Traveling with a loved one always brings excitement. The moment you board a train to Gangneung, Gangwon Province, where clear blue seas and fresh winds whisper, your special story as a couple begins. In the embrace of the vast East Sea, amidst pristine beaches and serene lakes, I propose the most romantic itinerary to deeply engrave your memories of love. Gangneung's nature will serve as a beautiful backdrop, making your love shine even brighter.
✨ Special Benefits for Couples: Korea Travel Support Programs
While traveling with your beloved is precious, the cost can't be overlooked. In Korea, the government and various local municipalities operate diverse travel support programs to boost domestic tourism. By making good use of these, you can save on travel expenses and create even richer and more fulfilling memories.
1. Local Government Tourism Promotion Programs
Many local governments offer their own travel subsidies to vitalize their regional economies. These programs typically involve refunding a certain amount or giving back local currency when you stay or spend money in specific areas. For example, Gangjin County in Jeollanam-do operates programs like 'Gangjin Half-Price Travel,' which refunds a portion of travel expenses in mobile gift certificates. Keep an eye out for similar programs in Gangwon Province and other regions you plan to visit by checking their official tourism websites for the latest information. Smart planning will make your romantic trip even more enjoyable.
2. Worker Vacation Support Program
Organized by the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), this program primarily supports employees of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and non-profit organizations in Korea by subsidizing their domestic travel expenses. If an employee contributes USD 200, their company and the government each add USD 100, providing a total of USD 400 in travel points. These points can be freely used on an online platform called 'Vacation Shop.' Foreign workers residing and working in Korea may be eligible for this benefit. Consider this opportunity to plan a special trip with your loved one in Korea.
3. One-Month Stay Program
Some couples might find short trips insufficient. Certain local governments offer 'One-Month Stay' programs, providing subsidies for accommodation or living expenses if you stay in a specific area for about a month. If you're a couple looking to deeply experience Korea's charm over an extended period, it's worth checking the websites of various local governments, including those in Gangwon Province, for related information.
4. Accommodation App Discount Coupons
Major Korean accommodation applications like Yanolja and Yeogi Eottae often partner with local governments to offer discount coupons for booking accommodations in specific regions. For example, they might provide a USD 30 discount for bookings over USD 50, or USD 10 for bookings over USD 30. These promotions are usually on a first-come, first-served basis for a limited period, so be sure to check the app announcements before your trip to seize these great opportunities.
Here is a list of tourism website addresses for major local governments in South Korea. You can check out tourist information for each region through these links. We hope this helps you when planning your travels! * Seoul Metropolitan City: https://english.visitseoul.net/ * Busan Metropolitan City: http://eng.visitbusan.or.kr/ * Incheon Metropolitan City: https://www.incheon.go.kr/tourism/eng/index.do * Daegu Metropolitan City: http://korean.visitdaegu.net/en/ * Gwangju Metropolitan City: http://tour.gwangju.go.kr/eng/main.do * Daejeon Metropolitan City: http://en.daejeon.go.kr/ * Ulsan Metropolitan City: http://www.ulsan.go.kr/ulstour_eng/ * Sejong Special Self-Governing City: http://www.sejong.go.kr/portal/en/ * Gyeonggi Special Self-Governing Province: http://www.gg.go.kr/site/gg_en/ * Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province: http://www.eco-kangwon.com/english/
🚄 5-Day Romantic Train Itinerary for Gangneung, Gangwon Province (Centred on Gangneung Station)
| Day | Morning | Afternoon | Evening |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Depart Seoul Cheongnyangni Station → Arrive Gangneung Station | Gyeongpo Lake stroll and bicycle date | Romantic sunset at Gangmun Beach, explore handmade burger restaurants |
| Day 2 | Gyeongpodae Pavilion visit and forest path stroll | Anmok Beach Coffee Street date, explore gelato shops | Romantic dinner at a restaurant or pub near accommodation |
| Day 3 | Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil (Coastal Walk) trekking | Explore seafood restaurants at Simgok Port, leisurely relaxation | Dinner at a restaurant with beautiful night views |
| Day 4 | Haslla Art World: Art and Sea Harmony | Ojukheon: historical and peaceful stroll | Central Market food tour and return to accommodation |
| Day 5 | Morning stroll at Gangneung Beach (optional) | Depart Gangneung Station → Return to Seoul |
📍 Towards Gangwon Province on the Love Train: Into the Blue Sea and Whispering Nature
The moment you board the KTX at Seoul Cheongnyangni Station, your romantic Gangwon Province trip begins. In about 2 hours, you'll arrive at Gangneung Station, ready to embrace the vast East Sea. Gangneung is a representative city on the East Coast, where clear waters, beautiful coastlines, and fresh seafood abound. Instead of crowded spots, I'll introduce you to special places where you can fully enjoy your time together.
