10 Best Things to Do in Gangneung

Gyeongpo Beach, the largest beach on the east coast, lies just 6 km north of the centre of Gangneung. Gyeongpo Beach is a big draw in the summer due to having 6 km of white sand, clear and shallow water, and a seaside pine forest.

In other seasons, check out cherry blossoms in spring, lotus flowers in autumn, and snow-covered pine trees in winter. If you have a craving for history, many historical areas surrounding Gyeongpo Lake are worth a look, such as Gyeongpo Pavilion, Ojukheon, and Seongyojang.

Ojukheon is a famous tourist spot near Gyeongpo Lake where artist Shin Saimdang and philosopher Yulgok Yi I were born. The name Ojukheon means ‘the house of black bamboo’. The complex is home to Mongnyongsil, where Shin Saimdang gave birth to Yi I, and Munseongsa, which prominently features a portrait of Yi I. There's also Jagyeongmun, Yulgok Memorial Hall, and Municipal Museum. It’s a great place for a leisurely stroll through history with your children.

Seongyojang is an upper-class 99-room residential complex from the Joseon era, and it’s conveniently located near Ojukheon. The name literally means ‘boat bridge house’, and it was named as such because the complex once had to be reached by boat across Gyeongpo Lake.

Lots of traditional Korean architecture is on display within the complex, including Hwallaejeong, the main building, as well as many detached units and the servants’ quarters. The grounds are neatly landscaped, so there should be plenty of opportunities for photos and relaxing walks.

Situated near Gyeongpo Lake, the Chamsori Gramophone Museum and Edison Science Museum are the largest private museums in the country. The Edison Science Museum is dedicated to inventor Thomas Edison, while the Chamsori Gramophone Museum focuses on audio-related exhibits.

The former boasts more than 3,500 Thomas Edison inventions, including gramophones, light bulbs, and projectors, while the latter’s collection has more than 2,500 items, like music boxes, radios, and televisions. You can listen to audio guides as you walk through the exhibits. The nearby Son Sung Mok Film Museum is also worth a visit.

Gangmun Beach is a small, simple beach located south of Gyeongpo Beach. Accommodations are close by, and the adjacent pine forest is great for walks. There’s also Gangmun Port nearby, where you can enjoy fresh seafood.

Gangmun Beach is sought after by scuba divers and is where you can take a 5- to 10-minute boat ride from the beach to soak in the underwater scenery. The night view of the Gangmun Sotdae Bridge, which runs from Gangmun to Gyeongpo Pavilion, is also a sight worth checking out.

Jeongdongjin Beach is located 18 km south of downtown Gangneung, and its name means that the beach is located directly due east of Hanyang, the old name for Seoul. It became widely known by being the filming location for the K-drama Sandglass and grew in popularity as tourist trains began operating.

The beach, Sandglass filming locations, Hourglass Park, and Jeongdongjin Station are all famous destinations. Jeongdongjin is renowned for having a magnificent sunrise, and people gather, particularly on New Year’s morning, to catch a glimpse of the sun coming up. There are also great cafés and photo spots for capturing your imagination.

Haslla is the old Goguryeo-era name for Gangneung, and Haslla Art World is an art complex with galleries, an outdoor sculpture park, cafés, and a hotel overlooking the Jeongdongjin coast. The contemporary art gallery and outdoor sculpture park feature unique installation art.

The Pinocchio & Marionette Museum is a favourite among children, while there are lots of photo spots for the whole family in the outdoor sculpture park, which offer great views of the sea. Be sure to check out the variety of experience programmes the museum has on offer.

Anbandegi Village has emerged as a favourite destination among photographers. It's a remote village at the foot of Mt. Gorupogi in Wangsang-myeon, Gangneung. Sitting at 1,100 metres above sea level, it’s the highest inhabited area in Korea and can be reached by car.

Every season provides picturesque scenery: rye meadows in spring and autumn, highland vegetable plots in summer, and wind farms and snowy landscapes in winter. You can admire the Milky Way at night, and some travellers even stay all through the night in the highlands and catch the early sunrise. You’re pretty much guaranteed a great photo no matter where you are.

Located in Seongsan-myeon, Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest is Korea’s first recreational forest. Geumgang Pine Forest within the recreational forest is considered one of the 3 most beautiful forests in Korea. The walking trail along the old Daegwallyeong road is great for some nature therapy and relaxation with family.

Climb to the observatory to enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea and Gangneung in the distance, and heal your body and soul while strolling through forest paths surrounded by 100-year-old red pines.