Anmok Beach, Gangneung

Anmok Beach is a stretch of sand about 500 m long and some 20,000 m² in area just north of the Namdaecheon River mouth in Gangneung, right beside Gangneung Port. The cafés lining the seafront became known as "Gangneung Coffee Street", and sipping coffee while looking out over the East Sea turned into one of the defining images of a trip to Gangneung. People come here for walks and cafés in every season more than for summer swimming.

The story behind the names

"Anmok" is said to come from a word for the path in front of the village on the way from Namhangjin, across the river mouth, to Songjeong. The neighbourhood name Gyeonso has a story too: it was originally written "Gyeonjo", meaning "watching the tide", because from Jukdobong you could see the river current rushing into the sea. Under Japanese rule it reportedly became Gyeonso, which was easier to pronounce.

In front of the village rises Jeonjubong, a small 37 m hill. Legend says it drifted here from Jeonju in Jeolla Province, after which Jeonju collected land rent every year. In a year of poor harvest, when villagers were worrying about the rent, a quick-witted child came up with an answer, and the rent was never paid again.

The beach has long been popular with families on summer holidays and with anglers. As cafés gradually opened along the seafront, today's Coffee Street took shape, and many people now come as much for the coffee as for the sea.

What to see

• Coffee Street: cafés line the road parallel to the beach. Taking a seat upstairs or on a rooftop with a view over the East Sea is the whole point.
• The beach: fine sand with decks and photo spots, including ANMOK lettering at the top of a flight of steps on the sand and a giant coffee cup sculpture, both popular for photos. In summer there are parasols, rubber rings for hire and showers.
• Beach walk: at around 500 m end to end, the sand and boardwalk make an easy stroll. Accommodation and restaurants cluster behind the beach, so staying overnight for the sunrise is straightforward.
• Gangneung Port: right at the southern end of the beach. Walk along the breakwater for close-up views of the sea.
• Anmok Sunrise Park: a small park near the beach that is a good place to watch the sun come up over the East Sea. Its large ANMOK letters have become a favourite photo spot, and there are benches facing the sea and a small stage that hosts performances in summer and on festival days.

Tripto tips

• Practical info: the beach is open at all times, and entry and parking are free. Swim only in the summer season, in the patrolled area.
• Time needed: 1-2 hours for a walk and a café stop.
• Best time: early morning for sunrise, and weekday mornings for quieter cafés. The winter sea is clear and deep blue, so any season works.
• Combine with: Gyeongpodae and Gyeongpo Beach about 5 km north, or Namhangjin across the river to the south, following the coast.
• Note: waves on the East Sea can rise suddenly, so take care on the breakwater and rocks.