Gangneung/Sokcho

Top Attractions in Gangneung/Sokcho

Ojukheon (오죽헌)

A representative Joseon-era house where Yulgok Yi I and Shin Saimdang were born, named after the black bamboo (Ojuk) that surrounds the courtyard. By exploring Mongryongsil and Eojegak, one of the oldest wooden buildings in Korea, you can experience Joseon's Confucian culture up close.

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

Seoraksan National Park (설악산국립공원)

A premier Korean national park where the majestic Ulsanbawi Rock, Heundeulbawi (rocking rock), and seasonal scenery reach their peak during the autumn foliage season. Designated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, the cable car allows families and the elderly to comfortably reach the summit area in just 10 minutes round trip.

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

Gangneung Anmok Beach Coffee Street (강릉 안목해변 커피거리)

Gangneung's representative coffee destination with dozens of unique cafes lined along the East Sea coast. It evolved from an alley of coffee vending machines to today's coffee street. A cup of coffee enjoyed to the sound of waves combined with the beach promenade offers special healing for premium travelers.

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

Sokcho Abai Village (속초 아바이마을)

A unique village settled by refugees from the Korean War, preserving Hamgyong-do culture and famous for its Abai sundae and squid sundae. The 'Gaetbae,' a traditional raft moved by passengers pulling ropes, is a representative photo spot that can be experienced for a small fee.

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

Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market (속초 관광수산시장)

Opened in 1953, this is Sokcho's representative traditional market where you can enjoy fresh seafood and street foods like squid sundae and dak-gangjeong (sweet and spicy fried chicken). Famous shops like Manseok Dakgangjeong are gathered here, and the short walking distance allows for a rich experience even with a short 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 Shipbuilding (칠성조선소)

A complex cultural space cafe renovated from a shipyard that operated for 65 years since 1952. You can enjoy coffee on the outdoor terrace facing Cheongcho Lake. The interior, which preserves traces of the old industrial facility, boasts the most unique atmosphere in Sokcho.

Chilsung Shipbuilding (칠성조선소) 1

Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진 해변)

Korea's representative sunrise spot featuring Jeongdongjin Station, which is in the Guinness World Records as the train station closest to the sea, and Hourglass Park. It is highly symbolic, crowding with people on New Year's Day to watch the sunrise. Located in Gangneung, it is a coastal course close to 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 on the East Sea at the northernmost part of Gangneung. It's famous for the raw fish market alley where you can cheaply taste squid and octopus caught at dawn. The breakwater filming location for the drama 'Goblin' and Jumunjin Lighthouse are nearby photo spots. You can experience the local atmosphere while haggling at the stalls.

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

Sokcho Lighthouse Observatory (속초등대전망대)

A lighthouse built in 1957 that was opened as an observatory. Climbing the wooden deck through the bamboo forest offers a view of the East Sea, Cheongcho Lake, and Seoraksan Mountain. Free telescopes are available inside, and the path leads to the nearby Yeonggeumjeong Pavilion, making it a popular sunrise spot.

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

Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대)

One of the 'Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong' (Gwandong Palgyeong). It overlooks the calm Gyeongpo Lake. Visits during spring cherry blossoms or sunset are particularly beautiful. A 4.3km circuit path around the lake is popular. It's a short walk from Gyeongpo Beach, allowing you to enjoy both the sea and the lake.

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

Naksansa Temple (낙산사)

A thousand-year-old temple founded in 671 on a cliff overlooking the East Sea. Key sights include the Haesu Gwaneum Statue facing the sea and the Hongnyeonam Hermitage on the cliff. Rebuilt after a 2005 forest fire. As it's a functioning temple, modest clothing and quiet behavior are required.

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

Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch (대관령 양떼목장)

A wide meadow ranch at 850m above sea level, famous for its exotic scenery of green hills, wind turbines, and grazing sheep. It offers different charms in every season, from lush green in summer to white snow in winter. You can experience feeding hay to the sheep along the ranch path.

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

Feel the Confucian culture at Ojukheon, enjoy fresh raw fish at Jumunjin Port, relax with coffee by the waves, and visit the iconic Jeongdongjin Station.

  1. 1Ojukheon (오죽헌)
  2. 2Jumunjin Port (주문진항)
  3. 3Gangneung Anmok 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

Enjoy Seoraksan views via cable car, ride the Gaetbae in Abai Village, eat street food at the market, see views from the Lighthouse Observatory, and visit a shipyard-turned-cafe.

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