Skip to main content

The East Coast Road Trip: Gangneung, Sokcho, and Yangyang

· 3 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

When Seoul gets too crowded, where do the locals go? They head East. Gangwon-do is the province of mountains and sea. The water here is a deep, clean sapphire blue—totally different from the muddy West Sea.

Whether you are a K-Pop fan, a coffee addict, or a nature lover, the trio of Gangneung, Sokcho, and Yangyang has something for you.

The East Coast Road Trip: Gangneung, Sokcho, and Yangyang

1. Getting There: The High-Speed "Sea Train"​

  • Seoul to Gangneung: The KTX takes just 2 hours from Seoul Station.
  • Seoul to Sokcho: No KTX yet. Take a Premium Bus (2.5 hours) from Seoul Express Bus Terminal.
  • Getting Around: Taxis are fine within cities, but if you want to hop between these three cities, renting a car at Gangneung Station is the best move. Driving along Route 7 (the coastal road) is spectacular.

2. Gangneung: Caffeine & K-Pop​

Gangneung is the unofficial "Coffee Capital" of Korea. It has the first generation of Korean master baristas.

Anmok Coffee Street​

An entire stretch of beach lined not with seafood restaurants, but with massive 4-story coffee shops. Grab a latte at Terarosa or Bohemian Roasters and watch the waves.

BTS Bus Stop (Jumunjin Beach)​

If you know the "Spring Day" album cover, you know this spot. It's just a bus stop on the beach, but queues can be long.

  • Tip: It's quite far north of the city center. A taxi will cost ~20,000 KRW from Anmok.

Arte Museum Valley​

A massive immersive media art exhibition. If it rains (which it often does in summer), come here to get lost in digital waterfalls and forests.

3. Sokcho: Peaks & Poultry​

Just 1 hour north of Gangneung is Sokcho, the gateway to Korea’s most beautiful mountains.

Seoraksan National Park​

The jewel of Gangwon-do.

  • The Cheat Code: Don't hike for 4 hours. Take the Gwongeumseong Cable Car. It whisks you to the rocky peaks in 10 minutes. The view is insane.

Sokcho Central Market​

You will see everyone carrying a white box. That is Dakgangjeong (Sweet and spicy fried chicken). The most famous stall is "Manseok Chicken."

  • Also Try: Squid Sundae (Squid stuffed with noodles and tofu, pan-fried in egg).

Abai Village​

A settlement of North Korean refugees from the war. Take the "Gaetbae," a manual boat you pull across the water with a rope, to get there.

4. Yangyang: The Surfing Capital​

Between Gangneung and Sokcho lies Yangyang, the "Ibiza of Korea."

Surfyy Beach​

A private beach zone dedicated to surfing. Even if you don't surf, the vibe is pure chill. Beanbags, Corona beers, and tropical house music.

  • Note: It’s a "foreigner-friendly" zone where English is widely spoken.

Naksansa Temple​

A stunning Buddhist temple built on a cliff overlooking the ocean. The mesmerizing sound of chanting monks mixed with crashing waves is unforgettable.

5. Perfect 2-Day Itinerary​

  • Day 1 (Gangneung & Yangyang): KTX Arrival -> Anmok Coffee Street -> Drive North -> BTS Bus Stop -> Sunset drinks at Surfyy Beach -> Sleep in Yangyang.
  • Day 2 (Sokcho): Drive to Seoraksan -> Cable Car -> Lunch at Sokcho Central Market (Chicken & Squid) -> Abai Village -> Return.

The East Coast offers a completely different vibe from Seoul—slower, saltier, and more scenic.