Planning your 2026 May Golden Holiday getaway? 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Look no further than Gangneung, a destination sure to delight every member of your family!

As YoonJung from Stay Pick Korea, I’m thrilled to share the ultimate Gangneung family itinerary, blending the serene East Sea, rich history, and incredible local cuisine. ✨

📌 TL;DR

• ✨ Experience the perfect blend of East Sea romance, rich history, and delicious cuisine in Gangneung for your family trip!
• 🎯 Create special memories with a packed itinerary that satisfies both kids and adults.
• 💡 Check out our time-saving tips to avoid Golden Holiday crowds and enjoy a relaxed trip.

📖 What’s inside

• 🗺 Must-visit spots
• 📅 Suggested day plan
• 🍽 Nearby eats & cafés
• ❓ FAQ
• 🎒 Travel tips

Anmok Beach & Gangneung Coffee Street

Anmok Beach is Gangneung’s signature spot, boasting a beautiful coastline alongside a vibrant street filled with coffee aromas. In 2026, it remains a hot destination where you can unwind at various cafés, enjoying stunning ocean views. It’s perfect for families to stroll along the beach, capture memorable photos, and let the kids enjoy some sand play.

Jeongdongjin

Famous as the train station closest to the sea globally and a renowned sunrise spot, Jeongdongjin is equally charming during the day. Consider taking a rail bike (fees apply) or visiting the Time Museum (fees apply) for a unique family experience. Create lasting memories against the backdrop of the vibrant East Sea with your loved ones.

Ojukheon House

Ojukheon, the historic birthplace of Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I, offers an educational journey into Korean history. Wander through the ancient house, notable for its black bamboo, and feel the wisdom of past generations. The spacious grounds and well-maintained gardens are ideal for children to explore, with a typical visit lasting about 1 hour 30 minutes.

Gyeongpoho Lake

Gyeongpoho Lake is surrounded by picturesque natural scenery and excellent bicycle paths, making it perfect for family bike rides. Around the lake, you’ll find Gyeongpodae Pavilion and the Heo Gyun & Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, offering a blend of history and literature. It’s an optimal spot for a leisurely stroll amidst the fresh greenery of May 2026.

Chodang Tofu Village

As Gangneung’s 대표 culinary village, Chodang Tofu Village is where you can savor the mild and savory Chodang Tofu dishes. A collection of traditional tofu specialty restaurants, each with its own long history, allows you to choose according to your taste. It’s an ideal place for families to enjoy a healthy and satisfying meal together.

📅 Suggested Day Plan

Time	Place	Tip
09:00	Ojukheon House	Visit early in the morning to enjoy a peaceful exploration and share historical stories with your kids.
11:00	Chodang Tofu Village	Arrive before the lunch rush to savor delicious Chodang Tofu dishes.
13:00	Gyeongpoho Lake & Gyeongpodae	Rent bicycles to cycle around the lake or enjoy a leisurely afternoon walk.
15:30	Anmok Beach & Coffee Street	Relax at an ocean-view café with a cup of coffee and admire the sea.
17:30	Jeongdongjin (Optional)	Enjoy a scenic drive to Jeongdongjin Beach for sunset views or memorable photos.
19:00	Gangneung City Center Dinner	Conclude your day with a relaxing dinner at one of Gangneung’s diverse restaurants.

🍽 Nearby Eats & Cafés

• Donghwa Garden Main Branch: Famous for Jjamppong Sundubu, a must-try in Chodang Tofu Village; expect a wait!
• Gangneung Central Market: A lively market offering various street foods like Dakgangjeong (fried chicken), fresh sashimi, and fish cake croquettes.
• Terarosa Coffee Factory: The birthplace of Gangneung’s coffee fame, enjoy rich coffee in a spacious setting.
• Eomjinae Pocha Main Branch: Renowned nationwide for its cockle bibimbap, a local favorite.
• Parkyichu Coffee Factory: Experience hand-drip coffee crafted with barista Park Yi-chu’s unique philosophy.

❓ FAQ

Q. Where is the best place to park in Gangneung during the Golden Holiday?

A. Most major tourist spots have public parking, but they can fill up quickly during the Golden Holiday. Ojukheon and Gyeongpoho have relatively spacious parking areas. For Anmok Beach Coffee Street, using paid parking lots is convenient. Arriving early is highly recommended.

Q. Is Gangneung stroller and wheelchair-friendly?

A. Ojukheon generally has flat paths suitable for strollers and wheelchairs, and Gyeongpoho’s walking trails are well-maintained for easy access. Anmok Beach Coffee Street is mostly flat, but Jeongdongjin Beach, being sandy, might be challenging for strollers. It’s advisable to check accessibility information for specific facilities before your visit.

Q. What are some indoor attractions in case of rain?

A. For rainy days in Gangneung, consider Ojukheon (museum section), Gangneung Central Market, Terarosa Coffee Factory, or Haslla Art World (slightly out of town). Spending time in a cozy indoor café or exploring a museum for an educational experience are great alternatives.

Q. Is it possible to travel Gangneung by public transportation?

A. Yes, Gangneung is highly accessible via KTX to Gangneung Station. From the station, city buses can take you to major tourist attractions. For some routes, taxis or car-sharing services might be more convenient. During the Golden Holiday, bus intervals might be longer, so check schedules in advance.

🎒 Travel Tips

• Beat the Golden Holiday Crowds: Visit popular spots early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid peak crowds and enjoy a more relaxed experience.
• Utilize Gangneung Pay: Load up on Gangneung Pay, the local currency, to enjoy discounts at participating merchants. It’s super convenient!
• Beach Essentials: For Anmok Beach and other coastal visits, pack sand toys, extra clothes, and towels for the kids.
• Coffee Theme Tour: Gangneung is a city of coffee! Explore various coffee hotspots and create your own unique coffee tour course.
• Prepare for Weather Changes: May is generally warm, but mornings and evenings can be cool, and coastal areas can be windy. Pack a light jacket or cardigan.

Make unforgettable memories with your family in Gangneung during the 2026 May Golden Holiday. 💖

YoonJung from Stay Pick Korea will be back with more exciting travel insights soon! ✈️