The first thing that often comes to mind when people think of Gangneung is soft tofu or sundubu. Gangneung is so famous for sundubu that there is even a sundubu village. The moment my friend and I set foot in Gangneung after taking an hour-and-a-half- long train ride from Seoul Station, everything including the sky and the surrounding scenery was different from what I was used to in Seoul.
The first thing that my friend and I did was to get on a nostalgic village bus and arrive at Chodang Tofu Village. Exploring the village, we enjoyed the famous local tofu jjamppong, home- cooked meals with sundubu, and unique snacks like tofu gelato for dessert at Chodang-dong.
After a nice meal, a few minutes’ walk from the village led us to Gangmun Beach. If you are lucky, you might sometimes be able to enjoy songs from busking bands playing guitars and singing leisurely against the backdrop of the sea. The calm sound of waves and the voices of the singers harmonize charmingly and bring a peaceful sensation to the heart. For many visitors, this is the moment that makes you realize what a relaxing and peaceful place this is.
For those interested in shopping, Gangneung Joongang Market is located at the center of Gangneung, next to the main street. It is the perfect place to enjoy local specialties and famous foods, especially the zzambbongbbang and fish croquettes.
Travel means different things to different people. Some travel to taste the local or national food, some to experience the scent and scenery, and some to view the cultural assets and historic sites there. Others simply go on trips to enjoy a change of pace from their everyday life. People usually expand their choices outside the country by traveling abroad rather than inside Korea if possible. It may be because experiencing fragrances, scenery, food, and cultural assets that are unique often tempts people to visit other countries. As such, it is not uncommon to see people prefer overseas trips for relatively long and meaningful travel opportunities, while only taking domestic trips during short holidays. Just the same, I used my ample time and budget to travel without leaving Korea by taking an unforgettable trip to Gangneung.
In a world that cries out for global travel, a trip to Gangneung will offer you a precious opportunity to discover another side of Korea. What’s more, an uptick in domestic tourists can increase local food consumption, meaning that local producers and the self-employed in such dying regions can be revived.