Festivals
Gangneung Coffee Festival 2026: A Day Trip from Seoul by KTX (Oct 21–25)
A Day Trip from Seoul by KTX-Eum
The Gangneung Coffee Festival (강릉커피축제) is an annual autumn festival in Gangneung (강릉), Gangwon Province (강원). Now in its 18th year in 2026, it runs for five days, from Wednesday, October 21 to Sunday, October 25, along Anmok Coffee Street (안목커피거리), Songjeong Pine Grove (송정솔밭) and Gangneung Port (강릉항). The slogan is “Coffeeful Gangneung.” Only certain programs, including hands-on activities and yacht trips, have separate fees.
From Seoul Station (서울역), the KTX-Eum takes you to Gangneung Station (강릉역) in about 2 hours. From there, take a taxi, a city bus or the free festival loop shuttle to Anmok (안목). This guide covers the coffee culture that began at Anmok Beach’s vending machines, the program by date, train and bus times, a Saturday fireworks day trip and a 1-night, 2-day plan, Coffee Street cafés, Chodang (초당) soft tofu, places to stay, and Gyeongpo (경포) and Jungang Market (중앙시장).
At a glance
Dates: Wednesday, October 21 – Sunday, October 25, 2026 (5 days)
Hours: Daily 10:00~20:00 (see the tables below for individual program times)
Venue: Gangneung Coffee Street (강릉커피거리) and locations around Gangneung (20-1 Changhae-ro (창해로) 14beon-gil, Gyeonso-dong (견소동), Gangneung-si, Gangwon State)
Admission: Some activities are paid (for example, Barista’s Table (바리스타의 테이블) costs ₩20,000 for 1 person; the Coffee Experience Zone and Coffee Wave also have fees)
From Seoul: KTX-Eum from Seoul Station → Gangneung Station, about 2 hours, standard class ₩27,600 → taxi about 8 minutes, or city bus/free loop shuttle
Last train back: Gangneung Station 22:27 KTX-Eum → Seoul Station 00:25 (for a relaxed departure after the fireworks: 22:00 → Cheongnyangni (청량리) 23:39, Friday/Saturday/Sunday)
Last checked: 2026-10-12
In this guide
- Venue and contacts
- Why go: the coffee city that began with Anmok’s vending machines
- Festival program
- Getting there
- Sample itineraries
- Where to eat · Where to stay
- Tips for foreign visitors
- Nearby · Sources
Venue and Contacts
| Venue | Gangneung Coffee Street and locations around Gangneung Anmok Coffee Street and the beach · Anmok Sunrise Park (안목해맞이공원) · Songjeong Pine Grove (coffee picnic and market) · Gangneung Port (yachts and fireworks) 20-1 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gyeonso-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon State |
|---|---|
| Nearest station | KTX-Eum Gangneung Station. About 8 minutes by taxi to Anmok Coffee Street. City buses (223-1·314-1·300-1 and others, ₩1,530 by transport card) and the free festival loop shuttle (10:00~20:00, every 15 minutes) are also available |
| How long | Half a day to a full day. Coffee Street, Songjeong Pine Grove, Chodang and Gyeongpo together fill a day. For Saturday’s fireworks (20:00), plan dinner near the festival |
| Parking | Temporary and public lots P1~P11 (Gangneung Port P4, Coffee Street public lot P5 and others). Lots closer to the festival get busy, so trains and buses are convenient |
| Contact | Email [email protected] · Instagram @gn.coffeefestival · Phone 033-647-6802 |
| Official website | coffeefestival.net |
Why Go: The Coffee City That Began with Anmok’s Vending Machines
The story: Gangneung’s coffee culture grew from the everyday habit of drinking vending-machine coffee by the sea at Anmok Beach. Local cafés and roasters built on that habit, turning it into a city festival.
How vending-machine coffee became a city’s calling card
The Korea Tourism Organization traces the festival to memories of Anmok Beach’s coffee vending machines and the café and roasting culture developed by coffee specialists. It began in 2009, making 2026 its 18th year. Vending machines on a beach might seem surprising to a visitor, but Anmok has long been a place to stroll and drink inexpensive coffee while looking out to sea. Specialty cafés grew around that familiar habit.
The festival stretches along the coast. Carry a cup along Anmok Coffee Street, take a picnic break in Songjeong Pine Grove, then head to Gangneung Port for a yacht trip or fireworks. Residents, shopkeepers, baristas and visitors share coffee, humanities and art on the same streets.
