If you're planning a trip to Korea, spending some time in Seoul is a great idea. But if you have more time, consider a 2-day excursion to another city. Gangneung, a charming city accessible from Seoul by a 2-hour KTX ride, is a perfect choice. Known for its beautiful natural scenery, rich culture, and delectable food, Gangneung offers a short but fulfilling journey. Let's dive into a detailed 2-day plan for exploring Gangneung.
Table of Contents
.png "From Seoul to Gangneung")
Ⅰ. In and Around Downtown Gangneung
1. Gangneung Central Market
Gangneung Central Market is one of the liveliest spots in the city, offering a taste of various local specialties and dishes. The market is bustling with shops and street stalls that offer everything from fresh seafood to traditional Korean snacks. You won't forget the flavors here, especially the seafood and assorted snacks sold at the market.
Must-try Eateries
The market boasts a wide selection of food options. Here are three eateries you shouldn't miss:
Gangneung Central Market Eomuk goroke(Fishcake and Croquette): This spot specializes in freshly made fishcakes and crispy croquettes, blending traditional Korean flavors with a modern twist.
Ojingeo Sundae Nara (Squid Sundae Nara): When in Gangneung, you can't miss squid sundae. This eatery specializes in squid sundae, a unique dish made by stuffing squid with fillings and then slicing it.
Bani Chicken Gangjeong: Famous for its sweet and crispy chicken gangjeong, this place is well-known among visitors. Once you try it, the flavor is unforgettable.
2. Chodang Sundubu maeul (Chodang Soft Tofu Village)
Located east of Gangneung, Chodang Soft Tofu Village is famous for its soft tofu dishes made with fresh seafood and natural ingredients. The village is set against Gangneung's beautiful natural backdrop, allowing you to enjoy delicious food along with stunning views.
Chodang soft tofu is incredibly smooth and rich in flavor. It is made from locally grown soybeans, pure water, and natural ingredients, offering a freshness that enhances the rich taste of the beans.
Recommended Dishes
The village offers various soft tofu dishes, including soft tofu stew, bibimbap with soft tofu, and soft tofu hotpot. The soft tofu stew is particularly popular as a hangover cure, known for its spicy and refreshing broth.
3. Wonjo Gangreung Gyodong Banjeom (Original Gangneung Gyodong Restaurant)
This longstanding Chinese restaurant in Gangneung is loved for its jjamppong, a spicy seafood noodle soup that is a must-try for any visitor. The deep and rich broth filled with fresh seafood and vegetables makes it a favorite among both Koreans and international tourists.
Menu Highlights
Jjamppong: Known for its spicy and refreshing broth filled with an abundance of seafood and fresh vegetables.The jjamppong at Wonjo Gangreung Gyodong Banjeomt is introduced as the top five jjamppong in Korea.
Jajangmyeon: Soft noodles covered in a savory black bean sauce.
Tangsuyuk (Sweet and Sour Pork): Crispy pork coated in a sweet and sour sauce, perfect when paired with jjamppong or jajangmyeon.
4. Gyeongpo Beach, Gyeongpo Lake, and Gyeongpo Ecological Reservoir
Hello, friend! If you're visiting Gangneung, South Korea, make sure to include the Gyeongpo area in your checklist. Gyeongpo Beach, Gyeongpo Lake, and the Gyeongpo Ecological Reservoir are among Gangneung's most scenic locations. From the end of March to the middle of April, you can meet the full bloom of cherry blossoms from Gyeongpo Lake to Gyeongpo Ecological Wetland. Let's explore each of these attractions:
.png "The path of the cherry blossom")
Gyeongpo Beach
Gyeongpo Beach is one of the most famous beaches in Gangneung, known for its long sandy shores and clean waters. The spacious beach is bustling with visitors during summer, but in winter, you can enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the winter scenery of the sea. It's perfect for walking or cycling along the coast to admire the beautiful landscapes.
Gyeongpo Lake
Near Gyeongpo Beach lies the large freshwater lake, Gyeongpo Lake, surrounded by well-maintained walking paths that are great for a stroll. The lake's surroundings offer a changing panorama of colors throughout the seasons, with golden ginkgo trees and red maples creating a spectacular view in autumn. The lake is also a popular spot for birdwatching.
Gyeongpo Ecological Reservoir
The Gyeongpo Ecological Reservoir offers an untouched ecosystem perfect for ecological studies and exploration. It's an ideal spot for birdwatching, with various aquatic plants and animals thriving in this high ecological value area. If you love nature, you'll appreciate the peaceful and serene environment here.
5. Gangneung Arte Museum
The museum, set against Gangneung's natural landscapes, features contemporary art exhibitions that are innovative and engaging. The architecture of the museum itself is a work of art, providing immense pleasure just from exploring the premises.
Exhibitions and Programs
Gangneung Arte Museum regularly showcases works by national and international artists across various genres, including abstract, contemporary, and installation art. Each exhibit is themed, enhancing understanding of the arts. Workshops and lectures are also available, allowing visitors to engage more deeply with the art.
Visitor Tips
The Arte Museum is located a bit away from the downtown area, so it's more convenient to visit by car. There are beautifully maintained walking paths around the museum, perfect for enjoying the scenery after viewing the exhibits.
