8 Best Family Things to Do in Gangneung

Jeongdongjin Time Story, also known as the Jeongdongjin Time Museum, is one of the region’s quirkiest attractions, situated inside a 180 metre-long steam train. Each of its 8 carriages houses an intriguing collection of time-related artefacts, from rare watches to antique clocks and eccentric time-keeping gizmos. Some 200,000 people now visit the museum annually, which first opened its doors in 2013.

Outside the exhibit, lush parklands house the Millennium Hourglass, the largest of its kind, according to Guinness World Records. Nearby, you’ll also find an enormous and exceptionally accurate 7-metre bronze sundial. Getting there is easy – the tiny beach town of Jeongdongjin is a 20-minute train trip from Gangneung.

Aranabi Zipline offers an exhilarating ‘flying fox’ experience in Gangneung-si, a small seaside city on South Korea’s east coast. The adrenaline-pumping line soars over the sparkling East Sea, affording breathtaking views of the harbour city midflight. You needn’t fear when plunging off the 18-metre tower – the zipline complies with stringent government safety standards.

The return 600-metre trip is available to anyone between 30 kg and 110 kg and operates year-round (weather permitting). Across the road, you’ll find Gangneung Coffee Street, perfect for calming your nerves with a frothy, post-zipline cappuccino.

The Museum of Oriental Embroidery exhibits a vibrant array of colourful Korean textiles, plus traditional works from China, Japan, and the Western world. Its local Gangneung embroideries are especially impressive, ranging from Royal Court textiles to everyday textiles like pillowcases and socks. Don’t miss the Anju Folding Screen and Mirror Cover, 2 extravagant works that date back to the Chosun Dynasty.

Although you’ll find some basic English translations here and there, information is limited for non-Korean speakers. Nonetheless, the small private museum is well worth a look for fans of exotic art and Asian textiles.