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Gangneung City in Gangwon Province: Gyeongpo Provincial Park
Designated as Geongpo Provincial Park on June 26, 1982 (covering an area of 9.471㎢, designated as Gosi No. 90 in Gangwon Province), this area is located about 6km north of downtown Gangneung, centered around Gyeongpo Pavilion, Gyeongpo Lake, and Gyeongpo Beach, where you can find many cultural heritage sites and monuments. Some areas have since been released, and the current area is 6.865㎢, including Gyeongpo Lake (a migratory bird habitat), Sunpo Wetland, Gyeonghojeong Pine Forest, and Sacheon Coastal Pine Forest. In particular, Gyeongpo Lake is a natural monument where rare birds such as Hooded Cranes and Mandarin Ducks can be spotted. Gyeongpodae, one of the Eight Scenic Views of the Eastern Provinces, is famous as a place to greet the full moon, and in the past, fishing in Gyeongpo Lake was a relaxing activity that attracted many visitors. However, fishing is now prohibited in this natural conservation area.
• Address (location): 284-1, Sancheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Gangneung City in Gangwon Province, ‘Noinbong’
Noinbong is a peak rising 1,338 meters high, serving as a majestic sibling to Hwangbyeongsan. Positioned between Hwangbyeongsan and Odaesan, it also marks a junction point along the Cheonghakdong Sokcho Trail. Just below its summit lies the Noinbong Shelter and a crystal-clear spring, providing a perfect resting spot for hikers. Since the road connecting Woljeongsa, Jingogae, and Sokcho was paved in 1991, there has been a significant increase in visitors flocking to the area.
• Address (location): Sam San-ri, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Kangwon Gangneung City ‘Mugunghwa Village in Gangneung Bangdong-ri’
From July to October is the season when Korea’s national flower, the rose of Sharon, blooms. Every year around this time, rose of Sharons bloom all over the country, but in the village of Bangdong-ri in Gangneung, you can find the thickest and oldest rose of Sharon. Located in the ancestral home of Park Soo-ryang, a respected figure of the Park clan, this rose of Sharon dates back to the Silla Dynasty, with well-preserved ancient houses offering a variety of sights to see. Designated as Natural Monument No. 520, the rose of Sharon in Bangdong-ri is estimated to be around 110 years old at the time of designation. As of 2023, this rose of Sharon is approximately 122 years old. Despite being the oldest, it also boasts the thickest circumference at 146cm among all the designated rose of Sharons. Its petals display a beautiful crimson pink color, preserving the pure traditional form of this heirloom variety.
• Address (location): 22-8 Gamagol-gil, Sachon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province, South Korea.
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Gangwon Gangneung City ‘National Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest’
Standing at the peak of Daegwallyeong, the dividing line between the Yeongdong and Yeongseo regions, you can see Gangneung city and the East Sea at a glance. Below your feet, a beautiful pine forest stretches out like a green carpet, within which lies the Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest. This was the first recreation forest opened in Korea, on February 15, 1989, covering an area of 2,808,000 square meters. It can accommodate up to 1,000 visitors a day, with an optimal number of 500. The Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest boasts the grandeur of ancient pine trees, making it the finest pine forest in our country. The various facilities harmonize with the pine forest, creating an ideal space for families to relax and enjoy forest bathing. With Gangneung city nearby, visitors can use this as a base to explore historical sites like Gyeongpodae and Ojukheon, and admire the coastal scenery. On clear days, the night view is splendidly dazzling. The recreation forest is divided into two areas – the left valley features training facilities for groups, while the right valley offers leisure facilities for families to enjoy.
• Address (location): 133 Sampoam-gil, Eoheulli, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province, South Korea
Kangwon Gangneung City ‘Imhae Nature Resort’
Gangneung Imhae Nature Resort is a forest getaway where you can experience the tranquility of the blue sea and mountains together, a unique charm found nowhere else in the country. The clear beauty of the East Sea coastline unfolds before your eyes, while the picturesque natural scenery of Gwongangsan Mountain surrounds the resort like a folding screen, offering a place to heal your weary mind and enjoy a leisurely rest. Connected to the resort at the back, the scenic hiking trail Baugil is divided into 8 sections, allowing you to enjoy forest bathing and admire the breathtaking sunrise views. You can also explore various nearby attractions such as Unification Park, Jeongdongjin Hourglass Park, Anin Port, Deungmyeong Rock Cave, and Haslla Art World, along with a refreshing coastal drive. The resort accommodation features clean and cozy condo-style facilities that allow for cooking inside, operating as Forest House, Cloud House, Sea House, and Sky House.
