The only divided nation in the world. Gangwon-do Province is the waist of division.
Aninjin and Jeongdongjin of Gangneung, the central coastal cities of Gangwon-do Province, are places where the scenes of national confrontation and the hidden sorrows of war exist. It is the place where the North Korean army first invaded and landed on June 25, 1950, and where the North Korean submarine infiltrated on September 18, 1996, sending shivers down the spines of the entire nation. Established with the hope for peace and reunification in this place burdened with the pain of the June 25th Korean War, the infiltration of North Korean submarines on September 18th, and North Korean Guerilla Infiltration, the Gangneung Unification Park emphasizes the importance of national security. This large-scale exhibition park showcases military equipment, aiming to underscore the significance of security awareness. Furthermore, Gangneung Unification Park is situated in a that harmonizes the exquisite blend of mountains and the sea. Here, one can experience the emotions of both the sorrow of a divided country and the breathtaking natural scenery, making it a place for education and tourism.

Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park commemorates the siblings Heo Gyun, who authored the first Korean novel, "The Story of Hong Gildong (Honggildongjeon)," during the Joseon Dynasty, and Heo Nanseolheon, recognized as the foremost female literary figure of that era. The park has Heo Nanseolheon's Birthplace, where Heo Cho-hee (Heo Nanseolheon) was born, along with memorial halls, a traditional tea experience area, and a green park. The pine forest unfolding behind the birthplace provides a wonderful resting space. Every spring and autumn, events such as the Gyosan Heogyun and Nanseolheon Cultural Festival are held, enhancing the cultural experiences offered by the park.

Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum, boasting the lushest pine forest in the country, is adorned with 23 themes across an area of 78.5 hectares (approximately 240,000 pyeong) along the slopes of Chilseong Mountain, which has been well-preserved for a long time. From the entrance, visitors can experience the scents of flowers and pine trees and the refreshing sound of flowing water. The arboretum features attractions such as the "Forest Ecological Observation Path," forming clusters of ginger trees and snow bell trees, the "Path of Healing with a Thousand Years of Breath," the "ine Forest Square" embracing red pines, and an exhibition hall themed around various wild flowers.

Located in Anhyeon-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, Gyeongpodae Beach is one of the best summer destinations for beachgoers. Gyeongpodae Beach is one of the top two places you must visit to experience the youthfulness of South Korea during the hot summer season. Another place is the Haeundae Beach in Busan. Consequently, with many young people flocking to these two beaches, family unit travelers have dispersed to the seaside s of Gosung and Yangyang. Gyeongpo is famous as the largest beach on the East Coast, located 6km north of the city center and 1km from Gyeongpodae. It is a place where the expansive waves of the East Sea, known as Myeongsaohri (very fine and clean sand), are vividly captured and spread out. In harmony with its reputation, the rows of parasols during the summer create a spectacular scene reminiscent of an artist's painted canvas. After enjoying this breathtaking view, it marks the beginning of exploring Gangneung's tourist attractions.

As you stroll along the 510m-long pristine white sands of Anmok Beach in Gangneung, you'll encounter the aroma of coffee carried by the sea breeze, leading you to Gangneung Coffee Street. The fame of Gangneung coffee began from the coffee served in vending machines while looking at the sea. The picturesque view of the sea, coupled with the clean air, enhanced the flavor of the coffee. This reputation continued, and since the 2000s, baristas who led the coffee culture settled in Gangneung and established Gangneung Coffee Street. Featuring delights like 'Coffee Bean Bread' and various desserts, it adds an extra layer of enjoyment. Every year in October, Gangneung hosts the 'Gangneung Coffee Festival,' where coffee enthusiasts can learn and experience coffee alongside experts on Coffee Street.

Yeongok Beach Campground is located at Yeongok Beach, where the beach and pine forest harmonize. Thanks to this, campers can enjoy camping while overlooking the sea or savoring the phytoncides emitted by the pine trees. The entire campground is designed with universal design, and the camping zones are divided into A, B, and C sections, including two decks for people with disabilities, totaling 127 sites. The A zone provides 61 large decks, the B zone offers 41 standard decks, and the C zone has 25 natural grassy sites. The Vehicle Camping Zone, where camping trailers can be accommodated, includes 10 sites in the E zone. Additionally, there are 9 fixed caravans in the D zone, including one caravan for people with disabilities. All sites have access to electricity, benches for reading, and a forest playground for toddlers. Convenient facilities include three shower rooms, four restrooms, seven water stations, and one shower room for people with disabilities, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.

