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If you have done the things to do in South Korea, you’d know there are quite a few of them here in Gangneung.
Nestled along the glistening East Sea, Gangneung is a coastal gem bursting with cultural treasures and natural wonders, unveiling countless adventures to quench your wanderlust.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Gangneung:
1. Gyeongpo Beach
A pristine white sand beach located in Gangneung, a popular coastal city in Korea.
What to see or do: Relax on the beach, swim in the sea, enjoy some water sports such as jet skiing and parasailing. Take a walk on the popular boardwalk and check out the nearby cafes and restaurants serving fresh seafood.
Don’t miss: The stunning sunrise view from the beach, which is often regarded as one of the best in Korea.
Insider travel tips: Consider visiting during the off-season to avoid crowds.
Also, do not miss out on trying the local delicacy, the Gangneung-style coffee, which is made by roasting coffee beans with brown sugar.
2. Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park
Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park is a beautiful coastal park located in Gangneung, South Korea. The park is popular for watching the sunrise and offers breathtaking views of the East Sea.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a stroll on the sandy beach and snap photos of the traditional train station that sits close to the park.
There are also a few seaside cafes and restaurants where visitors can enjoy fresh seafood while taking in the scenery.
Don’t miss: The highlight of the park is definitely the sunrise, so make sure to check the time beforehand and arrive early enough to secure a good spot.
The sun rising over the sea is a truly stunning sight to behold.
Insider travel tips: – Dress warmly, as it can get quite cold in the early morning.
3. Chamsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum
Chamsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum is a one-of-a-kind museum in Gangneung, South Korea that showcases the evolution of recorded music technology and the life of Thomas Edison.
What to see or do: Visitors can see a large collection of gramophones including rare and valuable models.
The museum also displays various historical items related to the invention of the phonograph, the creation of sound recordings, and the development of the music industry.
An informative tour inside the museum helps you in exploring the history of recorded music.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to see the world’s first successful sound recording machine called the Edison Phonograph. The museum also features an impressive collection of shellac and vinyl records, music boxes, and antique speakers.
Insider travel tips: For those who love music and history, Chamsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum is worth a visit in Gangneung. The museum is conveniently located near the Gangneung Bus Terminal, so it is easy to access by public transportation.
Visitors can participate in a guided tour to learn more about the interesting history of recorded music.
4. Anmok Beach
Anmok Beach is a popular beach located in Gangneung, a coastal city in the northeastern part of South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can enjoy swimming and sunbathing on the sandy beach, or take a stroll along the boardwalk that lines the shore.
The beach also features various cafes and restaurants, offering a great view of the sea while enjoying a cup of coffee or a seafood meal.
Don’t miss: One of the main highlights of Anmok Beach is the Coffee Street, which runs parallel to the boardwalk and features numerous cafes offering a wide range of coffee blends, including the famous local specialty, roasted coffee beans.
Insider travel tips: Visit Anmok Beach early in the morning to catch the sunrise, which is considered as one of the most beautiful on the east coast of Korea.
The beach can get crowded during peak season, so it’s advisable to come early or visit during weekdays for a more peaceful experience.
5. Chodang Tofu Village
Chodang Tofu Village is a quaint little village in Gangneung, South Korea, that is famous for its handmade tofu.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch how tofu is made from scratch using traditional methods and even try their hand at making their own tofu.
There are also several restaurants in the village that serve tofu-based dishes like tofu stews, tofu burgers, and tofu ice cream.
Don’t miss: Make sure to try the signature dish of the village, Dubu Kimchi (tofu with kimchi). It’s a simple yet delicious dish that perfectly showcases the fresh, silky tofu made in the village.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Chodang Tofu Village is between 10am-12pm when the tofu making demonstrations are held.
6. Gangneung Olympic Park
A sports complex located in Gangneung, South Korea that was built for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
What to see or do: – Visit the Gangneung Ice Arena, home to figure skating and short track speed skating during the Olympics.
Don’t miss: The Gangneung Olympic Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Winter Olympics and see displays showcasing the highlights of the 2018 Games.
Insider travel tips: – The Olympic Park can get crowded during peak hours, so it’s best to visit early in the day or later in the evening to avoid the crowds.
7. Ojukheon House
A historical house in Gangneung, South Korea, built during the Joseon Dynasty.
What to see or do: Explore the traditional architectural design and artifacts that reflect the affluent lifestyle of the 16th-century Joseon dynasty. Take a walk in the beautiful gardens surrounding the house.
Don’t miss: The famous lotus pond near the entrance of the house. It’s a great spot for photography and to relax with a cup of tea.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the morning to beat the crowds and take advantage of the peaceful atmosphere. Make sure to take off your shoes before entering the house to show respect for Korean customs.
8. Jumunjin Fish Market
Jumunjin Fish Market is a vibrant seafood market located in Gangneung, South Korea, that has been operating for over 80 years.
What to see or do: Visitors can wander the bustling market and marvel at the wide variety of fresh seafood on display, including squid, octopus, clams, fish, shrimp, and more.
It’s also possible to purchase seafood directly from the vendors and have it cooked on-site at one of the market’s many restaurants.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Jumunjin Fish Market is the chance to try sannakji, a Korean delicacy of live octopus that is cut into small pieces and served while still squirming.
