Gangneung sits on South Korea's east coast in Gangwon State, with the Taebaek Mountains to the west and the Sea of Japan to the east. The city is known for its beaches, its coffee culture, and Jeongdongjin, a popular spot for watching the sunrise. It hosted the ice events for the 2018 Winter Olympics.
For a visitor, the practical geography is a coastal strip of beaches and resort areas east of the city centre, with the KTX railway station and the intercity and express bus terminals inland. This guide covers which areas make sense as a base, and what kind of accommodation you find at each budget level. It does not recommend individual hotels.
Best areas to stay in Gangneung
1. Gyeongpo and Gangmun
This is the beach and lagoon area, built around Gyeongpo Beach, Gangmun Beach and Gyeongpo Lake. It suits first-time visitors and families who want the sea on the doorstep, and it has the widest range of places to stay, from compact guesthouses to large hotels with pools and spas.
It is also the most convenient base for the area's heritage: Gyeongpodae pavilion is north of Gyeongpo Lake, and Ojukheon is a short drive away. Expect the area to be busy in summer and around the sunrise season.
2. Anmok
Anmok is the coffee area, home to Anmok Coffee Street, which formed in the 1990s and hosts the Gangneung Coffee Festival. It suits travellers who want cafes, the beach and a relaxed coastal base rather than a resort complex.
It sits on the coast south of Gyeongpo, so it works well if you plan to spend your days between the beach and the coffee shops. It is a short drive from Gyeongpodae.
3. Around Gangneung Station and the bus terminals
The station area is the practical choice for arrivals by rail, since Gangneung station is an essential stop on the Gyeonggang Line and the KTX from Cheongnyangni now takes a minimum of about 114 minutes. The intercity and express bus terminals are the largest in Gangwon State.
This suits budget travellers and anyone passing through quickly, and it is where you find guesthouses and simpler accommodation. You trade beach access for transport convenience, so you will rely on local buses or taxis to reach the coast.
4. Jeongdongjin
Jeongdongjin is the sunrise area, popular at New Year, and it is also where the Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae Trail runs along the coastal terrace. It suits travellers who want to be at the sunrise spot itself rather than commute to it.
It is a separate settlement from the main Gangneung beach strip, so base here only if the sunrise and the trail are your priority. From the Gyeongpo area it is roughly a 35-minute drive.
5. Okgye and the southern coast
Okgye-myeon lies on the southern coast, near Geumjin Beach. It suits travellers with a car who want a quieter coastal stay and are willing to be further from the city's main sights.
Note that Okgye is one of the areas where taxis charge a 45% surcharge, along with Jumunjin and Gangdong-myeon, so plan your transport accordingly.
Where to stay on a budget, mid-range or splurge
- Budget: guesthouses and hostels, often with dormitory beds as well as single or double rooms, concentrated around the station area and the beach districts.
- Mid-range: business and tourist hotels, including family rooms and pension-style rooms, with prices that vary widely by season and view.
- Splurge: large beachfront and coastal hotels with pools, spas, restaurants and lounges, some with ocean or mountain views from the room terrace.
Best area for a first visit
Choose Gyeongpo and Gangmun. It puts you on the beach, close to Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpodae, within a short drive of Ojukheon, and within reach of Anmok and Jeongdongjin. It also has the broadest choice of accommodation, so you can match the area to your budget rather than the other way round.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get to Gangneung without a car?
The Gyeonggang Line connects Gangneung station to Cheongnyangni, with KTX-Sancheon services and a journey time of about 114 minutes at minimum. Intercity and express buses also serve the city, with the express terminal being the largest in Gangwon State.
Which area is best for watching the sunrise?
Jeongdongjin, which is the popular area for sunrise viewing and is especially busy at New Year. The Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae Trail there follows the coastal terrace.
Where can I find the local food?
Gangneung is known for Chodang dubu, which is made with seawater instead of bittern, along with ongsimi, mulhoe and jangkalguksu. Chodang dubu is the local food of Chodang village.
Do I need to worry about taxi fares outside the centre?
Yes, in some areas. Jumunjin, Gangdong-myeon and Okgye are designated as exceptional areas where a 45% extra charge applies.
Compare live prices for your dates with the booking tools on this page before you decide where to base yourself.