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Gyeongpodae

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The name Gyeongpodae (경포대; map) refers to an ancient pavilion and one of “Gwandong’s Eight Scenic Views.” But it also describes an area on Gangneung City’s shores that holds a group for landmarks that share the borrow the “Gyeongpodae” title:

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A view of the Gyeongpodae Pavilion’s traditional wooden sign, surrounded by vibrant painted carvings, exemplifying Korean architectural artistry.
A view of the Gyeongpodae Pavilion’s traditional wooden sign, surrounded by vibrant painted carvings.
Stone steps ascend toward the historic Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
Stone steps ascend toward the historic Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
A view from Gyeongpodae Pavilion, looking out over Gyeongpo Lake.
A view from Gyeongpodae Pavilion, looking out over Gyeongpo Lake.
Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands atop a hill, framed by autumn foliage near Gyeongpo Lake.
Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands atop a hill, framed by autumn foliage near Gyeongpo Lake.
The decorated Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
The decorated Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
A view of the hill where Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands near Gyeongpodae Lake.
A view of the hill where Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands near Gyeongpodae Lake.
The decorated exterior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
The decorated exterior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
The entrance information booth near Gyeongpodae Pavilion is illuminated by the soft rays of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the ground.
The entrance information booth near Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
The interior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion features traditional Korean wooden architecture.
The interior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion features traditional Korean wooden architecture.

Let’s explore them one by one, then tour the other nearby attractions.

Gyeongpodae Pavilion

Gyeongpodae Pavilion (경포대; map) was built during the Goryeo Dynasty around 1326 near Gyeongpo Lake. It has seen centuries of Korean history and several renovations. However, the pavilion remains true to its original form.

Gyeongpodae consists of a single-story, square building with five-bay windows on every side. Thirty-two pillars hold up a paljak roof (팔작지붕; hip-and-gable) with seven crossbeams and a “lotus lantern” ceiling.

Stone steps ascend toward the historic Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
Stone steps ascend toward the historic Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
A view from Gyeongpodae Pavilion, looking out over Gyeongpo Lake.
A view from Gyeongpodae Pavilion, looking out over Gyeongpo Lake.
A view of the Gyeongpodae Pavilion’s traditional wooden sign, surrounded by vibrant painted carvings, exemplifying Korean architectural artistry.
A view of the Gyeongpodae Pavilion’s traditional wooden sign, surrounded by vibrant painted carvings.
Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands atop a hill, framed by autumn foliage near Gyeongpo Lake.
Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands atop a hill, framed by autumn foliage near Gyeongpo Lake.
The decorated Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
The decorated Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
A view of the hill where Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands near Gyeongpodae Lake.
A view of the hill where Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands near Gyeongpodae Lake.
The decorated exterior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
The decorated exterior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion showcases traditional Korean architectural.
The entrance information booth near Gyeongpodae Pavilion is illuminated by the soft rays of the setting sun, casting long shadows on the ground.
The entrance information booth near Gyeongpodae Pavilion.
The interior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion features traditional Korean wooden architecture.
The interior of Gyeongpodae Pavilion features traditional Korean wooden architecture.

Throughout its life, Gyeongpodae was used as a retreat and muse for poets, scholars, and writers. Royal figures like King Sejo (1417 ~ 1468) and King Taejo (1335 ~ 1408), founder of the Joseon Dynasty.

Visitors can find several historic writings, including “Gyeongpodae Fu” written by the scholar Yi I (이이; 1536 ~ 1584; ₩5,000 note) when he was just 10 years old, and “Sangryangmun,” penned by Gangneung Governor and a well-known writer Jo Hamang.

Gyeongpodae stands on a hill overlooking Gyeongpo Lake with its ancient waterside pine trees, and Gyeongpodae Beach with its expansive East Sea vista. The pavilion’s most famous sight, however, is the moon casts its reflection on Gyeongpo Lake’s serene waters.

Gyeongpo Lake

Gyeongpo Lake (경포호; map), often refered to as “Mirror Lake,” is a natural lagoon separated from the East Sea by a thin stretch of coastal sand dune on Gangneung City’s coast. Locals regard the lake for its waters that reflect the sky and moon, and a primeval pine forest that encircles its waterside.

Gyeongpo Lake was formed when a sandbar emerged at the mouth of Gyeongpo Stream (경포천; map), which feeds the lake today. The lake originally had a circumference of 12 kilometers. But sediment buildup has reduced its size to 5 kilometers, with an average depth of about 1 meter.

