Gangneung Travel Guide: East Coast Beaches, Coffee Street and a Day Plan

Gangneung is the biggest city on Korea’s east coast: long sandy beaches on the East Sea, a seaside street of coffee shops, a sunrise spot by a railway station and soft tofu made with seawater. The KTX from Seoul makes it an easy day trip or a relaxed overnight by the sea.

Why go

• Beaches and sea views a train ride from Seoul.
• A coffee culture with a whole street of cafés facing the sea.
• Close to the Gangwon ski resorts in winter.

What to see

• Gyeongpo Beach and Gyeongpo Lake: a wide beach with a lake and walking paths behind it.
• Anmok Beach coffee street: cafés lined up along the sand.
• Jeongdongjin: a famous sunrise spot with a railway station right by the sea.
• Ojukheon: a historic house linked to two famous figures on Korean banknotes.
• Chodang tofu village: soft tofu (sundubu) restaurants; and Jumunjin fish market to the north.

Official source: Gangneung City

Getting there

• KTX trains run from Seoul to Gangneung Station in the city.
• Express buses also run from Seoul to the Gangneung terminal.

Official source: Korail (trains, English) · KOBUS (express buses)

You might also need: Lotte World Adventure Tickets: Prices, Getting There & Tips

Getting around

The beaches are spread along the coast, so use city buses or taxis between them. Taxis are handy in a group or with bags; for a rough idea of costs, see the taxi fare calculator (Seoul fares).

A one-day plan

1. 1
   Morning: Gyeongpo Beach and a walk around Gyeongpo Lake.
2. 2
   Late morning: Ojukheon.
3. 3
   Lunch: soft tofu in Chodang tofu village.
4. 4
   Afternoon: coffee on Anmok Beach coffee street, then head back or stay for a sunrise at Jeongdongjin.

When to go

• Summer: beach season — the busiest time.
• Winter: clear skies and sunrises; combine with skiing in Gangwon.
• Spring and autumn: mild weather for walking the coast.

Tips

• Beach towns are busy on summer weekends and holidays — book trains and stays early.
• The east coast is windy; bring a layer even in warm months.
• For skiing nearby, see our ski resort guide.

Last checked: October 2026. Routes, services and rules change — check the official source before you rely on them.

FAQ

Can I do Gangneung as a day trip from Seoul?

Yes. The KTX makes it a comfortable day trip; stay overnight if you want a sunrise at Jeongdongjin.

What is Gangneung famous for?

Its beaches, Anmok Beach coffee street, the Jeongdongjin sunrise and soft tofu from Chodang tofu village.

How do I get around Gangneung?

Use city buses or taxis between the beaches; the centre around the station is easy on foot.

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