“Create your own convenient travel itinerary with StepToKorea!”Gangneung is one of Korea’s top travel destinations, where the sea and mountains, tradition and modernity harmoniously coexist. Here, you can enjoy healing, adventure, and rich cultural experiences all in one place.
Gangneung Daedohobu Guan-ah
Gangneung Daedohobu Guan-ah was a building complex where central government officials stayed when they visited Gangneung during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties. According to records from the Joseon era, it was established in the 19th year of King Taejo of Goryeo (936) with 83 buildings, but only the Guest House Gate (National Treasure) remains today. The Guest House Gate is one of the few remaining buildings from the Goryeo period, with a plaque reading ‘Im Yeonggwan’ written by King Gongmin. An excavation survey conducted in 1993 for the construction of Gangneung City Hall revealed that this site is a valuable place for studying the architectural features of government offices from the Goryeo to Joseon periods. Furthermore, based on records from the Joseon era’s ‘Im Yeongji,’ this historical site is highly valued for its importance in showcasing the history and culture of old Gangneung.
• Address (location): 6, Imyeong-ro 131beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Imyeonggwan Sammun
Illustrious and beloved by locals, Gangneung Imyeongwan Sammun is one of the gates in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. Designated as Treasure No. 51 in 1962, this gate boasts a traditional Korean architectural style with a single-layered hip-and-gable roof. Formerly known as ‘Gangneung Gaeksamun,’ it was renamed Imyeongwan Sammun in April 2010. While its exact construction date remains uncertain, its architectural features suggest an origin dating back to the early Joseon period. Despite its modest size, this gate showcases the exquisite craftsmanship and beauty passed down by our ancestors. Serving as a reception hall for dignitaries and guests in ancient times, Imyeongwan Sammun embodies the essence of a traditional Korean guesthouse. Recognized as a national treasure for its historical significance and intricate design, this gate stands as a testament to the architectural prowess of the Goryeo era. The inscription on the signboard was personally written by King Gongmin, adding a royal touch to the gate’s rich history. Imyeongwan Sammun stands out as a rare example of Korean architecture featuring the unique characteristics of the Joseon dynasty. With its leaning pillars and minimal decorative elements, this gate exudes an ancient charm that sets it apart from other structures of its time. While only the gate remains today, it stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of traditional wooden architecture in Gangneung.
• Address (location): 6, Imyeong-ro 131beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Gangneung O Gyu-hwan House
Located in the heart of Gangneung city, O Gyu-hwan House is the only thatched-roof house in Gangneung, built in the late Joseon period. The house has a charming structure with three bays in the front and two on the side. On the left side, there are two rooms, and on the right side, there is a kitchen. Following the traditional style, the main and side rooms are located at the back, while a raised wooden floor porch is at the front. The pillars at each corner are tilted inward without the use of nails, relying on traditional joinery techniques. The kitchen area is especially unique with the thatched roof extending close to the ground. The walls are made of earth and stone, with rough wooden craftsmanship. Surrounding the house is a wall made of earth and stone. While the layout is similar to a typical rice-cake house, O Gyu-hwan House stands out as a distinctive example of traditional Korean architecture, evoking a sense of old charm for visitors to appreciate.
• Address (location): 23-9 Gangneung-daero 210beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province (Imdang-dong)
Gangneung Ojukheon
‘Ojukheon’ is a prominent historical site in Gangneung, known for its association with the renowned scholar Yi I from the Joseon Dynasty. Built in the early Joseon period, Ojukheon was recognized for its architectural significance and designated as a treasure in 1963. It is said that Yi I was born in the Mongnyongsil within Ojukheon. The site also includes Munseongsa Shrine, Sarangchae, Eojegak, the Yi I Memorial Hall, and the Gangneung City Museum. Munseongsa houses the spirit tablet of Yi I, while Eojegak is a repository for Yi I’s childhood belongings and the original copy of his literary work ‘Guigyeol.’ The Yi I Memorial Hall displays Yi I’s literary works, as well as works by Shin Saimdang, Maechang, and Ok San Yiwoo, showcasing the cultural heritage of the Yi family. Since 1961, Gangneung has been hosting the annual Yi I Commemoration Festival on October 25th and 26th to honor Yi I.
