This guide was curated from 7 Korean-language blog posts, 5 YouTube videos, and 2 Unsplash photographs, then reimagined for international travelers. Full attributions are listed at the bottom of this article.
Most travelers know Gangneung (강릉) as the city of Gyeongpo Beach (경포해변) and Ojukheon (오죽헌, the birthplace of revered Joseon-era scholar Yulgok). But ask someone who grew up here what makes this city special, and they will point you somewhere else entirely — to the steam rising from a sundubu (순두부, soft tofu) shop that opens at 6 AM, to a bowl of jang-kalguksu (장칼국수, knife-cut noodles in fermented soybean broth) tucked inside a Jungang Market alley, or to a black sesame latte sipped at a quiet cafe overlooking Sacheonjin Beach (사천진해변). This guide draws on the firsthand experiences of a local writer who attended middle and high school in Gangneung, along with insights from several Korean bloggers, to lead you past the postcard attractions and into the neighborhoods where the city truly lives.
Video: “강릉 VLOG — 강릉만 10번 넘게 가본 여행 코스” by 귤팡Gyulpang
1. Chodang Sundubu — Skip the Tourist Lines, Eat Where Locals Eat
Chodang Sundubu Street, Gangneung — Photo: Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons)
No trip to Gangneung is complete without chodang sundubu (초당순두부, silky soft tofu made using seawater as a coagulant instead of chemical agents). The sundubu restaurants lining the Chodang (초당) district all carry on this centuries-old tradition, but even within the same street, the places favored by locals and those swarmed by tour buses are quite different.
1-1. Gobu Sundubu — An 8-year local resident’s pick
Gobu Sundubu (고부순두부) sits at the far end of Chodang Sundubu Street, well past the tour-bus crowds near the entrance. One travel blogger (“Dasoru”) started visiting after receiving a recommendation from friends who have lived in Gangneung since 2016 — a telling endorsement. Despite a parking lot large enough for dozens of tour buses, the restaurant retains a beautifully remodeled hanok (한옥, traditional Korean wooden house) interior.
- Address: 17, Gangneung-daero 587beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (end of Chodang Sundubu Street)
- Hours: Tue–Fri 07:00–20:00, Weekends 07:00–17:00, closed Mondays
- Prices: Sundubu-baekban (soft tofu set meal) 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD), Modubu (firm tofu plate) 10,000 KRW (~$7 USD), Hot pot dishes 12,000 KRW (~$8.50 USD), Baby sundubu 6,000 KRW (~$4.30 USD)
- TV appearances: Featured on Saengsaeng Jeongbo and 6 Si Nae Gohyang (6시 내 고향, a long-running KBS show spotlighting regional food)
The key to enjoying this place is to skip the soy sauce dipping seasoning and taste the sundubu plain. Thanks to the seawater coagulant, the tofu carries a natural nuttiness and gentle salinity that needs no embellishment. The modubu melts on the tongue like cotton candy, and mixing the leftover biji (비지, soybean pulp) into a bowl of rice is the restaurant’s hidden specialty. A self-service side dish corner lets you sample freely without extra charge.
1-2. Solhyang Chodang Sundubu — The 6 AM tofu that opens the day
Solhyang Chodang Sundubu (솔향초당순두부) is one of the earliest-opening sundubu restaurants in Gangneung, welcoming guests every morning at 6 AM. What sets it apart is that the owner’s family grows their own ingredients for the side dishes and the hand-pressed gamjajeon (감자전, crispy potato pancake).
- Address: 67, Chodangsundubu-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Hours: Daily 06:00–21:00
- Recommended dishes: White sundubu (plain, gentle enough for a hangover cure), Haemul-jjamppong sundubu (seafood spicy sundubu with sujebi dumplings), Gamjajeon
The gamjajeon, made from potatoes dug that very morning, has a chewy, golden crust and a nutty fragrance. The haemul-jjamppong sundubu brims with clams, squid, and other seafood plus hand-torn sujebi (수제비, Korean-style wheat dumplings), making it a warming bowl that cuts right through fatigue. The relaxed atmosphere suits families and older guests equally well.
