No summer vacation checklist is complete without a trip to the beach. The cool crash of the waves, the crisp ocean breeze, and the lively energy of the shoreline are always enough to spark that familiar pre-trip anticipation. Gangneung, nestled along South Korea's eastern coast, perfectly captures this classic summer ambiance, pairing panoramic views of the East Sea with atmospheric beaches and endless activities.
Recently, the rising K-pop group TWS shared a video on their official YouTube channel documenting a nostalgic trip to the coastal city. Gathering to celebrate their youngest member Han Kyung-min’s high school graduation, the group started their journey at Anmok Beach and spent a sun-drenched day exploring the best of Gangneung, capturing the carefree, breezy essence of a youth getaway. Here is a curated Gangneung itinerary packed with energy and refreshing charm—styled entirely by TWS.
From Sundubu Gelato to Dakgangjeong: Gangneung’s Local Flavors Take Center Stage
Before diving into their busy schedule, the members of TWS stopped by the famous Chodang Sundubu Village to quiet their hunger with a comforting, warm spread of sundubu (soft tofu). To round out their meal, they cleansed their palates with a local novelty: "sundubu-flavored gelato." Intrigued by the smooth texture and subtle, nutty aroma of the tofu, the members marveled at the taste, noting, "It really tastes exactly like sundubu."
As one of Gangneung's most iconic culinary staples, "Gangneung Chodang tofu" is uniquely crafted by curdling soy milk with clean East Sea seawater instead of traditional chemical coagulants. This process yields an exceptionally tender, softly curdled tofu with a clean, naturally savory flavor that is light on the stomach and deeply satisfying.
For travelers eager to sample a wide array of local delicacies and modern fusion snacks, the traditional market in downtown Gangneung is an essential stop. TWS visited the vibrant Gangneung Jungang Market, turning their trip into an impromptu culinary scavenger hunt to locate specific regional dishes. They wound through the bustling market alleys, embarking on a mouth-watering mukbang (eating show) that featured everything from dakgangjeong (sweet and spicy crispy fried chicken) and nurungji squid sundae (crispy scorched-rice stuffed squid) to kimchi-rolled samgyeopsal (pork belly), cup yukhoe (beef tartare), and spicy chicken feet. Delighted by the sheer variety of flavors, the members exclaimed, "You can literally taste Gangneung in this!" and "This is the absolute best."
Cycling Over the Waves: The Thrills of the Aranabi Sea-Sky Bike
For travelers seeking an adrenaline rush, the "Aranabi Sea-Sky Bike" is a must-try. This unique marine activity is located near Gangneung Port and the Namhangjin area, just a short distance from Anmok Beach. The name carries a beautiful meaning: "Ara" is a native Korean word for sea, while "Aranabi" translates to "flying like a butterfly over the ocean."
After securing their safety harnesses and helmets, riders pedal a specially designed bicycle along a high-wire course suspended directly over the open water. Because the aerial route is entirely self-powered, the ride offers a thrilling, heart-racing sensation of gliding effortlessly across the sea. Visitors flock to this attraction for the unmatched experience of taking in panoramic views of the East Sea with the cool ocean wind whipping past them.
Taking on the Sea-Sky Bike themselves, the TWS members were awestruck by the sweeping ocean vistas, shouting in excitement as they soaked up the high-altitude thrills. Shin Yu looked visibly tense, admitting, "This is actually much scarier than I thought," while Han Ji-hoon grinned widely from ear to ear, declaring, "This is absolutely amazing!" If you are looking for an unforgettable way to experience the Gangneung coastline, the Sea-Sky Bike is the perfect addition to your itinerary.
Art Meets the Ocean: Snapping Once-in-a-Lifetime Photos at Haslla Art World
To seamlessly blend the soothing sound of the waves with contemporary art installations and boundless ocean views, head to Haslla Art World. Situated on a cliffside to preserve the natural mountain terrain, this sprawling outdoor park and museum is widely celebrated on social media as one of Gangneung’s premier photography destinations. Its grand scale and exotic, artistic architecture blend so seamlessly with the bright blue backdrop of the East Sea that the entire venue feels like one massive, collaborative work of art.
Upon arrival, the TWS members headed straight for the diverse photo zones scattered throughout the park. "This place is incredibly famous for taking beautiful pictures," Han Ji-hoon noted. "There are so many sculptures, and the whole layout is so stylish." The other members eagerly explored the grounds, agreeing that the scenic fusion of art and nature felt deeply healing.
Striking playful poses and snapping photos of one another, the group captured lasting memories of their coastal reunion. Haslla Art World offers a treasure trove of unique backdrops—ranging from whimsical giant sculptures and an open-air skywalk to the abstract "Jupiter" exhibition space—ensuring hours of rewarding exploration.
Of all the installations, the most famous is the "Circle Photo Zone," which features a perfectly round opening carved into a rustic stone wall. The stone frame beautifully encases the deep blue of the East Sea, transforming the natural landscape into a living, circular painting.
Another major highlight is the observation deck, which offers an uninterrupted, panoramic view of the vast horizon. The TWS members paused there to quietly appreciate the view. Staring out at the seamless line where the sky meets the ocean, the members remarked, "This view is honestly unreal," and "It feels like we've traveled to another country."
How to Capture the Perfect 'MZ-Generation' Travel Photos
No modern youth getaway is complete without mastering the "MZ-style" aesthetic. Today’s trendsetting travelers often move away from stiff, front-facing, perfectly centered portraits in favor of candid angles, side profiles, dramatic back views, or high-angle, overhead shots. The goal is to capture the authentic energy of the moment—even if that means embracing slightly off-kilter framing or natural, in-motion blurs. When taking photos with street food, try holding the snack close to the camera lens or capturing candid, laughing group shots where everyone is looking in different directions to give your travel album a vibrant, documentary feel.
However, when shooting in public or outdoor spaces, always remain mindful of the surrounding foot traffic. When posing near cliffside viewing platforms or beachside docks, never lean over protective railings or step past safety boundaries. Because many sections of the art park feature steep hills and stairs, wearing comfortable walking shoes and pacing yourself will ensure a safe, leisurely, and thoroughly enjoyable visit.
