For those attending the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, Gangneung is the closest city for general sightseeing, overnight stays and nightlife. It’s known as the economic center of Gangwon-do and according to online sources, it has a population of approximately 213,658 people.

One of the most popular things to do in Gangneung, especially during the summer, is visit the beach. Located only 15-20 minutes away from Gangneung Station, Gyeongpo Beach is the most famous beach in the area. Even during the winter, there are many visitors who come to escape from the city and admire the blue of the ocean.

Gangneung, like much of the Gangwon-do area, is famous for its food. One of the most famous Gangneung foods is soondubu (soft tofu) and for this, you should visit the Chodang Dubu Village. The village is a collection of restaurants famous for this particular type of bean curd. Some experts say that the saltiness of the East Ocean water is key to the regional specialty’s taste.

Another place to check out, in terms of food, is the Gangneung Jungang Market. The market dates back to 1980 and has two different parts: the first floor is for groceries and pre-cooked foods while the underground level is for fish. There are scores of stalls that sell marinated fried chicken, which is a specialty in nearby Sokcho.

For those of you who are staying in Gangneung longer, you might also want to check out Myeongju-dong. Currently known as the trendy neighborhood of Gangneung, the locality is filled with cute, artsy cafes and restaurants.

Music lovers and science nerds should make sure to check out the Charmsori Gramophone and Edison Science Museum. The museum houses 4,500 phonographs and other accessories collected by Son Seong-mok. It’s the largest collection of phonographs in the world and an interesting place to visit, especially if you are traveling with children.

-Gangneung-