Gangneung

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

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 you can...

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,...
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,...
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....

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...
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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 of...
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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...
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