What does “Coffeeful” mean?
This year’s slogan, Coffeeful Gangneung, combines “coffee” with “-ful,” meaning “full of.” Read it as “Gangneung, full of coffee.” The same phrase appears on the poster and official information, capturing the festival’s character in one word.
Saturday night fireworks
On Saturday, October 24 at 20:00, fireworks light up the sea from the Gangneung Port breakwater. It is about 6 minutes on foot from the festival at Anmok, so a day trip can include coffee by day and fireworks at night. The free shuttle ends at 20:00, so plan to return to the station by taxi or city bus afterward.
Good to know
The ITS World Congress takes place around Gangneung Olympic Park (강릉올림픽파크) during the same period (October 19–23). The free festival shuttle calls at the congress venue and the Green City Experience Center (녹색도시체험센터), e-zen. A linked event lets visitors exchange stamps at the coffee festival’s main information booth and the promotional pavilion in front of Gangneung Hockey Centre (강릉하키센터).
Festival Program
The schedule below follows the official program guide. The open-air café, markets and Coffee Island run throughout the festival; performances, tastings and fireworks have set times. Only the appearance dates have been announced for the book concerts (Noh Hong-chul (노홍철) on 10/24 and Yozoh (요조) on 10/25); start times have not yet been announced.
Performances and special events by date
| Date | Time · place · activity |
|---|---|
| Daily 10/21~25 |
Beach Busking Zone Coffee Busking (커피 버스킹) 11:00 · 14:00 · 16:00 · 18:30 Beach Under the Starry Sky (별이 빛나는 밤에) 18:00~20:00 Global Coffee Lounge (글로벌 커피라운지) Coffee and the Humanities (커피와 인문학) 11:00 (free, advance registration for 30 people per session) · Be a Barista (나도 바리스타) 16:00 Main information booth (in front of Pepsi Cola) Gangneung Coffee Sampler (별의별 강릉커피) 11:00 · 13:00 · 15:00 · 18:00 |
| 10/21~23 · 10/25 |
Global Coffee Lounge 14:00 Barista’s Table (paid, ₩20,000 for 1 person, 30 people per session · advance or on-site registration) |
| 10/22 (Thu) | Neighborhood Pop-up (우리동네점) 13:00~15:00 Jumunjin (주문진) pop-up — coffee tasting, brewing activities and busking |
| 10/23 (Fri) | Neighborhood Pop-up 13:00~15:00 Jungang Market pop-up (next to Munseon Building (문선빌딩)) |
| 10/24 (Sat) Fireworks day |
Global Coffee Lounge 09:00~10:00 Coffee Therapy (커피 테라피) (free, advance registration for 15 people per session) · 14:00 100 People, 100 Flavors (100 citizen baristas) Coffee Picnic Zone (커피크닉존) Book concert — Noh Hong-chul (start time not yet announced) Okgye (옥계) Neighborhood Pop-up 09:00~11:00 Hyeonnae Market (현내시장) Gangneung Port breakwater 20:00 Fireworks over the sea |
| 10/25 (Sun) Final day |
Global Coffee Lounge 09:00~10:00 Coffee Therapy · 14:00 Barista’s Table Coffee Picnic Zone Book concert — Yozoh (start time not yet announced) Neighborhood Pop-up 13:00~15:00 Ojukheon (오죽헌) pop-up (in front of Solhyang Premium Shop (솔향명품샵)) |
Activities throughout the festival
| Program · place | Details |
|---|---|
| Coffee Island (커피섬) Beach in front of the Anmok roundabout restrooms |
A small “island” made from about 2 tonnes of coffee beans. Sit on the sofa in the middle for a photo |
| Anmok Open-air Café & Handicraft Market Around Coffee Street |
Outdoor tables line about 350m of street, alongside a market for crafts and household goods |
| Kids’ Playground · Coffee Sports Day Anmok Sunrise Park · 10:00~17:00 |
Family activities with wooden play equipment and coffee-bean carrying and throwing games |
| Coffee Picnic (커피크닉) Songjeong Pine Grove |
A picnic area for coffee and desserts, with camping chairs, hammocks and party lights |
| Coffee Festival Market · Specialty Zone · Experience Zone Road beside Songjeong Pine Grove |
Coffee and dessert market, plus specialty coffee tastings. Brewing and roasting activities in the Experience Zone have fees |
| Coffee Wave (커피 웨이브) Yachts at Gangneung Port · paid |
10:00~17:00 daytime trips every hour · 17:00~18:30 sunset trip. Register on site or by phone (1544-2451) |
| Coffee Star (커피스타) Coffee Street · Songjeong Pine Grove |
Mascots Kongi (콩이) and Soli (솔이). 11:00~12:00 · 13:30~14:30 · 15:00~17:00 · 19:00~20:00 |
| Coffee Bean Shop & Merchandise · Receipt Event Beside the main information booth |
Local roasters’ beans, drip bags and official merchandise (10% off all items). Receipts for spending at least 50,000 won in Gangneung qualify for the roulette event |
Good to know
Come on Saturday, October 24 for the fireworks. Weekdays are quieter for busking, tastings and markets; Saturday evening gets busy with 100 People, 100 Flavors and the fireworks.
