Gangneung

Gangneung is the cultural and tourist jewel of Gangwon Province, offering a well-suited escape from hectic city life. The city is famous for its easy on the eye location between the Taebaek Mountains and the deep blue East Sea. Visitors primarily come here to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze at Gyeongpo Beach or to watch the first sunrise of the year at Jeongdongjin, a place world-renowned for its beach located right next to the train station. In recent years, the city has established itself as Korea's 'coffee capital.' Anmok Coffee Street, directly on the beach, is lined with cafes where local baristas first-rate their craft. Culturally interested visitors should visit Ojukheon House, the birthplace of famous Korean scholars, and Seongyojang, a well-preserved aristocratic residence from the Joseon Dynasty that gives deep insight into traditional architecture. Local cuisine is characterized by fresh ingredients from the mountains and the sea. A special specialty is Chodang Dubu, a soft tofu made with pure seawater from the East Sea, known for its unique taste. In lively markets like Jungang Market, you'll also find an abundance of street snacks and fresh fish. Since the 2018 Winter Olympics, Gangneung has been excellently accessible from Seoul via KTX high-speed train, shortening travel time to less than two hours. Summer is convenient for beach activities, while winter attracts visitors with snowy mountain landscapes and New Year's celebrations. A walk along the pine forests by the sea rounds off the experience in this versatile city.

Nearby cities

Donghae

The city of the sunrise featuring striking rock formations and deep mountain valleys.

Sokcho

A coastal city near Seoraksan National Park, a popular destination for hikers and tourists.

Goseong (Gangwon)

Goseong is South Korea's northernmost coastal town, famous for views of North Korea, lavender fields, and pristine beaches.

Sandaewol-ri

An idyllic coastal village in Gangneung, known for its fine sandy beaches and breathtaking views of the East Sea.

Hasidong-ri

An idyllic coastal area near Gangneung, famous for its vibrant coffee culture, wide sandy beaches, and scenic East Sea sunrises.

Jeongdongjin-ri

A legendary destination famous for having the world's closest railway station to the ocean and breathtaking sunrises.

Dojik-ri

A peaceful coastal village in Gangwon Province, known for its expansive sandy beaches along the East Sea and spectacular sunrises.

Hyeonbuk

A scenic coastal area in Yangyang, famous for its spectacular pavilions, pine forests, and top-tier surfing spots.

Yangyang

The mecca of Korean surfing and a place of deep spirituality on the East Sea coast.

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Sangmaengbang-ri

A peaceful coastal village in Samcheok known for its pristine sandy shores and lush pine forests.

Geundeong

A picturesque coastal area in Samcheok, famous for its wide sandy beaches and dense pine forests.

Deoksan-ri

A scenic village in Samcheok, famous for its broad sandy beaches and as a filming location for well-known movies.

Cheonjin-ri

A trendy seaside village in Goseong that has become a premier destination for surfers and cafe enthusiasts.

Cheonggan-ri

A historic coastal village in Goseong, famous for its ancient pavilion and crystal-clear beaches with fascinating rock formations.

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Chogok-ri

Famous for its spectacular glass bridge over the sea and the popular Ocean Railbike route.

History & landmarks

Seoraksan National Park

Home to the third-highest mountain in South Korea, Seoraksan.

Nature

Hantangang River Geopark

A UNESCO Global Geopark, characterized by its unique volcanic landscapes formed by lava eruptions long ago.

More places

Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm

A large sheep farm in the Pyeongchang mountains, known as the 'Alps of Korea', where visitors can feed sheep.

Daegwallyeong Plateau

A high plateau in Gangwon province, renowned for its sheep farms, wind farms, and heavy winter snowfall, earning it the nickname 'Alps of…

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Mindungsan Mountain

A mountain in Jeongseon whose name means 'Bald Mountain'.

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Gariwangsan Mountain

A high mountain in Jeongseon, known for its ancient yew trees and as the venue for the alpine skiing events in the 2018 Winter Olympics.

Udem Preservation Area

A preservation area dedicated to conserving the Korean Pine and other native plant species near the DMZ.

Seoraksan National Park

A national park in Gangwon province, famous for its picturesque mountains, waterfalls, and rare animal species.

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Ujong Rice Terraces

Beautiful rice terraces carved into the mountains, showcasing traditional farming methods in the Gangwon region.

DMZ Eco-Peace Park

A park near the Demilitarized Zone that has become a pristine nature reserve due to minimal human interference.