Gangneung
What you need to know before you go
Gangneung, located between the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea, offers a remarkably laidback atmosphere. It offers one-of-a-kind opportunities to surf, hit the slopes at the Yongpyeong Ski Resort, tour Joseon-era buildings, and catch some shamanistic rituals and Korean wrestling matches at the 400-year-old Dano Festival.
While it’s the largest city on the northeastern coast, Gangneung has a friendly and homely vibe. Think chilled-out days on the beach, happy-hour cruises, cherry-blossom-lined roads, and leisurely lunches of makguksu (a buckwheat noodle dish). The city's cultural events include Haslla Art World and the International Junior Art Festival at Gyeongpo Beach. History buffs won’t want to miss Ojukheon House & Ojukheon Municipal Museum, the legendary Heonhwa Road and Joseon exhibits at Seongyojang House.
What to see & do in Gangneung
Featured stories & fun stuffThings to do in Gangneung cover a world of adventure from beaches and national parks to historic monuments, art galleries, museums and traditional night markets. Plan to relax on the shores of the Sea of Japan at Gyeongpo Beach, Jeongdongjin Beach or Anmok Beach, with endless stretches of soft sand and clear, blue waters. Take a walk along a scenic lakeshore at Gyeongpo Lake and shop the Gangneung Jungang Market... Read more
10 Best Things to Do in Gangneung
Gangneung is a coastal city with the scent of pine and coffee permeating throughout. The dazzling East Sea and lush pine forests are Gangneung’s gifts of nature. It has a diverse cultural heritage and has recently become known as a...8 Best Family Things to Do in Gangneung
There are plenty of family things to do in Gangneung, at least partially because the South Korean city is a popular beach destination. Gyeongpo Beach is the most well-known beach in Gangneung and popular with people of all ages...6 Things to Do in Gangneung on a Small Budget
Gangneung has plenty of free and cheap attractions to explore during your holiday. This city is a place where you...5 Best Road Trips Near Gangneung
Gangneung is a fun coastal city with plenty to do, but you can also enjoy several road trips to the...10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Gangneung
Our guide to the best things to do for couples in Gangneung includes many places that have been featured in...
Where & what to eat in Gangneung
Food and dining in Gangneung showcase the true heart and soul of South Korean cuisine, including iconic takes on familiar foods and totally unique delicacies. Some of the most popular local dishes here include rainbow trout, buckwheat noodles, Osam-Bulgogi ('Gangwon Surf & Turf' with squid and pork belly), chodang sundubu tofu dishes and gondre-namul-bap, or Korean thistle with steamed rice. If you're looking for red meat, see if... Read more
10 Best Local Dishes from Gangneung
Thanks to its location by the East Sea, Gangneung is often associated with seafood. However, Gangneung also has a robust agricultural sector, thanks to abundant precipitation. The crops produced in this region include not only rice, but also potatoes, maize...8 Great Restaurants in Gangneung
Gangneung is a popular coastal destination in South Korea with many great places for you to enjoy fresh seafood dishes...5 Places Where Locals Love to Eat in Gangneung
The places locals love to eat in Gangneung are especially those serving coffee. The region is famous for its coffee...
Where to shop & what to buy in Gangneung
Best Places to Shopping in Gangneung
Shopping in Gangneung is mostly concentrated on its traditional marketplaces, where you can experience the local culture and shop for a wide range of goods. Some of the city's most sought-after places to shop are Gangneung Jungang (Central) Market and Jumunjin Fish Market. Both markets sell everyday items, but their seafood section is often the liveliest – expect a huge...
Where to go & what to do at night in Gangneung
5 Best Things to Do After Dinner in Gangneung
Gangneung's status as a beloved tourist site comes from the deep blue East Sea. The region is also a site of pilgrimage for many coffee lovers in Korea. After spending your day sampling the local delicacies and enjoying the scenery of the beaches in the city, wind down with these relaxing activities for the evening. After dinner, enjoy the view...
Useful information
Gangneung Travel Essentials
Our Gangneung Travel Essentials lays out the essential information you need to help you plan your trip to one of the most popular destinations in South Korea. No matter how frequently you travel, some questions will always need answers: What’s the weather like? How can I get from Yangyang International Airport to my hotel? What currency and type of plug...