Gangneung(South Korea) Travel 2026: Cheap Flights, Hotels & Top Attractions

For breathtaking ocean views, stay at Gangneung Seaview Resort, located along the East Coast near Dapu Bay and the Taebaek Mountains. This hotel offers panoramic sea-facing rooms, private beach access, and a sunrise viewing deck. Its modern design blends seamlessly with nature, making it ideal for travelers seeking both comfort and coastal serenity. Nearby attractions include Gangneung Marine Culture Museum and scenic hiking trails through Taebaek National Park. Opt for south-facing rooms to maximize morning light and ocean vistas.

The Central District and Gangneung Station area are perfect for families, offering easy access to Gangneung Civic Park, Gangneung Marine Culture Museum, and filming locations from the hit drama "Ghost". Recommended accommodation is Hyatt Regency Gangneung, featuring family suites, children's playrooms, and kid-friendly Korean cuisine. The area also boasts large supermarkets, dining streets, and safe walking paths, ensuring convenience and entertainment for all ages. Ideal for creating lasting family memories.

Yes, visit Gangneung Hanok Stay in Samhyeon-dong, a beautifully restored hanok (traditional Korean house) nestled in a quiet valley. It retains original wooden beams and paper sliding doors while integrating modern comforts like smart thermostats, LED lighting, and high-speed Wi-Fi. Guests can participate in authentic cultural experiences such as hanji (Korean paper) crafting and hanbok (Korean dress) photo sessions. Each room features a private courtyard, perfect for morning tea or stargazing. The inn also serves homemade ginseng chicken soup and rice cakes, offering a true taste of local life.

Don’t miss the Gangneung Danoje Festival, a UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage event held annually on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month. Experience shamanistic rituals, swing contests, and mask dance performances, and savor traditional treats like bukkum-ppang (circular rice cake) and mugwort rice cakes. During the Gangneung Marine Festival, enjoy nighttime fireworks over Gangneung Harbor and boat parades. Book accommodations early during festivals to secure full access to these vibrant traditions.

Gangneung is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes. Explore Taebaek National Park, home to towering peaks over 1,500 meters and ancient forests perfect for hiking. Seorak Mountain, famed for its winter snowscapes, is ideal for skiing and hot spring retreats. Along the East Coast, visit Dapu Bay, Cheongyun Island, and Gangneung Bridge, where you can take boat tours or ride along scenic coastal roads. Use the Gangneung Tourist Bus to easily reach these destinations and witness the dramatic fusion of mountain and sea.

Stay at Sky Mirror Gangneung, perched on a cliff in Namdaegul-dong with floor-to-ceiling glass walls and 360-degree panoramic terraces. Its mirrored exterior creates surreal reflections of sky and sea—perfect for capturing "sky mirror" shots. Nearby, White Heron Art Village Inn offers minimalist architecture blending Korean rooflines with modern design, set amidst rice fields and reeds. Both locations provide exceptional light conditions and unique backdrops. Many hotels also offer guided night photography tours around the harbor and lighthouse.

Enjoy the Gangneung Night Light Show along Gangneung Bridge and Dongdaecheon River, where illuminated installations reflect on the water like stars. In the evening, head to Gangneung Central Market Night Market for grilled eel, seafood pancakes, and stone pot bibimbap. For tranquility, book a stay at Gangneung Starlight Camping Hotel, where rooftop glass cabins allow you to gaze at the Milky Way. Some hotels even offer night walks to historic sites under moonlight.

Stay near Gangneung Station for easy access to the Gangneung Tourist Bus. Begin with a morning visit to Gangneung Civic Park and Marine Culture Museum, then enjoy fresh sea urchin rice at Gangneung Harbor. Afternoon options include a hike in Taebaek National Park or exploring the Danoje Festival stage. Return to the city for sunset views from Gangneung Bridge, followed by dinner at a local night market. End your day at Hyatt Regency Gangneung, unwinding with a hot bath and traditional massage for a seamless, enriching experience.

Book a stay at Sea Whisper Love Stay, a secluded seaside guesthouse in Dapu Bay featuring private outdoor hot tubs and ocean-view balconies. Enjoy a candlelit dinner prepared by staff, paired with local wine and Korean desserts. Alternatively, choose the Sky Mirror Gangneung’s Starlight Suite, with a glass roof for stargazing and mood lighting. Couples can walk hand-in-hand along the lighthouse path or explore the coast at twilight, creating unforgettable moments amid nature’s beauty.

Must-try dishes include Gangneung eel grills, sea urchin rice, and stone pot ginseng chicken soup. Visit Gangneung Harbor Old-Fashioned Seafood House for fresh live octopus and squid ink noodles. For mountain flavors, try Sarari Restaurant, famous for pine mushroom stew and wild mushroom soup. At Gangneung Central Market, sample spicy rice cakes and fish cake skewers. All restaurants emphasize seasonal ingredients and authentic preparation methods, delivering an unforgettable culinary journey through Gangneung’s coastal and mountain heritage.