Every spring, Gangneung is painted in shades of soft pink and white as cherry blossoms bloom along its riversides, parks, and city streets. The Gangneung Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this fleeting season with vibrant events, cultural performances, and night illuminations that allow visitors to enjoy the blossoms even after sunset. Strolling beneath the blooming cherry trees, visitors can join in local food markets, music concerts, and family-friendly activities, creating memories that capture the essence of spring in Korea.
Gangneung Cherry Blossom FestivalEvery spring, Gangneung is painted in shades of soft pink and white as cherry blossoms bloom along its riversides, parks, and city streets. The Gangneung Cherry Blossom Festival celebrates this fleeting season with vibrant events, cultural performances, and night illuminations that allow visitors to enjoy the blossoms even after sunset. Strolling beneath the blooming cherry trees, visitors can join in local food markets, music concerts, and family-friendly activities, creating memories that capture the essence of spring in Korea.
Every summer, Gangneung transforms into a vibrant festival ground with the Beach Beer Festival held right by the sea. Visitors can enjoy chilled beer alongside DJ performances, live bands, flea markets, and food trucks from day to night.
Gangneung Beach Beer FestivalEvery summer, Gangneung transforms into a vibrant festival ground with the Beach Beer Festival held right by the sea. Visitors can enjoy chilled beer alongside DJ performances, live bands, flea markets, and food trucks from day to night.
The Gangneung Cultural Heritage Night Walk shines a spotlight on the city’s traditions and heritage after dark. Historic houses, Confucian academies, and traditional buildings that are usually seen only in daylight come alive with lighting, performances, and guided storytelling at night. Visitors can enjoy music and dance inspired by local history, join cultural experiences hosted by local artists, and explore the deep cultural layers of Gangneung in an entirely new atmosphere.
Gangneung Cultural Heritage NightThe Gangneung Cultural Heritage Night Walk shines a spotlight on the city’s traditions and heritage after dark. Historic houses, Confucian academies, and traditional buildings that are usually seen only in daylight come alive with lighting, performances, and guided storytelling at night. Visitors can enjoy music and dance inspired by local history, join cultural experiences hosted by local artists, and explore the deep cultural layers of Gangneung in an entirely new atmosphere.
Gangneung Jungang Market is the beating heart of the city’s food culture and local life. Established decades ago, this bustling traditional market offers everything from fresh seafood brought in daily from the East Sea to seasonal fruits, vegetables, and homemade side dishes that reflect the flavors of Gangwon-do. Visitors can savor Gangneung’s famous snacks such as crispy fried squid, savory dumplings, and sweet hotteok filled with nuts and honey, all prepared right before their eyes at street-style stalls.
Gangneung Jungang MarketGangneung Jungang Market is the beating heart of the city’s food culture and local life. Established decades ago, this bustling traditional market offers everything from fresh seafood brought in daily from the East Sea to seasonal fruits, vegetables, and homemade side dishes that reflect the flavors of Gangwon-do. Visitors can savor Gangneung’s famous snacks such as crispy fried squid, savory dumplings, and sweet hotteok filled with nuts and honey, all prepared right before their eyes at street-style stalls.
The sea in Gangneung offers a different face in every season. In summer, its cool waves and soft sandy beaches attract vacationers, while in winter, countless visitors gather to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the calm horizon. Among the most famous spots, Anmok Beach stands out with its coffee street, where rows of cafés allow you to enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the soothing sound of waves.
The Charm of Gangneung’s SeaThe sea in Gangneung offers a different face in every season. In summer, its cool waves and soft sandy beaches attract vacationers, while in winter, countless visitors gather to witness the breathtaking sunrise over the calm horizon. Among the most famous spots, Anmok Beach stands out with its coffee street, where rows of cafés allow you to enjoy a cup of coffee while listening to the soothing sound of waves.
Beyond food, the market is also a place where tradition meets modernity. While elderly vendors continue to sell regional specialties in time-honored ways, younger merchants have introduced creative twists—like coffee-infused street snacks—that blend Gangneung’s café culture with market charm. The lively energy of bargaining, chatting, and sharing meals makes Jungang Market more than just a shopping destination—it’s an authentic cultural experience that connects travelers with the everyday lives of the locals.
Gangneung Jungang MarketBeyond food, the market is also a place where tradition meets modernity. While elderly vendors continue to sell regional specialties in time-honored ways, younger merchants have introduced creative twists—like coffee-infused street snacks—that blend Gangneung’s café culture with market charm. The lively energy of bargaining, chatting, and sharing meals makes Jungang Market more than just a shopping destination—it’s an authentic cultural experience that connects travelers with the everyday lives of the locals.
Nothing compares to the liberating experience of drinking beer with the ocean breeze, especially when you can also taste craft beers brewed locally in Gangneung. This festival is not only about fun and entertainment—it has become a symbol of Gangneung’s youthful and energetic seaside culture, attracting both locals and international visitors.
Gangneung Beach Beer FestivalNothing compares to the liberating experience of drinking beer with the ocean breeze, especially when you can also taste craft beers brewed locally in Gangneung. This festival is not only about fun and entertainment—it has become a symbol of Gangneung’s youthful and energetic seaside culture, attracting both locals and international visitors.
Gangneung is a coastal city on Korea’s east coast, celebrated for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals. With the East Sea stretching endlessly on one side and the majestic Taebaek Mountains on the other, Gangneung offers a perfect balance of seaside relaxation and mountain adventure.
Where the Sea Meets CultureGangneung is a coastal city on Korea’s east coast, celebrated for its stunning natural scenery, rich cultural heritage, and vibrant festivals. With the East Sea stretching endlessly on one side and the majestic Taebaek Mountains on the other, Gangneung offers a perfect balance of seaside relaxation and mountain adventure.
The BTS Bus Stop in Gangneung became a global pilgrimage site for fans after the group filmed a music video there. Originally just an ordinary bus stop, it gained worldwide fame as ARMYs began flocking to the site, and it was later repainted purple to honor this connection. Purple holds special meaning for BTS and their fans—it represents everlasting love and trust, often expressed through the phrase “I Purple You.” What was once a simple public facility has now become a landmark that fans from all over the world dream of visiting to relive a piece of BTS history.
Why Is the BTS Bus Stop Purple?The BTS Bus Stop in Gangneung became a global pilgrimage site for fans after the group filmed a music video there. Originally just an ordinary bus stop, it gained worldwide fame as ARMYs began flocking to the site, and it was later repainted purple to honor this connection. Purple holds special meaning for BTS and their fans—it represents everlasting love and trust, often expressed through the phrase “I Purple You.” What was once a simple public facility has now become a landmark that fans from all over the world dream of visiting to relive a piece of BTS history.
This event creates a bridge between the past and present, offering a magical evening where history, art, and community meet under the moonlight.
Gangneung Cultural Heritage NightThis event creates a bridge between the past and present, offering a magical evening where history, art, and community meet under the moonlight.