East Coast Coastal Road (Gangneung): Riding Along the Spine of Korea!
6 stops
The East Coast Coastal Road is a driving route along National Route 7 extending over 500 km, running alongside the deep, blue East Sea. Covering the beautiful coastal cities on the eastern side of the Korean Peninsula, it stretches from Goseong through Sokcho, Yangyang, Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, Uljin, and Yeongdeok, reaching all the way to Pohang, Ulsan, and Busan. Among these, Gangneung is nestled between the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range—which serves as the backbone of Korea—and the East Sea, where beautiful nature harmonizes with art, architecture, and cultural heritage. It is also known as a city of propriety (Yehyang: Shin Saimdang, Heo Nanseolheon), pine fragrance (Solhyang: Daegwallyeong, Jeongdongjin), literary heritage (Munhyang: Yi I's Ojukheon, Heo Gyun, Chodang Birthplace), Zen (Seonhyang: Bohyeonsa Temple), and longevity (Suhyang: Gangneung Danoje Festival), making it a highly popular travel destination celebrated for its clean, vivid, and elegant charm. ※ Zoom in on the map below to check detailed locations for each course. If courses overlap on the map, please zoom in to view them. (You can zoom in on the map using your mouse wheel or fingers at the desired location.)
- Distance
- Approx. 65km
Along the way
- 1BTS Bus Stop + Jumunjin Hyangho Beach
BTS정류장+주문진향호해변
A small, quiet beach in Jumunjin featuring a 200-meter-long white sandy shore and a clear, beautiful horizon. The bus stop on the beach, made famous as a BTS music video filming location, is the hottest photo zone here. Taking photos against the backdrop of the deep blue East Sea yields wonderful shots. Landscape lighting is installed at night as well as during the day, making it easy to capture pretty commemorative photos.MoreLess
- 2Jumunjin Beach
주문진해수욕장
With its wide sandy beach, shallow waters, and clear, refreshing sea, this is a go-to beach for family vacationers. Lush black pine forests surround the area, and right next to it lies Hyangho Reservoir, where freshwater fishing is also possible.MoreLess
- 3Gyeongpo Beach
경포해변
As the foremost beach on the East Sea, Gyeongpo Beach is a representative spot most frequented by youth as a symbol of youthfulness. Famous for its sunrise and moonrise views, its elongated 2 km stretch of sand, wide-open indigo sea, and densely surrounding pine forest create a spectacular sight. In particular, you can enjoy a scenic drive along the tree-lined street bordering Gyeongpo Beach.MoreLess
- 4Anmokhang Port (Coffee Street)
안목항(커피거리)
Befitting Gangneung's reputation as a coffee hub, Anmok Beach Coffee Street is specially established here. It is the birthplace of Korea's first coffee festival and is packed with coffee museums, coffee factories, and roastery cafes. Over 20 cafes line the approximately 500-meter-long coastal road. Visitors can enjoy the relaxing vibe of a cup of coffee while admiring the beautiful view of Anmok Beach through cafe windows.MoreLess
- 5
Haslla Art World
하슬라아트월드
Named by combining 'Haslla' (an ancient name for Gangneung) and 'Art World,' this is a comprehensive art space where nature, people, and art freely coexist. Perched on a hill overlooking the East Sea, it boasts splendid views. The outdoor sculpture park features various themed areas, such as the Broadleaf Tree Path, Pine Tree Garden, Time Square, Sea Garden, and Sky Observatory. While artistic tastes may vary regarding the sculptures, visitors can view art pieces created by world-renowned artists.MoreLess
- 6
Jeongdongjin
정동진
Famous for its blue sea, quiet seaside train station, 250-meter-long white sand beach ideal for strolling, and sunrise views. The water is shallow and transparent, and the expansive horizon is exceptional. Nearby attractions worth visiting include Hourglass Park, inspired by the hit TV drama 'Sandglass,' and Jeongdongjin Station, the train station closest to the sea in the world.MoreLess
Source: Korea Tourism Organization (TourAPI) · Machine-translated