✨ Day 1: Gyeongpo Lake and Gyeongpo Beach – A Pledge of Love in Wide Blue Expanse
Upon arriving at Gangneung Station, the first place that draws couples' footsteps is Gyeongpo Lake. This vast lake, as its name suggests, boasts a picturesque scenery where clear waters, like a mirror, harmonize with the lush pine forest surrounding it. There are well-maintained walking paths and bicycle trails around the lake, perfect for strolling hand-in-hand with your loved one or riding a tandem bicycle for a romantic time. In spring, cherry blossoms bloom; in summer, green trees provide cool shade; in autumn, colorful foliage; and in winter, the snowy landscape is breathtaking. The sky and forest reflected on the calm lake surface are like a mirror reflecting your love.
Right next to Gyeongpo Lake lies Gyeongpo Beach. Its wide, clean sandy beach is perfect for couples to stroll leisurely or relax while listening to the lapping waves. The water is shallow up to 100 meters from the shore, and facilities are well-equipped, making it safe and pleasant to enjoy the sea. As dusk falls, the red sunset dyes the sea, creating a fantastic atmosphere, and watching the sunset with your loved one will become an unforgettable memory.
- Location (Gyeongpo Lake & Gyeongpo Beach): 365 Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (based on Gyeongpodae Pavilion)
- Online Info: Search 'Gyeongpo Lake', 'Gyeongpo Beach' on Gangneung City Hall Tourism website. Instagram: #GyeongpoLake, #GyeongpoBeach
- Public Transportation: From Gangneung Station, take city bus #202 and alight at 'Gyeongpodae' or 'Gyeongpo Beach' stop (approx. 20-25 min). Taxi ride approx. 15 min, fare about KRW 10,000-12,000.
✨ Day 2: Gangmun Beach and Anmok Beach Coffee Street – Coffee Scented Romance by the Sea
Located next to Gyeongpo Beach, Gangmun Beach is a charming spot with a unique emotional atmosphere, deeply loved by couples. It's a great place to hang love locks on the Sotsae Bridge or take記念 photos in front of quirky sculptures. The Sotsae Bridge, an arched bridge floating on the sea, offers another kind of beauty at night with its splendid illumination. The clean waters and cozy beach are perfect for a private time together.
Next, make your way to Anmok Beach. A famous spot on Gangneung's Coffee Street, Anmok Beach is lined with cozy cafes. Sitting by the window, facing the blue sea, and sharing a warm cup of coffee fosters deeper connection than any conversation. There are also many quaint souvenir shops along the beach, making it fun to choose special gifts for each other. In the evening, the night view from Anmok Beach is spectacular, so make sure to enjoy the sea shimmering with lights.
- Location (Gangmun Beach): 181-1 Gangmun-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Location (Anmok Beach Coffee Street): 20 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Online Info: Instagram: #GangmunBeach, #GangneungCoffeeStreet, #AnmokBeach
- Public Transportation: Gangmun Beach is within walking distance from Gyeongpo Beach (approx. 10 min). To Anmok Beach from Gangneung Station, take city buses #200, 201, 207, etc. (approx. 20 min). Taxi ride approx. 10 min, fare KRW 7,000-9,000.
✨ Day 3: Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil (Coastal Walk) – A Promise of Love in Nature
Today's itinerary begins at Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil, a hidden gem of Gangneung. This approximately 2.86 km coastal trekking course, designated as a Natural Monument, showcases unique coastal terraces and strangely shaped rock formations, unfolding endlessly. It will feel like a mysterious secret garden just for the two of you. As the sound of crashing waves and seagulls' cries fills the air, all the everyday hustle will vanish, leaving only a deep connection with your beloved. At the end of Badabuchae-gil awaits the charming Simgok Port, where you can conclude your romantic evening by the sea with fresh seafood. On clear days, a panoramic view of the vast horizon stretching out awaits you, inviting you to confess your love freely.
- Location: Simgok-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (starting from Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise parking lot or Simgok Port entrance)
- Online Info: Search 'Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil' on Gangneung City Hall Tourism website. Instagram: #JeongdongSimgokBadabuchaeGil
- Public Transportation: From Gangneung Station, take city bus #109 or #112 towards Simgok Port or Jeongdongjin (approx. 1 hour). Taxi ride approx. 30-40 min, fare about KRW 25,000-30,000.
✨ Day 4: Haslla Art World and Ojukheon – An Emotional Outing of Art and History
Enjoy a special date at Haslla Art World, where love and art harmonize. Located with the East Sea as its backdrop, this place blends an outdoor sculpture park and an art museum. You can admire various artworks while gazing at the wide blue sea, and stroll through the beautiful sculpture park, inspiring each other. Create unique memories with your loved one in this art-stimulating place. The photo zones with the sea in the background are perfect for capturing your romantic moments.
In the afternoon, visit Ojukheon to feel Korea's history. This place, imbued with the spirit of Yulgok Yi I and Shin Saimdang, creates a peaceful atmosphere with its serene traditional Korean houses and beautiful bamboo forest. Take a quiet, contemplative stroll hand-in-hand along the lush bamboo path. In the tranquility, you can have deep conversations and understand each other more profoundly.
