6 Things to Do in Gangneung on a Small Budget

The pine forest of Solhyang Arboretum epitomises Korean culture and traditions with its stone paths and a watermill, heightening the simple joy of walking in nature. You cannot help but feel healthy thanks to the fresh air and relaxing atmosphere. There’s an evergreen botanical garden at the summit, where lush tropical plants can be found. What’s more, there are no admission or parking fees, so you can explore the 785,000-square-metre area for free. 

Ojukheon is a historical spot not far from Gangneung Station. Each season highlights a different facet of the house, so it's popular throughout the year. Different shades of green in the flora come alive in spring and summer, while red maple leaves draw your attention in autumn. 

The really astute among you may have noticed that Ojukheon appears on the 5,000-won banknote. The Chojungdo flower garden features plants that were a favourite subject of artist Shin Saimdang – her work is even displayed on a nearby information board for you to compare. The grounds are sprawling, but there are benches for you to rest and unwind. 

The area around Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil Trail used to be a military facility until 2016, and public entry was prohibited. It officially opened to the public in 2017, and efforts have since been made to preserve its natural beauty. The walking trail is downhill from Jeong-dong to Simgok Port and vice versa, so choose the direction that suits you. 

The dark blue East Sea, intriguing rock formations, and surrounding green forest will make you wish the trail keeps going and going. There’s an observatory in front of the famous Buchaebawi rock formation, where you can enjoy an open view of the surroundings. 

The Gangneung Olympic Museum is a memorial hall for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games. It occupies a building that was used for PR purposes at the time. Olympic-related items are on display here, including medals, torches, and souvenirs. You can even enjoy films about ski jumping, bobsleigh and snowboarding at its onsite 4D theatre. The museum is relatively small, so you’ll be able to see everything on display within a short amount of time. 

The Jumunjin Maritime Museum displays models of various sea creatures, along with a variety of shellfish and coral fossils. Oddly enough, there are also meteorites and dinosaur eggs on display. Although the meteorites may look no different than ordinary stones, they are said to have different compositions than rocks found on Earth. You can enjoy a panoramic view of Jumunjin Port from the museum's rooftop, so be sure to stop by for a quick look. There's no fee to explore the Jumunjin Maritime Museum.