Traveling to Gangneung: How to enjoy the sea, coffee, and beautiful Korean traditions🌊☕🌸

Hello, travelers from around the world! 🇰🇷 Welcome to Gangneung, a sparkling gem of a city on the east coast. With its ocean and mountain views, fresh seafood, famous coffee culture, and traditional Korean flavor, Gangneung is a unique destination that will awaken all your senses. Let’s get started with our detailed guide!

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🌍 **What is Gangneung like?

Gangneung is a city located on the east coast of Gangwon Province, about 1 hour and 40 minutes from Seoul by KTX (arriving at Gangneung Station). Here:

• Different attractions for each season: Cherry blossoms at Gyeongpodae in spring, beaches in summer, autumn leaves in fall, 겨울❄️엔 snowy mountains and hot springs.
• It’s famous for its UNESCO heritage site, the Gangneung Dan-o Festival (May-June every year)!
• Best for walking: Most attractions are clustered along the waterfront or in the city center, making it easy to get around.

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🏞️ **Top 5 attractions in Gangneung

1. Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach

   • The walking path around Gyeongpo Lake is a beautiful 📸photo spot in all seasons! The mermaid statue and pine forest are impressive.
   • At Gyeongpo Beach, you can try 서핑🏄‍♀️ (1 hour lesson costs about 40,000 won).
     *📍 Location: Gyeongpo Lake, Gangneung City

2. Anmok Beach and Coffee Street

   • Gangneung’s **”coffee mecca”! Enjoy coffee☕ at famous cafes (Cafe Terra Rosa, Coffee Tree, etc.) while overlooking the sea.
   • Sunrise at Haekmaji Park is also recommended! 📍 Location: Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si.

3. Jeongdongjin Railbike (Jeongdongjin)

   • Railbike along the east coast🚂! The blue sea and tunnel experience is unique.
   • There is also a “cafe that stops time” at Jeongdongjin Station. 📍 Reservation required: Railpark homepage

4. Oh Jukheon & Gangneung Missionary Station

   • Ohjukheon is the best place to experience the 생가⚱️로 Korean history of King Sejong the Great, the founder of Hunminjeongum.
   • The Mission House is a Joseon-era yangban house (admission fee 3,000 won).
     📍 Location: Ojukheon-ro, Gangneung-si.

5. Jumunjin Fish Market

   • A lively market where you can enjoy fresh sashimi and guamegi (dried saury) on the spot!
   • “Jumunjin Beach”, the filming location of “Goblin”, is also a 5-minute walk away👻.
     📍 Location: Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si.

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🍽️ Must Eat in Gangneung Must Eat in Gangneung.

1. Steamed Snow Crab** 🦀

   • 1kg costs about 5 to 7 million won (depending on the season) at Jumunjin Fish Market. The point is to eat the meaty crab meat + rice! Recommended restaurant: Jumunjin Beach Daegejip.

2. Suddang Sundubu (buckwheat tofu)

   • Soft buckwheat soft tofu + shrimp sauce + chili powder is the best combination! Recommended restaurant: Chodang Ok Sundubu 3.

3. Seafood Kalguksu** 🍜

   • Gangneung-style seafood kalguksu is characterized by a cool broth with plenty of seafood.
     Recommended restaurant: Gangneung Jjampong Sundubu Kalguksu 4.

4. Morning Bread

   • Gangneung’s unique bread culture! Egg and sweet potato flavors are popular.
     *Recommended bakery: Gangneung Bread

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🚉 How to get to Gangneung.

• Seoul to Gangneung: KTX (from Yongsan Station, about 1h 40m, 28,000 won one way)
• Traveling within the city**:
  • Bus: Take a city bus (1,400 won per trip) or sightseeing circular bus (5,000 won for a one-day ticket).
  • Bicycle: Bicycle paths along the waterfront, many rental shops (3,000 won for 1 hour).
• Taxi: About 5,000 won for 3 kilometers, recommended using the Kakao T app.

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📌 Gangneung Travel Tips.

1. Accommodation: Hotel near Gyeongpo Beach (sea view🌊) or Anmok Beach Guesthouse (near coffee street).
2. Weather: Short sleeves + sunscreen in summer, winter clothes are essential! 3: Gangneung City Pass for discounts on attractions💳.
3. Etiquette: No littering on the beach, keep the noise down in cafes.
4. Language: English-speaking staff are available at tourist spots, but it is recommended to install the Papago translation app.

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💌 Finishing thoughts

Gangneung is a city that combines the blue of the sea, the aroma of coffee, and the depth of history. It’s a place that heals the heart even if you only stay for a day 🎌 Use this guide to write your own Gangneung story! If you have any questions, leave them in the comments and we’ll be happy to answer them. Happy travels! ✈️💖

> “When you have a cup of coffee with the sea breeze in Gangneung, you will discover the true relaxation of Korea.”