The Ultimate Guide to Gangneung, South Korea: Things to Do, What to Eat & Possible Itineraries

Gangneung, nestled on South Korea’s east coast, offers a charming blend of experiences. You can chase sunrises on the beach, indulge in local delicacies, or explore filming locations beloved by Hallyu fans. 

Here’s your complete guide to making the most of a trip down to Gangneung, plus simple itinerary ideas tailored to different interests.

Also read: Korea’s Most Famous Bakeries: Where to Go for Your Bread Pilgrimage 

Travel tips for visiting Gangneung

How to get there

The fastest way to reach Gangneung from Seoul is by KTX high-speed train, departing from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station. The journey takes roughly 2 hours and drops you off at Gangneung Station, which is conveniently located near the city centre. Be sure to book your tickets early!

Alternatively, express buses leave from Dong Seoul Terminal, taking about 3 hours, or you can opt for a scenic drive of 2.5 to 3 hours.

Getting around

There’s the red SEA TEA bus, which runs a scenic 23 km coastal loop connecting Anmok Coffee Street with Jumunjin Beach, including stops at Gyeongpo, Goblin Filming Spot, Jumunjin Fish Market and more. Take that it operates 16 times daily (approx. every 40–50 minutes). 

Apart from that, there are also the regular city buses, but schedules can be irregular, with limited English info. If you’re headed to spots like Haslla Art World which are further away from central Gangneung, be sure to stay on top of the bus schedule as taxis don’t typically fetch passengers from there. 

That being said, taxis remain a practical and not too expensive option, especially if you’re travelling with others or pressed for time. Using apps like Kakao T makes hailing a taxi simple, and many hotels also offer taxi bookings.

Top 10 things to do in Gangneung

Catch the Sunrise at Gyeongpo Beach

Start your day early with one of Korea’s most stunning sunrises. Gyeongpo Beach is beloved by locals and visitors alike for its wide sandy shores and peaceful dawn atmosphere.

It’s especially magical in the early hours, and trust me, as someone who’d usually sleep past noon without an alarm, this one’s worth waking up for.

Tripzilla tip: There’s a CU mart nearby where you can grab a snack for your sunrise walk!

Stroll along Anmok Coffee Street

Coffee lovers, this is your paradise. Anmok Coffee Street stretches along the coast with cafés ranging from trendy roasters like Terarosa and Bohemian Roasters to charming indie spots. Sip hand-drip brews or cold brews while enjoying uninterrupted sea views.

Visit Ojukheon House

Dive into Korean history with a visit to Ojukheon House, one of the country’s oldest wooden residential structures. It was home to scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother Shin Saimdang, a revered artist and calligrapher. The serene gardens and traditional architecture make it a calming cultural stop.

Feast at Chodang Soondubu Village

Just a short distance from the coast lies Chodang, a village famed for its soft tofu, or sundubu. The tofu here is made with pure spring and seawater, giving it a distinctive silky texture. It’s a must to try the chodang sundubu jiggae here.

Visit Jumunjin Beach (BTS bus stop)

Fans of BTS will recognise Jumunjin Beach as the setting for the Spring Day music video and the You Never Walk Alone album cover. 

The bus stop installation is a popular photo spot, complete with BTS music playing softly and a selfie stand. It’s around a 30–40-minute bus ride north from central Gangneung.

See the Goblin Breakwater (Goblin filming location)

You can also find iconic breakwater from the hit K-drama Goblin in Gangneung. The curved stone jetty extends into the sea, offering dramatic photo opportunities and a peaceful walk. It’s easily reachable by taxi or local bus.

Tripzilla tip: The nearby Chodang Gelato provides free props for you to exactly reenact the famous scene from the drama!

Wander the Gangneung Jungang Market

A bustling hub for foodies, Jungang Market serves up local snacks and fresh seafood. 

Don’t miss sunflower seed hotteok, squid sundae (squid stuffed with noodles), tempura, and grilled clams. It’s also a great place to buy dried fish or seasoned seaweed to bring home.

