Gangneung

Gangneung, located between the Taebaek Mountains and the East Sea, offers a remarkably laidback atmosphere. It offers one-of-a-kind opportunities to surf, hit the slopes at the Yongpyeong Ski Resort, tour Joseon-era buildings, and catch some shamanistic rituals and Korean wrestling matches at the 400-year-old Dano Festival.

While it’s the largest city on the northeastern coast, Gangneung has a friendly and homey vibe. Think chilled-out days on the beach, happy-hour cruises, cherry-blossom-lined roads, and leisurely lunches of makguksu (a buckwheat noodle dish). The city's cultural events include Haslla Art World and the International Junior Art Festival at Gyeongpo Beach. History buffs won’t want to miss Ojukheon House & Ojukheon Municipal Museum, the legendary Heonhwa Road and Joseon exhibits at Seongyojang House.