Gangwon-do is the Korean region with both the highest density of mountains and plenty of beaches. That makes it especially suitable for those who prefer outdoor activities — hiking, surfing and winter sports — over big city vibes. Gangneung is also known for its strong coffee culture and sea-view cafes.
Reachable within a few hours from the capital region, it's a popular leisure destination for Koreans, so expect it to get more crowded on weekends and public holidays. Developed coworking spaces are rare, but every city has plenty of study cafés that offer quite similar facilities.
Selected spots to get a feel for the region
Photo source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사)
Approximate positions, drawn from KTO coordinates
City Mountain Surf beach Ski resort
Where to stay and work in the region
~79K people
Small coastal city with good infrastructure, a convenient base for Seoraksan National Park and the surf beaches of Yangyang.
Where to work
Dadoo Coworking coworking
2F, 4331 Donghae-daero, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Hinomad Lab coworking · community
Opening in November
2F, 114-1 Jungang-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
Getting around: Seoraksan 40 min busYangyang Beaches 1.2h busSeoul 2.5–3h bus
~210K people
Known as Korea's coffee capital, with an annual coffee festival and plenty of sea-view cafes. The biggest coastal city in Gangwon-do. Also known as a filming location for "Goblin."
Where to work
Padosalon coworking
2F, 2023 Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Getting around: Yangyang Beaches 1h busAlpensia Ski 40 min taxiSeoul 2.5h train
~290K people
The capital of Gangwon-do and a popular student city surrounded by lakes.
Where to work
Getting around: Elysian Ski Resort 50 min busSeoul 1.5h train 2h subway
~370K people
The largest city and one of the industrial hubs in Gangwon-do, with Chiaksan National Park and Sogeumsan Grand Valley nearby.
Where to work
Getting around: Oak Valley Ski Resort 30 min carChiaksan National Park 40 min busSogeumsan Grand Valley 40 min busSeoul 1.5h train
Population data for 2025. Source: KOSIS(Ministry of Data and Statistics, Population Census) ↗, 2026-09-24. Values rounded to two significant figures.
Study-café data is a manual editorial estimate, last updated in October 2026. Live data currently unavailable.
Study-café data is a live qualitative estimate based on Kakao® Local API ↗ results.
The prices shown are for decent furnished stays available to foreigners, without a large upfront deposit or long-term contract.
Stays in this region generally offer more space for the money than in Seoul. Sokcho has the widest range of flexible options, while Wonju is the cheapest overall. Gangneung is more local-oriented, with more options on the 33m2 platform.
Ongoing now, and what's coming up
Source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사).
What to explore in the region
Source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사).
A few handpicked representative dishes, each associated with a city known for them
Sokcho
Squid stuffed with rice, tofu and bean sprouts. Usually served with a dipping sauce.
Sokcho
Boneless deep-fried chicken glazed with sweet and spicy sauce and sprinkled with nuts. Best with beer; has non-spicy versions.
Gangneung
Soft, nutty tofu curdled with seawater. Can be served warm and unseasoned, with soy sauce on the side, or as part of a spicy stew with seafood.
Where to eat it ↗
Chuncheon
Stir-fried marinated chicken with rice cakes and vegetables, originally cooked over charcoal at your table, now often on a hot iron plate. Has non-spicy versions.
Where to eat it ↗
Chuncheon
Buckwheat noodles served cold, often in radish-water kimchi broth or beef broth.
Source: © Korea Tourism Organization (한국관광공사). Ojingeosundae: 태오 윤 (Taeo Yun) / CC BY 3.0 ↗.