1-3. Donghwa Garden — Where jjamppong sundubu was born
Both Brunch writer “Yeonglong” (영롱), who compiled a local’s food guide, and solo traveler “Naru” (나루) independently named Donghwa Garden (동화가든) as their top sundubu pick. The signature jjamppong sundubu (짬뽕순두부, spicy seafood soft tofu stew) delivers a fiery, deeply warming broth. After your meal, you can take home free biji to go, and the shop right next door sells sundubu gelato — a fun palate cleanser that rounds out the experience.
💡 Local Tip (via “Dasoru”‘s blog): “When you order the sundubu-baekban, soy sauce seasoning comes on the side — but try eating the sundubu completely plain. The seawater coagulant gives it enough natural richness and saltiness on its own.”
Video: “맛집 죄다 성공한 강릉여행! 겨울 대방어, 들기름막국수, 순두부짬뽕…” by 해시킴
2. A Local’s Food Map of Gangneung
Beyond sundubu, Gangneung hides a world of deep flavors. Brunch writer “Yeonglong,” who attended middle and high school in the city, assembled a food list that reads very differently from the tourist-oriented guides.
2-1. Ongsimi and jang-kalguksu — Gangneung’s soul food
Ongsimi (옹심이, small potato-starch dumplings simmered in clear broth) is a traditional Gangwon-do comfort dish. Jang-kalguksu (장칼국수, hand-cut noodles in a thick doenjang-based broth) is its heartier cousin. Both are everyday meals for Gangneung locals rather than special-occasion dining.
- Ponam Sagol Ongsimi (포남사골옹심이): Deep, beefy sagol (사골, ox-bone) broth with potato dumplings
- Minsok Ongsimi Makguksu (민속옹심이막국수): Generous complimentary sliced boiled pork with every order
- Geumhak Kalguksu (금학칼국수): Downtown location serving both ongsimi and jang-kalguksu
- Naun Kalguksu (나운칼국수), Hyeondae Jang-kalguksu (현대장칼국수): Jang-kalguksu specialists
2-2. Makguksu — Buckwheat noodles for summer
Makguksu (막국수, cold buckwheat noodles served in chilled broth or tossed with spicy sauce) is Gangwon-do’s signature summer dish, perfect for the humid coastal months.
- Samgyori Makguksu (삼교리막국수): The most well-known makguksu restaurant in Gangneung
- Donghae Makguksu (동해막국수): Buckwheat noodles with an East Sea breeze
- Namhangjin Memilchon (남항진메밀촌): Focused on pure buckwheat flavor
- Bak Sun-ok Bibim-guksu (박순옥비빔국수): Specializing in the spicy-tossed style
2-3. Mulhoe and seafood — Gifts from the East Sea
Gangneung faces the East Sea (동해, also known as the Sea of Japan), so fresh seafood is a daily affair rather than a luxury. “Yeonglong” recommended Sacheon Jangan Hoetjip (사천 장안횟집) and Anin Gangneung Ilmi Hoetjip (안인 강릉일미횟집) for mulhoe (물회, chilled raw fish soup), and Yeomjeon Hoetjip (염전횟집) for maeuntang (매운탕, spicy fish stew). Interestingly, the true local custom is to buy fresh-cut sashimi at Jumunjin Port (주문진항) and eat it at home — a ritual that reveals how casually Gangneung people live alongside the sea.
In Jumunjin, there is also Muneo-rang (문어랑, literally “With Octopus”), a restaurant specializing in octopus dishes. The muneo-samhap (문어삼합, octopus three-way platter) and muneo-ramyeon (문어라면, octopus ramen) are the star dishes, offering fresh seafood prepared in inventive ways.
2-4. Sarada-ppang and Chinese cuisine — Flavors unique to Gangneung
Gangneung has a few food traditions you will not find elsewhere. Sarada-ppang (사라다빵, literally “salad bread” — a soft roll stuffed with mayonnaise-based vegetable salad) is a distinctly Gangneung snack, with Baro-bang (바로방) and Ssajeon (싸전) being the go-to bakeries. For Korean-Chinese cuisine, Gangneung Miru Junghwa-yori (강릉미루중화요리) and Gangneung Gyodong Banjeom (강릉교동반점) draw long lunch lines from locals.
