PyeongChang Winter Olympic : Tourist Attractions in Gangneung

Gangneung is a city in Gangwon-do, on the east coast of South Korea. The city might not be famous like the capital Seoul or Jeju Island but it does have its own charm and attractions.

Thanks to Korea Tourism Organization, I had chance to visit this part of the country.

Ojukheon

Ojukheon House gets its name from the many black bamboo trees that surround it. It was here where

Sin Saimdang and her son, the most prominent Korean Confucian scholar of the Joseon Dynasty, Yi I was born.

If you have 5,000 and 50,000 South Korean Won note, you will notice both of them. Yi I’s image is on the 5,000 Won note, while Saimdang’s image is on the 50,000 Won note.

The house was built during the time of the 11th King of Joseon, King Jungjong (1506-1544), and remains one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea. It was designated as Treasure No. 165 in 1963 and has been maintained by the descendants throughout the generations.

Saimdang and Yi I on the South Korean Won note

Admission fees : Adult 3000 KRW / Youth 2000 KRW / Child 1000 KRW
Operation hours: Mar-Oct 8 am ~ 6.30 pm / Nov-Feb 9 am ~ 6 pm

Seongyojang

Seongyojang is the former upper class residence of the Naebeon Lee (1703-1781) noble family of Gangneung. It was designated Important Folklore Material No. 5 in 1967.

The meaning of “Seon”, in Seongyojang, is boat. Gyeongpo Lake was directly in front of Seongyojang at the time it was built, thus making is accessible by boat. Gyeongpo Lake at one time reached the enormous circumference of 12km. Its size has reduced by 4km over the years and its depth has decreased by 1-2 meters.

It is said that 10 generations of descendents of Naebeon Lee have continued to live at Seongyojang.

KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) has selected this residency as one of the top 10 most well preserved original dwellings in Korea that was constructed over the past 300 years.

Admission fees : Adult 5000 KRW / Youth  & Seniors 3000 KRW / Child 2000 KRW
Operation hours: Mar-Oct 9 am ~ 6 pm /  Nov-Feb 9 am ~ 5 pm

Hassla Artworld

Admission fees: Park 6000 KRW / Museum 7000 KRW / Park + Museum 10,000 KRW
Operation hour: 9 am ~ 6 pm

Jeongdongjin is in the Guinness Book of World Records for having the unique distinction of having a train station that is located the closest to the sea. It is famous as the best spot to see the sunrise and has a rail bike running from Jeongdongjin station letting you see the beautiful ocean view all the way while on track.

Admission fees: 20,000 KRW for 2 seaters / 30,000 KRW for 4 seaters

Operation hour: Mar-Oct 9 am ~ 5 pm / Nov-Feb 9 am ~ 4 pm

Jumunjin Breakwater was built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift. It became a popular attraction after its first appearance in the television drama “Goblin” as many visitors look forward to taking photos of a scene reenactment from the drama. You can even purchase a buckwheat flower bouquet and red scarf to relive the scenes.

Jumunjin Seafood Market was founded in 1936 and is situated next to Jumunjin Port which is home to a large fleet of squid boats. It is the largest seafood market on the East Coast and includes a dried seafood market and a sashimi center. The market is a favorite among both Koreans and international visitors.

Market specialties include a variety of fresh seafood caught on the East Coast such as squid, mackerel, pollacks, pikes, and crabs and visitors can purchase these items at cheap prices, as well as get a taste of fresh, delicious sashimi.