Gangneung Coffee Street | Cafes & Festival Highlights
✓Quick Summary
- Gangneung Coffee Street is Korea's first area dedicated to coffee, known for its scenic cafes.
- The annual Gangneung Coffee Festival in October features unique coffee experiences and events.
- Top cafes like Got and Terarosa offer great coffee, but verify hours and days before you go.
☰In this post
If you love coffee and beautiful ocean views, Gangneung Coffee Street is a great place to visit. This special area in Gangneung was the first in Korea officially recognized just for coffee. Here, you'll find many cafes, coffee museums, and places to learn how to make coffee. Locals especially value the cafes here; some spots appear constantly in Korean blogs. Every cafe mentioned below has a taxi card you can show your driver, making it super easy to get around.
What is Gangneung Coffee Street?
Gangneung Coffee Street is a unique spot on Korea's east coast, famous for its thriving coffee scene. It's a 350-meter-long road right by the beach. You can sip coffee while looking at the East Sea. The area started growing in the early 2000s. Korea's first coffee roaster, Park I-chu, moved to Gangneung then. Soon after, the well-known Terarosa coffee shop opened in 2002. These events helped turn Gangneung into a coffee lover's paradise.
Today, as of October 2026, you'll find around 30 coffee shops. There are also coffee museums, factories, and barista academies. It's a perfect spot to enjoy great coffee with stunning ocean views. Many cafes offer outdoor seating or large windows so you can relax and take in the scenery. It's hard to pick a favorite, but the atmosphere here is truly special.
Where are the Best Cafes on Gangneung Coffee Street?
Finding the best cafe can be tough with so many choices. Here are some of the most popular cafes in Gangneung, based on what Koreans are talking about. Remember to check their current operating hours, prices, and closing days on Google Maps or their official social media before you go, as these details can change. Most places accept card payments, but it's always wise to have some cash just in case.
| Cafe Name (English) | Korean Name (한글) | Address | Operating Hours | Typical Price Range | Closing Days | Local Vibe |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Got | 곳 | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 사천면 진리해변길 143 | Varies | Varies | Varies | This cafe is mentioned by Koreans more than any other. It's a bakery cafe, so expect great pastries with your coffee. |
| Terarosa Gyeongpoho Lake | 테라로사 경포호수점 | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 난설헌로 145 | Varies | Varies | Varies | A popular spot with a view of Gyeongpo Lake, known for its quality coffee. Often busy. |
| Terarosa Coffee Factory Main | 테라로사 커피공장 강릉본점 | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 구정면 현천길 7 | Varies | Varies | Varies | This is the original Terarosa location and a highly recommended visit for serious coffee fans. It's a bit further from the main coffee street but worth the trip. |
| 346 Coffee Story | 346커피스토리 | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 창해로 348 나동1-3층 346커피스토리 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Located right on Changhae-ro, a main road near the beach. A good choice for easy access. |
| End To End | 엔드 투 앤드 | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 창해로 245 엔드투앤드 | Varies | Varies | Varies | Another popular cafe on Changhae-ro, offering a comfortable atmosphere. |
| Gangneung Cafe Check East | 강릉카페 체크이스트 | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 강변북길 153 체크이스트 | Varies | Varies | Varies | This cafe is a bit off the main beach area, but still gets a lot of local attention. |
👉 Find Gangneung Coffee Street Cafes on Google Maps
How to Order: Most cafes in Gangneung will have a counter where you order and pay first. Many popular cafes may offer English menus, but this is not always the case. If you're unsure, pointing to pictures or using a translation app can help.
Taxi Cards for Top Cafes:
🚕 SHOW THIS TO YOUR TAXI DRIVER
Got (곳)
강원특별자치도 강릉시 사천면 진리해변길 143
Just show this screen — no need to pronounce it.
📍 Open in Google Maps🚕 SHOW THIS TO YOUR TAXI DRIVER
Terarosa Gyeongpoho Lake (테라로사 경포호수점)
강원특별자치도 강릉시 난설헌로 145
Just show this screen — no need to pronounce it.
📍 Open in Google Maps🚕 SHOW THIS TO YOUR TAXI DRIVER
Terarosa Coffee Factory Main (테라로사 커피공장 강릉본점)
강원특별자치도 강릉시 구정면 현천길 7
Just show this screen — no need to pronounce it.
📍 Open in Google Maps🚕 SHOW THIS TO YOUR TAXI DRIVER
346 Coffee Story (346커피스토리)
강원특별자치도 강릉시 창해로 348 나동1-3층 346커피스토리
Just show this screen — no need to pronounce it.