• Address (location): 1715-85 Yulgok-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
Gangwon Gangneung City ‘Guryong Waterfall (Sogeumgang)
Located in the middle 3km section of the Cheonghakdong Sogumgang Valley, Geuryong Waterfall is a series of 9 large and small waterfalls, each said to be claimed by one of the nine dragons that emerged from Geuryong Lake. The 6th waterfall, known as the Sage Waterfall, is particularly tranquil and majestic. Just 2km away from the waterfalls, you will find the Manmulsang Rock, which features various shapes and forms that captivate all who see it. From giant figures to rocky formations resembling candles, this rock showcases a multitude of shapes that mesmerize visitors. Geuryong Waterfall and the Sogumgang River first gained fame through the writings of scholars Yulgok Yi I in his ‘Cheonghaksan-gi.’ The 21km stretch from Sogumgang to Odaesan’s Woljeongsa Temple offers breathtaking scenery at every turn. Additionally, you can explore the remnants of the Amasan Fortress, believed to have been built by Prince Ma to alleviate the sorrow of a fallen kingdom. The majestic rock formations and grand waterfalls harmonize with lush forests, creating a spectacular landscape that connects to Gyeongpodae Beach, making it a key attraction on the East Coast for tourists to enjoy.
• Address (location): 500 Sogumgang-gil, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Wonju Gangneung City ‘Odaesan Salt Creek Valley’
Located in the eastern part of Odaesan National Park, Cheonghak-dong Salgakgol is named so because the appearance of the rocks resembles a small Geumgangsan (Diamond Mountain). It is also known as Cheonghaksan, as it is said to resemble a crane spreading its wings. The main peak, Hwangbyeongsan, stands at 1,470 meters, with Noinbong to the right and Maebong to the left forming a landscape resembling the wings of a crane. Through the lush forests of Salgakgol, the elegance of the rocks is revealed, captivating visitors at first sight. Spanning over 40 li from the first base of Mureung Valley, this area features various attractions such as Mureung Valley, Sipjaso, Myeonggyeongdae, Sikdangam, Guryong Waterfall, Gunja Waterfall, and Manmulsang. There are also many historical sites like Geumgangsanseong (also known as Amisanseong), where it is said that Prince Ma, a prince of the Silla Dynasty, raised the banner of Silla’s resurgence and trained soldiers.
• Address (location): Gangwon Province, Gangneung City, Yeongok Township, Samsan-ri
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Gangneung City, Gangwon Province ‘Hyangho Beach’
Hyangho Beach is connected to Jumunjin Beach, with a beautiful pine forest camping site behind it. As you walk out onto the clean white sandy beach, you’ll find a wide bench overlooking the clear sea where you can peacefully gaze at the ocean. This place became a must-visit spot during a trip to Gangneung after it was featured as the shooting location for the album jacket of BTS’s 2017 release, ‘YOU NEVER WALK ALONE.’ There’s a famous photo zone called the ‘BTS Bus Stop’ where a temporary bus stop was recreated for the album shoot and later turned into a photo zone for tourists. Sitting here for a picture with the crashing waves as the backdrop is truly captivating. Jumunjin offers a unique experience that attracts visitors not only from Korea but from all around the world.