'Ojukheon' is located in Jukheon-dong, near Gyeongpo Lake, and it earned its name because a black bamboo with finger-thick stems is growing in the backyard. It is widely known as the birthplace of Yulgok Yi I, who, along with Toegye Yi Hwang, is considered one of the greatest scholars of the Joseon Dynasty. 'Ojukheon' is also famous for being the ancestral home of Shin Saimdang. One notable feature of 'Ojukheon' is the 'Mongnyongsil (dragon dream room),' named after Saimdang's dream before giving birth to Yulgok. It is a rectangular house with ondol (heated flooring) rooms and a porch, consisting of three bays in the front and two on the side, forming a separate building from the main house. There is also a simple building called 'Anchae (main house)' on the west side of the small fence, and a verse couplet engraved on a pillar of 'Anchae' is a calligraphy of Chusa Kim Jeong-hui. There is also a building called 'Eojegak,' in Ojukheon, where King Jeongjo preserved the original copy of Yulgok's artifact, 'Gyeogmongyogyeol,' and the inkstone.

Seongyojang is a dignified aristocratic residence that stands out as one of the best-preserved traditional Korean houses in the Gangwon-do Province. Located about 4 km towards Gyeongpo from Gangneung-si, Seongyojang House represents the residences of the upper class during the Joseon Dynasty. It has been designated as a National Folk Cultural Heritage. When the Gyeongpo Lake was wider than it is today, the area was called "Baedari Village" because people used to cross the lake by boat. The name "Seongyojang" originates from this. Built in 1703 during the reign of King Yeongjo, Seongyojang House was constructed on an auspicious spot that Lee Nae-beon, a descendant of Prince Hyoryeong, discovered while chasing away a flock of weasels. Their descendants still inhabit the house. With a total area of 1,051.24m² (318 pyeong), Seongyojang House features well-preserved structures such as anchae (main building) surrounded by gatehouses, Sarangchae (men's quarters), Dongbyeoldang (east detached quarters), and family shrines. Outside the entrance is a Hwallaejeong pavilion, built on a pond spanning hundreds of square meters. It showcases a perfect structure with a garden, completing the picturesque setting. Seongyojang House is a valuable resource for studying buildings, residential life, and daily tools of the late Joseon period. The surrounding landscape complements the beauty of the residence. The Sarang of Seongyojang is known as Yeolhwadang, which houses thousands of books, writings, paintings, and more, including Yongbieocheonga (Songs of the Dragons Flying to Heaven) and Goryosa (History of Goryeo).

In the 1990s, a new societal phenomenon emerged in South Korea, where filming s for movies and dramas became popular tourist destinations. One representative is Jeongdongjin. Reflecting this societal trend, Moraesigye Park was developed into a tourist attraction in 1999 to commemorate the new millennium. In honor of the drama "Sandglass," a large hourglass was installed, and the site became known as Moraesigye (Hourglass) Park. Since it is located at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula, Jeongdongjin is famous for being where the sun rises. The park is modestly adorned against the backdrop of the East Sea and mountains. Visitors can enjoy the refreshing Jeongdongjin Beach, and at the center of the park, there is a large hourglass surrounded by pine trees and benches, providing a serene space to appreciate the sea and unwind. In addition to the Moraesigye Park, visitors can experience the Jeongdongjin Time Museum, sundials, and the Jeongdongjin Rail Bike that runs along the vast sea and mountains resembling folding screens. Jeongdongjin gained more fame as it became known as a sunrise viewing spot and was selected as one of the "100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots in Korea" in 2015.

'Gyeongpo Gasiyeonseupji Wetland' is an ecological wetland park where one can see the gracefully blooming 'lotus' and the mysterious flower 'Prickly Water Lily.' A secluded walking path is created along Gyeongpo Lake, allowing visitors to appreciate various wildflowers and sculpture parks. Additionally, diverse bird species inhabit the area, providing opportunities to observe the appearance of birds visiting Gyeongpo Gasiyeonseupji Wetland throughout four seasons.

Ecotourism refers to tourism that provides learning opportunities for environmental conservation without damaging the well-preserved ecological environment of a region, and tourism revenue contributes to the preservation of the local ecosystem and benefits the residents. It is a form of travel where travelers and the local environment accompany the travel through understanding the region's culture and people. 'Gangneung Ecotourism' is a sustainable tourism that aims to promote the restored Gyeongpo Ecological Wetland's value and contribute to its preservation, in accordance with the designation of the Gyeongpo Lake, the representative natural lake and lagoon of South Korea, as the 'Ecotourism Conservation Area' by the Ministry of Environment in December 2014.