Gangneung is the most populous city along the coast of Korea’s northeastern seaboard and is located in the middle of the province of Gangwon. It is a delightful city that has preserved the allure of a bygone era in its architecture. In addition, the city is home to a variety of natural beauties and a number of cultural sites that are very remarkable. Additionally, it serves as the entrance to Odaesan National Park, Jeongdongjin Beach, and the YongPyong ski resort.
On the eastern slope of the Taebaek Mountains is where the city of Gangneung is located. The topography consists mostly of steep hills that descend into valleys. The middle of the city is mostly up of steep terrain. The city’s outskirts are mostly up of mountainous terrain. The mountains of Cheolgamryeong, Bongyongsan, Duribong, and Noinbong are located to the northwest of the city and are considered to be notable. The southwest is where you’ll find the Jewangsan, Chilseongdae, Ongnyebong, Nochusan, and Deogusan mountains. The city also has a lengthy coastline that is lined with beaches that are quite picturesque.
Main Tourist Attractions of Gangneung, South Korea
Seon-gyojang House
The prestigious Naebeon Lee family calls its residential home, known as Seongyonjang House, their place of residence. The age of the home is estimated to be around 300 years. The term “Seon,” which literally translates to “boat,” is where the name of the home comes from. Because it was constructed directly across from Lake Gyeongpo, the only way to get there was by boat. The Yeolhwadang and the Hwallaejeong are the two most significant buildings found within the house. Yeolhwadang is home to the adult males of the family, while Hwallaejeong is a pond that is brimming with lotus flowers and is placed right next to the front gate.
Jeongdongjin Beach
The railway station in the town of Jeongdongjin is recognised as the one that is situated the closest to the ocean, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of World Records. During the Joseon dynasty, the town was a significant port for the country. A tiny community consisting of anywhere between two hundred and three hundred homes may be found here. The beach itself is a beautiful and relaxing spot to spend time. You may get the greatest view of the beach by going to the Jeongdongjin Maritime Park, which is conveniently located next to the beach. Hikers will like the opportunities afforded to them by the adjacent hills.
Ojukheon Residence
The construction of the Ojukheon Residence took place during the reign of the 11th King of the Joseon dynasty. It is among the earliest wooden constructions in the nation and was used as the house of Sinsaimdang (1504–1551) during that time period. The name of the building comes from the black bamboo plants that may be seen all around it. One may travel inside the home and observe the Yulgok Memorial Hall, which is the location where the scholar son of Sinsaimdang was born; the Munseongsa Shrine; and other structures, like Jagyeongmun and the Eojaegak, which were built to conserve ink stone.
Jumunjin Beach
A big beach resort, Jumunjin Beach offers its guests the opportunity to experience the abundance that nature has to offer. In addition to the stunning sand and water, there are a number of lakes in the neighbourhood of the beach that visitors may take pleasure in. You may travel on from here to see the seaside Gyungpo Provincial Park, experience treks in the mountainous Sogeumgang National Park, or simply rest and enjoy the beach sand. All of these options are available to you.
Chodang Sundubu (Watery Tofu) Village
Chodang Sundubu is the name of a settlement that may be found around the southern end of Gyeongpo Beach. The Chodang-Heoyeop family was renowned for their poetry, and the settlement was named for them. This meal, known as Sundubu, has made this community renowned (watery tofu). The making of this particular tofu involves a unique process. To produce silken tofu, first the beans are mashed into a paste, and then, in a series of stages, salt water is added to the bean paste.
Edison & Gramophone Museum
Son Seongmok is credited with founding the Edison & Gramophone Museum, which is now recognised as the most extensive Gramophone museum in the whole world. It is home to an extensive collection of phonographs, phonograph records, books, and other objects from twenty different countries. The museum is comprised of several rooms, the most notable of which are the Edison Invention Hall, the World of Sound, the World of Images, the World of Light, and the Edison & H. Ford Hall.
Haslla Art World
The Haslla Art World is located on a property that has a total land area of about 61 acres. A Time Hall, amusing gardens, and a variety of other attractions are just some of the sights that can be seen inside this region. In addition, the globe of art is home to a number of chambers where spectators may see artists at work on their latest creations. Additionally, the location offers a stage for artists and art enthusiasts to engage in a variety of intellectually stimulating conversations and expand their expertise in this field.
Gyeongpodae
Gyeongpodae is a big pavilion that is widely renowned for its view of the moon during the Lunar month. It is situated around six kilometres from the heart of the city of Gangneung. Because it has a towering pavilion with a ‘paliak’ roof, it is well-known for the architectural brilliance that it possesses. One may locate the Gyeongpodaebu, which was authored by Yulgok, inside the pavilion itself. In addition, the pavilion is home to a significant number of poetry and literary works produced by intellectuals throughout the Joseon era.
Gyeongpodae Beach
The Gyeongpodae Beach is a well-known destination that is well-known for the natural beauty that can be seen there. About a half a mile away from Gyeongpodae is where you will find it. The beach is situated in a picture-perfect location between the Gyeongpa Lake and the ocean, and it extends for close to six kilometer. Near the coast, there is a lovely combination of natural features and places of cultural significance that may be explored by anybody. In addition, there is the opportunity to explore historical locations such as Gyeongpodae town and Ojukheon, both of which provide breathtaking views of the dawn and sunset.
Sogneumgang Valley
The Sogneumgang Valley can be found on the eastern side of Mount Odaesan and is included within the boundaries of the Mount Odaesan National Park. Sogneumgang, which literally translates to “little Guemgangsan,” is said to have gotten its name from the nearby mountain of the same name. It is a wonderful feast for the eyes, as it has a large number of natural and man-made places. The Mureung Valley, the Sesim and Cheongsim waterfalls, the Sipjaso pond, which is fashioned like a cross, and the Guemgangsaneong Fortress, which is located at the peak, are some of the most well-known sites in the area.
Gyeongpoho Lake
The location of Gyeongpolo Lake is around 6 kilometres to the northeast of Gangneung. “as clear as a mirror” is the literal translation of the name Gyeongpoho. It is a natural lake that was created at the entrance of a bay, and it is well-known for the birds that migrate through it. Due to pollution, the lake’s circumference has shrunk from its original measurement of around 12 km to approximately 4 km at now. A rock island with a tiny pavilion can be seen in the centre of this lake. On the wall of the pavilion is a board that is referred to as Joam. It is speculated that Si-Yeol Song was the author of this board.
