Travel Guide to Gangneung and Donghae

🧸👒Day 1 — Check-in at Skybay Hotel Gangneung & Enjoy the Ocean
1. Check-in at Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo
Upon arriving in Gangneung, I checked into Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo. The hotel is located right in front of Gyeongpo Beach, offering a stunning view of the ocean from the room windows. The clean rooms and comfortable facilities made for a satisfying stay.
2. Stroll Along Gyeongpo Beach & Gyeongpo Lake
After check-in, I took a leisurely walk along Gyeongpo Beach, listening to the sound of the waves. I also strolled around the nearby Gyeongpo Lake trail, which is well-maintained and perfect for enjoying nature and spending a relaxing time.

3. Dinner – Sashimi and Snow Crab
For dinner, I headed to downtown Gangneung to enjoy fresh assorted sashimi and snow crab. True to Gangwon Province’s reputation, the seafood was incredibly fresh, and the snow crab was particularly satisfying with its plump meat.

4. Visit to Anmok Coffee Street
After dinner, I visited Anmok Coffee Street by Anmok Beach, where I enjoyed a cup of coffee while gazing at the ocean. The sound of the waves and the night lights made for a perfect way to end the day.

🛏 Accommodation: Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo

🌺🍃Day 2 — Exploring Donghae and Mukho Attractions
1. Chuam Candle Rock & Beach Walk
Early in the morning, I traveled from Gangneung to Chuam Beach in Donghae. Famous for its sunrise view between the rocks, Candle Rock was truly unique and impressive in person. A light walk along the beach was refreshing with the scent of the ocean.
2. Chuam Suspension Bridge
I also walked along the suspension bridge built along the coastline. The thrilling height combined with the open view of the Donghae sea left a strong impression, making it a great spot for taking photos.

3. Mukho Dokjaebi Sky Valley & Haerang Observatory
Next, I visited Mukho Dokjaebi Sky Valley. Walking along the trail, I reached Haerang Observatory, a glass bridge offering a panoramic view of the Donghae sea. The scenery was breathtaking.

4. Stroll Through Nongoldamgil Mural Village
Near the observatory, I explored Nongoldamgil Mural Village. The colorful murals painted throughout the alleys blended beautifully with the small village atmosphere, creating a warm and charming vibe. Walking slowly through the village felt like glimpsing into the lives of the locals.

5. Tea at a Café
I stopped by a café near Nongoldamgil with a great view of the sea, enjoying a relaxing cup of tea. It was a perfect spot to rest after the walk.

6. Exploration of Cheongok Golden Bat Cave
For the final itinerary, I visited Cheongok Golden Bat Cave in Donghae city. The natural cave was well-preserved, with lighting and informative signs making it easy to explore. The unique geological formations and cool interior temperature provided a memorable experience.

✨ Travel Tips
- Anmok Coffee Street is best visited in the afternoon or at sunset to enjoy the beautiful twilight.
- The Donghae-Mukho area is only a 20–30 minute drive, making it convenient to visit multiple locations.
- Wear comfortable sneakers as some areas inside the cave can be slippery.
- On weekends, parking at cafés or tourist spots can be crowded, so visiting early is recommended.