10 Best Things to Do in Gangneung

The largest beach on South Korea’s east coast, Gyeongpo draws holiday makers from across the country. Located about 6 kilometres north of Gangneung, the beach’s appeal lies in its clean, shallow waters and seaside pine forest. 

Part of the beach comprises a narrow sandbar between the sea and Gyeongpo Lake, a wide blue lake surrounded by cherry blossom trees. Explore the walking paths around the lake and through the verdant pine forest. In your wandering, you may come across the Gyeongpodae Pavillion, a historic site where painters and poets have come for centuries to be inspired by the surrounding natural beauty. 

A national treasure, the Ojukheon complex is the former home of 2 key figures from South Korean history. Shin Siamdan was an influential artist and poet, and her son Yulgok grew to be the most prominent Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty. You’ve seen both their faces before: on the 50,000 and 5,000 won notes, respectively. 

The family home is a cornerstone of the site and is one of the oldest wooden buildings in the country. In Munseonga Shrine there hangs a portrait of Yulgok, along with his inkstone and an original manuscript. A museum displays artefacts that showcase aspects of Korean history and culture. 

Seongyojang is a meticulously preserved home of an upper-class family living during the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the site means 'boat bridge house', named as such because the complex once had to be reached by crossing Gyeongpo Lake.

The 18th-century residential complex contains 99 rooms and showcases a variety of traditional architecture including Hwallaejeong, the main building, as well as the servants’ quarters. The complex is bordered by forest, and 2 hiking trails offer leisurely strolls through the woods. This serene house museum is an idyllic place to spend a peaceful afternoon.

The Chamsori Gramophone Museum and Edison Science Museum are the largest private collections in the country. The Edison Science Museum is dedicated to inventor Thomas Edison, and the Chamsori Gramophone Museum focuses on audio-related exhibits.

The former boasts more than 3,500 of Thomas Edison’s inventions, including gramophones, light bulbs and projectors. In addition to its comprehensive collection of antique gramophones, the Chamsori Museum celebrates all things audio, with music boxes, radios and miniature pipe organs on display. The museums’ staff are passionate about their collections and happy to speak about their history and collection process.

Gangmun Beach is the smaller sister beach to the more popular Gyeongpo Beach. This no-frills stretch of sand is a quiet space to kick back and relax. Gangneung’s infamous coffee culture has made its way here: the beach is lined with seaside coffee shops serving espressos and sweets. 

The beach faces the east, so early birds have the opportunity to catch the sunrise over the sands. At the south edge of the beach, a pine forest offers a shady walk. 

Jeongdongjin Beach is widely known as the filming location for the K-drama Sandglass, and the coastline certainly captures the imagination. At the north end of the beach, there's a fantastic cruise ship-shaped hotel perched atop a green mountain, providing visitors with an unusual photo opportunity. This beach is also a known spot to watch the New Year’s Day sunrise, and locals gather from far and wide for the moment.

The beach is located 11 miles south of Gangneung and is steps from the Jeongdongjin train station. Although there are lifeguards on duty, the beach is more friendly to observers than swimmers, as large waves and rocky surf can be difficult to navigate.

Haslla Art World is an art complex with galleries, an outdoor sculpture park, cafés and a hotel overlooking the Jeongdongjin coast. The spaces are filled with floor-to-ceiling sculptures and unique art installations designed to spark visitors’ curiosity. They also tend to make great photo-ops. 

Wander through neon tunnels, through a room of dangling mirrors and along the hillside of the outdoor sculpture garden. The Pinocchio Museum is a favourite among children, displaying an extensive marionette collection and giving kids the opportunity to make their own puppets. The museum also offers chocolate-making, a tea ceremony and a host of other experiences. 

Anbandegi emerged in recent years as a favourite destination among photographers. This remote village rests near Mt. Gorupogi in Wangsang-myeon, and can only be reached by car. Sitting at 1,100 metres above sea level, it’s the highest inhabited area in South Korea.

Every season provides picturesque scenery: rye meadows in spring and autumn, highland vegetable plots in summer and wind farms and snowy landscapes in winter. The sky is spectacularly clear here, and on some nights you can even see the Milky Way.

Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest was the first of its kind in South Korea. Designed as a place to rest and exercise out in nature, the area has 7 different trekking paths of varying lengths and difficulty. The more challenging paths lead up to an observatory with panoramic views of the East Sea and Gangneung. Gentle paths take visitors through shady valley trails and past a charming woodland café. 

Well-equipped campsites are available for visitors who desire an extended stay in the forest. Geumgang Pine Forest, contained within Daegwallyeong, is home to towering, 100-year-old red pines and is considered one of the country’s 3 most beautiful forests.

Odaesan National Park is among the most remote national parks in South Korea, making it a must-try for seclusion-seeking hikers. The stunning 300-square-kilometre park resides in the sparsely populated Gangwon province, about an hour’s drive from seaside Gangneung. As a result, its 8 thickly forested hiking trails remain relatively uncrowded even during busy season.

Trails range from gentle 2-hour jaunts to arduous climbs. Wherever you trek, expect to encounter tranquil streams, dense woodland canopies and age-old Buddhist monasteries. Autumn is the top time to visit as the foliage turns to awe-inspiring shades of ochre. Just ensure you’re layered up, as this is South Korea’s chilliest province.