Gangneung

Gangneung is Korea's coffee capital and cultural gem on the East Coast — a city of wind-swept pine forests, historic Confucian estates, beautiful Gyeongpo Beach, and a world-class artisan coffee scene.

Must-Visit Places

• Gyeongpo Lake & Gyeongpo Beach — A vast coastal lagoon separated from the sea by pine forest. Stroll the lakeside path or relax on the pristine sandy beach.
• Ojukheon House — A 500-year-old Confucian scholar's home where the great scholar Yulgok Yi I was born, surrounded by black bamboo.
• Haslla Art World — A breathtaking sculpture park and contemporary art museum perched on a cliff overlooking the East Sea.
• Gangneung Coffee Street (Anmok) — The birthplace of Korea's craft coffee culture. Dozens of artisan cafés line the beachfront road.
• Jeongdongjin Beach — The world's closest beach to a train station; famous for sunrise watching.

Food & Dining

• Chodang Sundubu (Soft Tofu) — Ultra-smooth, silken tofu made using seawater from the East Sea. Best eaten warm in Chodang village.
• Gyeongpodae Haemul Pajeon — Crispy seafood scallion pancakes with a view of the lake.
• Coffee & Artisan Desserts — Gangneung's café culture is world-class; try single-origin pourover along Anmok Beach.
• Pine Mushroom Cuisine — Gangwon's prized pine mushrooms featured in seasonal rice dishes and soups.

Must-Buy Shopping

• Gangneung Coffee Beans — Single-origin roasted beans from Bohemian, Terarosa, or local micro-roasters.
• Chodang Tofu Products — Packaged fresh soft tofu and tofu-based snacks.
• Ojukheon Black Bamboo Crafts — Items crafted from Gangneung's distinctive black bamboo.
• Pine Mushroom Oils & Sauces — Gourmet condiments featuring the region's celebrated pine mushrooms.