The Most Beautiful Sunrise in Korea? Discover Gangneung’s Coastal Magic
Gangneung Travel Guide 2025 — Beaches, Coffee Streets & Sunrise Views
A clean, first-timer friendly guide: how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, the must-see spots, and a smooth 2-day itinerary. Map links included.
🚆 Transportation — How to Get to Gangneung
| Mode | From Seoul | Typical Cost | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|---|
| KTX (Seoul ↔ Gangneung Station) | ~1h 50m–2h | ₩27,000–45,000 | Fastest and comfortable; easy bus/taxi hop to beaches |
| Express Bus | ~2h 30m–3h | ₩15,000–25,000 | Budget-friendly, frequent departures |
| Self-drive | ~2h 30m via expressways | Tolls + fuel | Flexible for café-hopping & sunrise spots |
Getting around: local buses cover beaches and Ojukheon; taxis work well for Jeongdongjin sunrise runs.
🏨 Where to Stay in Gangneung
Gyeongpo Beach & Lake Area
Walk to the beach, cafés and bike paths around Gyeongpo Lake.
- Best for: first-timers, families
- Price: mid to high (sea views)
Anmok Coffee Street
Café balconies facing the sea; perfect sunrise coffee.
- Best for: café lovers, photographers
- Price: budget to mid
Jeongdongjin
Famous sunrise coast and beach hotels with tracks by the sea.
- Best for: sunrise chasers, couples
- Price: mid to high
Downtown (Gangneung Station)
Convenient for transport, markets and Ojukheon.
- Best for: short stays, budget
- Price: budget to mid
🍽️ What to Eat in Gangneung
- Chodang Sundubu (soft tofu) — silky tofu stews & fresh tofu plates.
- Fresh sashimi & seafood — coastal markets and beach restaurants.
- Anmok Coffee Street — ocean-view cafés with signature brews & desserts.
- Gangneung bread & snacks — local bakeries near the station and lake.
Tip: Visit Chodang village in the morning to avoid queues; cafés fill up around sunset.
📍 Top Attractions in Gangneung
Gyeongpo Beach & Lake
Long sandy beach, bike paths, and the classic Gyeongpodae Pavilion nearby.
Anmok Coffee Street
Rows of cafés overlooking the sea; perfect sunrise/sunset vantage points.
Jeongdongjin Sunrise
Iconic sunrise coast with a seaside train line and photo spots.
Ojukheon House
Historic home of Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I; quiet gardens and museum rooms.
Haslla Art World
Clifftop art park and museum blending sea views and sculptures.
Jumunjin BTS Bus Stop
Photo spot on the coast; combine with fish market and nearby beaches.
🗓️ Polished 2-Day Itinerary
Day 1 — Beaches & Coffee
- Arrive by KTX → Gyeongpo Beach & Lake walk
- Lunch: Chodang sundubu set
- Afternoon: Anmok Coffee Street cafés
- Evening: Gyeongpodae sunset, dinner by the beach
Day 2 — Sunrise & Heritage
- Sunrise: Jeongdongjin coast
- Morning: Ojukheon House
- Afternoon: Haslla Art World or Jumunjin Market
- Return via Gangneung Station
🗺️ Map & Directions
❓ FAQ
Do I need a car?
Not strictly—buses and taxis cover key areas. A rental car helps for sunrise or multi-beach hops.
Swimming season?
Official beach season is summer; shoulder seasons are great for walks, cycling and cafés.
Souvenirs?
Local coffee beans, seafood snacks from Jumunjin, and Gangneung-made baked goods.
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