Gangneung is the scent of roasted coffee beans mixing with the salty spray of the East Sea. While the rest of Korea runs on instant coffee mix, Gangneung became an unlikely artisan coffee capital, with the famous Anmok Coffee Street lining the beach. It’s a city of leisure, where Seoulites come to watch the sunrise, eat soft tofu, and stare at the dark blue horizon.
This coastal city hosted the ice events for the 2018 Winter Olympics, leaving behind modern infrastructure mixed with ancient Confucian culture. The vibe is romantic and slightly melancholic. The train station at Jeongdongjin is the closest station to the sea in the world, a place where couples huddle together at dawn to watch the sun break the water.
Food here is pure and simple. Chodang Sundubu (soft tofu) is made using seawater instead of salt, giving it a fluffy, savory taste you can’t find elsewhere. Gangneung is breezy, open, and refreshing—a perfect antidote to the claustrophobia of the big cities.
The perfect plan for Gangneung:
Day 1 Agenda
Theme: Coffee & Coast
- Morning: Anmok Coffee Street. Choose a cafe with a terrace (like BOSSA NOVA). Watch the waves. Walk the pier.
- Afternoon: Gyeongpo Beach & Lake. Rent a bike (often a 4-wheel family bike). Cycle around the lake. Visit the Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
- Evening: Sashimi dinner at a restaurant overlooking the beach. Fresh flounder and squid.
Day 2 Agenda
Theme: Tofu & Art
- Morning: Chodang Dubu Village. Eat Jjamppong Sundubu (Spicy Seafood Soft Tofu) at Donghwa Garden. Be prepared to wait 30 mins. It’s worth it. Dessert: Tofu Gelato (tastes like soy milk ice cream).
- Afternoon: Arte Museum Valley. An immersive media art exhibition. The ‘Wave’ and ‘Waterfall’ rooms are mind-blowing.
- Evening: BTS Bus Stop (Jumunjin). A bit of a drive north. It’s the bus stop from the ‘You Never Walk Alone’ album cover. Mandatory photo op.
Day 3 Agenda
Theme: The Sunrise Train
- Morning: Jeongdongjin. Go for sunrise (or just morning). See the Sun Cruise Resort (a hotel shaped like a cruise ship on a cliff). Visit the Sandglass Park.
- Afternoon: Haslla Art World. A quirky hillside art park with Pinocchio statues and great ocean views.
- Evening: Gangneung Central Market. Eat Dakgangjeong (sweet fried chicken) and Garlic Bread balls.
Weather
Spring (April-May): Cherry blossoms at Gyeongpo Lake.
Summer (June-Aug): Beach season. Crowded but fun. Surfing is popular.
Autumn (Sept-Nov): Coffee Festival (Oct). crisp air.
Winter (Dec-Feb): Snow on the beach. Eating spicy tofu soup in the cold is peak Gangneung.
Local Customs
- Sunrise: Watching the sunrise is a ritual. Check the time, wake up, and go to the beach.
- Tofu Queue: The famous tofu gelato and soup places will have lines.
History & Culture
Gangneung has been a cultural center for centuries, home to Shin Saimdang (the woman on the 50,000 won note) and her son Yulgok Yi I (on the 5,000 won note). It is steeped in literature and Confucian tradition. The Danoje Festival here is a UNESCO masterpiece of oral heritage.
Getting Around & Safety
KTX-Eum from Seoul (Cheongnyangni or Seoul Station) takes only 2 hours. Game changer.
- Taxi: Essential for moving between the beach, tofu village, and downtown.
- Bus: Doable but infrequent compared to Seoul.
Info for Nomads
Inspiring. Ocean views for working. Quiet in the off-season.
Workation Vibe
Speed: Good. 80-100 Mbps.
Cafes: Terarosa Coffee Factory (huge, industrial, famous) and Bohemian Roasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the coffee famous? +
It started with vending machines on the beach for sailors/couples. Then, first-generation baristas like Park Ichu settled here, creating a roasting culture.
Is the Tofu Gelato gross? +
No! It’s mild, creamy, and nutty. It tastes like high-quality soy milk. Try the black sesame flavor.
Can I surf? +
Yes! Jukdo Beach and Yangyang nearby are the surfing capitals of Korea.