Cycle or stroll around Gyeongpo Lake

Just inland from the beach, Gyeongpo Lake is a calm spot for cycling, walking or renting a swan paddle boat. The scenic area bursts into colour during cherry blossom season, with paved paths, picnic spots and a lookout pavilion.

Explore Haslla Art World

Located near Jeongdongjin, Haslla Art World is an artsy coastal park and museum combined. The quirky outdoor sculptures, galleries and ocean views make it an appealing stop for art lovers and design enthusiasts. 

With countless scenic spots, it’s the perfect place to snap a new profile picture or play photographer for your friends! Its location is a little further from central Gangneung, but worth the journey.

Visit Jeongdongjin Station

Famous for being one of the closest train stations to the sea in the world, Jeongdongjin Station offers a romantic setting with vintage trains and waves crashing nearby. It’s a favourite among domestic tourists and a lovely place to soak up coastal vibes.

Walk down Wolhwa Street, Gangneung’s cultural hub

Wolhwa Street follows an old railway line through Gangneung’s city centre, blending history with lively urban charm. By day, browse local crafts, cafés and galleries; by night, enjoy a vibrant market with street food, light displays and live music. 

It’s a must-visit for a taste of Gangneung’s culture and nightlife, just a short walk from Gangneung Station.

Arte Museum Gangneung 

Located near Gyeongpo Lake, Arte Museum Gangneung offers a stunning media art experience with immersive rooms themed around nature, from glowing auroras to cascading waterfalls.

Expect dramatic visuals, surround sound, and even scents: perfect for a rainy day or photo-worthy stop. It’s open daily 10am–8pm and tickets start at KRW 17,000.

What to eat in Gangneung

Gangneung’s culinary highlights lean heavily on fresh, local ingredients and traditional recipes. Here are must-try dishes:

• Chodang Sundubu (Soft Tofu Stew): Silky tofu in a gentle, often spicy broth, a local speciality.
• Makguksu: Buckwheat noodles served cold with a spicy or tangy sauce, perfect for warm days.
• Grilled Abalone: Especially popular near Jumunjin, fresh abalone is often grilled or in hotpot.
• Ojingeo Sundae (Squid Stuffed with Noodles): A unique Gangwon-do delicacy.
• Hotteok with Sunflower Seeds: A crunchy, sweet snack frequently found in markets.
• Gangneung Coffee: Don’t miss the local café scene; many cafés specialise in single-origin beans and slow-brew methods.

Also read: A Guide to Regional Food in South Korea: Iconic Local Dishes You Should Eat in Each City

Suggested itineraries

For first-time visitors: The essentials

Day 1: Anmok Coffee Street → Chodang Soondubu Village → Gyeongpo Lake → Wolhwa Street

Day 2: Sunrise at Gyeongpo Beach → Ojukheon House → Gangneung Jungang Market

Day 3: Haslla Art World (optional) → Jeongdongjin Station → Depart or café hopping

For Hallyu fans: BTS & Goblin trail

Day 1: Anmok Coffee Street → Chodang Soondubu Village → Wolhwa Street

Day 2: Visit Jumunjin Beach (BTS Bus Stop) → Lunch at Jumunjin Fish Market → Goblin Breakwater → Relax at Gyeongpo Lake

Day 3: Ojukheon House or Jungang Market → Depart

For art & culture lovers

Day 1: Anmok Coffee Street → Chodang Soondubu Village → Gyeongpo Lake

Day 2: Sunrise at Gyeongpo Beach → Ojukheon House → Gangneung Jungang Market

Day 3: Haslla Art World → Jeongdongjin Station → Depart

Also read: 21 Cheap and Free Things to Do in Tokyo: A 2025 Budget Travel Guide

Time to head to Gangneung

Gangneung offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, rich culture and vibrant local flavours. With easy access from Seoul and a friendly atmosphere, Gangneung is an ideal destination for travellers seeking a refreshing break from the bustle of the city. Pack your bags and get ready to discover the many charms of Korea’s east coast.