Gangneung in Gangwon-do, South Korea, is a coastal city with some amazing sites to visit and explore while enjoying the cool sea breeze with a scent of pine.
Gangneung is a seaside city in the province of Gangwon-do. Being the economic hub of the Yeongdong region, it is constantly booming. The overall ambiance is youthful and vibrant due to numerous events, cool coffee shops, and surfing hotspots all over.
The city situated at the base of the Taebaek and Odaesan mountains is extremely scenic. It is also home to several historical and cultural landmarks.
However, despite the several available options, the four sites in Gangneung below are simply unmissable.
Gyeongpodae Beach
Being the largest beach on the East coast and situated only 6 km north of the city’s heart, this is a must-visit destination when touring Gangneung. The beach is beautifully maintained, with powdery white sand soothing the feet of the beachgoers. The towering pine trees that encircle the beach area enhance the appeal making the entire space very photogenic.
We advise you to watch the sunrise here because the skyline drapes into a gorgeous reddish-yellow hue during that time. Later in the day, you can participate in any or all of the watersports available, including water skiing, banana boats, jet skis, and more.
If you visit the place towards the last week of July or the start of August, do not miss the “Summer Music” festival. Who knows, you may be able to see your favorite musicians perform amidst the beach’s scenic beauty.
Haslla Art World Museum
There is no shortage of museums in South Korea, but the Haslla Art World Museum, with its modern art, creative design, and rich heritage, is truly one of a kind. It is situated between Gangneung and Jeongdongjin and features stunning views of the East Sea.
The museum opened to the general public in 2003 and was designed by the talented couple Park Shin-Jang and Choi Ok Yeung, with the architecture echoing the Center Pompidou in Paris.
The works on display were all created by Korean artists. Most of them are heavily inspired by Korea’s rich cultural and historical past. This is what makes Haslla Art so unique.
The museum also features a garden with numerous sculptures. The entire area is creative and well-maintained and a great family destination for tourists and locals.
Seongyojang Residence
The Seogyojang residence was owned by an aristocratic family who immigrated to Gangneung over 300 years ago. People had to reach the complex by crossing the Gyeongpo Lake by boat, thereby resulting in the name Seogyojang which literally translates to “boat bridge house” in English.
The property, which forms a part of the country’s cultural heritage, is extremely well kept. Throughout the Joseon Dynasty, it welcomed many authors and artists and still hosts literary and cultural events today. There are several buildings, each serving a distinct purpose, and dwellings with tiled roofs.
As per Korean geomancy, positioning the Seogyojang complex with a water body (Gyeongpo Lake) at the front and mountains as the backdrop is just perfect. Hence many consider the entire space to be auspicious.
Moreover, the house and park provide a lovely, tranquil scene rich in history, making it one of the must-see sites in Gangneung.
Anbandegi Village
The Anbandegi Village is a secluded residential village in the Wangsang-myeon region of Gangneung. Located at the base of Mount Gorupogi, it stands at an elevation of 1,100 meters above sea level. Dispute being remote, the village is the highest populated area in South Korea.
The landscape is breathtaking, making it a favorite spot for photographers when visiting Gangneung. In fact, Anbandegi Village is beautiful all year long. In the summer months, you can see the highland vegetable patches. Spring and autumn feature the beautiful rye fields, while the snowy vistas are breathtaking in winter.
The night sky hosts a beautiful picture of the Milky Way. Even the sunrise is gorgeous, which is why many tourists spend the entire night in the mountains to witness the dawn.
No matter which time you visit, Anbandegi Village is ever-welcoming with amazing scenic beauty.
Gangneung is a beautiful city. Make sure you plan well in advance to make the most out of your visit.
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