8 Best Family Things to Do in Gangneung
What to Do for Fun in Gangneung with Your Kids?
There are plenty of fun things to do with your kids in Gangneung, at least partially because the South Korean city is a popular beach destination. Gyeongpo Beach is the most well-known beach in Gangneung and popular with people of all ages.
The lively Jumunjin Fish Market and Gyeongpo Aquarium are also recommended if you enjoy being near the water, while the Edison Science Museum houses a collection of inventions related to famous inventor Thomas Edison. The Money Museum at the Bank of Korea’s Gangneung Branch offers a different type of learning experience for all the family.
1. Jeongdongjin Time Museum
An unusual time-themed museum inside a charming old train
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Jeongdongjin Time Story, also known as the Jeongdongjin Time Museum, is one of the region’s quirkiest attractions, situated inside a 180 meter-long steam train. Each of its 8 carriages houses an intriguing collection of time-related artifacts, from rare watches to antique clocks and eccentric time-keeping gizmos. Some 200,000 people now visit the museum annually, which first opened its doors in 2013.
Outside the exhibit, lush parklands house the Millennium Hourglass, the largest of its kind, according to Guinness World Records. Nearby, you’ll also find an enormous and exceptionally accurate 7-meter bronze sundial. Getting there is easy; the tiny beach town of Jeongdongjin is a 20-minute train trip from Gangneung.
Location: 990-1, Heonhwa-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm
Phone: +82 (0)33-645-4540
Jeongdongjin Time Museum
2. Aranabi Zipline
A scenic zipline that glides over the harbor
Good for: Families, Adventure
Aranabi Zipline offers an exhilarating “flying fox” experience in Gangneung-si, a small seaside city on South Korea’s east coast. The adrenaline-pumping line soars over the sparkling East Sea, affording breathtaking views of the harbor city midflight. You needn’t fear when plunging off the 18-meter tower; the zipline complies with stringent government safety standards.
The return 600-meter trip is available to anyone between 30 kg and 110 kg and operates year-round (weather permitting). Across the road, you’ll find Gangneung Coffee Street, perfect for calming your nerves with a frothy, post-zipline cappuccino.
Location: 35-7, Gonghang-gil 127beon-gil, Namhangjin-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)33 641 9002
Aranabi Zipline
3. The Museum of Oriental Embroidery
An intriguing embroidery exhibit in Gangneung-si
Good for: History, Families
The Museum of Oriental Embroidery exhibits a vibrant array of colorful Korean textiles, plus traditional works from China, Japan, and the Western world. Its local Gangneung embroideries are especially impressive, ranging from Royal Court textiles to everyday textiles like pillowcases and socks. Don’t miss the Anju Folding Screen and Mirror Cover, 2 extravagant works that date back to the Chosun Dynasty.
Although you’ll find some basic English translations here and there, information is limited for non-Korean speakers. Nonetheless, the small private museum is well worth a look for fans of exotic art and Asian textiles.
Location: 149, Jukheon-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)33-644-0600
The Museum of Oriental Embroidery
4. Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest
A haven for activities in nature
Good for: Families, Adventure, Budget
Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest is the first recreational forest in Korea and features a beautiful pine forest with trees that are hundreds of years old. A leisurely walk along the main path leads to an observatory where you can see the entire city of Gangneung at a glance.
A variety of experiences and sights are on hand at the Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest, like charcoal crafting and works of forestry culture. There are also camping grounds, so be sure to check it out if you are on a family trip.
Location: 133, Sampoam-gil, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Hours vary by season
Phone: +82 (0)33-641-9990
Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest
5. Gyeongpo Beach
Long, sandy, lively beach
Good for: Couples, Families, Budget
Gyeongpo Beach is the most prominent beach in Gangneung and the closest to the city center. The beautiful sandy waterfront and pine forests are beloved by people relaxing and sunbathing. If you’d like to see a different side to this popular beach, try coming at sunrise, where you’ll be bathed in the calm of the early-morning rays.
The beach has an unmistakably welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, with small sculpture installations and decks throughout. The surrounding restaurants are open well into the night, so this is also a wonderful place for an evening stroll.
Location: San 1-1, Gangmun-dong Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Phone: +82 (0)33-640-4414
Gyeongpo Beach
6. Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park
Beautiful historical landmark
Good for: Families, History, Photo
Close to Chodang Village, the Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park prominently features a statue of poet Heo Nanseolheon in the middle of the park. There are memorial stones inscribed with Heo Nanseolheon’s works, and there’s no better way to appreciate her works than in nature.
The pine forest trail at the Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is refreshing and beautiful, as are the wildflowers and well-maintained lawns. The view of Gyeongpo Lake along the memorial park path is an added bonus. Entrance to the park is free.
Location: 1-29, Nanseolheon-ro 193beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Tuesday–Sunday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Mondays)
Phone: +82 (0)33-640-4798
Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park
7. Chamsori Gramophone Museum and Edison Science Museum
Edison-themed science museum
Good for: History, Families, Photo
The Chamsori Gramophone Museum and Edison Science Museum are full of Thomas Edison’s inventions, including large and small gramophones. There are so many different inventions, like the light bulb, the electric car, telephones, and refrigerators, that it’s hard to believe they were invented by a single person.
The 2 adjacent museums are said to house more inventions than anywhere in the USA, Thomas Edison’s home country. You’ll also be able to discover the cultural heritage of traditional Korean musical instruments. Stopping by at the Son Sung Mok Film Museum next door is highly recommended, too.
Location: 393, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Wednesday–Monday from 10 am to 5 pm (closed on Tuesdays)
Phone: +82 (0)33-655-1130
Chamsori Gramophone Museum and Edison Science Museum
8. Bank of Korea Money Museum
Learning about money at the Gangneung Branch
Good for: Families, History
The Bank of Korea Money Museum at the Gangneung Branch is where you can learn more about the money we use, from the history of money to curious facts. There are fun and exciting experiences for both children and adults, like having commemorative bills printed with your likeness and trying to lift huge amounts of money in banknotes.
The museum also features displays of Korean money through the ages, as well as money from all around the world. The whole experience is interactive and fun for all the family.
Location: The Bank of Korea Gangneung, 2063 Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Open: Monday–Friday from 9.30 am to 4 pm (closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Bank of Korea Money Museum
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