Brave visitors can also try hoe (raw fish) and gaebul (penis fish), other regional seafood specialties.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to see the most variety of seafood, as it can sell out quickly later in the day.
9. Haslla Art World
Haslla Art World is a contemporary art museum located in Gangneung, a city on the east coast of South Korea.
What to see or do: The museum houses a diverse collection of artwork ranging from contemporary art to traditional Korean art. Visitors can explore various exhibitions and installations, including paintings, sculptures, and multimedia art.
Don’t miss: One of the must-see attractions at Haslla Art World is the outdoor sculpture garden, which features over 100 sculptures by artists from around the world.
The garden is situated on a hill overlooking the sea, creating a unique and awe-inspiring setting for the artwork.
Insider travel tips: – The museum offers guided tours in English for foreign visitors.
10. Jungang Market
A traditional Korean market located in the heart of Gangneung city.
What to see or do: Experience the vibrant ambiance of a traditional Korean market, where locals and tourists alike come to shop and eat. Discover a variety of fresh seafood, Korean snacks, clothing, souvenirs, and traditional household items.
Don’t forget to haggle with the vendors for the best deals.
Don’t miss: Try the famous Gangneung-style squid bread, a stuffed pastry that is only found in this region. Also, visit the Wet Market section to see live seafood and watch local merchants prepare fresh catches.
Insider travel tips: The market can get crowded in the afternoon, so try to visit in the morning when it is quieter. Wear comfortable shoes, as the market is spread out and requires a lot of walking.
Be sure to bring cash, as some vendors do not accept credit cards.
11. Gangneung Ice Arena
Gangneung Ice Arena is an indoor ice skating rink located in Gangneung, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can watch ice hockey, figure skating, and speed skating competitions inside the arena. The arena hosted the figure skating and speed skating events during the 2018 Winter Olympics.
Don’t miss: Check the event schedule before your visit and try to attend a live sports event inside the arena for an unforgettable experience.
Insider travel tips: Dress warmly as the arena can get quite chilly inside.
12. Namiseom Island
Namiseom Island is a half-moon shaped island located in the middle of the Han River in Gangneung, South Korea. The island is known for its stunning natural beauty and serene atmosphere.
What to see or do: There are plenty of things to do and see on Namiseom Island, starting with taking a leisurely stroll along its beautiful tree-lined paths.
Visitors can rent bicycles to explore the island, enjoy a picnic by the river, or try their hand at camping and fishing.
The island is also home to a number of restaurants and cafes where visitors can sample Korean cuisine.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Namiseom Island is the iconic “Metasequoia Road” – a tree-lined avenue that leads visitors through a stunning tunnel of golden trees.
Other must-see attractions on the island include the beautiful lakes, gardens, and scenic vistas.
Insider travel tips: – To avoid the crowds, try visiting Namiseom Island on a weekday rather than a weekend.
13. Gangneung Seongyojang
Gangneung Seongyojang is a beautiful traditional Korean house known as a “hanok” that has been preserved as a cultural heritage site.
What to see or do: Take a stroll through the stunning gardens, admire the intricate architectural design of the hanok, and learn about the history of the area.
Visitors can also participate in traditional Korean activities such as making tea, wearing hanbok (Korean traditional costume), and playing traditional Korean games.
Don’t miss: Make sure to visit the Hyanggyo (Confucian school) on the grounds, which was once the educational center for the area during the Joseon Dynasty.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the spring or fall to see the beautiful flowers or foliage in the gardens. Also, be sure to attend one of the cultural performances or events that take place on the grounds.
Finally, try the local specialty snack, Gangneung Chaltteok (rice cake), which is sold on the streets outside the entrance.
14. Seongsoo-dong Ancient Tomb Park
A historical park containing several ancient tombs in the Seongsoo-dong neighborhood of Gangneung, South Korea.
What to see or do: Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, which includes viewing the ancient tombs and learning about the cultural significance of the site.
There are also exhibits about the history and artifacts of the area.
Don’t miss: The park is home to several large, impressive tombs that date back centuries and offer an insight into the history of the region.
Visitors should also check out the onsite museum to learn more about the area’s rich cultural heritage.
Insider travel tips: To fully appreciate the park’s historical significance, consider hiring a local guide who can provide in-depth information and context. Additionally, be sure to wear comfortable shoes as some areas of the park are uneven and hilly.
15. Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park
Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is a beautiful park located in Gangneung, South Korea.
The park features stunning views of the East Sea and is dedicated to the memory of Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon, two famous figures in Korean literature and history.
What to see or do: Visitors to the park can enjoy a peaceful stroll along the walking paths and take in the beautiful scenery.
There are also exhibits showcasing the lives and works of Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon, such as a statue of Heo Nanseolheon and a replica of the thatched-roof house where the couple lived.
Don’t miss: Make sure to see the view of the East Sea from the park’s observatory. The view is especially stunning at sunset.
Insider travel tips: If you’re interested in Korean literature, be sure to also check out the nearby Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Literature Museum, which features displays on the couple and other notable Korean writers.