Gangneung/Sokcho

Top Attractions in Gangneung/Sokcho

Ojukheon (오죽헌)

The representative Joseon Dynasty house where Yi I (Yulgok) and Sin Saimdang were born, named after the black bamboo (Ojuk) that surrounds the courtyard. It is an educational course where you can experience Joseon's Confucian culture while exploring Mongryongsil and Eojegak, which are among the oldest wooden buildings in Korea.

Ojukheon (오죽헌) 1Ojukheon (오죽헌) 2Ojukheon (오죽헌) 3Ojukheon (오죽헌) 4Ojukheon (오죽헌) 5

Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)

A representative national park in Korea, famous for the majestic Ulsanbawi Rock, Heundeulbawi Rock, and its seasonal scenery, which reaches its peak during the autumn foliage. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, families and seniors can comfortably reach near the peak in 10 minutes via cable car.

Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원) 1Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원) 2Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원) 3Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원) 4Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원) 5

Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리)

Gangneung's representative coffee spot with dozens of unique cafes lined up along the East Sea coast, evolving from a former street of coffee vending machines. The combination of a cup of coffee enjoyed while listening to the waves and the beach promenade offers premium travelers a special healing experience.

Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리) 1Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리) 2Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리) 3Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리) 4Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리) 5

Abai Village (속초 아바이마을)

A unique village where refugees of the Korean War settled, preserving the culture of Hamgyong-do. It is famous for its signature Abai Sundae and Squid Sundae. The traditional boat 'Gaetbae,' moved by passengers pulling a rope, is a representative photo spot that can be experienced for a small fee.

Abai Village (속초 아바이마을) 1Abai Village (속초 아바이마을) 2Abai Village (속초 아바이마을) 3Abai Village (속초 아바이마을) 4Abai Village (속초 아바이마을) 5

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장)

A representative traditional market in Sokcho opened in 1953, where you can enjoy fresh seafood and street foods like squid sundae and chicken gangjeong all in one place. Famous shops like Manseok Chicken Gangjeong are gathered here, and the short walking distance allows for a fruitful experience even during a brief stop.

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장) 1Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장) 2Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장) 3Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장) 4Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장) 5

Chilsung Boatyard (칠성조선소)

A complex cultural space cafe renovated from a real shipyard that operated for 65 years since 1952. You can enjoy coffee on the outdoor terrace facing Cheongcho Lake. Its interior, which preserves traces of old industrial facilities, makes it one of the most unique emotional spaces in Sokcho.

Chilsung Boatyard (칠성조선소) 1

Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변)

A representative sunrise spot in Korea, home to Jeongdongjin Station, which is listed in the Guinness World Records as the railway station closest to the sea, and Hourglass Park. It holds great symbolic importance and draws huge crowds on New Year's Day. Located in Gangneung, it is a popular East Coast course near Anmok Beach.

Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변) 1Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변) 2Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변) 3Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변) 4Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변) 5

Jumunjin Port (주문진항)

A representative fishing port of the East Coast located at the northernmost point of Gangneung. It is famous for its live fish market alley where you can taste freshly caught squid and octopus at affordable prices. The breakwater, a filming location for the drama 'Goblin,' and the Jumunjin Lighthouse are nearby photo spots where you can feel the local atmosphere by bargaining at the stalls.

Jumunjin Port (주문진항) 1Jumunjin Port (주문진항) 2Jumunjin Port (주문진항) 3

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

A lighthouse built in 1957 that has been opened as an observatory. Climbing the wooden deck path through the bamboo forest offers a view of the open East Sea, Cheongcho Lake, and Seoraksan Mountain. Free telescopes are provided inside, and a bridge promenade leads to the nearby Yeonggeumjeong pavilion, making it popular for sunrises.

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) 1Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) 2Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) 3Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대) 4

Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대)

Counted as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong, this pavilion was first built in the Goryeo period and reached its current form after several reconstructions. The calm Gyeongpo Lake stretches in front, and visits during cherry blossom season or sunset are particularly beautiful. The 4.3km lake promenade is also popular, and its proximity to Gyeongpo Beach makes it a representative spot to enjoy both the sea and lake.

Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대) 1Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대) 2Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대) 3

Naksansa Temple (낙산사)

A thousand-year-old temple founded by Monk Uisang in 671 AD, located on a cliff overlooking the East Sea. It is one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong. Highlights include the Haesu Gwaneum Statue facing the sea and the Hongryeonam Hermitage on a cliff. Although it suffered significant damage from a forest fire in 2005, it has been restored. As it is a temple, modest attire and quiet behavior are required.

Naksansa Temple (낙산사) 1Naksansa Temple (낙산사) 2Naksansa Temple (낙산사) 3

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch (대관령 양떼목장)

A wide meadow ranch located at 850m above sea level, famous for its exotic scenery of green grass hills, wind turbines, and peacefully grazing sheep. The fresh green from spring to autumn and the pure white snow in winter offer different charms every season. You can walk along the promenade and experience feeding hay to the sheep, making it very popular with families.

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch (대관령 양떼목장) 1Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch (대관령 양떼목장) 2Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch (대관령 양떼목장) 3

Recommended Routes in Gangneung/Sokcho

Gangneung Culture & Beach Day Course

Experience Confucian culture at Ojukheon, have lunch at Jumunjin Port, enjoy coffee at Anmok Beach, and visit Jeongdongjin.

  1. 1Ojukheon (오죽헌)
  2. 2Jumunjin Port (주문진항)
  3. 3Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리)
  4. 4Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변)
  5. 5Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대)
  6. 6Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch (대관령 양떼목장)

Sokcho Nature & Gourmet Day Course

Take the Seoraksan cable car, ride the Gaetbae in Abai Village, eat at the tourist market, and visit a shipyard-turned-cafe.

  1. 1Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)
  2. 2Abai Village (속초 아바이마을)
  3. 3Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장)
  4. 4Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)
  5. 5Chilsung Boatyard (칠성조선소)
  6. 6Naksansa Temple (낙산사)