Things To Do
in Gangneung
Gangneung is a charming coastal city located in the northeastern part of South Korea. It is renowned for its beautiful beaches, including the popular Gyeongpo Beach and Anmok Beach. The city is also rich in cultural heritage, with a number of historical sites such as Ojukheon House, where the famous scholar Yi I once lived.
Gangneung is a great destination for visitors looking to enjoy a mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and delicious local cuisine.
- "안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo)" - Hello
- "고맙습니다 (gomapseumnida)" - Thank you
- "실례합니다 (sillyehamnida)" - Excuse me
- "죄송합니다 (joesonghamnida)" - I'm sorry
- "얼마예요? (eolmayeyo?)" - How much is it?
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $30 - $100
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $5 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $3 - $6
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $1 - $2
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $30 - $60
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $30 - $50
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Start your day with a refreshing walk along Gyeongpo Beach. Enjoy the morning sun and grab a traditional Korean breakfast at a nearby café.
Spend your afternoon swimming or relaxing on the sandy shores of the beach. Try local seafood at one of the beachside restaurants.
Take a stroll by the beach as the sun sets, painting the sky with beautiful colors. Enjoy a relaxing dinner at a restaurant with a sea view.
Visit the Ojukheon House, the birthplace of the famous Confucian scholar Yulgok. Learn about Korean history and enjoy the beautiful traditional architecture.
Head to the Gangneung Art Center to view contemporary Korean art exhibits. Participate in one of the interactive workshops offered there.
Dine at a local restaurant and try traditional dishes like bibimbap. Enjoy a calm evening walk around the historic areas, soaking in the culture.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery with beaches and mountains.
- Rich cultural history and heritage, including historic sites and temples.
- Home to high-quality local seafood and diverse culinary options.
- Strong sense of community and friendly locals.
- Popular destination for winter sports and the 2018 Winter Olympics.
- Well-developed infrastructure for tourism, including hotels and transportation.
- Limited nightlife and entertainment options compared to larger cities.
- Can be crowded during peak tourist seasons.
- Summer months can be hot and humid, making some outdoor activities uncomfortable.
- Language barrier for non-Korean speakers may pose challenges.
- Public transport options may be less frequent outside of main tourist areas.
Best Activities in Gangneung
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and water sports at this beautiful beach.
Visit the sandy beach and the nearby attractions, such as the Sunrise Park and the hourglass.
Stroll along the beachfront and enjoy various coffee shops and cafes.
Explore the venues from the 2018 Winter Olympics and enjoy outdoor activities like cycling.
Places to Visit in Gangneung
Visit one of these nice places.
Gyeongpo Beach offers stunning views of the sea and surrounding mountains. It's a popular spot for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Anmok Beach Coffee Street provides a picturesque setting with cafes overlooking the beach, making it a great place for scenic photography.
Ojukheon House is a traditional Korean house with a beautiful garden, offering great photo opportunities for capturing the charm of Korean architecture.
Food in Gangneung
Gangneung Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A unique local delicacy, Squid Sundae is made of squid stuffed with glutinous rice, vegetables, and noodles. It's then steamed and served with spicy dipping sauce. Try it at Ojukheon or Gangneung Central Market.
Must-Try!
Hwehwe Bibimbap is a variation of the classic Korean mixed rice dish, Bibimbap. It features fresh raw fish atop the rice and a variety of colorful vegetables. Enjoy this specialty at Seongjin Market or Jungang Market.
A local tofu dish, Chodang Dubu, is cherished for its delicate flavor and smooth texture. Sample it at local tofu specialty restaurants like Chodang Dubu Village.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
This bustling fish market offers a wide array of fresh seafood, including sashimi, grilled fish, and seafood pancake. Visitors can experience the vibrant atmosphere and savor various seafood delights right at the market stalls.
One of the oldest traditional markets in Korea, it's a paradise for street food enthusiasts. From tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes) to hotteok (sweet pancakes), the market offers a delightful culinary journey.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Gangneung, it is customary to remove your shoes before entering someone's home or certain traditional Korean establishments as a sign of respect and cleanliness.
