8 Best Family Things to Do in Gangneung

Jeongdongjin Time Story, also known as the Jeongdongjin Time Museum, is one of the region’s quirkiest attractions, situated inside a 180 metre-long steam train. Each of its 8 carriages houses an intriguing collection of time-related artefacts, from rare watches to antique clocks and eccentric time-keeping gizmos. Some 200,000 people now visit the museum annually, which first opened its doors in 2013.

Outside the exhibit, lush parklands house the Millennium Hourglass, the largest of its kind, according to Guinness World Records. Nearby, you’ll also find an enormous and exceptionally accurate 7-metre bronze sundial. Getting there is easy; the tiny beach town of Jeongdongjin is a 20-minute train trip from Gangneung.

Aranabi Zipline offers an exhilarating ‘flying fox’ experience in Gangneung-si, a small seaside city on South Korea’s east coast. The adrenaline-pumping line soars over the sparkling East Sea, affording breathtaking views of the harbour city midflight. You needn’t fear when plunging off the 18-metre tower; the zipline complies with stringent government safety standards.

The return 600-metre trip is available to anyone between 30 kg and 110 kg and operates year-round (weather permitting). Across the road, you’ll find Gangneung Coffee Street, perfect for calming your nerves with a frothy, post-zipline cappuccino.

The Museum of Oriental Embroidery exhibits a vibrant array of colourful Korean textiles, plus traditional works from China, Japan and the Western world. Its local Gangneung embroideries are especially impressive, ranging from Royal Court textiles to everyday textiles like pillowcases and socks. Don’t miss the Anju Folding Screen and Mirror Cover, 2 extravagant works that date back to the Chosun Dynasty.

Although you’ll find some basic English translations here and there, information is limited for non-Korean speakers. Nonetheless, the small private museum is well worth a look for fans of exotic art and Asian textiles.

Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest is the first recreational forest in Korea and features a beautiful pine forest with trees that are hundreds of years old. A leisurely walk along the main path leads to an observatory where you can see the entire city of Gangneung at a glance.

A variety of experiences and sights are on hand at the Daegwallyeong Natural Recreation Forest, like charcoal crafting and works of forestry culture. There are also camping grounds, so be sure to check it out if you are on a family trip.

Gyeongpo Beach is the most prominent beach in Gangneung and the closest to the city centre. The beautiful sandy waterfront and pine forests are beloved by people relaxing and sunbathing. If you’d like to see a different side to this popular beach, try coming at sunrise, where you’ll be bathed in the calm of the early-morning rays.

The beach has an unmistakably welcoming atmosphere for all visitors, with small sculpture installations and decks throughout. The surrounding restaurants are open well into the night, so this is also a wonderful place for an evening stroll.

Close to Chodang Village, the Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park prominently features a statue of poet Heo Nanseolheon in the middle of the park. There are memorial stones inscribed with Heo Nanseolheon’s works, and there's no better way to appreciate her works than in nature.

The pine forest trail at the Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is refreshing and beautiful, as are the wildflowers and well-maintained lawns. The view of Gyeongpo Lake along the memorial park path is an added bonus. Entrance to the park is free.

The Chamsori Gramophone Museum and Edison Science Museum are full of Thomas Edison’s inventions, including large and small gramophones. There are so many different inventions, like the light bulb, the electric car, telephones and refrigerators, that it's hard to believe they were invented by a single person.

The 2 adjacent museums are said to house more inventions than anywhere in the USA, Thomas Edison’s home country. You’ll also be able to discover the cultural heritage of traditional Korean musical instruments. Stopping by at the Son Sung Mok Film Museum next door is highly recommended, too.