Getting There
Board the KTX-Eum to Gangneung at Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni. There is no direct Gangneung Line service from Pangyo (판교); travel to Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni and change there. In the English screen of the Korail+ app, select “Seoul,” “Cheongnyangni” and “Gangneung.”
| Transport | Times · duration · fare |
|---|---|
| KTX-Eum Seoul → Gangneung |
805 07:59 → 10:03 (via Cheongnyangni at 08:19) · 807 08:57 → 10:58 About 1 hr 51 min~2 hr 11 min · Standard class ₩27,600 Timetable as of 2026-10-1. Train 805 is recommended for a Saturday day trip |
| KTX-Eum Cheongnyangni → Gangneung |
855 08:52 → 10:34 (Saturday/Sunday) About 1 hr 31~50 min · Standard class ₩26,000 |
| KTX-Eum Gangneung → Seoul/Cheongnyangni |
826 21:33 → Cheongnyangni 23:06 → Seoul 23:31 872 22:00 → Cheongnyangni 23:39 (Friday/Saturday/Sunday) 828 22:27 → Seoul 00:25 Trains 872 or 828 leave plenty of time after the fireworks (20:00). Train 872 does not run Monday~Thursday |
| Express bus Seoul Gyeongbu (서울경부) → Gangneung |
About 2 hr 50 min · Deluxe express ₩26,800 Cheaper than the train, but takes longer |
| Gangneung Station → Festival (bus) |
From stops including those across from the station, take 223-1 · 314-1 · 300-1 or another service → Anmok Coffee Street Transport card ₩1,530 (cash ₩1,700) |
| Festival loop shuttle (free) |
Festival → Gangneung Station → Gangneung Stadium (종합운동장) → ITS World Congress venue → Green City Experience Center (e-zen) → festival 10:00~20:00 · every 15 minutes · 5 buses · free The loop takes an indirect route from the station to the festival. Take a taxi if you are in a hurry |
| Gangneung Station → Festival (taxi) |
Taxi outside the station → Anmok Coffee Street About 8 minutes |
Recommended
For a Saturday fireworks day trip, take KTX-Eum 805 from Seoul at 07:59 to arrive in Gangneung at 10:03 → taxi to Anmok. After the fireworks (20:00), return on train 872 from Gangneung at 22:00 (Cheongnyangni 23:39). To stay longer, take 828 at 22:27 (Seoul 00:25).
Good to know
The route to the station gets busy right after the fireworks. The free shuttle ends at 20:00, so plan your taxi or city bus ride in advance. Trains 872 at 22:00 and 828 at 22:27 leave more time than 826 at 21:33.
The last stretch to the festival
- Bus/shuttle: Get off at Anmok Coffee Street; the café street and beach are right ahead. The festival’s free shuttle also lists a boarding point near Gangneung Port.
- Taxi: Tell the driver “Anmok Coffee Street” or “Changhae-ro 14beon-gil”. It takes about 8 minutes from Gangneung Station.
Sample Itineraries
Train times follow the timetable checked on 2026-10-12. The day trip below is planned for Saturday, October 24, the fireworks day.
Tip
Coffee beans and merchandise get heavy, so buy them just before you leave. A convenient route is to visit Chodang’s soft-tofu restaurants for lunch, then return to the Songjeong Pine Grove market in the afternoon.
