Seoul to Gangneung Day Trip: KTX-Eum Train, Anmok Beach Cafe & BTS Bus Stop [2026]
Dreaming of escaping the bustling Seoul metropolis to see the crystal-blue waters of South Korea’s East Sea? Thanks to the modern KTX-Eum (KTX-이음) high-speed train, you can travel from downtown Seoul straight to the coastal city of Gangneung (강릉) in just 1 hour and 40 minutes to 2 hours!
From sipping pour-over coffee along the oceanfront Anmok Coffee Street to posing at the famous BTS Album Cover Bus Stop and Jumunjin "Goblin" filming spot, here is the ultimate Easy Route Korea 1-day itinerary, train booking, and transit guide!
🚆 1. KTX-Eum: Seoul to Gangneung Train Breakdown
| Departure Station | Travel Time to Gangneung | One-Way Standard Fare | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Seoul Station (서울역) | ~2 hours | ~27,600 KRW (~$21 USD) | Travelers staying in Myeongdong, Hongdae, or Incheon Airport connections |
| Cheongnyangni Station (청량리역) | ~1 hour 40 min | ~26,000 KRW (~$20 USD) | Travelers staying in Dongdaemun, Seongsu, or Eastern Seoul |
💡 Modern KTX-Eum Features:
Every seat on the KTX-Eum train is equipped with wireless smartphone charging pads, standard 220V power outlets, individual window blinds, and free high-speed onboard Wi-Fi!
💡 Navigate Gangneung Coastal Buses on Naver Map!
To check real-time local bus arrivals from Gangneung Station to Anmok Beach and BTS Bus Stop in English, download "Naver Map"!
🟢 Download NAVER Map (Android) 🚇 Download NAVER Map (iOS)🎟️ 2. How to Book KTX Tickets as a Foreigner
KTX train tickets open 1 month in advance and weekend morning trains to Gangneung sell out quickly.
Booking Steps via Korail English:
- Visit the official LetsKorail (렛츠코레일) English website or download the KorailTalk app.
- Select Departure: Seoul or Cheongnyangni ➔ Arrival: Gangneung.
- Choose your date and preferred departure time slot (KTX-Eum).
- Enter your full Name, Nationality, Email Address, and pay using an international Visa, Mastercard, or JCB.
- Save the digital QR e-ticket on your phone. In Korea, you do not need to scan through turnstiles—simply walk onto the platform and sit in your assigned car & seat!
🚅 Book Korea Rail Pass (KORAIL Pass) Online
Planning to visit Busan and Gangneung in the same week? An unlimited KORAIL Pass gives you massive discounts on all high-speed KTX trains!
🎟️ Book Unlimited KTX Rail Pass on Klook ➔*Instant confirmation & direct online seat reservation for international travelers.
🌊 3. Perfect 1-Day Gangneung Coastal Itinerary
Stop 1: Anmok Beach Coffee Street (안목해변 커피거리)
- Getting There: Take local Bus No. 223-1 or 503 from Gangneung Station bus stop (15–20 mins) or a quick 10-minute taxi (~7,000 KRW).
- Highlights: A 500-meter sandy beach lined with multi-story specialty cafes overlooking turquoise waves. Grab a window seat on the 4th-floor terrace of Bossa Nova Coffee Roasters or Santorini!
Stop 2: Chodang Soft Tofu Village (초당 순두부 마을)
- Lunch Must-Eat: Walk or ride 5 minutes to Chodang village. Try traditional savory Sundubu Jjigae (soft tofu stew) curdled with clean East Sea saltwater, followed by famous Sundubu Gelato (순두부 젤라또) ice cream!
Stop 3: BTS Bus Stop at Hyangho Beach (향호해변) & Jumunjin Breakwater
- BTS Album Cover: Head north to Hyangho Beach where the iconic bus stop from BTS’s "You Never Walk Alone" album is permanently installed right on the sand.
- K-Drama "Goblin" Pier (주문진 방사제): 5 minutes down the coast sits the famous stone breakwater where Gong Yoo and Kim Go-eun met in the hit drama Guardian: The Lonely and Great God!
💡 Easy Route Korea Travel Pro Tips
⚠️ Reserve Return KTX Tickets Early!
Sunday evening KTX trains from Gangneung back to Seoul fill up days in advance with domestic weekend travelers. Always book your round-trip return ticket (around 19:00–21:00 PM) when securing your morning departure!
- Local Transit: You can tap your standard T-money or WOWPASS card on all Gangneung city buses. (Note: Seoul Climate Cards are NOT valid outside the Seoul metropolitan area).
- Luggage Lockers: Gangneung Station has digital storage lockers inside the main concourse if you need to store heavy backpacks or luggage.
Hop on the KTX-Eum, listen to the crashing waves with iced coffee in hand, and enjoy an unforgettable day trip to the East Coast with Easy Route Korea!
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