Then you might have heard of Gangneung, a city in the Gangwon province that will be hosting the ice events such ice hockey, curling and figure skating. Also at just under three hours by bus from the South Korean capital, it is a compelling choice for a weekend trip away.
Furthermore, it is one of only three ports where you can get a ferry to Ulleungdo, an island in the East Sea. You can take a stroll on the golden sandy beach or along the boardwalk among the pine trees. You will find plenty of swing benches dotted along the beach to rest on along the way or you can chill at a coffee shop that conveniently serves beer and opens until late in the evening.
When the hunger pangs start, there are enough fresh seafood restaurants to choose from. Why not try some abalone juk congee, a savoury rice pudding like dish or soft tofu stew, a regional specialty. Some restaurants are open 24 hours a day so you will never go hungry.
Uniquely, the Gyeongpo area has access to both the sea and a lake within a 5-minute walk of each other. Bicycle rental shops are located on the north side of the lake and costs approximately KRW 10, per hour per bike. On the south side of the lake are parks and wetlands that can be explored via a network of boardwalks. Another interesting place to explore is the quiet village behind the pavillion where you will find little houses and vegetable plots of napa cabbages, leeks and daikon.
Look out for a giant coffee cup on the rooftop of one of the buildings; the restaurant here serves delicious soy bean paste stew. To give you an idea, there are five halls worth of exhibits, including gramophones and countless light bulbs. You can either wander around the museum at your own pace or you can join a tour. Although they only had a Korean tour on when we visited, it is still worth following the tour guide as he will play music from some of the most ornate in gramophones.
