A Sentimental Journey Along Gangneung's Odaesan Coastal Trail

Hello, everyone! Today, I'm going to give you a detailed introduction on how to enjoy a sentimental journey along the beautiful Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do.

The Gangneung Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail is a 6.2km coastal walkway that stretches from Jeongdongjin in Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si to Gangmun Beach. You can walk along the East Sea, enjoying the tranquil time with the blue sea and sky. In particular, the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail unfolds a breathtaking view along the coastline, making your walk a visual delight.

Jeongdongjin, the starting point of the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail, is famous for being the first place in South Korea to see the sunrise. If you walk a little towards the sea from Jeongdongjin Station, you'll find the vast Jeongdongjin Beach. Witnessing the sunrise from the beach itself is a special memory. As you gaze at the red sun rising slowly above the early morning sea, you'll experience a sense of inner peace.

There's also a 'Hourglass Park' on the beach. The 7m-tall large hourglass is a symbol of Jeongdongjin Beach, and it's a great photo spot with the sea as a backdrop. Why not capture some unforgettable photos with the East Sea and sunrise in the background in front of the hourglass?

If you walk a little south from Jeongdongjin along the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail, you'll come across the Jeongdongjin Clock Museum. Inside the museum, you can find exhibits on the history of clocks and various types of clocks. From large grandfather clocks to uniquely designed modern clocks, you can learn interesting stories about clocks. Outside the museum, there's a 13m-tall giant cuckoo clock structure. Every hour, the figures on the clock move and play beautiful music. It's like stepping into a fairytale.

As you walk along the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail, you'll encounter beautiful spots in Gangneung, such as Wolhwa Street, Hoegok Beach, and the Haeram Cultural Heritage Site of Gangneung-Wonju National University. Wolhwa Street is a charming tree-lined street, selected as 'the most beautiful street in South Korea'. The gingko and plane trees that line the 1km-plus street create a unique scenery with each season. Especially in autumn, the golden gingko leaves fill the street, making it a breathtaking landscape. There are cute cafes, galleries, and workshops on the street. If you get tired of walking, you can take a break with a cup of coffee or enjoy the unique items on display.

Hoegok Beach is a place where the emerald sea and oddly shaped rocks harmonize perfectly. The clear and transparent seawater reminds one of a large aquarium. Taking a walk along the trail with the sea breeze will naturally lead to healing. There are many sea caves and rock crevices along the coast. You can feel the wonder of nature by listening to the crashing waves between them.

The highlight of the beach is the two bridges that allow you to walk over the sapphire sea. These bridges, called 'Life Bridge' and 'Odaesan (Odaesan) Trail Bridge,' are the best photo spots to enjoy the cool sea breeze while walking above the sea. Standing on the bridge and looking out at the horizon, you'll feel a refreshing sense of freedom from the ocean stretching beyond.

If you continue along the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail past Hoegok Beach, you'll reach the Haeram Cultural Heritage Site of Gangneung-Wonju National University. The site exhibits valuable cultural assets that preserve the old look of Gangneung. At the 'Gangneung Danoje Intangible Cultural Heritage Education Center,' you can learn about the history and value of Gangneung Danoje, the origin of the Danoje festival.

Danoje is an intangible cultural property that represents Gangneung and a valuable festival that has been part of the lives of Gangneung people for a long time. At the Education Center, you can get a detailed explanation of the origin of Danoje and various events. You can also see the costumes, musical instruments, and props used during the Danoje festival.

There's also a 'Intangible Cultural Heritage Education Center' within the site, which recreates a Joseon Dynasty nobleman's house. Gangneung is known as a region where the spirit of scholars has been deeply rooted. This is a space where you can glimpse into the traditions of Gangneung. Take a walk through the tranquil Korean-style house yard and feel the wisdom and elegance of our ancestors. At the Center, you can also experience traditional Gangneung crafts such as najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl inlay lacquerware), somokjang (woodworking), and myeongju (silk weaving). As you witness and feel the creation process of works crafted by artisans, you'll be amazed at the excellence of Gangneung crafts.

When you leave the Haeram Cultural Heritage Site and continue south along the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail, you'll see a large ceramic piece. The 6.8m-tall ceramic piece was made based on a Silla Dynasty ceramic piece unearthed in Gangneung. It's called 'Gangneung Shin Saimdang Ceramic,' and you might want to take a commemorative photo in front of it.

As you walk along the path, you'll feel like you've traveled back in time. The old stone walls and alleys, and quiet Korean-style houses create an atmosphere of Gangneung. You'll lose track of time in the charming atmosphere of the narrow alley. Just looking at the 40-50-year-old juniper trees lining the streets will calm your mind. Taking a walk while inhaling the gentle scent of juniper will naturally lead to healing.

Make sure to stop by Anmok Beach, located around the middle of the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail. The beach trail offers breathtaking ocean views and is a joy to walk. Especially at sunset, the sunlight gently settles among the pine trees, dyeing the sea red, creating an incredibly beautiful scene. How about ending your day by watching the sunset while sitting on the beach?

South of Anmok Beach, you'll find the Gangneung Coffee Street. When you're tired of walking, take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee at a stylish cafe. Gangneung has long been renowned as a coffee producing region. As a result, Gangneung is home to many unique local cafes. From cafes with a vintage charm that feel like a coffee museum to cafes with stunning ocean views, you can choose according to your preferences. Don't forget to enjoy some bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastries), a Gangneung specialty, with your coffee.

How about enjoying a culinary journey at the Gangneung Central Market? The Central Market, boasting over 70 years of history, is a place where you can savor Gangneung's local cuisine in one place. The 'Dakgangjeong Alley' inside the market is a must-visit spot during your Gangneung trip. Gangneung-style dakgangjeong (spicy and sweet fried chicken) is loved by many for its chewy chicken and spicy-sweet sauce. Once you try dakgangjeong, you'll be captivated by the charm of street food.

After enjoying the market, I recommend visiting Gangmun Beach, located at the end of the Odaesan (Odaesan) Beach Trail. Gangmun Beach, with its endless white sand beach embraced by pine trees, offers a refreshing sense of openness. A stroll with the gentle waves will wash away all your worries. The horizon where the sea and sky meet in the distance is therapeutic to behold. Don't miss the sunset over the horizon. You'll be mesmerized by the magical colors.

As the day ends at Gangmun Beach, why not visit Seokranjeong Pavilion? Seokranjeong Pavilion, built during the Joseon Dynasty, boasts a breathtaking view, considered one of the top eight scenic spots in Gangneung. The sunset view from the pavilion is beyond words. As you watch the sea and sky turn red, you'll feel a surge of emotion. In autumn, pink muhly grass blooms around Seokranjeong Pavilion, creating an even more charming scene.

After making memories at Gangmun Beach, why not relax at your accommodation and savor the afterglow of your trip? Gangneung offers various accommodations, including pensions, guesthouses, and hotels. A day at a secluded pension surrounded by nature will rejuvenate you. You can also enjoy the Gangneung night with new acquaintances you've made at a guesthouse.