Tourist Attractions in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Gangneung (江陵市) is a city in Gangwon-do, on the east coast of South Korea. Gangneung is the economic centre of the Yeongdong region of Gangwon Province. Gangneung has many tourist attractions, such as Jeongdongjin, a very popular area for watching the sun rise, and Gyeongpo Beach.

The city is also home to National League football club Gangneung City FC and K League football team Gangwon FC. I also had been here on my autumn trip on 2015, you can read my story here ➝ Samcheok Ocean Railbike in Gangwon-do

#1 - Ojukheon
Ojukheon House gets its name from the many black bamboo trees that surround it. It was here where Sinsaimdang (1504-1551) lived and where her son Yi I (penname Yulgok; scholar and politician of the Joseon Period) was born. It was built during the time of the 11th King of Joseon, King Jungjong (1506-1544), and remains one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea. It was designated as Treasure No. 165 in 1963 and has been maintained by the descendants throughout the generations.
Location: 24, Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

#2 - Hassla Artworld
Covering an area of 61 acres, Haslla Art World gets its name ‘Haslla’ from Gangneung of the Shilla Era. Formed by applying to its natural features, the Art Garden contains the Pine Tree Garden, Time Hall, Wetlands, Field Garden, Sea Garden and Fun Garden. At the Fun Garden located by the sea, artists and visitors can talk about artwork placed here, as well as gaze at the clear view of the sea. There is also a study room where children experience the making of artwork and observe nature, as well as try to make sotdae (a Korean folk item, a pole, which is set up for prayer or celebration). A full tour takes about an hour and 30 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes.
Location: 1441, Yulgong-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

#3 - Jeongdongjin Rail Bike
Jeongdongjin in Gangneung is in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the unique distinction of having a train station that is located the closest to the sea, in the world. It has been famous as the best spot to see the sunrise and has a rail bike running from Jeongdongjin station letting you see the beautiful ocean view all the way while on track. Jeongdongjin in Gangneung is in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the unique distinction of having a train station that is located the closest to the sea, in the world. It has been famous as the best spot to see the sunrise and has a rail bike running from Jeongdongjin station letting you see the beautiful ocean view all the way while on track.
Location: 13, Jeongdongyeok-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Operation Hour 9:00-17:00 | Admission Fee 20,000 KRW for 2 seaters/ 30,000 KRW for 4 seaters

#4 - Jumunjin Breakwater
Jumunjin Breakwater was built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift. It became a popular attraction after its first appearance in the television drama "Goblin" (2016) as many visitors look forward to taking photos of a scene reanactment from the drama.
Location: 1609, Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

#5 - Jumunjin Fishmarket
Jumunjin Seafood Market was founded in 1936 and is situated in Gangneung next to Jumunjin Port, home to a large fleet of squid boats. It is the largest seafood market on the East Coast and includes a dried seafood market and a sashimi center. The market is a favorite among both Koreans and international visitors. Market specialties include a variety of fresh seafood caught on the East Coast such as squid, mackerel, pollacks, pikes, and crabs. At the market, visitors can purchase these items (and a number of dried seafood products) at inexpensive prices, as well as get a taste of fresh, delicious sashimi. In addition, the market hosts a variety of fun events such as the Blowfish Festival and Squid Festival.
Location: 38, Sijang-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

#6 - Seongyojang
Seongyojang is the former upper class residence of the Naebeon Lee (1703-1781) noble family of Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Province. It was designated Important Folklore Material No. 5 in 1967. The meaning of "Seon", in Seongyojang, is boat. Gyeongpo Lake was directly in front of Seongyojang at the time it was built, thus making is accessible by boat. Gyeongpo Lake at one time reached the enormous circumference of 12km. Its size has reduced by 4km over the years and its depth has decreased by 1-2 meters. It is said that 10 generations of descendents of Naebeon Lee have continued to live at Seongyojang. KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) has selected this residency as one of the top 10 most well preserved original dwellings in Korea that was constructed over the past 300 years.
Location: 63, Unjeong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do