- Location (Haslla Art World): 1441 Yulgok-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Location (Ojukheon): 24 Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Online Info: Haslla Art World website: haslla.kr, Instagram: @hasllaartworld. Ojukheon website: ojukheon.gangneung.go.kr, Instagram: #Ojukheon
- Public Transportation: From Gangneung Station, taxi is recommended to Haslla Art World (approx. 25-30 min, fare KRW 20,000-25,000). For Ojukheon, take city bus #200, 202, etc. from Gangneung Station (approx. 15 min).
🌙 A Haven of Love: Recommended Accommodations (Nearby)
Here are some accommodations that will make your 5-day, 4-night stay in Gangneung even more romantic and comfortable.
- 1. St. John's Hotel: Located right on Gangneung's blue beach, this 5-star hotel offers fantastic ocean views from every room. With modern and sophisticated interiors, a rooftop infinity pool, spa, and various restaurants, it's perfect for a romantic getaway. Its cleanliness and refined service will perfectly alleviate your travel fatigue.
- Location: 307 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Website: stjohns.co.kr
- Instagram: @stjohnshotel
- 2. Skybay Gyeongpo Hotel: This hotel is uniquely situated to overlook both Gyeongpo Beach and Gyeongpo Lake, offering stunning views. Its distinctive ship-shaped exterior is impressive, and its rooms are clean and modern. The infinity pool here is a famous photo spot on social media, perfect for capturing wonderful pictures with the beautiful sea in the background. While not a motel-style, its thorough room hygiene and privacy management ensure high satisfaction.
- Location: 476 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Website: skybay.co.kr
- Instagram: @skybayhotel_official
- 3. Lakai Sandpine Resort: A luxury resort located directly on Gyeongpo Beach, boasting expansive grounds where you can enjoy a private beach-like experience and opulent rooms. It offers an atmosphere akin to an overseas holiday destination, with outdoor swimming pools and various amenities providing couples with ultimate relaxation. Highly recommended for those seeking a tranquil and sophisticated romantic getaway.
- Location: 529 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Website: lakaisandpine.co.kr
- Instagram: @lakaisandpineresort
- 4. Gangneung Avio Hotel: This clean and modern boutique hotel boasts convenient accessibility, being close to Gangneung Station and the city center. It offers rooms with a clean and artistic interior at a reasonable price, providing ample comfort for couples to relax. A good choice for those seeking a peaceful stay in a quiet atmosphere.
- Location: 8 Haseulla-ro 232beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- Website: (Information needs to be searched)
- Instagram: (Information needs to be searched)
🍽️ In Search of the Taste of Love: Recommended Restaurants (Nearby)
Dining experiences in Gangneung will further enrich your journey.
- 1. Chodang Tofu Village: One of Gangneung's 대표 delicacies, Chodang Tofu, gets its special taste from being curdled with clear East Sea saltwater. Mild yet savory, it's the perfect choice for couples looking for a healthy meal together. (Signature dishes: Chodang Tofu, Tofu Hot Pot). A bite of the soft, fluffy tofu will fill your heart with warm happiness.
- 2. Jumunjin Fisherman's Market: Enjoy a lively market atmosphere and a date at Jumunjin Fisherman's Market, bustling with fresh seafood. Select fresh catches together, then perhaps share a cool beer with freshly fried squid sausage by the sea for a unique experience. (Signature dishes: Sliced Raw Fish, Squid Sausage, Assorted Seafood). The taste of the ocean's freshness will revitalize your trip.
- 3. Bak I Chu Coffee: Gangneung is renowned as Korea's 'Coffee City,' and at its heart is Bak I Chu Coffee. Here, you can savor hand-drip coffee meticulously prepared from beans roasted by Mr. Bak I Chu, a first-generation barista, praised by coffee connoisseurs for its deep aroma and rich flavor. (Signature dish: Hand-drip coffee). Sitting opposite each other at an old wooden table, amidst the subtle coffee aroma, engaging in quiet and sincere conversation will deepen your love. A cup of coffee in this calm and serene atmosphere will be a small yet most romantic moment.
💖 Moments of Love to Cherish Forever: Recommended Photo Spots for Couples
Capture your love in photos amidst the beautiful nature of Gangneung.
- 1. Gyeongpo Lake Cherry Blossom Path (Spring) or Pine Forest Path: In spring, capture moments walking hand-in-hand under falling cherry blossoms; in other seasons, stroll along the green pine forest path. A beautiful backdrop is also created by leaning on each other with the peaceful lake in the background.
- 2. Gangmun Beach Sotsaedari Bridge & Frame Sculpture: Hang a love lock on the iconic Sotsaedari Bridge at Gangmun Beach with the blue sea as a backdrop, and take memorable photos. Or, create picturesque scenes within the frame-shaped sculpture, making it look like a painting.
- 3. Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil Coastal Walk Rock Formation Photo Zone: Capture dramatic photos on Badabuchae-gil, where majestic rock formations meet crashing waves. Especially photos of you facing each other or looking at the distant horizon from a rock where waves break will showcase your love in an even more special way.
- 4. Anmok Beach Coffee Street Cafe Window: Sit side-by-side by a cafe window with an ocean view, sipping warm coffee and gazing out at the sea. Capture the natural, relaxed, and romantic moments as you enjoy the scenery.