• Address (location): Hyangho-ri, Jumunjin-eup, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Gangneung Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung City, Gangwon Province
Known as the largest beach on the East Coast, Myeongsa-5ri Beach is located in Gangmundo and Anhyeondo, 6km north of the city center and 1km from Gyeongpodae. Filled with the waves of the East Sea, seemingly trying to swallow everything in its path, the beach stretches 1.8km with an area of 1.44km² of white sandy shores. The harmonious combination of the roaring waves and the dense pine forest creates a unique beauty that blocks out the noisy everyday life. Gyeongpo Beach boasts a 1.8km stretch of sandy shore with an average depth of 1-2m and a gentle slope, making it a popular destination attracting crowds every year. Surrounded by pine forests, visitors can enjoy both swimming in the sea and forest bathing, making it a perfect retreat. Every summer, the Gyeongpo Beach hosts a summer night arts festival on a permanent stage, offering a variety of cultural attractions. Renting a bicycle and enjoying hiking around Gyeongpoho is also a must-do activity. Furthermore, the nearby Seoraksan and Odaesan National Parks provide opportunities to explore mountains, seas, and valleys all in one place.
• Address (location): 514 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea (Anhyeon-dong)
Gangneung City in Gangwon Province: Gangmun Beach
Kangmoon Beach is located in Kangmoon-dong with a small fishing port called Kangmoon Port nearby, where you can taste freshly caught raw fish at local seafood restaurants in the early morning. It is close to clean accommodation facilities and Gyeongpo District. At Kangmoon Beach, you can anchor a boat 5-10 minutes away to enjoy the vast underwater scenery at depths of 5-30m, including rock formations, seagrass beds, and large fish, making it a popular spot for skin scuba diving enthusiasts. Newlyweds looking to make lasting memories can also go underwater diving here. With 16 fishing boats at Kangmoon Port, you can catch various fish like yellow corvina, flatfish, octopus, abalones, sea urchins, sea squirts, and sea cucumbers, while in spring you can catch rockfish, flounders, keyhole limpets, in summer and fall you can catch hairtail fish, and in winter you can catch blackmouth angler. Fishing enthusiasts also enjoy catching goby and flatfish at the port.
◎ Encounter the charm of Hallyu – Drama ‘She Was Pretty’ This is where Sungjoon and Hyojin came up with photo shoot ideas while looking at the sea. They both revealed their true feelings here and formed a romantic atmosphere. With the backdrop of the East Sea, there are many photo spots where you can take life photos, making it a popular date course for couples.
• Address (location): 352 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Gangneung City, Gangwon Province, ‘Gyeongpo Beach’
Located in Okgye-myeon in South Korea, Geumjin Beach stretches 900m with a vast 63,000 square meters of white sandy shoreline. Known for its tranquil and cozy atmosphere, visitors are drawn back to this beach year after year. With a gentle slope and shallow waters, it’s a perfect spot for families with children to enjoy the sea together. Geumjin Beach is ideal for beginners to learn surfing, and driving along the coastal road between Geumjin-ri and Singok-ri, known as Heonhwaro, offers breathtaking views. At the small hill overlooking Geumjin Beach sits Geumjin Hot Spring, where spring water gushes from over 1,000 meters underground, boasting a unique composition of calcium and magnesium in a golden ratio of 1.618:1. Particularly sought after for its high content of healing minerals such as selenium and vanadium, the hot spring attracts those looking to indulge in its rejuvenating waters.
• Address (location): 271 Heonhwa-ro, Okgye-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Province
Gangneung City in Gangwon Province: Namhangjin Beach (Namhangjin Sea Beach)
Namhangjin Beach is a charming makeshift beach with a 600m-long shore and a 24,000㎡ sandy area located at the point where the fresh waters of Seomseokcheon in the lower reaches of Namdaechun in the east of Gangneung meet the sea. Its name, Naru, means ‘a place on the southern road from Songjeong to Hansongsa Temple’. Known for its clear and azure waters, Namhangjin Beach is a favorite spot for sea enthusiasts due to its modest size and stunning blue sea. Surrounded by lush pine forests and well-maintained guesthouses, it’s a perfect place to relax quietly for a few days. Visitors to the beach can rest on swings set up for weary travelers, with many wanting to take photos while sitting on them by the seaside. With the increasing number of camping enthusiasts, a pine forest camping site has been established at Namhangjin, along with a breakwater and Gangneung Port, famous for its coffee shops.
• Address (location): 67 Gonghang-gil 127beon-gil, Namhangjin-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Autonomous Province