Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Gangneung Worth Visiting
When you arrive in Gangneung, the salty air greets you before anyone else does. The sea glistens under the morning sun, and the mountains cradle the city like a quiet guardian. Nestled along South Korea’s eastern coast, Gangneung is a place where nature, tradition, and modern culture coexist in beautiful harmony.
For travelers seeking a destination that offers both serenity and vibrance, Gangneung is a treasure. This guide to the top 10 tourist attractions in Gangneung worth visiting will take you on a journey through its beaches, mountains, temples, and artistic corners — places that will leave you inspired long after you’ve left.
1. Gyeongpo Beach – Where the Sea Meets the Sky
The heartbeat of Gangneung is undeniably Gyeongpo Beach. Stretching endlessly along the East Sea, its white sands and turquoise waves create a picture-perfect coastal escape.
At sunrise, the horizon glows with golden light, and locals gather for morning strolls or quiet meditation. In summer, the beach becomes alive with laughter — families swimming, surfers riding gentle waves, and street musicians playing beneath colorful umbrellas.
Nearby, Gyeongpo Lake mirrors the beauty of the beach, offering tranquil walking trails surrounded by cherry blossoms in spring. Whether you come for romance or reflection, Gyeongpo captures the essence of Gangneung’s coastal charm.
2. Anmok Coffee Street – The Aroma of the Sea
Imagine sipping a freshly brewed latte while gazing at rolling waves. That’s Anmok Coffee Street, a coastal strip lined with cafés that combine the art of coffee-making with ocean views.
Once a quiet fishing port, this area transformed into a coffee lover’s paradise after local baristas began roasting beans with passion and precision. Each café has its own personality — some modern and minimalist, others cozy and artistic.
As the sun sets, soft jazz floats through open windows, and the aroma of coffee mingles with the salty sea breeze. Anmok isn’t just a destination — it’s an experience for the senses.
3. Ojukheon House – A Window into Joseon-Era Wisdom
History whispers through the wooden halls of Ojukheon House, one of Korea’s oldest preserved buildings. Built during the Joseon Dynasty, it was the birthplace of the scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother, Shin Saimdang — two of Korea’s most respected historical figures.
Surrounded by black bamboo groves (from which it takes its name, “Ojuk”), the house feels timeless. The scent of pine and ink still lingers in the air, as if scholars had just finished writing their poems moments ago.
For those who seek culture and reflection, Ojukheon offers more than architecture — it offers a glimpse into Korea’s intellectual and artistic heart.
4. Jeongdongjin Beach – A Sunrise You’ll Never Forget
Few places in Korea rival the beauty of Jeongdongjin Beach at dawn. Famous for its railway line running right beside the sea, this spot is both nostalgic and breathtaking.
Every New Year’s Day, thousands gather here to watch the first sunrise of the year, making wishes as the sun rises over the ocean’s edge. The Hourglass Park, located nearby, symbolizes the passage of time — a fitting tribute to a place that reminds visitors how fleeting and beautiful each moment can be.
5. Gangneung Seongyojang House – Elegance Preserved in Time
Step into Seongyojang House, a grand hanok estate that once belonged to a noble family over 300 years ago. With its graceful courtyards, latticed windows, and peaceful ponds, it reflects the elegance of Korea’s aristocratic past.
The house remains beautifully intact, with traditional furniture and architectural details that feel untouched by modernity. Walking through its corridors, you can almost hear the rustle of silk garments and the quiet murmur of poets reciting under the moonlight.
Seongyojang isn’t just a museum; it’s a living story of refinement and heritage.
6. Haslla Art World – Where Art Meets Nature
Perched on a hillside overlooking the sea, Haslla Art World blends creativity with landscape. This modern art museum and sculpture park is filled with vibrant installations that invite interaction and reflection.
Each path leads to something unexpected — a mirror maze catching sunlight, a sculpture whispering in the wind, or a gallery filled with contemporary works by Korean and international artists.
The experience feels playful yet profound. Haslla reminds visitors that art doesn’t belong only in museums; it lives in nature, in curiosity, and in the imagination of those who see it.
7. Chodang Dubu Village – A Taste of Tradition
For food lovers, Chodang Dubu Village is a must-visit. Known for its silky tofu made from seawater instead of salt, this small neighborhood near Gyeongpo Lake offers a taste of Gangneung’s culinary craftsmanship.
At family-run restaurants, steaming bowls of tofu stew are served with rice and kimchi — simple, wholesome, and deeply satisfying. Each spoonful tells a story of generations who’ve turned humble ingredients into art.
It’s not just food; it’s comfort — the kind that warms both body and soul.
8. Jumunjin Breakwater – The Scene of Love and Waves
If you’ve ever seen Korean dramas, you might recognize Jumunjin Breakwater from the iconic scene in Goblin, where the two main characters meet by the sea. But beyond its fame, Jumunjin is genuinely picturesque.
The emerald waves crash gently against rows of concrete tetrapods, and the endless sky creates a cinematic backdrop for photos. Couples visit to recreate the famous scene, but even solo travelers find peace in watching the tide roll in and out.
Here, time slows — and so does your heartbeat.
9. Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch – A Pastoral Escape
Tucked high in the mountains, Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch offers a change of scenery from the coast. Rolling green meadows dotted with fluffy white sheep stretch as far as the eye can see.
Visitors can feed the sheep, stroll along wooden fences, or simply take in the cool mountain breeze. In winter, the snow-covered hills turn the ranch into a postcard-perfect wonderland.
It’s a peaceful retreat — a reminder that Gangneung’s beauty isn’t limited to the sea.
10. Jumunjin Fish Market – Life by the Sea
To feel Gangneung’s heartbeat, head to Jumunjin Fish Market. Fishermen unload their morning catch as vendors call out prices and customers bustle through rows of fresh seafood.
Try hoe (sliced raw fish) right by the docks, or enjoy grilled mackerel at a seaside stall. The market’s energy — raw, lively, and authentic — captures the essence of coastal life.
Every scent, sound, and smile here tells a story of hard work, pride, and the generosity of the sea.
Beyond the Land and the Waves
Exploring the top 10 tourist attractions in Gangneung worth visiting is more than ticking off a list. It’s about feeling the rhythm of a city that has learned to balance nature and culture, history and modernity.
Gangneung invites you to slow down — to walk barefoot on its sands, sip its coffee, listen to its songs, and share its stories. And when you leave, you’ll carry a piece of its calm beauty with you — in the scent of salt, the warmth of a stranger’s smile, and the memory of a sunrise you’ll never forget.
Read Also : The Tur Bromo Ijen 3D2N program offers a convenient and well-organized trip to Mount Bromo. Participants are picked up from Malang and visit iconic spots such as Spot Sunrise Penanjakan, the Sea of Sand, and Bromo Crater. This package is ideal for travelers who want an easy, hassle-free adventure experience.