Day trip (Saturday, October 24, fireworks day)
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 07:59 | KTX-Eum 805 leaves Seoul Station (Cheongnyangni 08:19) → 10:03 arrival at Gangneung Station |
| 10:15 | Taxi about 8 minutes (or free loop shuttle/bus 223-1/314-1) → Anmok Coffee Street |
| 10:30 | Explore Coffee Island and the open-air café. Beach busking at 11:00. Have a cup at Coffee Cupper Anmok No.1 (커피커퍼 안목1호) or Bossa Nova (보사노바) (Where to eat) |
| 12:15 | Taxi about 7 minutes → lunch at Chodang Halmeoni Sundubu (초당할머니순두부) (alternative: Donghwa Garden (동화가든) main branch). Both close on Wednesdays |
| 13:15 | Walk around Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park (허균·허난설헌 기념공원), within walking distance of Chodang (Nearby) |
| 14:30 | Taxi → Coffee Picnic and Coffee Festival Market at Songjeong Pine Grove. Gangneung Coffee Sampler at 15:00 (main information booth). If time allows, include 100 People, 100 Flavors at 14:00 |
| 17:00 | (Optional) Coffee Wave sunset yacht trip at Gangneung Port, or a coffee with a sea view at Rosy Coffee (로지커피) |
| 18:00 | Under the Starry Sky on the beach, busking at 18:30 |
| 20:00 | Fireworks at Gangneung Port breakwater (about 6 minutes on foot from the festival) |
| 20:40 | Taxi/bus to Gangneung Station (shuttle ends at 20:00) |
| 22:00 | KTX-Eum 872 → Cheongnyangni 23:39 Alternatives: 826 at 21:33 → Seoul 23:31 · 828 at 22:27 → Seoul 00:25 |
1 night, 2 days — Day 1 (Saturday, October 24)
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 07:59 | KTX-Eum 805 Seoul → Gangneung 10:03 → taxi to Anmok |
| 10:30 | Leave your bags at Shilla Monogram Gangneung (신라모노그램 강릉) (check-in 15:00). About 22 minutes on foot or 3 minutes by taxi to the festival (Where to stay) |
| 11:00 | Coffee Street, busking and Coffee Island. Visit a café before lunch |
| 12:30 | Chodang soft-tofu lunch → Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park |
| 15:00 | Check in. Songjeong Pine Grove market, Coffee Picnic and Gangneung Coffee Sampler |
| 18:00 | Under the Starry Sky on the beach → 20:00 fireworks → walk or take a short taxi ride to your hotel |
1 night, 2 days — Day 2 (Sunday, 10/25)
| Time | What to do |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | (Optional) Coffee Therapy at Global Coffee Lounge, or a walk at Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대) and Gyeongpo Beach (경포해변) |
| 11:00 | A final coffee and coffee-bean shopping at Anmok. If you are downtown, visit Gangneung Jungang Market (강릉중앙시장) |
| 13:00 | (Optional) Ojukheon Neighborhood Pop-up, or Ojukheon House & Municipal Museum (오죽헌·시립박물관) (last entry 17:00) |
| 15:00~ | Travel to Gangneung Station → KTX-Eum to Seoul/Cheongnyangni. Train 872 (22:00) also runs on Sundays |
On a weekday there are no fireworks, making it a good time to include Ojukheon (last entry 17:00). For the return, look at northbound trains from around 20:30 onward; train 872 does not run Monday~Thursday.
Where to Eat
Anmok Coffee Street has a row of sea-facing cafés. For lunch, many visitors take a taxi to Chodang’s soft-tofu restaurant streets. Gangneung’s soft tofu, or sundubu, is gently set using seawater as the coagulant. Think of a soft-tofu stew or a meal with rice and side dishes. Below are three cafés near the festival and two lunch spots in Chodang.
Tip
Chodang Halmeoni Sundubu and Donghwa Garden’s main branch are closed every Wednesday. If you visit on Wednesday, plan lunch in Anmok or downtown.
Coffee Cupper Anmok No.1, “Ottoman-style simmered coffee”
Almost next door to the festival address, this café serves “500-Year Coffee,” brewed using a traditional Turkish/Ottoman method. Try for a window seat facing the sea.
Type: Café (roasting and traditional simmered coffee)
Signature drinks: 500-Year Original (Ottoman-style simmered coffee) ₩5,500 · Americano ₩5,000 · 500-Year Filter Coffee ₩7,000
Hours: 09:00~21:00 (last order 20:30)
Tip for foreign visitors: Unusual coffees feature prominently on the kiosk and menu, but lattes and Americanos are also available.
