After a well-spent night at Foursky Glamping, we woke up to the finest weather of Gangneung. The could-not-be-any-brighter sun was lingering in the indigo sky and it was the salty sea breeze that urged us into the fun expedition. Here is the list of what we did in one day in Gangneung city, not chronologically but relatively flexible.

1. Take Photos with Piles of Tetrapods

The area in front of Foursky glamping ground is opened to many accessable breakwaters intruding from the edge of Sacheonjin Beach shore where many come for different relaxations. Some were seen reaching a dock with a shiny metal bucket in one hand and a fishing rod wobbling in the other. Up on and down these structures there are hundreds of tetrapods insight to dissipate the force of incoming waves as a part of seaside nourishment. A whimsical photo of tiny me sitting on a gigantic spike of concrete is worth, well, at least for a geo-tagging on my phone I supposed 🙂

Naver Map: Gangneung Sacheon Yachting Course (강원 강릉시 사천면 사천진리) http://naver.me/GQKpVL9k

2. Try Kkomak Cockle Bibimbap

Saying you should try some of their best seafood cuisines when visit a seaside city is such a cliche, but as far as I too agree with the statement, I don’t mind touting it. One of the best place on Korea peninsula for seafood fan is Gangneung. And one of the best recommended seafood dishes to try in Gangneung is Kkomak Bibimbab. Kkomak (꼬막) is blood cockle in Korean. The dish is the mix of rice with Korean chili pepper (고춧가루), soy sauce, and maesil garnishing with a handful of sesame seed and slided green onions. It is delectable anywhere but with Gangneung salt breeze atmosphere, it’s Korean blood clams rice bowl at its finest.

Naver Map: Eomji’s Pocha Main Branch (강원 강릉시 경강로2255번길 21) http://naver.me/Fq9w93zJ

3. Mural Hunting at Tofu Village

Not very far from Gyeongpo Beach there is Chodang Dubu Village (초당두부마을) which is best known for everything tofu (dubu). But its sundubu (fresh tofu) is somewhat the most defining menu that has put the village on spot. Through out the village, you will find mural pieces depicting local culture particularly related to the creation of tofu. The murals in varying sizes were placed on the walls of many residential living properties. So, do not forget to be respectful to the people in the neighborhood when explore.

Naver Map: Chodang Soondubu (Soft Tofu) Village http://naver.me/xmNedYNP

4. Have a Cup of Black Coffee at Chodang Coffee Jongmiso

Taking a break from the earlier mural quest at Chodang Coffee Jongmiso (초당 커피정미소) or Chodang Coffee Milling is a perfection. The house was orginally a rice mill that has been transformed into a coffee place. But evidently they still maintain their nostalgic memories by adorning spaces with dried stalks of grain and pieces of rice milling machine.

First on the list of its signature is Chodang Cafe Milling Black Coffee (흑커피) that was recommended to our group. The cup has a very special scent of sesame seed in my opinion but we never knew what exactly was put in rather than 12 pieces of cereals. They said it’s a secret. But one thing I can tell you is it’s tasty enough that I want to go back just for a sip of it again!

Naver Map: Chodang Coffee Jeongmiso (강원 강릉시 초당원길 67) http://naver.me/F3IewIfB

5. Visit Gangmun Beach (강문해변)

Less than 5 minute drive up north from the tofu village lies Gangmun Beach, the place I put my mind at ease. I’ll let a scene of it on one impeccable weather day speak for itself.

Layers of white sand and turquoise sea on blue sky make up such idyllic vision of Gangmun Beach. To make your shot even more captivating, numbers of installations were established scattering along the beach. After having fun of checking out all these photo framing spots, do not forget to see Gangmun Bridge.It is the biggest photo zone at the eastmost of the beach.  

Naver Map: Gangmun Haebyeon http://naver.me/FbcC139L

6. Try Squid Bread and Ice Cream

The fact that Gangneung east sea condition was perfect for squids to inhabit is what makes squid or ojingo in Korean one of the city’s specialties. Selling everything squidy from ramen with a whole octopus to squid bread and squid ink ice cream reflexs how creative people of Gangneung are. At cafe street in front of the Gangmun Beach, we stumbled into Misawa main branch, the local cafe brand whose expertise is in squid shaped pastry and dessert making. Various of its interesting items; squid shaped bread, squid ink ice cream, and squid ink ice cream coffee have become stars on many social media platforms. Once you you try them, you will know why 🙂

Naver Map: Masiwa Main Branch (강원 강릉시 창해로350번길 19 마시와 본점) http://naver.me/x9Qu9Ul3

7. Recreate the Popular Drama Scene at Youngjin Beach

There was an avid K-drama fan among us. We headed to Yongjin Beach for her wish to see the spot where one of the great iconic scenes from Goblin (도깨비), the most-watched TV series of 2017 was filmed, according to hers. In the scene, the two leading rolls were confronting each other at the edge of a breakwaters. And there actually are several breakwaters along the beach, so look out for the one right in front of the Goblin sign with a line of people waiting for thier turns to make the scene. The spot doesn’t have merits only to the show lovers. The glistening greenish-blue waters and ocean wave blasts make a great photo op for everyone.

Naver Map: Drama [ Dokkaebi ] Filming Location http://naver.me/xcHbrhgM

8. Visit BTS Bus Stop

From Youngjin Beach, we happened to be very close to Jumujin Beach where another used filming location, the BTS ‘You Naver Walk Alone’ Bus Stop is built. The bus stop doesn’t function as an actual stop for buses, instead serves as a photo spot for BTS fans and visitors. I am no fan of any Korean band in particular but I can assure you that a backdrop of vivid blue sky, powdery white sanded beach, and emerald ocean stretching to the horizon altogeter makes the spot worthy of the name. Oh and don’t forget to stroll a little along the beach. A shot of you on a swing set is a bonus!

Naver Map: Gangwon-do Gangneung-si Jumunbuk-ro 210 http://naver.me/xt92lAao

All the fun things I have listed here really did make our summer day in Gangneung unforgettable. But for sure, the city has so much more to offer. With all the beauty of beaches on the east coast I would go back in a heartbeat to enjoy them at a more leisurely pace.

Places Mentioned in This Post

Interested in a Gangneung tour package?

Did this entry help you? Or Did you enjoy my photos? Help support my small blog by giving a little cup of joe. I am always grateful when readers reach out wanting to support 🙂

p.s. This post is independently created. However, when you book or purchase something through the retail links, I may earn an affiliate commission to help keep Ploy’s Little Atlas running. Thank you very much for your support!

p.p.s All images used (unless specified) are owned by the author of the blog and permission is required for a repost. Please, reach out via social media channels to ask beforehand if you’d like to use them.