Gangneung, Sokcho and the east coast

Take the Gangneung Line KTX from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station directly to Gangneung Station. The line opened in December 2017 and made the east coast much easier to reach. Express buses also run frequently, so choose based on timing and where you start, and check timetables through official booking channels.

The usual way to reach Sokcho from Seoul is by express bus, with departures from several terminals in Seoul. Some travelers take the KTX to Gangneung and then transfer to a bus to Sokcho. Roads can be congested on holidays and in peak season, so allow extra time.

Gangneung offers beaches, a lagoon lake, historic sites and seaside cafe streets, making it a good place for a day or two. You can combine historic sites such as Ojukheon, birthplace of the scholar Yulgok Yi I, with seaside spots famous for sunrise. City buses and taxis connect the sights, but check the distances between them in advance.

Ojukheon is known as the house where the Joseon scholar Yulgok Yi I and his mother, Sin Saimdang, were born. It is considered one of the oldest residential buildings in Korea and is designated a Treasure. A memorial hall on the grounds displays belongings and works associated with them.

Along parts of the Gangneung coast, cafes line the beachfront, drawing travelers who want coffee with a sea view. Many people stop by between sights to rest with an ocean view. It gets crowded on weekends, so wander and compare a few places rather than heading to one shop.

Jeongdongjin is a seaside village in Gangneung known for its train station right by the water and its sunrise views. Jeongdongjin Station is reported to be listed by Guinness as the train station closest to the sea. On New Year's Day and weekend mornings, it fills with people coming to watch the sunrise.

Seoraksan National Park can be reached by bus or taxi from downtown Sokcho, so many people combine the two. Trails range widely in difficulty, so pick one that suits your fitness and time. Some trails and shelters may close during wildfire prevention periods or bad weather.

Abai Village in Sokcho was formed by refugees from Hamgyeong Province who could not return home after the Korean War. It is known for the gaetbae, a small ferry that people pull along a cable across the waterway. Through its food and stories, you can sense the history of national division.

Yes. Downtown Sokcho has a large traditional market selling seafood and snacks that is popular with travelers. You can try fresh seafood and local treats in and around it. It gets very crowded on weekends and in vacation season, so go early or take food to go.

The east coast has many sunrise spots where the sun rises straight out of the sea. Sunrise times vary by season, so check the time with the weather agency and arrive a little early. Dawn by the sea can be chilly and windy even outside winter, so bring a jacket.

East coast beaches usually open officially only for a set period in summer, when lifeguards are on duty. Opening dates differ by beach and by year, so check local government announcements. Outside the official season, it is safest not to go swimming.

The East Sea often gets deep a short way from shore, and strong currents flowing out to sea can form. Swim only within designated zones and follow lifeguard instructions and flag signals. If a current pulls you out, swim parallel to the shore to escape it, then call for help.

Winter on the east coast often brings clear skies that are great for sea views and sunrises, but Gangwon Province can also get heavy snow. During snowstorms, roads may close and buses may run late. Pack warm clothing, watch for weather warnings and keep your plans flexible.

Yes. Some beaches on the east coast have surf schools and board rentals, so even beginners can give it a try. Lessons may be canceled depending on waves and weather. If you are new, take a lesson rather than going alone, and follow the safety rules.

The Gangneung Danoje Festival is a traditional festival held in Gangneung around Dano, the fifth day of the fifth lunar month, and it was inscribed by UNESCO as intangible cultural heritage in 2005. You can see rituals, shamanic rites, mask dances and folk games. Dates shift each year with the lunar calendar, so check the official announcement.

Intercity buses run between Gangneung and Sokcho, and many travelers also drive along the coastal road. You can stop at coastal towns in between, such as Yangyang. Check bus times through the terminals' official information, and if you drive, allow extra time for holiday traffic.

Yes. The Haeparang Trail follows the east coast from Oryukdo in Busan to the Goseong Unification Observatory in Gangwon Province and is divided into 50 courses. Its total length is given as 750 km or 770 km depending on the source. Even walking a single course lets you enjoy beautiful sea views.

You can get around downtown Gangneung and Sokcho by public transport and taxi, but a rental car can be handy for hopping between coastal towns. Coastal roads and parking lots get crowded in peak season and on holidays. If you plan to drive, prepare an international driving permit and other required documents in advance.

Plan one night to see either Gangneung or Sokcho, or about two nights to cover both cities plus Seoraksan comfortably. A day trip to Gangneung by KTX is possible, but you will need to stay overnight to catch the sunrise. Book accommodation early for the summer holidays and the year-end period.

The tourism websites of Gangneung and Sokcho and tourist information centers near train stations and bus terminals provide maps and event information. Haeparang Trail details are available on Durunubi, a walking-travel app. If you need interpretation, call the 1330 tourist hotline.