.

Top 10 Places to Visit in Gangneung

Gyeongpodae Pavilion

Gyeongpodae Pavilion is Gangneung's representative scenic spot, a pavilion offering views of both Gyeongpo Lake and the East Sea. It's a popular walking course connected to the nearby Gyeongpo Lake Park, the pine-scented forest path, and Gyeongpo Beach.

Gyeongpodae Pavilion (Source: Gangneung City)

Anmok Beach Coffee Street

Anmok Beach, where you can enjoy coffee while looking at the sea, is a place that symbolizes Gangneung, the city of coffee. It is also popular as a photo spot thanks to its scenic walking path and the quiet atmosphere of the beach. Most cafes along the sea have ocean-view seating.

Anmok Beach Coffee Street

Ojukheon

Well-known as the birthplace of Yulgok Yi I and Shin Saimdang, Ojukheon is a traditional house from the mid-Joseon Dynasty. It is a great educational destination to visit with children as you can experience Confucian values and the lifestyle of the Joseon-era nobility simultaneously.

Ojukheon (Source: Gangneung City)

Jeongdongjin & Badabuchaegil Coastal Trail

Jeongdongjin is famous as a sunrise spot and is also a popular tourist destination known for the scene of a train passing by the sea. The nearby Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Coastal Trail is a walking path along cliffs and the coastline, offering beautiful views of the East Sea.

Jeongdongjin (Source: Gangneung City)

Seongyojang

Seongyojang, a traditional house over 400 years old, showcases the life of the late Joseon Dynasty's upper class. Along with the culturally designated architecture, it operates programs like traditional tea ceremonies and traditional weddings.

Seongyojang (Source: Gangneung City)

Charmsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum

This museum, where you can see the evolution of sound equipment at a glance, houses the world's largest collection of gramophones. It is a popular indoor tourist spot for music lovers as well as families.

Charmsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum (Source: Gangneung City)

Haslla Art World Museum

This is a complex art space combining an outdoor sculpture park that utilizes natural terrain and an indoor exhibition hall. It's a great travel destination for photo opportunities or a date, as it's structured for strolling while appreciating art.

Haslla Art World Museum (Source: Gangneung City)

Solhyang Arboretum

Solhyang Arboretum is a place to heal in the forest, away from the city. Various plants and ecological information are provided, and it is also suitable as a nature experience site with children.

Solhyang Arboretum (Source: Gangneung City)

Gangneung Bau-gil Trail

This walking trail consists of 17 courses, offering a wide range of trekking from downtown Gangneung to the beach and mountain paths. Each course is themed, so you can walk according to your desired distance and difficulty level.

Gangneung Bau-gil Trail (Source: Gangneung City)

Yeongok Beach

With a quieter and cozier atmosphere than other beaches in Gangneung, Yeongok Beach is recommended for travelers who want to enjoy the sea peacefully. The nearby campsite also makes it a good place for campers to spend a leisurely day.

TBD Yeongok Beach (Source: Gangneung City)

3 Recommended Restaurants in Gangneung

Being by the sea, Gangneung offers abundant fresh seafood dishes and many traditional restaurants that highlight local specialties. Here are 3 restaurants popular with both locals and tourists; we recommend visiting them based on your travel route.

Donghwa Garden (Main Branch)

Address: 77 Chodang sundubu-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Key Menu: Jjamppong Sundubu (Spicy Seafood Soft Tofu Stew), Original Sundubu Baekban (Soft Tofu Set Meal)
Features: Located on Chodang Sundubu Street, this is an original hotspot famous for its unique menu combining jjamppong and sundubu (a local specialty soft tofu). It's so popular there's a wait even on weekdays. Its soft-textured tofu, made using traditional methods, is a key feature.

Donghwa Garden

Eomjine Kkomakjip

Address: 21 Gyeonggang-ro 2255beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Key Menu: Kkomak Bibimbap (Spicy Cockle Bibimbap), Kkomak Muchim (Spicy Cockle Salad), Jeyuk Bokkeum (Spicy Stir-fried Pork)
Features: This is a local favorite that has been featured on several broadcasts. The soy-marinated cockles and spicy salad create a harmonious, savory flavor. It gets crowded enough to require lining up in the evening.

Eomjine Kkomakjip

Kkachi Jang-kalguksu

Address: 367 Gangneung-daero, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Key Menu: Jang-kalguksu (Spicy Gochujang Noodle Soup), Suyuk (Boiled Pork Slices), Bossam
Features: A traditional Korean restaurant where freshly made kalguksu noodles are served in a spicy and rich 'jang' (gochujang-based) broth. It's frequently visited by locals for its deep, non-overpowering flavor.

Kkachi Jang-kalguksu

3 Recommended Cafes in Gangneung

Gangneung is also known as a city of cafes. Cafes near the sea, in particular, are rising as Instagram-worthy spots and are recognized for their aesthetic interiors and high-quality coffee.

Terarosa Coffee Factory (Anmok Branch)

Address: 20 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Key Features: One of the representative brands that led Gangneung's coffee culture. They roast their beans directly to serve coffee. It features a spacious interior and luxurious decor, making it a must-visit for serious coffee lovers. You can enjoy both relaxation and atmosphere with its ocean view.

Terarosa Coffee Factory

Bohemian Park Yichu Coffee

Address: 35 Changhae-ro 17beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Key Features: A cafe run by barista Park Yichu. It is called a sanctuary among coffee lovers, a space where you can enjoy a quiet atmosphere and the sea at the same time. Located right in front of Anmok Beach, it is easy to visit.

Bohemian Park Yichu Coffee

Toetmaru

Address: 131 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Key Features: This cafe has gained great popularity on social media for its Hanok-style (traditional Korean house) exterior and aesthetic interior. Unique menu items based on traditional ingredients like Black Sesame Latte and Mugwort Latte are distinctive, and it's a great place to relax in a quiet atmosphere.

Toetmaru

Most attractions in Gangneung are close to each other, so you can fully enjoy them even on a day trip or a 1-night, 2-day itinerary. The Gyeongpodae, Anmok Beach, and Ojukheon course is good to explore together as they are nearby, while Jeongdongjin and the Badabuchaegil Trail are recommended as sunrise destinations. Check your accommodation, restaurants, and cafes in advance—if they are close to your destinations, visiting them will make your Gangneung trip even more fulfilling.