Introduction
Welcome to Gangneung’s iconic Anmok Beach Coffee Street—a 1.2-km stretch where ocean breezes mingle with the aroma of freshly roasted beans. Nestled along Gangwon-do’s rugged east coast, this hotspot blends Korean café culture with surf-town vibes, making it a must-visit for coffee lovers and Instagram adventurers alike.
☕️ Why Coffee Street?
After Gangneung hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics, its coffee scene exploded. Anmok Beach became synonymous with artisanal roasters thanks to:
- Oceanfront views: Every café faces the Sea of Japan (East Sea), offering floor-to-ceiling windows or open-air terraces.
- Unique themes: From minimalist concrete labs to bohemian book cafés, each spot tells a story. Don’t miss the “hand-drip only” purists!
- Korea’s coffee pioneers: This is the birthplace of mega-chains like Terarosa and Bohemian Roasters, now nationwide favorites.
🌊 Top Café Picks
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Terarosa Factory
- Vibe: Industrial-chic warehouse with roasting machines on display.
- Must-try: Gangneung Latte (espresso + sweet potato foam)—a local twist.
- Perk: Rooftop seats overlooking surfers catching waves.
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Bohemian Roasters
- Vibe: Rustic wood + vintage records. Feels like a Brooklyn loft.
- Must-try: Single-origin Ethiopian pour-over—their signature since 2012.
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Cafe Luga
- Vibe: Glass cube perched above the sand. Sunset views are legendary.
- Must-try: Sea Salt Cream Cold Brew—salty-sweet perfection.
🚶♀️ Beyond Coffee: What Else to Do
- Stroll Anmok Beach: Walk the pine-fringed promenade at golden hour.
- Gangneung Lighthouse: Climb for panoramic coastline photos (5-min walk from cafés).
- Try “Hotteok”: Grab a sugar-cinnamon Korean pancake from beachside carts.
- Surfing: Rent a board (₩20,000/hour)—waves are beginner-friendly!
📅 Visitor Tips
- Best time: Weekday mornings (9 AM–11 AM) to avoid crowds. Sunsets are magical but busy!
- Getting there: From Seoul, take a KTX train to Gangneung Station (1.5 hrs). Taxi to Anmok (10 mins; ₩7,000).
- Budget: Coffees cost ₩6,000–₩9,000 ($4.50–$7). Pastries ₩5,000+.
- Etiquette: Cafés expect 1 drink/person. No rush—linger and savor the view!
✨ Final Thoughts
Anmok Coffee Street isn’t just about caffeine—it’s a sensory journey where crashing waves soundtrack your espresso sip. Whether you’re a digital nomad, a couple on a getaway, or a solo traveler seeking calm, this coastal gem promises slow, flavorful moments. As Koreans say: “커피 한잔 할까요?” (Shall we grab coffee?).
P.S. Bring a light jacket—sea winds get chilly even in summer! 🌅☕️
📍Anmok Beach Coffee Street
Address: 14-5, Changhae-ro, Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Best for: Coffee, photography, beach walks, and lazy afternoons.