Ep.3 Gangneung & Sokcho Day Trip: East Coast Beaches & Seoraksan

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Introduction

The East Coast of Korea offers breezy beaches, a café-lined boardwalk, fresh seafood markets, and the dramatic peaks of Seoraksan National Park—all within a day trip. Pair Gangneung’s coastal charm with Sokcho’s seafood and mountain views. *(동해안 바다와 설악산을 하루 만에 즐기는 강릉·속초 코스)*




Morning — Gangneung Coffee Street & Jeongdongjin

Anmok Coffee Street (안목 커피거리)

Dozens of cafés line the beach, each with ocean-facing windows. Try local roasters like Bohyeon-dong Coffee or Tera Rosa. Sip an Americano while watching surfers. *(동해 바다 앞에 늘어선 커피 전문점 거리. 아메리카노 한 잔과 파도 감상.)*

From SeoulKTX Cheongnyangni → Gangneung (~2 hr)
Best time09:00–11:00 morning light

Jeongdongjin (정동진)

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One of Korea’s most famous sunrise spots. The beach railway station is a popular photo stop. *(해돋이 명소. 바다와 기차역이 한 프레임에.)*


Lunch — Seafood by the Sea

Seafood is the East Coast’s crown jewel. Try hoe (회, raw fish) or mulhoe (물회, spicy cold raw-fish soup). Recommended area: Gangneung Jungang Market or seaside sashimi restaurants. *(동해안의 명물은 역시 회와 물회.)*

  • Mulhoe: Sliced fish in chili broth with vegetables and noodles (₩12,000–15,000)
  • Hoe platter: ₩30,000–50,000 depending on fish type
Tip: Many restaurants let you bring your own drinks; ask politely. *Say:* “Maeju ga-ji goa-do doego-yo?” (Can I bring beer?)

Afternoon — Sokcho Market & Seoraksan

Sokcho Jungang Market (속초 중앙시장)

Known for dak-gangjeong (sweet crispy fried chicken) and fresh squid. Street vendors also sell hotteok stuffed with sunflower seeds. *(속초 명물 닭강정과 씨앗호떡은 꼭 먹어봐야 합니다.)*

From GangneungBus or car ~1 hr to Sokcho
Market Hours09:00–21:00

Seoraksan National Park (설악산 국립공원)

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Korea’s most iconic mountain park, with granite peaks and colorful foliage in fall. The cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress is an easy highlight. *(대한민국 대표 산악 공원. 설악산 케이블카로 간단히 정상 풍경을 즐기세요.)*

Cable CarRound trip ₩15,000
Best seasonOctober–November foliage
Entry₩4,000 park fee



Dinner — Sokcho Seafood Feast

End the day with a seafood dinner at Sokcho Fisheries Cooperative Center, where stalls sell live fish, crabs, and shellfish. Buy fresh seafood downstairs and have it prepared in restaurants upstairs. *(수산물 센터에서 직접 고른 활어·게·조개를 위층에서 바로 요리.)*

  • Snow crab: Seasonal, ₩50,000–70,000 each
  • Spicy seafood hotpot: ₩30,000–40,000 for 2–3 people

Suggested One-Day Timeline

07:00 Depart Seoul → KTX to Gangneung
09:30 Coffee at Anmok Coffee Street
11:00 Jeongdongjin photo stop
12:30 Lunch: Mulhoe/hoe platter
14:00 Transfer to Sokcho
15:00 Sokcho Jungang Market snacks
16:30 Seoraksan cable car & walk
19:00 Seafood dinner at Sokcho Fisheries Center
21:00 Bus back to Seoul (~2.5 hr)

Getting There

  • Gangneung: KTX from Cheongnyangni/Seoul Station (~2 hr)
  • Sokcho: Direct buses from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (~2.5 hr) or car from Gangneung (~1 hr)

Quick Tips

  • Season: Summer = beach + coffee, Fall = hiking & foliage
  • Language: Menus often in Korean; point to fish tanks for easy ordering
  • Cash: Markets prefer cash; bring small bills
  • Comfort: Bring walking shoes for fortress walls & mountain paths

*Times, prices, and menus may change; confirm locally before traveling.*

Next Episode

Up next: Ep.4 – Chuncheon & Nami Island: Lakeside Escape.

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