The lake’s waters are home to migratory birds like the whooper swan and the mallard. Though locals once fished in the lake, the government banned the activity to protect. Recently, seawater began leaking into the lake, converting it into a brackish water body with saltwater species like mussels, abalone, and red algae.

Along with Gyeongpodae Beach, Gyeongpo Lake is a central hub for tourism in the Gyeongpodae area. Many of Gangneung’s major tourist attractions — Olympic venues, museums, coffee shops — dot the lake’s perimeter.

Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo is mirrored on the calm waters of Gyeongpo Lake, capturing the serene ambiance of this scenic area.
Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo is mirrored on the calm waters of Gyeongpo Lake.
A twilight view over Gyeongpodae Lake in Gangneung.
A twilight view over Gyeongpodae Lake in Gangneung.
Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo stands across a calm Gyeongpo Lake.
Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo stands across a calm Gyeongpo Lake.
A walking and cycling path wraps around Gyeongpo Lake.
A walking and cycling path wraps around Gyeongpo Lake.
A view of the Skybay Hotel reflecting on Gyeongpodae Lake during sunset. The hotel’s lights glow against a clear evening sky, creating a peaceful scene in Gangneung.
A view of the Skybay Hotel reflecting on Gyeongpodae Lake during sunset.
The Gyeongpodae Memorial Tower honors the soldiers who died during the Korean War.
The Gyeongpodae Memorial Tower honors the soldiers who died during the Korean War.
A view of Gyeongpodae Lake at sunset with reflections of city lights in Gangneung.
A view of Gyeongpodae Lake at sunset with reflections of city lights in Gangneung.
The memorial wall at Gyeongpodae Chunghon Tower bears the names of Korean War soldiers from Gangneung.
The memorial wall at Gyeongpodae Chunghon Tower bears the names of Korean War soldiers from Gangneung.

Gyeongpo Provincial Park

Gyeongpo Provincial Park (경포도립공원; map) surrounds Gyeongpo Lake. Established in 1982, it covers 6.9 square kilometers and holds a handful of historic and natural attractions:

  • In the center of the park lies Gyeongpo Lake, with a ring of walking and cycling paths meandering around the waterside.
  • The park’s east end features famed Gyeongpodae Beach.
  • Gyeongpo Prickly Water Lily Wetland (경포가시연습지; map), a protected ecological area known for its walking decks and lotus flowers, covers the park’s western region.

Several historic pavilions and temples fill the waterside banks of Gyeongpo Provincial Park:

Gyeongpodae Beach

The tranquil scene of Gyeongpo Beach with blue parasols dotting the sandy shore, speedboats slicing through the clear waters, under the vast expanse of a blue sky.
The tranquil scene of Gyeongpo Beach with blue parasols dotting the sandy shore.
The Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo stands illuminated against the dark night, showcasing its unique architectural design and modern curves along the Gangneung coastline.
The Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo stands over Gyeongpodae Beach.
A stone marker inscribed with "Gyeongpo Beach Central Square" in both Korean and English, set against the sandy beach and the East Sea.
A stone marker inscribed with "Gyeongpo Beach Central Square."
A row of restaurants and shops illuminated at night, showcasing the lively nightlife near Gyeongpodae Beach, with neon signs and visitors enjoying the area.
A row of restaurants at night, showcasing the nightlife near Gyeongpodae Beach.
The bustling coastal street nestled between Gyeongpodae Lake and Gyeongpodae Beach, lined with seafood restaurants, convenience stores, and hotels.
The coastal street between Gyeongpodae Lake and Gyeongpodae Beach.
A nighttime view of Gyeongpodae Beach with the Seamarq Hotel illuminated in the distance. The peaceful, dimly lit shoreline highlights the tranquil ambiance of the coastal scene.
A nighttime view of Gyeongpodae Beach with the Seamarq Hotel in the distance.
A serene walking platform stretches over a lush green lawn beside Gyeongpo Beach, with camping tents dotted around, pine trees, and the East Sea's tranquil waters in the background.
A walking platform stretches over a lush green lawn beside Gyeongpo Beach.
A wooden swing sits on the sandy shores of Gyeongpodae Beach under the night sky, casting a shadow in the dim light, evoking a calm and tranquil coastal scene.
A wooden swing sits on the sandy shores of Gyeongpodae Beach under the night sky.
A pine tree forest illuminated by nearby street lights, with vibrant restaurants lining the road along Gyeongpodae Beach, creating a serene night scene.
Gyeongpodae Beach's pine tree forest illuminated by nearby street lights.