• Address (location): 24, Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Haeunjeong Pavilion, a Cultural Gem in Gangneung City
The Haeunjeong Pavilion, built in 1530 by scholar Sim Eon-gwang in Gangwon Province, is a charming retreat overlooking the Gyeongpo Lake. This traditional wooden structure, designated as a treasure in January 1963, features a one-story layout with 3 front sections and 2 side sections. The right 2 sections serve as a spacious main hall, while the left section houses a cozy heated floor room. Reflecting a blend of noble and commoner architectural styles, the Haeunjeong Pavilion showcases a unique design typical of the region. Visiting this historic site offers a glimpse into the cultural heritage of Gangneung, with its well-preserved elegance and historical significance.
• Address (location): 125 Unjeong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Heo Nanseolheon Sol Forest
Located in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, Hermitage Pine Forest is a lush pine grove surrounding the birthplace of Heo Nanseolheon. Heo Nanseolheon was the younger sister of Heo Gyun, the renowned female writer of the Joseon Dynasty who passed away at the young age of 27. Their clean front yard, where Heo Nanseolheon played with her brother until the age of 7, seamlessly connects with the vast pine forest. Known for its refreshing and fragrant pine breeze throughout the year, this place is popular among families and individual travelers. In 2010, Hermitage Pine Forest was honored with the “Beautiful Harmony Award” and the “Beautiful Sharing Award” at the Beautiful Forest National Competition jointly organized by the private environmental organization Life Forest, Yuhan-Kimberly, and the Korea Forest Service. Nearby, besides the birthplace of Heo Nanseolheon, there are museums and parks, offering plenty of attractions. Additionally, every spring and autumn, the Heo Nanseolheon Cultural Festival and Heo Gyun Cultural Festival are held here to commemorate the two literary figures.
• Address (location): 1-29, Nanseolheon-ro 193 beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province, South Korea
Gulsansa Temple Site
Gulsansa is located about 6km southwest of Gangneung city center. Founded by Ven. Beomil, a Buddhist monk, in the 9th year of King Munseong of the Silla Dynasty (847), Gulsansa was one of the nine main temples among the five sects and nine mountains of Silla Buddhism. The exact date of its closure is uncertain, but it is estimated to be around the late Goryeo or early Joseon period. The area of Gulsansa has now transformed into farmland, making it difficult to determine its exact size and layout, but it is known as the largest temple in the Yeongdong region. Today, you can still find treasures like the Gulsansa Temple Site and the Stone Buddha Statue of Gulsansa (both designated cultural properties of Gangwon Province). The story of the birth of Ven. Beomil is intertwined with the Scholar Rock and Stone Spring, giving us a glimpse of the scale of Gulsansa in its prime. Unfortunately, the Stone Spring was lost due to Typhoon Lusa, but efforts are underway to restore it temporarily.
• Address (location): Haksan-ri, Gujeong-myeon, Gangneung City, Gangwon Province
Gangneung Hyanggyo
Located within Gangneung Myeongryun High School, the path to Gangneung Hyanggyo passes through the school gate. This is our country’s first hyanggyo recorded in historical documents, and it is the only hyanggyo that still enshrines the tablets of the sages and scholars who taught at hyanggyo during the Joseon Dynasty. Among the main buildings, several have been designated as national treasures, including the Gangneung Hyanggyo Dae Seongjeon, Myeongrundang, and Dongmu, Seomu, and Jeollang. Of these, the Myeongrundang at the forefront was originally built in 1413 as a pavilion called Namru, and it underwent multiple renovations. It was not until after a significant renovation in 1644 that this pavilion began to be used as the educational space known as Myeongrundang. Currently, it is the largest of the Myeongrundangs among hyanggyos in our country, measuring 11 kan in the front and 2 kan on the sides. Although the exact founding date is uncertain, it is generally known to have been established in the late Goryeo period to enshrine the tablets of contemporary sages and to promote regional secondary education and the education of local residents. It was lost later and reestablished by Kim Seung-in, a scholar from Anmusa in Gangwon Province, under Hwabu Mountain in 1313. However, after being lost again in 1411, Gangneung’s Chief Magistrate Lee Maengsang, along with 68 maintainers, reconstructed it in 1413. During the Joseon Dynasty, instructors taught students receiving stipends and provisions from the government, but currently, it no longer serves an educational function. Instead, seasonal ancestral rites are performed in spring and autumn, with incense offerings made on the first and fifteenth of each month. The school is managed by one dean and several administrators.
