Gangneung Itinerary 2026: Top 5 Must-Visit Spots & Travel Deals
Discover Gangneung's charm with our 2026 guide to the top 5 essential attractions. From bustling markets to historic sites and stunning beaches, plan your perfect trip!
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Discover Gangneung's charm with our 2026 guide to the top 5 essential attractions. From bustling markets to historic sites and stunning beaches, plan your perfect trip!
There are a few places that are wonderful to visit domestically,
even if you can't go abroad. Among them, Gangneung definitely stands out!
It's so charming that I've already visited twice this year.
I'll introduce you to five essential places to visit in Gangneung,
and also share details about the 'Marit Special' event, where you can snag great deals on flights,
accommodation, and tours from August 19th to 25th!
Jungang Market
Gangneung Jungang Market is where everyone visiting Gangneung
gathers. It's bursting with so much delicious food that it's an absolute joy to explore.
From Dakgangjeong (sweet and sour fried chicken), Ojingeo Sundae (stuffed squid sausage), sashimi, Gukbap (rice soup), to various fried snacks,
there's so much delicious food you'll have trouble choosing!
Instead of eating right there,
I recommend buying some after lunch or dinner, before heading back to your accommodation,
so you can enjoy them at your leisure.
These days, Jungang Market is so packed with tourists
that it can be hard to even walk through the aisles.
Especially on weekends, popular eateries can have waiting times of
30 minutes to an hour, so a pro tip is to aim for less crowded times
and visit earlier.
Ojukheon
Just a 15-minute drive from Jungang Market,
and you'll arrive at Ojukheon.
Ojukheon is the birthplace of the revered figures
Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I.
It's a place even those not particularly interested in history
should definitely visit at least once.
Visiting hours are from 9 AM to 6 PM,
and with the recent cooler weather,
it's also a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll.
Gangneung Currency Exhibition Hall
Located within the Ojukheon Municipal Museum, the Currency Exhibition Hall
may be small, but it's surprisingly interesting as you can trace the history of currency through different eras.
It's great for educational purposes if you're with kids,
and adults will enjoy a nostalgic trip down memory lane, seeing the banknotes they used in their childhood.
I also felt a fresh wave of nostalgia seeing the coins and banknotes I used when I was young.
It's a great museum to visit as part of your Ojukheon tour.
Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall
Not far from Ojukheon, the Heo Gyun
and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall is also a must-visit
essential stop.
This space commemorates Heo Gyun, the author of 'The Tale of Hong Gildong,' and his sister,
Heo Nanseolheon.
The surrounding park actually made more of an impression
than the exhibition hall itself.
Luckily, there was someone there explaining things to foreign visitors,
allowing me to hear some amazing stories about Gangneung's history and this memorial hall.
Taking a leisurely stroll along the pine forest path,
you can discover yet another charm of Gangneung.
I truly believe that exploring these historical spots,
rather than just the beautiful beaches, will leave you with even more lasting memories of Gangneung.
ARTE MUSEUM Gangneung
ARTE MUSEUM, located near Gyeongpo Lake, is another wonderful indoor
attraction perfect for visitors of all ages.
This immersive media art exhibition hall, born from a renovated, defunct speaker factory,
features 12 zones where you can delight your senses with captivating light, sound, and even unique aromas.
If you visit in the evening, the lighting effects come alive even more,
making it an absolutely perfect way to end your day's itinerary.
It's also an ideal alternative attraction if it's raining or the weather isn't great.
If you're a Gangneung citizen or a Gangwon-do resident, remember to bring your ID for on-site discounts!
I've visited all the ARTE MUSEUMs across the country more than once, and Gangneung's truly stands out as one of the most
magnificent and spectacular in scale.
MyRealTrip is currently running the fantastic 'Mari-Teuk' promotion!
The promotion runs for
just one week, from August 19th to 25th.
This is your chance to snag flights,
accommodations, and tour tickets at amazing special prices, all through first-come, first-served coupons and by signing up for notifications.
🔽Go to MyRealTrip's Last Summer Special Here🔽
Get first-come, first-served coupons every day at 10 AM,
and try your luck with the prize draw by signing up for open notifications!
Free Domestic Korean Air Flight Ticket
2-Night Stay at Shilla Monogram Danang
2-Night Stay at Sailing Club Phu Quoc
3-Night Stay at Renaissance Honolulu Hotel + Spa for 2
Free Admission Ticket to Tokyo Disneyland
Even though the number of winners is small, you might just get lucky!
Beyond these incredible prizes, there are also special offers for popular domestic hotels and resorts.
If you choose your bookings wisely,
you could save a significant amount compared to booking at the regular full price.
So, make sure to pick your travel destination and itinerary carefully and explore all the amazing deals!
🔽MyRealTrip's Last Summer Special🔽
📍 Jungang Market
21 Geumseong-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Special Self-Governing Province
📍 Ojukheon House
Ojukheon, 24 Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Special Self-Governing Province
📍 Gangneung Currency Exhibition Hall
Ojukheon, 24 Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Special Self-Governing Province
📍 Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall
1-15 Nanseolheon-ro 193beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Special Self-Governing Province
📍 ARTE Museum Gangneung
131 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province
Popular restaurants in Gangneung Jungang Market can have a waiting time of usually 30 minutes to an hour on weekends. Therefore, it's advisable to visit during less crowded times by arriving earlier.
Ojukheon is open from 9 AM to 6 PM. You can reach it by car in about 15 minutes from Jungang Market.
ARTE MUSEUM Gangneung offers on-site discounts for Gangneung citizens and Gangwon-do residents. You can receive the benefits by presenting your ID. Visiting in the evening is recommended as the lighting effects are enhanced, making it a great way to conclude your day.
MyRealTrip's 'Mariteuk' promotion runs for one week, from August 19th to 25th. During this period, you can purchase flight tickets, accommodations, and tour tickets at special prices through first-come, first-served coupons and notification subscriptions.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Craving authentic Korean flavors? Explore Gangneung's best bakeries, famous dakgangjeong, and spicy kalguksu on a delicious day trip. Perfect for foodies!
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Planning a visit to Gangneung's Running Man Experience Center? Get insider tips on ticket options, parking, and combo deals to maximize your fun in 2026.
Experience the vibrant flavors of Gangneung Jungang Market's Blue Sign House! Famous for its incredibly fresh, affordable sashimi and spicy cold fish soup, it's a must-visit for foodies.
Craving the 'Hermes of bread'? Whiterie Bakery in Gangneung is buzzing, especially for its irresistible chocolate bread. Find out prices, slicing tips, and more for your perfect treat.
Discover SL Hotel Gangneung in Jumunjin! Dive into spacious ocean-view rooms, an infinity pool, and explore nearby gems like Yeongjin Beach. Your perfect 2026 coastal escape awaits!
Truly My Kind of Trip - MyRealTrip