10 Best Things To Do In Gangneung, South Korea

1. See the historic Seongyojang House

Seongyojang House is a well-preserved 300-year-old historical structure that will take you back to another time period. This was once the family house of Lee Nae-bon and was considered an upper-class residence in Gangneung during the Joseon area.

Of the several buildings and rooms, some are open for the tourists as a homestay and some have been turned into museums that showcase Korea’s past and highlight the traditional design of the house and the culture it represents. Enhancing the beauty of the house is a pond with floating lotuses.

Seongyojang House

Address: 63 Unjeong-gil, Gyeongpo-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: Seongyojang House

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

2. See a piece of history at Ojukheon

Ojukheon is a complex with several buildings and a museum, and they offer a glimpse of Korea’s past. The site is a unique historical landmark from the early Joseon Dynasty and is well known for being the birthplace of Yulgok Yi-I, who was a famous philosopher and scholar.

If you’ve seen the Korean note for 5,000 KRW (4.2 USD), you’ve seen him. And if you’ve seen a 50,000 KRW (43 USD) note, you’ve seen his mother, Sin Saimdang. Yulgok’s mother was an artist and writer, and she dedicated herself to educating her son during a time when education was not so easily available.

In this complex, the Mongnyongsil room holds importance as it is the birthplace of Yulgok Yi.

Ojukheon

Address: 24 Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gyeongpo-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: Ojukheon

Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)

3. Ride a bike around Gyeongpo Lake

Gyeongpo Lake is popular among tourists and locals in Korea. The area around the lake features a street that’s lined with hundreds of cherry trees that bloom in April. The street separates the lake from the beach, and it’s the perfect spot for riding a bike or enjoying a walk.

The beauty of the lake is indeed refreshing - that’s what makes it a perfect getaway in the summer. And if you happen to visit during the peak cherry blossom season, then you might be lucky enough to catch the Gyeongpo Cherry Blossom Festival that takes place every year.

Gyeongpo Lake

Address: Gyeongpo Provincial Park, 94 Jeo-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

4. Grab a beer at Daily Beer Gangneung Seongnam

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you’re looking for good beer, good food, and a place to chill with your family and friends, Daily Beer Gangneung Seongnam is the place you should check out. After all, what is a trip without a beer and chit-chat with friends?

This is the perfect spot to have a meal and relax after traveling the entire day. So, come here, order a beer, spicy chicken wings, and tteokbokki (simmered rice cakes), and spend time with your mates.

Daily Beer Gangneung Seongnam

Address: South Korea, Gangwon-do, Gangneung-si, Seongnam-dong, Jonghapsijang-gil, 14 KR

Website: Daily Beer Gangneung Seongnam

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 6pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)

5. Take a dive at Jeongdongjin Beach

The uniqueness of this beach lies in the fact that Jeongdongjin train station is situated steps from the beach, so reaching this place is easy. The beach is quiet, pleasant, and also one of the most beautiful beaches in the city. It is famous for diving and swimming, so if you love swimming at the beach, put on your swimsuit and dive in to enjoy the crystal clear blue waters.

Plan a visit here in the early hours, as morning is the best time to stroll along the sand and enjoy the cool breeze.

Jeongdongjin Beach

Address: 259 Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

6. Snap a photo at Hourglass Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The giant hourglass situated in Hourglass Park park is worth the visit. The huge centerpiece, a sand hourglass, is one of the largest hourglasses in the world.

This hourglass was built in the year 1999 to welcome the new millennium. And an interesting fact about it is that the sand in the hourglass showcases the passage of one entire year and is turned over at midnight on New Year’s Day.

Hourglass Park

Address: 2 Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung, Gangwon-do 210-824 South Korea

7. Explore Badabuche Searoad Jeongdongjin

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Badabuche Searoad Jeongdongjin is a trail waiting to be explored. It was once used for military patrol, but now it is open for public use. The 2.8-km-long (1.7-mi) scenic trail starts from Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise parking lot and goes up to Simgok Port from where you can enjoy a walk with mesmerizing views of the water and rocky coast.

The scenic beauty and magnificent rock formations make it the perfect spot for visitors who love taking pictures.

Badabuche Searoad Jeongdongjin

Address: 950-39 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: Badabuche Searoad Jeongdongjin

Opening hours: 9am - 5:30pm (daily)

8. View unique timepieces at Jeongdongjin Time Museum

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Built next to Hourglass Park and the sea, Jeongdongjin Time Museum is one of a kind. It is a 590.5-ft-long (180-m) train that exhibits a plethora of time-related artifacts. You’ll also find an ancient sundial here.

It is indeed a fascinating place to visit since you can immerse yourself in the history of time and learn about devices and timepieces from around the world.

Jeongdongjin Time Museum

Address: 990-1 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Website: Jeongdongjin Time Museum

Opening hours: 9am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 4,000 - 7,000 KRW (3.4 - 6 USD)

9. Experience traditional tea at Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The place that was once home to two pioneers of Joseon literature is now a memorial park showcasing their works. Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is the birthplace and home of Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon. The remarkable writers have left their mark in the field of Korean literature. Heo Gyun wrote “Tale of Hong Gil-dong” - Joseon’s first Korean language novel, and Heo Nanseolheon was a well-known poet. At this place, you will also find works by various authors.

Surrounded by pine trees, this middle-class home is very close to nature. And not only that, but you can also savor tea at the Traditional Tea Experience Center.

Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park

Address: 1-29 193beon-gil Nanseolheon-ro Gangneung-si Gangwon-do

Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 9am - 6pm (closed on Mon)

10. Have a drink at Bon Voyage Bar

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Bon Voyage is a well-known bar in Gangneung, and its welcoming vibe will definitely help you relax after a long day. The cozy ambiance with dim lights and music will greet you as soon as you enter the bar.

Enjoy great music and Western-style drinks with your friends. The menu mostly has cocktails, but the drinks are great if you’re winding down after dinner.

Bon Voyage Bar

Address: 8-12 Haseulla-ro 206beon-gil, Gyo 1(il)-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Opening hours: 12am - 2pm, 6pm - 12am (daily)

Have you been to Gangneung yet?

After reading about this wonderful destination, you must surely feel tempted to come to Gangneung and experience it all for yourself. Plan your trip and pack your bags, because this is definitely a place worth visiting in South Korea.