A Weekend Escape to Gangneung: Sun, Art, and Coffee by the Sea

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We kicked off our weekend in Gangneung with a scenic drive along the coast, setting the tone for a memorable escape. After a restful night in Pohang, Robyn and I set off early in the morning, our spirits high with anticipation for the coastal adventures that awaited us in Gangneung. The drive, about three hours, hugged the coastline and provided breathtaking views. The scenic route was as refreshing as the destination, with panoramic sea views guiding us. The combination of the coastal breeze, winding roads, and endless ocean vistas made the journey feel much shorter than expected. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, spending a weekend in Gangneung offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Table of Contents

• How to Spend a Weekend in Gangneung
• Lunchbreak in Uljin
• First Thing First– Discovering Gangneung’s Beaches
• Haslla Art World
• Arte Museum Valley Gangneung
• Coffee and Culture in Gangneung
• Nature and Tranquility
• Long Bread Brunch Cafe
• Where We Stayed: Sun Cruise Resort
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Lunchbreak in Uljin

We took a well-needed break in Uljin to stretch our legs and enjoy a leisurely lunch. This small coastal town offered the perfect spot to refuel and explore before continuing our drive. We checked out a few local attractions, including Expo Park, the Jukbyeon Coast Skyrail, and the Deunggisan Skywalk, each offering a unique experience. These quick stops let us soak in the beautiful scenery and local culture. You can read about our Uljin adventures and get recommendations on what to do in this charming town.

First Thing First– Discovering Gangneung’s Beaches

Our first encounter in Gangneung was Songjeong Beach, where the tranquility of the sea instantly swept over us. It was a little chilly, but the soft sands and gentle waves provided a perfect backdrop for soulful strolls and quiet reflection. Sike– we ran as long and as far as we could. We were so happy to be on the beach. The peaceful atmosphere made it an ideal spot to unwind and soak in the serene vibes from the road trip.

Just a short drive away, Anmok Beach offered a completely different experience with its vibrant coffee culture we would visit several times this weekend. The rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee blended beautifully with the salty sea air, creating a unique seaside cafe atmosphere.

Songjeong Beach Address: 63-1 Songjeong-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Anmok Beach Address: 99-9 Anmok-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Haslla Art World

During another trip to Gangwon-do, I stumbled upon Museum of Youngwol Y Park, the sister site to Haslla Art World. I had such a great time there, I knew Haslla would be just as enthralling. Located along the picturesque East Sea, Haslla isn’t just any art complex. Spread over 27 acres, it boasts a stunning Sculpture Garden where every art piece tells a story against a backdrop of natural beauty. The peaceful surroundings made it the perfect spot for some quiet reflection and a burst of creative inspiration.

Inside, the exploration continued with diverse collections in the Contemporary Gallery and the charming Pinocchio & Marionette Gallery. But it wasn’t all smooth; finding a parking spot turned into a bit of a scramble due to the limited space available, nearly causing a disagreement among visitors. Aside from that hiccup, the large café and restaurant provided a delightful break with tasty meals and a stunning view, making up for the earlier stress. The museum also doubles as a hotel, offering a unique overnight experience for art lovers. Anyone visiting Gangneung should definitely put Haslla Art World on their list for a serene yet enriching art adventure. No weekend in Gangneung would be complete without visiting the serene Haslla Art World, a highlight of our trip.

Haslla Art World Address: 1441 Yulgok-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Website: Haslla Art World
Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM

Arte Museum Valley Gangneung

Following our journey through the local coffee scene, we visited the ARTE Museum Valley Gangneung, located by the serene Gyeongpo Lake. This museum was the third immersive media art exhibition presented by d’strict, a renowned digital media design company. I’ve also been to the one in Busan, there’s another one in Jeju. It featured twelve media art exhibitions centered on the theme “Valley,” designed to reflect the regional characteristics of Gangwon State and Gangneung, which is situated at the heart of the Baekdu Mountain Range. Each piece, produced under the theme of “Eternal Nature,” combined vibrant visuals with sensual sounds and elegant fragrances, creating a multi-sensory experience that captivated and delighted us. This artistic exploration added a rich layer of cultural depth to our visit, showcasing the dynamic fusion of technology and nature.

Arte Museum Valley Gangneung Address: 234-10 Jeodong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Hours: 10 AM – 6 PM (Closed on Mondays).

Coffee and Culture in Gangneung

Coffee Cupper Museum

During our weekend in Gangneung, we swung by the Coffee Cupper Museum, and it was a blast—especially for a coffee lover like me! This place isn’t just about looking at old coffee pots or reading about the history of coffee. We actually got to roast our own beans, watch them turn just the right shade of dark, and then cool them down to take home. It felt more like a hands-on workshop than a typical museum visit.