Showing respect for elders is a fundamental cultural norm in Gangneung, South Korea. It is important to use formal language and gestures when interacting with older individuals.
When dining in Gangneung, it is considered polite to wait for the eldest or most senior person to start eating before beginning your meal. Additionally, it is customary to use both hands when giving and receiving items, such as money or gifts.
Safety
Tipping in Gangneung
Ensure a smooth experience
In Gangneung, Korea, South, tipping is not a common practice. It is not expected in restaurants, cafes, or for services. Additionally, some establishments may find it disrespectful or confusing if visitors attempt to tip.
Cash is widely accepted in Gangneung, Korea, South, especially at smaller businesses. However, major credit and debit cards are also commonly used, particularly in larger stores and restaurants. It's important to carry cash for smaller transactions and to inquire about card acceptance beforehand.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Best time to visit Gangneung, Korea, South is in spring (March to May) when the weather is mild and cherry blossoms are in full bloom. Expect enjoyable outdoor activities and festivals.
Summer (June to August) can be hot and humid in Gangneung but is an ideal time for beach activities and water sports. Expect crowded beaches and vibrant summer festivals.
Autumn (September to November) boasts beautiful foliage and comfortable weather, making it a great time to visit Gangneung. Expect stunning fall colors and outdoor adventures.
Winter (December to February) is cold in Gangneung, but it's a great time for winter sports and enjoying the snowy landscapes. Expect winter sports, ice fishing, and scenic winter views.
Gangneung at Night
Hiking in Gangneung
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Located about 1.5 hours from Gangneung, Seoraksan National Park features stunning granite peaks, diverse wildlife, and beautiful landscapes. It offers various hiking trails suitable for all levels.
Situated roughly 1 hour from Gangneung, Odaesan National Park is known for its dense forests, serene temples, and hiking trails, including the well-known Birobong Peak trail.
This scenic coastal trail near Naksan Beach provides beautiful ocean views and relatively easy hiking, making it a great spot for a leisurely hike with a backdrop of the sea.
An easy and accessible trail along Anmok Beach, this path offers stunning views of the ocean and the surrounding area, perfect for a short hike or stroll.
About 30 minutes from Gangneung, this area offers gentle hiking through lush grasslands with vibrant sheep grazing, providing a unique experience with picturesque landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Gangneung by plane.
Located approximately 180 kilometers from Gangneung, Incheon International Airport is the largest airport in South Korea and a major international gateway.
Situated around 160 kilometers from Gangneung, Gimpo International Airport serves both domestic and limited international flights.
Approximately 40 kilometers from Gangneung, Yangyang International Airport primarily handles domestic flights, with some international services.
Located about 250 kilometers from Gangneung, Muan International Airport serves both domestic and international routes.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority demographic group in Gangneung, consisting of ethnic Koreans who represent over 90% of the population.
Includes individuals from various countries living in Gangneung, often involved in tourism, education, or business. This group is significantly smaller than the Korean population.
A significant number of elderly residents, reflecting South Korea's aging population trend.
A vibrant group of students from local universities and high schools, contributing to the city's youthful demographic.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Gangneung is known for its ice hockey facilities, having hosted events during the 2018 Winter Olympics.
The city features world-class ice rinks and has been a host for international figure skating competitions.
Gangneung gained popularity for curling after being one of the venues for the Olympic Games, attracting many fans and players.
The city has a strong tradition in speed skating, benefitting from excellent facilities and training programs for athletes.
Soccer is widely played and supported in Gangneung, with local teams having a loyal fanbase.
Basketball is popular at both amateur and professional levels, with local leagues and tournaments drawing interest.
Baseball enjoys significant popularity in Gangneung, with local teams and strong community engagement.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Gangneung.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
While traditional Korean cuisine heavily features meat, many restaurants in Gangneung offer vegetable-based dishes like Bibimbap and Kimbap that cater to vegetarians and vegans. Additionally, some Buddhist temples in the area serve vegetarian temple food.
Visitors with gluten restrictions can enjoy dishes like Japchae (stir-fried glass noodles) and BBQ meats without marinades containing soy sauce. Communicating dietary needs clearly to restaurant staff is advisable.