Gangneung can be explored through several distinct themes: Wolhwa Street follows a disused railway line, while historic government and educational sites, as well as the Gangneung Danoje Festival, shape the city’s cultural history. Markets offer another perspective, with local produce and food.
City History and Confucian Heritage
The Gangneung-daedohobu Government Office comprises restored buildings from the Joseon period. These include the well-preserved Chilsadang Government Office and the main gate of the Imyeonggwan Guesthouse. This gate is designated a National Treasure of Korea.
Myeongju-dong was Gangneung’s former city center: the former city hall and a government office from the Joseon period were located there. Uiunru Pavilion offers views of the historic city center.
Gangneunghyanggyo Local Confucian School is considered Korea’s oldest historic educational institution. It consists of traditional hanok buildings, including the Daeseongjeon Shrine, the Myeongryundang lecture hall, and eastern and western residential buildings. A Seokjeon ceremony honoring Confucius and Confucian scholars is held there in spring and autumn.
Danoje: Cultural Heritage and the Annual Calendar
The Gangneung Danoje Festival is recognized as UNESCO intangible cultural heritage and is held annually in Gangneung and the surrounding area. Each year, it begins on the fifth day of the fourth month of the lunar calendar with the brewing of sacred rice wine. The Gregorian date therefore changes from year to year.
The Sinjubitgi ceremony is held annually at the Chilsadang Government Office on the same lunar-calendar date, when the sacred rice wine for the festival is brewed. Festival visitors can take part in activities such as making fans, creating masks for the Gwanno Mask Play, preparing rice cakes from surichiwi, and washing their hair in iris water.
The festival also includes the Nanjang Market, where local produce and handicrafts are sold. The range of offerings may vary from one festival year to another.
City Walks and Railway History
Wolhwa Street is a 2.6-kilometer walking path along a disused railway line. It begins at Gangneung Station and runs through the city center. The station is also the terminus of the Gangneung rail line; check the timetable in advance for specific travel arrangements.
Wolhwa Street takes its name from Wolhwajeong Pavilion, which features in a romantic love story about Muwollang and Lady Yeonhwa. Wolhwagyo Bridge was converted from an old railway bridge.
A night market is held on Wolhwa Street from May to October. It includes a food market, a flea market and a busking area. The layout of the zones and the seasonal schedule may vary.
Market Life and Local Cuisine
Gangneung Jungang Market is a traditional market in central Gangneung with a history of around a hundred years. It extends beyond the market building: the market also includes nearby shops and vendor stalls in the surrounding alleys and streets.
Fried and braised chicken dishes are among the main foods sold there. The range of offerings may change over time.
Timing at a Glance
There are two different dates to bear in mind when planning: the Danoje Festival follows the lunar calendar, while the Wolhwa Street night market runs from May to October. If either event is a key part of your trip, check the dates for the relevant year.
Discover more destinations: Goseong, Inje-Gun, Jeongseon-gun, Hoengseong-gun, Pyeongchang, Chuncheon, Yangyang-Gun, Samcheok-si
Go to the overview of the wider region: Gangwon-Do.