Getting there: About 1 minute on foot from the festival (Anmok Coffee Street), about 94m
Address · phone: 20 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si · 033-652-8828
Visitor review: Coffee Cupper Anmok: a self-paid visit, menu and prices (Gomji (곰지), 2025-04) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Bossa Nova Coffee Roasters Gangneung (보사노바 커피로스터스 강릉점), “Anmok Blend by the sea”
A roastery café on Coffee Street, with specialty and hand-drip coffee overlooking Anmok Beach. It is open every day, making it easy to fit into a weekday or weekend visit. The location works well for alternating between festival booths and neighborhood cafés.
Type: Café (roastery)
Signature drinks: Americano ₩5,500 · hand-drip coffee around ₩6,500~7,000
Hours: 08:00~22:00 (last order 21:30) · open every day
Tip for foreign visitors: Opens early at 08:00. Have a cup before the festival opens at 10:00
Getting there: Within the festival area (Anmok Coffee Street), about 1 minute on foot (28 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil)
Address · phone: 28 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si · 033-653-0038
Visitor review: A visit to Bossa Nova Coffee Roasters Gangneung, Anmok (oasis_1231, 2025-01) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Rosy Coffee, “the Rosy Latte with grain cream”
A short walk farther along Coffee Street, near a public parking lot. Its signature drink is the iced-only Rosy Latte with grain cream. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday it stays open until 22h, making it a good stop for a final coffee before the fireworks.
Type: Café
Signature drinks: Rosy Latte (iced) ₩6,000 · Americano ₩5,000
Hours: Monday~Thursday 09:00~21:00 (last order 20:45) · Friday~Sunday 09:00~22:00 (last order 21:45) · open every day
Tip for foreign visitors: The Rosy Latte is iced only. For a hot drink, choose an Americano or another option
Getting there: About 3 minutes on foot from the festival (Anmok Coffee Street), about 223m
Address · phone: 52 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si · 0507-1359-5681
Visitor review: A visit to Rosy Coffee in Anmok, Gangneung (family_story_, 2026-01) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Chodang Halmeoni Sundubu, “a soft-tofu set meal in Chodang”
A long-established soft-tofu restaurant on Chodang Sundubu-gil (초당순두부길). Gangneung’s Chodang tofu is known for its soft texture, set with seawater. This restaurant serves set meals and spicy soft tofu with clams. It makes a straightforward lunch trip by taxi from the festival.
Type: Korean food (soft tofu)
Signature dishes: Soft-tofu set meal · spicy clam soft tofu
Hours: Weekdays 08:00~19:00 · Saturday/Sunday 08:00~18:30 · closed every Wednesday
Tip for foreign visitors: The soft-tofu set meal comes with rice, soup and side dishes. Ask for the spice level you prefer.
Getting there: About 7 minutes by taxi from the festival (Anmok Coffee Street), about 4.1km
Address · phone: 77 Chodang Sundubu-gil, Gangneung-si · 033-652-2058
Visitor review: A visit to Chodang Halmeoni Sundubu (genibu, 2025-06) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Gangneung Jjamppong Sundubu Donghwa Garden, main branch (강릉짬뽕순두부 동화가든 본점), “soft tofu in spicy seafood broth”
In the same neighborhood as Chodang Halmeoni Sundubu, this restaurant is known for Wonjo Jjamsun (원조짬순), or jjamppong soft tofu: a Gangneung twist with soft tofu in spicy seafood broth. Keep it in mind as another lunch option in Chodang.
Type: Korean food (jjamppong soft tofu)
Signature dish: Wonjo Jjamsun (jjamppong soft tofu)
Hours: 07:00~19:30 (break 16:00~17:00, last order 18:55) · closed every Wednesday
Tip for foreign visitors: Lines are long at peak lunchtime. You can request a different spice level
Getting there: About 7 minutes by taxi from the festival (Anmok Coffee Street), about 4.3km
Address · phone: 15 Chodang Sundubu-gil 77beon-gil, Gangneung-si · 0507-1432-9885
Visitor review: A review of Donghwa Garden’s main branch in Gangneung (half-an-hour, 2025-07) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Where to Stay
Staying along Anmok or Songjeong (송정) Beach makes it easy to walk to the festival and fireworks. Our pick along the coast is Shilla Monogram Gangneung. For an overnight visit by KTX, another option near Gangneung Station and downtown is Hotel Gangneung (강릉관광호텔). It is a little over 10 minutes by taxi from the festival, with markets and restaurants close by.
