Essential Stops on a Gangneung Trip! Complete Guide to the Top 5 Gangneung Restaurants Approved by Locals

How were those Gangneung restaurants I saw on Instagram?

A hastily planned trip to Gangneung for summer vacation! I was curious about the restaurants I kept seeing on Instagram, so I decided to make it a food tour this time. Honestly, I was half-excited and half-worried because there are many stories about SNS-famous restaurants being disappointing, but to my surprise... everything was really delicious! Especially the places recommended by the local taxi driver were amazing.

1. Hyundai Jangkalguksu Main Branch - When you think of Gangneung, you think of Jangkalguksu!

The first place I went as soon as I arrived in Gangneung! A friend said the Jangkalguksu here is really delicious, so I went early, and it was a great decision. I arrived around 9:30, and there were already quite a few people.

We ordered two bowls of Jangkalguksu, one bowl of clear kalguksu, and dumplings, and the broth was really clean yet spicy, perfect for a hangover. It's definitely different from the Jangkalguksu I had in Seoul! It's gochujang-based but not too strong, leaving a clean aftertaste that makes you want to keep drinking it.

2. Donghwa Garden Main Branch - Jjamppong Sundubu worth a 30-minute wait

The famous Donghwa Garden in Chodang Sundubu Village! When I arrived, there were 68 teams waiting... I almost gave up but decided to wait since I was already there, and it was worth it.

We ordered the original Jjamsoon, Sundubu Baekban, and half a block of tofu, and the original Jjamsoon was the best! It was my first time trying Jjamppong Sundubu, and its spiciness was really addictive. The tofu was handmade, so it was really savory and soft.

3. Pung Ho Mat Teurak - The holy land of Gangneung Cockle Bibimbap

You can't miss Cockle Bibimbap when in Gangneung! I headed to Pung Ho Mat Teurak, recommended by several blogs. It's near Jeongdongjin, so it's a great stop after watching the sunrise.

We ordered a two-person set of Cockle Bibimbap and Mulhoe, and they also served pork bossam and seaweed soup, making it very hearty! The cockles were really plump and fresh, bursting with ocean flavor with every bite. The Mulhoe was refreshing and clean, perfect for summer.

The price is reasonable at 37,000 won for two people, with generous portions and a variety of side dishes. The kimchi was especially delicious, making it even tastier when mixed with rice. You can also take it to go, so it's great to enjoy at your accommodation.

4. Terarosa Coffee Factory Gangneung Main Branch - The original Gangneung cafe

You can't visit Gangneung without going to Terarosa! It's a factory-style cafe converted from a rice mill, so it's really spacious. Even on weekends, there was plenty of seating available.

We ordered hand-drip coffee and lemon cheesecake, and as expected from the original, the coffee was really good. It had a strong nutty flavor rather than acidity, which suited my taste. The cake wasn't too sweet, just perfect!

You can also tour the coffee factory and enjoy watching the roasting process. They sell coffee beans, so it's a great souvenir. The parking lot is spacious, making it convenient to visit by car.

5. Hyeonjane Haemulchon in Jumunjin - The essence of hearth-grilled fish

On the last day of the Gangneung trip, I visited Hyeonjane Haemulchon in Jumunjin, famous for its grilled fish. I was half-excited and half-nervous because the hearth-grilled fish is said to be a real delicacy.

They grill mackerel, flatfish, and saury in the hearth, and the outside was crispy while the inside was moist, absolutely amazing! The mackerel was especially oily, making two bowls of rice disappear quickly. The subtle hearth aroma made it a world apart from grilled fish at home.

We ordered a grilled fish set for two, and the side dishes were really clean and delicious. They also served kimchi stew, which was refreshing and spicy, pairing perfectly with the fish. If you visit Jumunjin, make sure to stop by!

Review & Tips for the Gangneung Food Tour

I was really satisfied with all five places I visited on this Gangneung trip! The places recommended by locals were indeed different. Here are a few tips:

There are really many delicious places in Gangneung. There are still places I couldn't visit this time, so I'll have to come again. If you visit Gangneung, refer to this list and enjoy your meal!