📍 Open in Google Maps🚕 SHOW THIS TO YOUR TAXI DRIVER
End To End (엔드 투 앤드)
강원특별자치도 강릉시 창해로 245 엔드투앤드
Just show this screen — no need to pronounce it.
📍 Open in Google Maps🚕 SHOW THIS TO YOUR TAXI DRIVER
Gangneung Cafe Check East (강릉카페 체크이스트)
강원특별자치도 강릉시 강변북길 153 체크이스트
Just show this screen — no need to pronounce it.
📍 Open in Google MapsWhat is the Gangneung Coffee Festival?
The Gangneung Coffee Festival is a huge annual event that celebrates all things coffee. In 2026, it runs from October 19 to 23. This festival encourages longer stays in Gangneung. It combines coffee culture with the city's natural beauty, like the sea and pine forests.
Key Festival Highlights:
- 100 People, 100 Brews ('100인 100미'): This unique program lets 100 participants share their own coffee beans and brewing methods. It's a great way to taste many different coffees.
- Special Cafes & Beans: About 20 local cafes join the '별별 강릉 커피' program. You can also buy coffee beans and drip bags at '별별 원두 가게'.
- Hands-on Experiences: Visit the coffee experience zone to try hand-drip brewing, siphon extraction, and even coffee roasting.
- Outdoor Coffee Street: A massive outdoor cafe with 200 tables is set up along the 350-meter Gangneung Coffee Street.
- Coffee-nic in the Pine Forest ('커피닉'): Find a relaxing spot in the Songjeong pine forest with camping chairs, hammocks, and tables. This area also hosts family-friendly events like reading sessions, busking concerts, a kids' playground, and fireworks.
- Night Programs: Enjoy '별 헤는 밤' (Star-Counting Night) events at Anmok Beach.
- Coffee Wave ('커피 웨이브'): Experience coffee on a yacht at Gangneung Port.
- Coffee Therapy: Try a new wellness program. It combines singing bowl meditation, yoga, and coffee.
- Global Programs: For international visitors and students, there's a Global Coffee Lounge. It offers 'Barista Table' and 'I'm a Barista Too' programs. 'Barista Table' pairs signature coffees with traditional Korean desserts like _hangwa_ and _yakgwa_. 'I'm a Barista Too' teaches students how to hand-drip coffee.
- City-wide Events: Coffee tastings, experiences, and busking performances also happen at various spots. These include Jumunjin, Okgye, Jungang Market, and Ojukheon.
- Mobile Pass & Shuttle Buses: The festival uses a mobile pass for a stamp rally, running since September. Also, five shuttle buses go between Gangneung Station and the festival site. This makes it easy to get there. Check the festival's official website for exact shuttle schedules and routes before you travel.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gangneung Coffee Street
How do I get to Gangneung Coffee Street?
The easiest way to get to Gangneung from Seoul is by KTX train. It takes about 2 hours. Once you arrive at Gangneung Station, you can take a local bus or a taxi to Gangneung Coffee Street (Anmok Beach area). The taxi ride will be around 15-20 minutes.
Is Gangneung Coffee Street worth visiting?
Yes, it is certainly worth visiting. You get a unique combination of Korea's vibrant coffee culture and beautiful East Sea views. If you enjoy good coffee, relaxing by the beach, and exploring local culture, this is a great stop. The annual Gangneung Coffee Festival makes October an especially fun time to go. It's one of my top recommendations for a relaxed coastal trip.
When is the best time to visit Gangneung Coffee Street?
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. If you're interested in the Gangneung Coffee Festival, then October (especially October 19-23 in 2026) is ideal. Outside of festival time, spring and fall offer pleasant weather. This is perfect for enjoying the cafes and beach without extreme heat or cold. Summer can be busy with beachgoers, while winter offers a quieter, more serene atmosphere.
Can I visit other places near Gangneung?
Yes, Gangneung is a great base for exploring the East Coast. You can easily combine your trip with other nearby destinations. For example, Sokcho is just a bus ride away if you want to visit Seoraksan National Park. How Do I Get Seoul to Sokcho Bus Tickets? How Much Does It Cost to Enter Seoraksan National Park?
Whether you visit during the festival or on a regular day, Gangneung Coffee Street offers a delightful experience. Use the taxi cards provided to navigate easily. You'll find a cafe that perfectly matches your taste while enjoying the East Sea views. Just remember to confirm cafe hours before you head out.
Sources & References
- Gangneung Coffee Festival to serve up 100 brews from 100 hands - The Herald Business
- Take a walk along Coffee Street in Gangneung City - english.hani.co.kr
Thanks for reading! If you have a question about your Korea trip, leave a comment — I answer as a local who actually goes to these places.
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