The whole vibe of Gangneung is coffee crazy, and this museum fits right in. It’s tucked away in a scenic part of town, and stepping inside, you’re hit with the rich smell of brewing coffee. If you find yourself in Gangneung, you have to check out the Coffee Cupper Museum. It’s not only fun but you also get to bring home a little piece of your trip.

Address: 2171-17, Wangsan-ro, Wangsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Website: Coffee Cupper Museum
Hours: Daily from 9:30 AM to 7 PM
Admission: Adults – 5,000 KRW, Children – 4,000 KRW. Coffee making experience starts at 10,000 KRW for two people.

Terrarosa Cafe

This beautiful cafe is located in the lush countryside. Terrarosa is more than just a cafe; it’s a destination. With its expansive glass walls, every seat in the house offers a view of the serene stream and densely wooded areas that surround it. The design incorporates natural materials that reflect the outdoor beauty, creating a seamless blend of indoor comfort and outdoor allure. Perfect for a leisurely afternoon, the outdoor deck invites you to enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the peaceful environment. There is a museum and gift shop attached.

Address: 25-10 Gangneungdae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Website: Terrarosa Cafe
Hours: 9 AM – 7 PM

Kirkus Coffee

This cafe is located right on the beach. Kirkus Coffee offers a cozy retreat with its two-story structure that capitalizes on the spectacular seaside views. The interior design is simple and elegant, emphasizing comfort and relaxation with a touch of classic charm. Large windows allow for an abundance of natural light and a constant connection to the sandy shores just steps away. It’s the perfect spot for early risers or late-night thinkers.

Address: 1258 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Hours: 8 AM – 10 PM

Nature and Tranquility

I convinced Robyn to take a hike the next morning. The Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae Trail is a little-known gem that’s worth a visit. It’s named after its unique location and the way the landscape stretches out like a fan towards the sea. This trail isn’t just a pretty path; it’s actually a Natural Monument. It’s the only place in the country where you can see evidence of how the Earth’s crust moved 23 million years ago to create the East Sea.

The trail runs for about 2.86 kilometers from the Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise parking lot all the way to Simgok Port. Walking it, you’re right beside the beautiful blue East Sea, with waves crashing against uniquely shaped rocks and cliffs. It used to be a closed military area, which is why not many people know about it, but now it’s open for everyone to enjoy. If you’re planning to check it out, you can find it in Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. More information is available on their website, and it’s open from 9 AM to 5:30 PM from April to October and till 4:30 PM from November to March. Make sure to get there at least an hour before closing to start your walk.

Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil Trail Address: Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Hours: Open 24 hours

Long Bread Brunch Cafe

We ended our weekend in Gangneung at a beachside cafe called Long Bread. We got lucky and scored a window seat with an amazing view of the ocean and people strolling by. The place was super clean and had a really cool vibe, which made our visit even better.

We ordered shrimp pasta and some bruschetta to start, and both were delicious—seriously good eating! The coffee was strong and just right. Parking was easy, too, right next to the cafe, which was super convenient.

If you’re planning to go, I’d say get there early. You’ll get a good parking spot and first dibs on the best pastries from the bakery. Oh, and definitely try the almond croissant; it’s incredible and sells out fast. Sitting by the window, sipping coffee, and watching the ocean was the perfect way to spend a morning. Definitely check it out if you’re in the area and looking for a chill place to eat and relax.

Long Bread Brunch Address: 343 Chodang-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Contact: +82 33-652-0030
Operating Hours: Open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM.

Where We Stayed: Sun Cruise Resort

After we parked and paid the approximate $5 to enter Jeongdongjin Sculpture Park, I was excited to explore. We walked over a bridge with koi fish swimming in unison below us and an amazing sea view around us. The Sun Cruise Hotel & Resort, just outside Gangneung, looks like a massive cruise ship and offers a distinctive retreat. The grounds include Jeongdongjin Sculpture Park, where you can wander through art installations set against nature. There’s a glass-bottom observation bridge, a stairway to heaven, and a stepped trail leading down to the craggy cliffs and Jeongdongjin Beach.

The room and public spaces are nice, but not unique. However, this resort’s exterior is unique, with two ship-like wings designed to create a perfect photo of them side by side. Along with art, the resort features yacht parking, a scenic beach, and a seafood restaurant serving fresh, local dishes. There’s also the Time Museum, with exhibits focused on the concept of time.

While there, I met Heun Hee, a Korean model instructor. We exchanged numbers, and I later called her to ask about the prettiest cafe in the area. She offered to join me, and we had a great time at Kirkus Coffee, a beautiful cafe on the beach. If you’re looking for a peaceful retreat, spending a weekend in Gangneung offers the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

Address Sun Cruise Hotel & Resort: 950-39 Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Website: Sun Cruise Resort
Hours: Check-in 3 PM, Check-out 11 AM

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