Along with Haeundae Beach in Busan, many Koreans consider Gyeongpodae Beach (경포대해변; map) to be one of the premier sand and surf destinations in the country. In hot months, young and old flock to Gyeongpodae Beach to bathe in the East Sea and tour the many attractions around the Gyeongpodae area. 

Gyeongpodae Beach sits at the east end of Gyeongpo Lake, 6 kilometers from downtown Gangneung. It spans around 1.8 kilometers, and features shallow, clear waters and a dense pine forest parading along its edge. The forest hides campsites and filters out the noise of cars cruising to and from bustling cafes and sashimi restaurants on the beach’s seaside road.

Gyeongpodae Beach’s fame extends back centuries. Poets and visitors praise the beach for its four distinct seasons. 

  1. snow-covered pines in winter
  2. white cherry blossoms in spring
  3. rainbow parasols in summer
  4. lotus flower blossoms in fall. 

Gyeongpodae Beach reaches its peak in the summer. Throughout the hot season, you can find festivals, events, and concerts occupying Gyeongpo Beach’s permanent stage and sandy expanse.

The Gyeongpo Summer Sea Festival (경포썸머페스티벌) is a 10-day festival held on Gyeongpodae Beach every midsummer. It hosts K-pop performances, radio and TV broadcasts, and an array of other events for families and young people.

The Gangmun Sotdaedari Bridge, featuring a tall arching truss and wires, spans between Gangmun Beach and Gyeongpodae Beach as a pedestrian pathway.
Gangmun Sotdaedari Bridge, featuring a tall arching truss and wires, between Gangmun Beach.
A summer day at Gyeongpodae Beach with blue skies and calm East Sea waters, dotted with parasols and people.
A summer day at Gyeongpodae Beach with blue skies and calm East Sea waters, dotted with parasols and people.
The exterior of St. John's Hotel, one of many resort hotels near Gyeongpodae Lake and Beach, offering a variety of guest services.
The exterior of St. John's Hotel, one of many resort hotels near Gyeongpodae Lake.
The unique Gyeongpo Beach Certification Center offers a stamp for bicycle passports beside a post office box on Gyeongpodae Beach.
The Gyeongpo Beach Certification Center offers a stamp for bicycle passports near Gyeongpodae Beach.
A lively street of convenience stores and restaurants fronts Gyeongpodae Beach, with the towering Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo set against a clear blue sky.
A street of convenience stores and restaurants fronts Gyeongpodae Beach.

Other Gyeongpodae Highlights

Gyeongpodae isn’t just a lake, beach, and pavilion. It is the premiere tourist spot in Gangneung, hosting everything from modern museums, Olympic venues, to historical treasures. 

Let’s explore a few.

Ojukheon House

Two kilometers west of Gyeongpo Lake lies Ojukheon City Museum (오죽헌; map), one of Gangneung City’s Eight Scenic Views. The museum sits inside of a well-preserved, upper-class house complex from the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1897). Korea designated it a national treasure in 1963. Its name, “Ojukheon,” stems from the black bamboo (ojuk; 오죽) that grows in its backyard.

Ojukheon House is the birthplace of two prominent Korean figures: Shin Saimdang (신사임당), a celebrated poet and calligrapher, and her son, Yi I (이이; 1536 ~ 1584; a.k.a. Yulgok), a scholar, philosopher, and politician. (Find his portrait on Korea’s ₩5,000 bank note.)

The house itself features a single-story gable roof with three rooms at the front and two on the sides. It is one of the oldest surviving residential buildings in Korea and showcases early Joseon period housing and architecture.

Ojukheon Museum also encompasses several other structures:

  • Munseongsa Temple (문성사) was built in 1975 to house a portrait of Yi I painted by Lee Jong-sang. The temple’s name, “Munseong,” is a posthumous title given to Yi I.
  • Gangneung City Museum (강릉시립박물관) displays historical and cultural artifacts.
  • Gangneung Currency Exhibition Hall (강릉화폐전시관) showcases the history of Korea’s currency, the won.
  • Yulgok Memorial Hall (율곡기념관) houses 3,000 relics related to Yi I and his family.