Shilla Monogram Gangneung, “a hotel and residence between Songjeong and Anmok”
A Shilla hotel and residence on Haean-ro (해안로). The hotel building is at 186 Haean-ro and the residence at 210 Haean-ro. Sea-view rooms and on-site facilities make it a good base for a morning walk after the festival. The festival is within walking distance.
Type: Hotel · residence
Check-in · check-out: After 15:00 / by 11:00
Price on booking sites: Residence Deluxe Family Garden Ocean View, Room Only ₩374,000 (Yeogi Eottae (여기어때), 1 night on 2026-10-24 for 2 adults, viewed 2026-10-12)
Tip for foreign visitors: Reservations and inquiries: hotel 033-820-0100 · residence 033-820-0200 · room reservations 02-2230-0707
To the festival: About 22 minutes on foot (about 1.6km) · about 3 minutes by taxi
Address · phone: 186 Haean-ro, Gangneung-si (hotel) · 033-820-0100
Booking: Shilla Monogram Gangneung official website
Visitor review: Shilla Monogram Gangneung Deluxe Double Ocean View stay review (bosim, 2025-08) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Hotel Gangneung, “a downtown hotel beside Jungang Market”
A 15-floor hotel on Geumseong-ro (금성로) in downtown Gangneung, with 74 rooms. Jungang Market is close, so it is convenient to eat dinner there before returning to the hotel. The sky lounge and breakfast restaurant are on the 15th floor.
Type: Hotel (downtown)
Check-in · check-out: 15:00 / 11:00
Price on booking sites: The rate for 2026-10-24 was not displayed when viewed on 2026-10-12. Enter your travel dates on the booking site to see the rate
Tip for foreign visitors: Contact the front desk ahead of time for check-in after 22h. Breakfast is on the 15th floor, 06:30~09:30 (15,000 won per adult)
To the festival: About 10 minutes by taxi (about 5.9km) · about 19 minutes on foot from Gangneung Station
Address · phone: 62 Geumseong-ro, Gangneung-si · 033-648-7750
Booking: Hotel Gangneung official website
Visitor review: Hotel Gangneung room and breakfast review (jingane-81, 2025-01) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Tips for Foreign Visitors
- Payment: Many cafés and restaurants accept cards, but small booths and markets sometimes ask for cash or Korean mobile payments. Carry some small change.
- Navigation: Search Naver Map (네이버 지도) or KakaoMap (카카오맵) for Anmok Coffee Street or Gangneung Coffee Street. Google Maps alone sometimes lacks bus transfer details.
- Translation: Use Papago (파파고) to read menu photos. Knowing “sundubu” (soft tofu), “jjamsun” (jjamppong soft tofu) and “Americano” helps with ordering.
- Last trains and shuttle: The free festival shuttle runs until 20:00. After Saturday’s fireworks (20:00), take a taxi or city bus to Gangneung Station. Train 872 at 22:00 is a convenient return on Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
- What to wear: The route follows the beach, pine grove and port, where the wind is strong. The official Coffee Wave yacht guidance recommends warm clothing. Comfortable trainers are a good choice.
- Wednesday closures: Both recommended Chodang soft-tofu restaurants close on Wednesdays. Plan Wednesday lunch around Anmok or Jungang Market.
Good to know
With receipts for spending at least 50,000 won in Gangneung, you can join the roulette event at the main information booth (in front of Pepsi Cola). The event ends early if gifts run out.
Nearby
Chodang, Gyeongpo and the downtown markets are all short taxi rides from the festival. On a day trip, spend more time in either Chodang or Gyeongpo, then add Jungang Market if there is time.
Chodang Dubu Village (초당두부마을) · Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, “soft-tofu streets and a literary park”
Chodang has a cluster of Gangneung-style soft-tofu restaurants. Right beside them is a park honoring the Joseon-era writer siblings Heo Gyun (허균) and Heo Nanseolheon (허난설헌). Heo Gyun is known for the novel The Tale of Hong Gildong (홍길동전), and Heo Nanseolheon for her poetry. The memorial hall and gardens make a pleasant stroll after lunch.