💡 Local Tip (via “Yeonglong”‘s blog): “Gangneung Gyodong Banjeom gets a long line at lunchtime. Arrive before 11:30 AM or come after 1:30 PM for a much more relaxed experience.”
Video: “강원도 강릉 맛집 Best 9곳, 강릉 중앙시장부터 주문진까지!” by 백년해방
3. The Depth of Gangneung Coffee — Beyond the Tourist Cafes
Gangneung is often called Korea’s “Coffee City” — and the title is well-earned. The cafe culture here runs deeper than trendy aesthetics.
3-1. Terarosa and Bohemian — The twin pillars of Gangneung coffee
Terarosa (테라로사) is a specialty coffee roastery that started in Gangneung and expanded nationwide. Bohemian (보헤미안) is considered first-generation Gangneung coffee. Together, the two form the roots of the city’s cafe identity, and both are worth visiting to understand how seriously this coastal town takes its beans.
3-2. Bawoo Coffee — The birthplace of black sesame latte, without the wait
The cafe Toemaru (툇마루) on Anmok Beach Street (안목거리) is famous for its heugimja latte (흑임자 라떼, black sesame latte), but the wait can be painfully long. Blogger “Dasoru” introduced Bawoo Coffee (바우커피) — the original shop run by Toemaru’s owner’s mother — where you can enjoy the same signature black sesame latte with no line at all.
- Address: 109-1, Jinri Haebyeon-gil, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Hours: 10:00–19:00, last order 18:30
- Prices: Bawoo Coffee (iced black sesame coffee) 6,000 KRW (~$4.30 USD), Americano 4,500 KRW (~$3.20 USD)
- Desserts: Gamtae oranda (감태 오란다, seaweed-flavored traditional wafer) and more
- Eco policy: 10% discount for bringing a tumbler; 100 KRW (~$0.07 USD) refund for returning disposable cups
Nestled near Sacheonjin Beach, the cafe offers a quiet ocean view far from the crowds. Parking is available for two cars in front of the shop, plus street parking along the beachfront.
3-3. Hidden cafes of Myeongju-dong and Gyo-dong
The old downtown neighborhoods of Myeongju-dong (명주동) and Gyo-dong (교동) are home to quiet, character-rich cafes tucked away from the main tourist corridors.
- Gyodong 899 (교동899): A peaceful spot for those who want to sip coffee in unhurried silence
- Cafe Myeongju Baedrong (카페명주배롱): A cafe that captures the artistic spirit of Myeongju-dong
- Bongbong Bangatgan (봉봉방앗간): Known as a filming location for a movie by acclaimed Korean director Hong Sang-soo (홍상수)
- Cafe Wolseong Hoegwan (카페월성회관): A cat cafe popular with animal-loving travelers
3-4. Lido Coffee — The Instagram sensation
Lido Coffee (리도커피) has become an Instagram “open-run” pilgrimage site (meaning fans line up before opening). The strawberry latte and choco butter bar are the signature items — worth a visit if you enjoy photogenic cafes.
3-5. Beodeunamu Brewery — Craft beer instead of coffee
If beer speaks to you louder than coffee, Beodeunamu Brewery (버드나무 브루어리, literally “Willow Tree Brewery”) is the place. Set in a spacious outdoor area, it serves Gangneung-brewed craft beers and was the only brewery that local writer “Yeonglong” included in the beer category of the city’s food guide.
Video: “파도소리 들으면서 술 마시면… 1박2일 강릉 여행 브이로그” by 엄비umbi
4. Practical Tips — Getting More Out of Gangneung
4-1. Getting there and getting around
- Seoul to Gangneung: The KTX (Korea Train eXpress) takes under 2 hours, departing from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station.
- Within the city: City buses connect major attractions reliably. Solo traveler “Naru” navigated Gyeongpo Beach, Arte Museum (아르떼뮤지엄, an immersive digital art space), and Heo Gyun & Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park (허균허난설헌기념공원) entirely by public bus, without a car.
- Heading to Jumunjin: Also reachable by city bus.
4-2. Best seasons to visit
- Spring (April–May): Cherry blossoms bloom at Heo Gyun & Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, framed by towering pine trees — a stunning combination.
- Summer (July–August): Beach season at Gyeongpo and Sacheonjin. The freshest seafood and mulhoe of the year.
