Gangneung · Sokcho
The east coast of Korea hides some of the country's best eating. Gangneung's silky Chodang sundubu, Jungang Market's grilled dakgangjeong, the legendary Terarosa coffee roastery, Sokcho's Daepo Port for the freshest sashimi, and Jungang Market's specialty squid sundae. Two days of coastal eating between mountains and sea.
Duration
2 days
Location
Gangneung · Sokcho
Full itinerary at a glance — tap markers for map links
Day-by-day breakdown with spots, maps, and local tips
Arrive in Gangneung and head straight to Chodang Sundubu Village — silky soft tofu made with East Sea water, served bubbling hot. Walk to Gangneung Jungang Market for dakgangjeong (sweet crispy chicken) and market snacks. Afternoon at Anmok Coffee Street — Korea's coffee capital by the sea. Visit Terarosa's flagship roastery, a converted factory with world-class single-origin brews. Dinner at Donghwa Garden for authentic Korean course dining.
A village of traditional soft tofu restaurants using East Sea mineral water. Gangneung's signature dish served with local sides. Multiple family-run restaurants since the 1950s.
Traditional market with Gangneung's local food. Fresh seafood, tteok (rice cakes), and street food stalls throughout. A glimpse into authentic Korean market culture.
Korea's coffee capital! A beachfront street lined with 30+ specialty coffee shops. Gangneung is the birthplace of Korean coffee culture with annual Coffee Festival.
The iconic specialty coffee roastery that put Gangneung on Korea's coffee map. Housed in a converted rural warehouse, the flagship offers freshly roasted beans and a spacious outdoor garden perfect for relaxing.
One of the oldest sundubu (soft tofu) restaurants in Gangneung's Chodang-dong tofu village. Known for silky Chodang sundubu made with seawater and savory sundubu-jjigae — a beloved breakfast destination.
Squid sundae (stuffed squid sausage) is a Gangneung specialty you won't find easily in Seoul. Their nurungji ojingeo sundae has a crispy rice crust layer that adds texture. The aroma of freshly made ones draws a line outside. Better to take out — they come out scorching hot.
Street snack spot inside Gangneung Jungang Market. The ice cream hotteok is their signature — crispy, piping-hot pancake filled with sugar, paired with a scoop of cold ice cream. The contrast of hot and cold is addictive. Mozzarella cheese hotteok is another solid pick.
Beef head soup (someorikukbap) restaurant inside Gangneung Jungang Market. Order at the kiosk and grab a seat. There's a big cauldron of broth at the entrance that sets the mood. The soup is deeply savory — no extra salt needed. Tender slices of beef head meat with various cuts mixed in.
Gangneung's answer to Sokcho's Mansok chicken. Sweet and crispy fried chicken pieces — choose spicy, original, or half-half. The original (non-spicy) flavor actually gets more love. Stays crunchy even after cooling down, so it's great as takeout back to your accommodation.
A hanok-style cafe in Gangneung's Chodang-dong area, near Gyeongpo. Traditional Korean architecture meets specialty coffee — sit on the wooden toenmaru (veranda) overlooking a courtyard garden. Known for a calm atmosphere away from the crowds.
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