Gangneung-si is one of 18 cities, counties and districts in Gangwon. It has 21 neighborhoods (13 dong · 1 eup · 7 myeon) and 205,547 registered residents (September 2026). The most populous neighborhood is Gyo 1-dong with 27,408.
21neighborhoods
205,547residents
Landmark stamp: Gyeongpodae Pavilion
Perched gracefully on an elevated hill overlooking a tranquil coastal lagoon in Gangneung, this historic pavilion offers sweeping views of peaceful waters and pine forests.
History
Built in the late Goryeo period, this historic pavilion was later relocated during the Joseon Dynasty to its current hill.
What to see
From the open wooden pavilion, visitors can overlook the tranquil lake alongside pine groves and the distant East Sea.
Food nearby
Visiting the nearby Chodang Sundubu Village allows you to taste fresh, soft tofu made with natural sea water.
Food, festivals and stories of Gangneung-si
Local food
Soft Chodang tofu curdled with clean sea water and freshly roasted coffee along Anmok Beach are iconic culinary treats.
Festivals
The historic Gangneung Danoje Festival features vibrant traditional shamanic rituals, Gwanno mask dances, and delicious seasonal rice cakes.
On screen
The coastal breakwater at Jumunjin became world-famous as the picturesque filming spot for the popular fantasy drama Goblin.
Neighborhoods of Gangneung-si (21)
Every neighborhood has its own stamp in Random Passport. Tap “Land here” to fly straight to one.
Jumunjin-eup주문진읍eup · 15,029 residents
Story: Legend says a childless couple prayed sincerely for one hundred days at the coastal Son Rock and bore a son.
Photo spot: The coastal breakwater stretching out into the sea provides a photogenic vantage point framed by rolling waves.
Name: Okcheon-dong was named after an ancient natural spring revered for producing cold sweet water as pristine as pure jade.
Story: A colossal thousand-year-old ginkgo tree standing in the center preserves legends of filial devotion to a sick mother.
Photo spot: Standing beneath the sprawling canopy of the ancient ginkgo tree offers stunning captures, especially during brilliant autumn foliage seasons.
Story: A historic shrine nestled at Mount Hwabusan honors General Kim Yu-sin, who according to legend trained his martial arts here.
Photo spot: The undulating silver curves of Gangneung Ice Arena provide a striking modern architectural backdrop commemorating past winter sports triumphs.
Fun fact: The modern high-speed railway terminal serves as the central welcoming gateway greeting travelers arriving from across the country.
Story: Chungapbong Peak carries pastoral folklore of villagers gathering atop its ridge to welcome spring and pray for tranquility.
Photo spot: A cozy hilltop gazebo on Chungapbong Peak offers serene panoramic vistas overlooking residential quarters and pine-covered ridges.
Fun fact: Well-maintained pocket parks and shaded pedestrian pathways connect peaceful residential quarters, providing refreshing leafy respites for residents.
Name: The district received its name Gangnam because it is located directly south across the downtown waters of Namdaecheon Stream.
Story: Because Mosanbong Peak resembles an ink brush, scholars historically climbed it to pray for scholastic honors and government posts.
Photo spot: Wolhwa Footbridge spanning Namdaecheon Stream offers fantastic perspectives to capture city nightscapes reflecting upon the dark flowing water.
Name: Gyeongpo received its poetic title because the tranquil lake surface shone as clearly as a freshly polished mirror.
Story: A romantic folktale claims that sitting at Gyeongpodae Pavilion lets viewers simultaneously gaze upon five distinct moons reflecting everywhere.
Photo spot: Pedaling along the lakeside path offers open postcard vistas of glistening waters framed by summer lotus wetlands.
Local notes were drafted with the help of AI from public information. Population: Ministry of the Interior and Safety resident registration, September 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.