Since the KTX line opened, Gangneung is the fastest way from Seoul to the sea. Its signature is the Anmok Beach coffee street — espresso with your feet practically in the sand — plus pine-fringed beaches and a famous tofu village.
🚄 Getting there: ~2 hrs from Seoul by KTX high-speed train
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The itinerary — follow this if it's your first time
Day 1 — Sea & Coffee
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11:00
Arrive Gangneung Station · Jungang Market Snack lunch: fried chicken, buckwheat crepes.
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13:30
Anmok Beach coffee street The city’s icon — pick any roaster with a sea view.
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15:30
Gangmun & Gyeongpo Beach walk Photo frames and pine paths heading north.
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17:30
Gyeongpo Lake & Pavilion Rent a bike for the lake loop, then sunset.
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19:00
Chodang Tofu Village Soft-tofu dinner; tofu gelato for dessert.
Day 2 — Jumunjin & Cafés
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09:30
Ojukheon House Joseon-era scholar’s home; quiet in the morning.
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11:30
Jumunjin Fish Market Sashimi lunch; the “Goblin” breakwater is nearby.
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14:30
Sacheon–Yeongok café coast Slow sea-view cafés away from the crowds.
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17:00
Wolhwa Street Back in town for dinner.
Day 3 — Jeongdongjin
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06:00
Jeongdongjin sunrise (optional) Famous station-by-the-sea sunrise spot.
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10:00
Haslla Art World or a clifftop café Sea-cliff views before the train home.
Getting around
Completely doable car-free: KTX in, then local buses and taxis. A car only helps for Jumunjin and the quieter northern beaches.
Where to stay
| Area | Best for |
|---|---|
| Anmok–Gangmun beachfront | Ocean-view stays on the coffee street. |
| City center / Jungang Market | Good value, easy KTX access. |
| Gyeongpo area | Hotels and resorts by the lake — family friendly. |
Daily budget (per person, excl. lodging)
| Budget | Standard | Comfort |
|---|---|---|
| ₩40–60k | ₩70–110k | ₩150k+ |
Rough ranges — prices vary by season and taste. ₩10,000 ≈ US$7–8.
What to eat
- Chodang soft tofu — The tofu village’s sundubu breakfast sets; tofu gelato is the modern twist.
- Jang-kalguksu — Spicy gochujang-broth knife noodles inside Jungang Market.
- Sashimi & mulhoe — At Jumunjin Fish Market; gomchi-guk stew in winter.
- Coffee — Anmok’s roasteries put Gangneung on Korea’s coffee map.
What to bring home
- Roasted beans & drip bags — From Anmok roasteries — the Gangneung souvenir.
- Dried squid — From Jumunjin market.
Good to know
- Weekend KTX seats sell out — book ahead on the Korail site/app.
- In summer, park the car and move by bus/taxi; beach parking is brutal.
- Popular cafés are calmest before noon.
Written as a general guide — hours, fares and schedules change, so double-check official sources before you go. zzintrip is a travel media site and is not a party to any booking.