Treasures of Gangneung
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Port
Sokcho, South Korea
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Activity Level
Moderate
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$199.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 7 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals included
A one-hour drive brings you to Ojukheon House, built in the early 1500s. Yulgok -- scholar and politician of the Joseon Period -- was born here. This is one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea. Step inside to explore the Yulgok Memorial Hall and other rooms, as well as the entrance gates.
You'll also visit Seongyojang House -- the upper-class 18th-century residence of Lee Nae-beon. "Seon" means boat and when the house was built, Gyeongpo Lake was right in front of it, making it accessible by water. The complex boasts a large pond with a pavilion, and collectively, the property is a valuable resource exhibiting the living conditions of upper-class households during the Joseon dynasty.
Enjoy lunch before you continue to the Gyeongpodae Pavilion for a photo stop. Originally built in 1326, the pavilion has been in this location only since 1508. Its five pillars in the front and on the side, with a gabled roofline, are typical of Korean architecture. The inside is decorated with calligraphy and poems written by many famous scholars of the Joseon dynasty. The surrounding pine forest reflects off the waters of the lake below on moonlit nights, creating a stunning tableau.
Relax over a cup of coffee at Anmok Beach in the Gangneung neighborhood. This is the first local district in Korea to host a coffee festival and support coffee artisans with a coffee museum, coffee street, coffee factory and barista academy. Many cafés in the area roast their own coffee beans, and Gangneung is rapidly gaining traction as the "City of Coffee."
Notes:
Wear comfortable walking shoes. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable sunscreen. Bring bottled water.