In the heart of every city dweller, there lies a longing for distant horizons, where there are rolling mountain ranges, vast oceans, expansive grasslands, and the beauty of changing seasons.
Embarking on an impromptu journey to embrace nature may sound like a distant dream, but in reality, "far away" is not so far at all. It awaits in Gangwon Province, nestled in the north-eastern part of South Korea.
Following the previous journey to Gyeongsangbuk-do, once again, Weekender had the privilege of being invited by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) Singapore to visit this destination blessed with both scenic beauty and tranquillity. Just like the previous trip, this itinerary is suitable for all ages and very family-friendly, making it an ideal choice for those travelling with children. This article will take you on a journey into Gangwon-do, where you can immerse yourself in this healing adventure.
2. Gangneung
The coastline of Gangneung boasts a breathtaking beauty as if every shot taken could be a backdrop for a music video, even without a filter applied. With the rising popularity of Korean pop culture, more and more iconic scenes from movies and dramas are filmed in Gangneung. These picturesque locations include the red lighthouse near the Sodol Breakwater, where the main characters from “The Glory” reconfirmed their affection for each other, the BTS bus stop featured in the BTS music video “Spring Day” along Jumunjin Beach, and the Jumunjin Breakwater, where the main characters of the drama “Goblin” met each other for the very first time. Attention all K-drama and K-pop enthusiasts: Make sure to visit these spots for some memorable photo ops!
If you have a penchant for the ancient and traditional side of Korean culture, you can visit Ojukheon House, the former residence of the scholar Yi I and his mother, Shin Saimdang, from the Joseon era. The residence of this remarkable mother-son duo is one of the most representative historical sites in the Gangneung region, featuring the oldest wooden Korean residential architecture. Did you know that Shin Saimdang is the first woman to be featured on South Korean currency, and in particular, the 50,000 won bill? If you’re intrigued by this legendary lady, you can find her artwork in Yulgok Memorial Hall.
Food
When you are in a city renowned for its coastline, be sure to pay the seafood markets a visit. The most famous one is the Jumunjin Fish Market, the largest fish market on the East Coast. Even if the fresh seafood there cannot be brought back, there is a variety of affordable and high-quality dried goods, which are ideal for cooking, snacking, and gifting. There were many seafood restaurants in the area, and what left the deepest impression on us was the snow crab at Zoomoon Crab. The steamed snow crab was prepared to perfection, and the shell could be easily peeled away without the aid of tools, revealing the succulent and sweet crab meat inside. If feasting on crab meat alone isn’t satisfying enough, the meal also comes with crab roe on rice and crab soup hot pot, catering to all the cravings of crab lovers.
Special Recommendation
One unexpected delight of visiting Gangneung was witnessing a traditional Korean folk performance called “Nongak” in the vicinity of Ojuk Hanok Village. We were truly moved by the performers’ vibrant energy and remarkable skills. After the performance, we even had the opportunity to try our hand at playing traditional Korean percussion instruments together.
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