- Autumn (September–October): Cool weather ideal for walking around Gyeongpo Lake (경포호) and cafe-hopping.
- Winter (December–February): The perfect season to warm yourself with steaming sundubu and kalguksu.
4-3. Tips for solo travelers
Brunch writer “Naru” traveled Gangneung alone and wrote: “When you travel solo, you can focus on your own heart.” Gangneung is a wonderful city for solo exploration. Walk from Gyeongpo Beach to Gangmun Beach (강문해변), browse handmade glassware at Yuri-al Yuhui (유리알유희, a glass-craft boutique), and have a solo lunch of Gangneung Burger dripping with cheese at Cafe Oceans (카페 오션스). It all connects into a satisfying one-person itinerary.
💡 Local Tip (via “Naru”‘s blog): “Arte Museum is much less crowded on Mondays. Just keep in mind that the interior is dark and expansive — it can feel a little eerie if you are there alone.”
Video: “강릉여행 베스트10 코스 추천장소” by 유추여행
5. When Everyday Life Becomes the Journey
The real charm of Gangneung does not live in grand tourist attractions. It lives in mixing biji into rice at a sundubu shop, in wandering the alleys of Jungang Market (중앙시장), in gazing at the sea from a Sacheonjin beachside cafe with nowhere in particular to be. Gangneung is a city that feels special even to Koreans because of its everyday rhythms — and stepping into that everyday life is the deepest kind of travel.
If you have already checked off the famous sights, try walking Gangneung’s neighborhoods this time. Sit down in the kalguksu restaurant where locals eat lunch. Linger in a cafe that no guidebook mentions. That is when you will understand why Gangneung is a city that keeps pulling people back.
Sources & References
This guide was curated from the following Korean-language sources:
Blogs & Articles
– “강원도 강릉 맛집 : 강릉 현지인 추천 초당순두부 맛집 고부순두부 후기” by 다소루 (dasol0920) — https://dasol0920.tistory.com/101
– “감자전도 맛있고 해장으로 좋은 얼큰한 짬뽕순두부, 강릉 솔향초당순두부 후기” by 먼지킴90 (ming-2moro) — https://ming-2moro.tistory.com/90
– “강릉여행을 준비하는 친구를 위한 현지인 맛집목록” by 영롱 (lucid) — https://brunch.co.kr/@lucid/281
– “혼자 여행을 만끽하다 — 강릉 맛집, 놀거리 추천” by 나루 (naruhouse) — https://brunch.co.kr/@naruhouse/1
– “강원도 강릉 맛집 : 웨이팅 없이 즐기는 흑임자 라떼 맛집 바우커피 후기” by 다소루 (dasol0920) — https://dasol0920.tistory.com/102
– “신선한 해산물 삼합과 문어라면이 맛있는 문어랑 주문진점 후기” by 먼지킴90 (ming-2moro) — https://ming-2moro.tistory.com/89
– “인스타 오픈런 성지! 리도커피 딸기라떼&초코버터바 후기” by 먼지킴90 (ming-2moro) — https://ming-2moro.tistory.com/92
Videos
– “강릉 VLOG — 강릉만 10번 넘게 가본 여행 코스” by 귤팡Gyulpang — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StJov4bnJKk
– “맛집 죄다 성공한 강릉여행! 겨울 대방어, 들기름막국수, 순두부짬뽕…” by 해시킴 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ubBgmcmdUHA
– “강원도 강릉 맛집 Best 9곳, 강릉 중앙시장부터 주문진까지!” by 백년해방 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=omQzR3Sbc2Y
– “파도소리 들으면서 술 마시면… 1박2일 강릉 여행 브이로그” by 엄비umbi — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRAU4Ldrdzo
– “강릉여행 베스트10 코스 추천장소” by 유추여행 — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qj_L10IbC7E
Images
– Photo on Unsplash — https://unsplash.com/photos/1b1f508bc4e0
– Photo on Unsplash — https://unsplash.com/photos/1345c68f63c5
– Chodang Sundubu Street image — Photo: Republic of Korea (CC BY-SA 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons
All content has been summarized and adapted for international readers. Original authors retain full copyright of their work.