Gangneung's Gyeongpodae, Gangmun Beach, Chodang Sundubu and Jeongdongjin: A Coast-by-Coast Guide to Stays and Café Routes
A can't-miss 2-day, 1-night Gangneung route that splits the central beaches of Gyeongpo and Chodang from the southern course of Jeongdongjin and Gujeong
Comparison table at a glance
| Gangneung area | Key sights | Signature food and cafés | Getting there from KTX Gangneung Station | Suggested scheduling |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongpo, Gangmun and Chodang area | Gyeongpodae Pavilion, Gangmun Beach, Chodang Sundubu Village | Chodang sundubu, jjamppong sundubu (spicy seafood soft tofu), sundubu gelato | By taxi or bus | Day 1, morning to evening |
| Anmok and Songjeong beach area | Anmok Coffee Street, Songjeong Beach pine forest | 346 Coffee Story, ocean-view roasteries | By taxi or bus | Day 1, afternoon tea time |
| Jeongdongjin southern coast | Jeongdongjin Station, Sandglass Park | Coastal sunrise, raw fish, seafood | By train (KTX-Eum, ITX-Maeum and Nuriro stop at Jeongdongjin Station) | Day 2, morning coastal walk |
| Gujeong-myeon forest and coffee area | Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum, Terarosa Coffee Factory | Specialty hand-drip coffee, bakery | By car or taxi | Day 2, afternoon before heading home |
1. The Lake Seen From Gyeongpodae Pavilion, and a Walk to Gangmun Beach and Chodang Sundubu
The most classic and polished course in Gangneung is the walk between Gyeongpo Lake and the sea. Climb Gyeongpodae Pavilion, ranked first among the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong, and the calm Gyeongpo Lake, a forest of massive pine trees and the blue East Sea horizon beyond all overlap like an ink-wash painting.
Walk from Gyeongpo Lake toward the shore and you'll reach Gangmun Beach, with Gangmun Bridge and its photo zone; head a little inland along the coastal pine forest path and you'll come to Chodang Sundubu Village, where the nutty smell of soybeans fills the air. Fill up on mild white sundubu made with East Sea seawater as a coagulant or a spicy jjamppong sundubu.
Gyeongpodae Pavilion · Photo: 김지호 · Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip The area around the St. John's Hotel, right in front of Gangmun Beach, has well-kept seaside pine walking trails, making it a popular base for morning beach jogs or watching the sunrise.
2. The Little Station Closest to the Sea: Jeongdongjin Station and Sandglass Park
If the Gyeongpo and Gangmun beaches feel lively and stylish, Jeongdongjin to the south keeps a lyrical scene of waves breaking right in front of the train platform. Stand before the white fence and coastal pines of Jeongdongjin Station, listed in the Guinness World Records as the station closest to the sea in the world, and you step into a scene from a film.
Walk south from Jeongdongjin Station along the coastal trail and you'll reach Sandglass Park, home to a giant hourglass 8.06 m in diameter. The lawn plaza and coastal deck connect on flat ground, making it a nice place for a relaxed stroll in the sea breeze.
Jeongdongjin Station · Photo: IR 스튜디오 · Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip Even without a car, you can go straight to Jeongdongjin Station from KTX Gangneung Station or on Donghae Line trains, so it's very accessible for car-free travelers too.
3. A Green Afternoon at Terarosa Coffee Factory and Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum
Once you've seen your fill of the sea, turn your attention to Gangneung's other pride: 'specialty coffee and pine forests.' The flagship Terarosa Coffee Factory, nestled on a mountainside in Gujeong-myeon, combines a red-brick roastery building, an outdoor garden and a coffee museum and is considered a pilgrimage site that symbolizes Gangneung's coffee culture.
Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum, in the same Gujeong-myeon area, is another spot too good to miss. A gentle deck path (the Thousand-Year Breath Healing Trail) winds through dense Geumgang pine forest on the slopes of Chilseongsan, and with free admission and free parking, it's the perfect place to lightly refresh body and mind on the last day of your trip.
Terarosa Coffee Factory · Photo: Korea Tourism Organization · KOGL Type 1
Yeohaenggak editor's tip If you want to drink coffee directly facing the sea, choose the large ocean-view cafés on the Anmok and Gangmun coast (such as 346 Coffee Story); if you want a forest garden and roastery atmosphere, choose the Terarosa flagship in Gujeong-myeon.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Q. For lodging in Gangneung, is it better to stay by Gyeongpo and Gangmun beaches or downtown near Gangneung Station?
If you want sea views, morning beach walks and an infinity pool, we recommend the beach hotels in Gangmun and Gyeongpo (such as the St. John's Hotel); if you value public transit, late-night snacks at Jungang Market and good value, we recommend the downtown area, such as Gangneung City Hotel.
Q. What should I do when the wait at Chodang Sundubu Village restaurants is too long?
Famous jjamppong sundubu restaurants sometimes close their waiting lists before 11 a.m., so visit for breakfast at 8–9 a.m. or seek out the traditional white Chodang sundubu baekban (set meal) restaurants deeper in the village for a much more relaxed meal.
Q. Can I visit Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum without a reservation?
Regular daytime visits are free with no reservation needed; it is closed every Monday, so just check the day of your visit.
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