• Address (location): 29 Myeongnyun-ro, Gyodong, Gangneung, Gangwon Province
Songdamseowon
Located in Gangneung, Songdamsa Temple is a Confucian shrine dedicated to Munseongong Yulgok Yi I. Originally established in Wanggogae, Haksan-ri, Gujeong-myeon, it was known as Seokcheon Seowon. The construction was led by Yun Anseong, the Gangwon governor, Kang Ju, the Gangneung magistrate, and local residents Kim Mongho, Lee Sangpil, in 1624. In 1652, during the reign of King Hyojong, it was relocated to its current site through collaboration between Governor Kim Ikhee and Magistrate Lee Manyeong. The original structure consisted of a shrine with 6 rooms, a moon pavilion with 7 rooms, east and west study halls with 3 rooms each, a main hall with 10 rooms, a bright pavilion with 3 rooms, and a library with 2 rooms. In 1660, it was granted the name Songdamsa and a memorial stele was erected in 1726. A devastating fire in 1804 destroyed most of the buildings, and although some parts were reconstructed by local scholars, it was dismantled in 1871 by order of King Gojong. In 1905, with contributions from local scholars, the shrine was rebuilt and annual ceremonies are held on the 2nd day of the 2nd lunar month. In 1971, reconstruction efforts began with the addition of a 6-room shrine, followed by the restoration of east and west study halls, and the Three Gates. The current structure includes the shrine with a signboard reading ‘Songdamsa,’ a main gate, middle gate, study room, and memorial stele. The calligraphy inside the study room, ‘Songdamsa Jae,’ was written by the seaman Kim Seonggeun. (Source: Gangneung City Hall)
• Address (location): 27-7 Songdamseowon-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Ojukheon House
Oibongsowon was first established in 1556 by the Gangneung governor Han Heon, who brought back a portrait of Confucius painted by Odoja during his diplomatic mission to China. Over the years, it became a place for ancestral rites and local education, housing the tablets of Confucius, Zhu Xi, and Song Siyeol. Due to the closure order during the Heungseon Daewongun’s regency, the shrine disappeared, and the tablets were moved to Gangneung Hyanggyo. The current shrine was reconstructed in 1903, with the main hall called Jipseongsa and a separate shrine named Chilbongsa. Jipseongsa houses the tablets of Confucius, Zhu Xi, and Song Siyeol, while Chilbongsa enshrines Han Heon’s tablet. The main hall serves as a gathering place for various events, meetings, and scholarly discussions. Every year on the 2nd day of the 9th lunar month, a ceremony is held to honor the ancestors.
• Address (location): 28-7 O Bong Seowon-gil, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Hwangsansa Temple
Hwangsansa is a shrine that enshrines the memorial tablet of Chungmugong Choi Phil-dal, which was built in the early 1900s through discussions between scholars and Confucianists. Chungmugong, a loyal subject of the Goryeo Dynasty and an esteemed scholar who established the academic standards of the time and taught proper etiquette, was known as the ‘Father and Son of Haedong.’ Hwangsansa features a unique roof structure with a front facade of three bays and two side bays, resembling a person’s silhouette. Additionally, within the shrine’s grounds stands Munjeongmyo, where the memorial tablet of Munjeonggong Choi Su-seong is enshrined. Choi Su-seong was a talented calligrapher, writer, and artist who met an untimely death in 1521 during the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty due to slander by his contemporaries. The Munjeongmyo, where Choi Su-seong’s memorial tablet was enshrined in 1545 by Yeonguijeong, also houses the Hwangsasa Stele on its left side. Descendants Choi Myeong-su and Jeong Chae-hwa erected the Hwangsasa Stele in Nam-mundong in 1936, which was relocated and reconstructed at its current location in 1982. Every year on the third day of the third lunar month, the Choi family performs ancestral rites at Munjeongmyo. Munjeongmyo, a smaller building constructed in a similar style to Hwangsasa, complements the cultural significance of the site.
• Address (location): 27, Unjeong-gil 21beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Geumgangsa
Geumgangsa Temple, founded by a monk in 1964 at the beautiful rocky cliffs of Sogeumgang Murung Valley, has become a must-visit attraction for tourists due to its picturesque surroundings with clear streams. Across from Geumgangsa, you’ll find Shikdangam, a legendary restaurant where it is said that thousands of soldiers once gathered for lunch. Don’t miss the unique Samseonbong, where three peaks rise dramatically, along the Sogeumgang hiking trail, a popular route starting from Sogeumgang Parking Lot that also leads to Geumgangsa, Guryong Waterfall, Manmulsang, Noinbong, and Jingogae. Nearby you can explore other temples like Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa, as well as enjoy the beaches like Yeongok Beach and Jumunjin Beach, and visit Gyeongpo Provincial Park.
• Address (location): 670, Sogumgang-gil, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province