Here’s some more info:

  • Hours: 9 AM ~ 6 PM
  • Admission Fee:
    • Adults: ₩3,000
    • Youths: ₩2,000
    • Children: ₩1,000

Seongyojang House

A map of Seongyojang House displayed outdoors near Gyeongpodae Lake.
A map of Seongyojang House displayed outdoors near Gyeongpodae Lake.
A serene view of Seongyojang House framed by lush greenery and trees in autumn colors, showcasing traditional Korean architecture amidst nature.
A view of Seongyojang House framed by greenery and trees.

Like Ojukheon House, Seongyojang House (선교장; map), another one of Gangneung City’s Eight Scenic View, is a prime example of a Joseon-era aristocratic residence. It sits between Gyeongpo Lake and Ojukheon House on a quiet patch of green with a rolling-hill backdrop.

First inhabited by Lee Nae-beon, a prominent Gangneung figure during the Joseon Dynasty, Seongyojang was not built at once, but expanded gradually over generations.

  • The main house (Anchae), was built in the 1700. It was smaller and less grand than a typical Joseon aristocrat’s home.
  • Yeolhwadang was the house’s Sarangchae — a house used to entertain male guests. It was built in 1815 and named after a poem written by Tao Yuanming.
  • Dongbyeoldang, shaped like the Hangul character “ㄱ”, was completed in 1920 and used to host events.
  • Hwalae Pavilion sits in front of an artificial pond. It extends over the water and offers a scenic view of the grounds.

Some more info:

  • Operating Hours:
    • March to October: 9 AM ~ 6 PM
    • November to February: 9 AM ~ 5 PM
      • Closed on public holidays
  • Admission Fee:
    • Adults: ₩5,000
    • Teenagers: ₩3,000
    • Children: ₩2,000

Gangneung Olympic Park

The hill where Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands near Gyeongpodae Lake.
The hill where Gyeongpodae Pavilion stands near Gyeongpodae Lake.
Soohorang the tiger and Bandabi the bear, mascots of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics at Gangneung Olympic Park.
The tiger and bear mascots of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics at Gangneung Olympic Park.
The Gangneung Olympic Museum featuring the Agitos, symbolizing the Paralympic spirit.
The Gangneung Olympic Museum featuring the Agitos, symbolizing the Paralympic spirit.
Sculptures and the Olympic torch replica at the Gangneung Olympic Museum.
Sculptures and the Olympic torch replica at the Gangneung Olympic Museum.
A view of Gangneung Arena, a key venue from the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung.
A view of Gangneung Arena, a key venue from the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics in Gangneung.

Gangneung Olympic Park (강릉 올림픽 파크; map) hosted many of the arena events for the 2018 Winter Olympics and 2024 Winter Youth Olympics. (Most of the 2018 Olympics’ mountain-based events took place on the slopes of Pyeongchang County just over the Taebaek Mountain Range.)

The park lies on a 400,000-square-meter patch of land south of Gyeongpo Lake and includes several sports venues:

  • Ice Arena: (12,000 seats) — Served as the figure skating and short track venue during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Now it’s a multipurpose facility.
  • Hockey Center (10,009 seats) — Hosted the men’s ice hockey matches during the 2018 Winter Olympics.
  • Speed Skating Stadium (8,000 seats) — Venue for speed skating events during the 2018 Winter Olympics.
  • Gangneung Stadium (21,362 seats) — open-air stadium with grass field.

Other facilities in Gangneung Olympic Park include a gift shop, art center, and McDonalds.

Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park

Heo Gyun Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park (허균·허난설헌 기념공원; map) is a literary park dedicated to the Joseon Dynasty siblings Heo Gyun (허균; 1569 ~ 1618), author of Korea’s first novel, “Hong Gil Dongjeon”, and Heo Nanseolheon (허초희; 1563 ~ 1589), a celebrated female poet. The park includes a memorial hall, a traditional tea experience center, and a green park.

  • Operating Hours:
    • Memorial Park: Open 24 hours
    • Memorial Hall and Tea Culture Hall: 9 AM ~ 6 PM
    • Tea Experience Hall: 10 AM ~ 5 PM
      • Closed every Monday
  • Admission Fee: Free
  • Tea Experience: ₩1,000
A serene bike and walking path under the shade of green pine trees near Gyeongpo Beach, illuminated by sunlight, with pine needles scattered along the path.
A bike and walking path under the shade of green pine trees near Gyeongpo Beach.
The top section of the Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo, showcasing its white facade, distinctive gap, and curvy lines against a clear blue sky.
The top of the Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo, showcasing its white facade, distinctive gap.
Gyeongpo Beach comes alive with colorful tents, a parasailing parachute soaring above, boats navigating the blue waters, and beachgoers enjoying the sun.
Gyeongpo Beach comes alive with colorful tents, a parasailing parachute soaring above.
Colorful shipping containers transformed into trendy restaurants and cafes along Gyeongpo Beach, featuring two stories, top decks, and modern glass and metal walls.
Colorful shipping containers transformed into trendy restaurants and cafes along Gyeongpo Beach.