Ⅱ. Jumunjin
1. Bohemian Park E-Chu Coffee
Gangneung is known as a city of coffee in Korea, home to some of the country's coffee pioneers, including Bohemian Park E-Chu Coffee and another famous café I'll introduce later, Terarosa Coffee.
Bohemian Park E-Chu Coffee is one of the most unique and appealing cafes in Gangneung, situated in a beautiful location overlooking the sea. It is operated by the renowned Korean barista Park E-Chu, whose name the café bears. Park E-Chu is considered a pioneer of Korean coffee culture, infusing his coffee with dedication and passion.
The café's interior is artistically decorated, and its design harmonizes with nature, providing a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere for visitors. Here, you can enjoy a variety of freshly roasted coffees, and if you're lucky, you might even experience coffee brewed by Park E-Chu himself.
2. Jumunjin Eosijang (Jumunjin Fish Market)
Adjacent to the sea, Jumunjin Fish Market offers access to fresh seafood all year round. This market allows you to choose from a variety of seafood, which can be cooked on-site at one of the many restaurants. From fish to shellfish to squid, you can enjoy numerous delicacies from the sea, making it a haven for seafood lovers.
Recommended Activities
Buying Seafood: At the market, you can purchase fresh seafood caught by local fishermen. Dishes made from seafood bought here are exceptionally flavorful.
Tasting Raw Fish: If you enjoy sashimi, I recommend trying the fresh raw fish at Jumunjin Fish Market. The freshness of seafood prepared immediately after being caught offers a distinctive taste.
Dining at the Market: The market houses several restaurants where you can taste various dishes made with fresh seafood. Especially worth trying are the various stews and grilled dishes made with seafood.
3. BTS Bus Stop
Hello, friend! As you know, BTS is a globally famous K-pop group. In Gangneung, there's a special place that BTS fans must visit: the BTS Bus Stop. Located in Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, this was originally just an ordinary bus stop. However, after BTS shot the cover photo for their 2017 album 'You Never Walk Alone' here, it has become a pilgrimage site for fans. The bus stop, set against a backdrop of the sea, is also known for its beautiful natural scenery.
Things to Know When Visiting
Photo Opportunities: Taking pictures in the spots where the BTS members sat is a popular activity among fans. If you're a BTS fan, you'll want to capture special memories here.
Exploring the Area: The area around the bus stop includes Jumunjin Beach and the harbor, making it a great place for enjoying the scenery and taking scenic walks. The backdrop of the sea makes for stunning photos.
Visit Tips
The BTS Bus Stop is most accessible by private car or taxi. If using public transport, you can take a bus from downtown Jumunjin, but be sure to check the schedule carefully.
Ⅲ. Jeongdongjin
1. Jeongdongjin Station
Jeongdongjin Station is located right next to the sea, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful beachscape the moment you step off the train. This station became famous as a filming location for the drama 'Sandglass' and is well-known among drama fans. The area is particularly beautiful at sunrise, attracting many people on New Year's Day to watch the first sunrise of the year. Jeongdongjin Station is the closest railway station to the beach in Korea, so it is better to travel by train rather than car.
Nearby Attractions
Jeongdongjin Beach: Next to Jeongdongjin Station, the beach is a great place for walking on the sand or relaxing in a beachside café while listening to the waves.
Sunrise Park: Located near Jeongdongjin Beach, this park is considered one of the best places to watch the sunrise. On New Year's Day and weekends, many people gather here to see the sunrise.
2. Haslla Art World
Haslla Art World is located in Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, and is set in a breathtaking location overlooking the East Sea. This complex includes an art museum, hotel, and café, offering the chance to appreciate various artworks and sculptures. The beautiful garden and outdoor installation art provide endless visual enjoyment for visitors. It has no public transportation, so you have to travel by car (Uber, Taxi).
Main Attractions
Art Museum: The museum features contemporary art exhibitions with works by renowned artists from Korea and abroad.
Sculpture Park: You can enjoy a stroll among large and impressive sculptures in the park surrounding the museum. The sculptures, set against the backdrop of the sea, are also perfect for taking photos.
Café and Restaurant: After enjoying the art, you can relax in the café with a view of the sea, sipping coffee and trying various drinks and meals that are as appealing as the artworks.
Ⅳ. Miscellaneous
Terarosa Main Branch
Along with Bohemian Park E-Chu Coffee, Terra Rosa's main branch is one of the most famous cafes in Gangneung and serves as a center of Gangneung's coffee culture. Terra Rosa has several branches throughout Korea, but Gangneung's main branch has a special meaning.. While Terarosa has several branches throughout Korea, the main branch in Gangneung holds a special significance.
The main branch is known for its spacious area and luxurious interior. Here, you can enjoy coffee along with a variety of bakery items and desserts, providing a sweet break to complement your coffee. Terarosa is renowned for using high-quality beans and strict quality control, ensuring that you can taste the quality in every sip.
This 2-day trip to Gangneung might be short, but it promises intense experiences. Each location offers a chance to enjoy unique attractions and create special memories. I hope your time in Gangneung becomes an unforgettable part of your journey. If you visit Gangneung, refer to this travel plan for a richer experience!
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