Getting there: About 8 minutes by taxi from the festival (Anmok Coffee Street). City buses City 1 (toward Gangmun (강문)) and 200 (Chodang Fountain (초당분수)) also serve the area
Hours: Park open 24 hours · memorial hall and tea ceremony activities 09:00~18:00 (lunch 12:00~13:00) · closed Mondays, 1/1, Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok
Price: Free
How long: 40 minutes~1 hour
Visitor review: A visit to Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park (Bureopjigaana (부럽지가않아), 2025-11) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Gyeongpodae Pavilion · Gyeongpo Beach, “a pavilion between lake and sea”
Gyeongpodae overlooks Gyeongpo Lake (경포호) and has long been celebrated as one of the Eight Scenic Sights of Gwandong (관동팔경). Gyeongpo Beach on the East Sea is about 1km from the pavilion. It is a good place for a breezy morning walk before the festival, reached from Anmok by City 1 bus or taxi.
Getting there: About 8~11 minutes by taxi from the festival, or City 1 bus (Anmok Coffee Street↔Jumunjin Beach (주문진해변), via Gyeongpo Beach)
Hours: Both Gyeongpodae and Gyeongpo Beach are open 24 hours
Price: Gyeongpodae is free
How long: About 1 hour
Visitor review: A visit to Gangmun Beach (강문해변), Gyeongpodae and Ojukheon (Keunbawi (큰바위), 2026-05) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Gangneung Jungang Market, “a year-round downtown market”
A permanent market in Seongnam-dong (성남동), with snack-food stalls, fish shops and general stores. The festival’s Neighborhood Pop-up comes to the Jungang Market area on Friday, making it a good chance to explore downtown. Individual shops keep their own opening hours.
Getting there: About 10 minutes by taxi from the festival. City buses 300 and 200 head toward Seobu Market (서부시장) and downtown
Hours: 08:30~21:00 (individual shop hours)
Price: No admission fee (pay each shop for goods and food)
How long: 45 minutes~1 hour
Visitor review: An honest review of food at Gangneung Jungang Market (Paldoyuram (팔도유람), 2025-11) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Ojukheon House & Municipal Museum, “the home of Yulgok and Shin Saimdang”
The house where Joseon scholar Yi I (이이), also known as Yulgok (율곡), and his mother Shin Saimdang (신사임당) lived shares a site with the municipal museum. Gardens with black bamboo and an old hanok offer another side of Gangneung alongside the coffee festival. Sunday’s Neighborhood Pop-up also takes place in front of Ojukheon.
Getting there: About 12 minutes by taxi from the festival. City buses 200 and 300
Hours: 09:00~18:00 (last entry 17:00) · open year-round (outdoor areas only on 1/1, Seollal and Chuseok)
Price: Adults ₩3,000 · teenagers and military personnel ₩2,000 · children ₩1,000
How long: 1 hour~1 hour 30 minutes
Tip for foreign visitors: Last entry is 17:00, so arrive before late afternoon
Visitor review: A visit to Ojukheon (Bureopjigaana, 2026-02) — a Korean post; use your browser's translate feature
Sources
- Official: Gangneung Coffee Festival official website · Poster 2026_poster_01.jpg · Instagram @gn.coffeefestival · Email [email protected] · Phone 033-647-6802
- Korea Tourism Organization · news: VisitKorea festival information (Korean) · VisitKorea English · Yonhap News (ITS connection)
- History and culture: VisitKorea festival introduction (Anmok vending machines and local roasting culture) · Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park VisitKorea
- Trains: krailtracker Gangneung Line · makka Seoul–Gangneung · KoreaCharts timetable
- Buses and shuttle: official transport and parking guide (loop shuttle and parking lots) · Gangneung BIS timetable · Gangneung BIS fares
- Where to eat: Coffee Cupper official shop information · Bossa Nova official branch information · Rosy Coffee TourAPI mirror · Chodang Halmeoni Sundubu and Donghwa Garden VisitKorea · Donghwa Garden brand information
- Where to stay: Shilla Monogram Gangneung official website · contact details · Yeogi Eottae residence rate (viewed 2026-10-12)
- Maps: 3 illustrated maps by WonderGrid. Distances and travel times to restaurants and hotels: OpenStreetMap routes from the festival (Anmok Coffee Street); coordinates from the Korea Tourism Organization and OpenStreetMap
- Nearby: Gyeongpodae VisitKorea · Gyeongpo Beach VisitKorea · Chodang Dubu Village VisitKorea · Gangneung Jungang Market VisitKorea · Ojukheon VisitKorea · Gangneung City museum visitor information
Last checked: 2026-10-12