Chodang Soft Tofu Village

Chodang Soft Tofu Village (초당 순두부마을; map) is a neighborhood east of Gyeongpo Lake, famous for its traditional soft tofu.

Gangneung’s tofu history dates back to Heo Yeop, the father of Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon. It is said that he created the recipe using salt water from the East Sea.

Along Chodang Soft Tofu Village’s streets, restaurants serving up this famous dish, including:

  • Chodang Gobu Sundubu (초당고부순두부)
    • Specialty: Sundubu Baekban (soft tofu meal)
    • Contact: 033-653-7271
    • Map
  • Chodang Grandmother Sundubu (초당할머니순두부)
    • Specialty: Sundubu Baekban (soft tofu meal)
    • Contact: 033-652-2058
    • Map
  • Donghwa Garden (동화가든)
    • Specialty: Jjamppong Sundubu (spicy seafood soft tofu)
    • Contact: 033-652-9885
    • Map
  • Gangneung Potato Ongsimi (강릉감자옹심이)
    • Specialty: Potato Ongsimi (potato dumplings)
    • Contact: 033-648-0340
    • Map

ARTE Museum Valley Gangneung

The ARTE Museum Valley is a popular immersive media art museum showcasing digital art installations. Modern architecture meets innovative design.
The ARTE Museum Valley is a popular immersive media art museum.

ARTE Museum Valley Gangneung (아르떼뮤지엄 강릉; map) is an immersive media art museum. It features rooms with projectors displaying video on floors, walls, and ceilings. The main exhibition, “Garden,” covers 200 square meters and showcases the theme “Gangwon, the Beauty Nature Crafted.” It plays natural landscapes of Gangwon State and melodies crafted by Korean musician Song So-hee.

  • Operating Hours: 10:00 AM ~ 8:00 PM
  • Admission Fee: ₩8,000 ~ ₩20,000

Chamsori Phonograph & Edison Science Museum

The Chamsori Phonograph & Edison Science Museum, featuring exhibits on early audio technology and Edison’s inventions, stands next to fields in Gangneung, offering a blend of history and innovation.
The Chamsori Phonograph and Edison Science Museum features exhibits on early audio technology.

Chamsori Phonograph & Edison Science Museum (에디슨과학박물관; map) first opened its doors in 1982. Its founder traveled to over 60 countries and collected audio-emitting artifacts and memorabilia, including gramophones, radios, TVs, and music boxes. The museum’s 13,000 square meters also features a hall dedicated to the inventions of Thomas Edison, and a third-floor observation deck overlooking Gyeongpo Lake.

  • Operating Hours: 10 AM ~ 5 PM
  • Admission Fee:
    • Adults: ₩15,000
    • Middle and High School Students: ₩12,000
    • Children: ₩9,000
    • Preschoolers: ₩6,000

Gangneung Embroidery Museum

Gangneung Embroidery Museum (강릉자수박물관; map) displays royal relics from the Joseon Dynasty, including breastplates, folding screens, picture frames, and contemporary and international works from China and Japan.

  • Operating Hours: 9 AM ~ 6 PM
  • Fees:
    • Adults: ₩6,000
    • Middle and High School Students: ₩5,000
    • Kindergarten: ₩4,000

Gyeongpo Aquarium

The Gyeongpo Aquarium is an attraction near Gyeongpo Lake.
The Gyeongpo Aquarium is an attraction near Gyeongpo Lake.
The Gyeongpo Aquarium features glass facades, a reflective pond, and a landscaped walkway.
The Gyeongpo Aquarium features glass facades, a reflective pond, and a landscaped walkway.

Gyeongpo Aquarium (경포아쿠아리움; map) is a two-story aquarium with a diverse range of marine and freshwater species, including East Sea fish and sea otters.

  • Operating Hours:
    • Weekdays: 10 AM ~ 6 PM
    • Weekends and Holidays: 10 AM ~ 7 PM
  • Admission Fee:
    • Adults: ₩20,000
    • Teenagers: ₩18,000
    • Children: ₩16,000

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