Enchanting Coastal Delights of Gangneung

• Hello안녕하세요
  [annyeonghaseyo]
• Goodbye안녕히 가세요
  [annyeonghi gaseyo]
• Yes네
  [ne]
• No아니요
  [aniyo]
• Please/You're welcome부탁합니다/천만에요
  [butakhamnida/cheonmaneyo]
• Thank you감사합니다
  [gamsahamnida]
• Excuse me/Sorry죄송합니다
  [joesonghamnida]
• How are you?어떻게 지내세요?
  [eotteoke jinaeseyo?]
• Fine. And you?잘 지내고요. 당신은요?
  [jal jinaegoyo. dangsineunyo?]
• Do you speak English?영어 하세요?
  [yeongeo haseyo?]
• I don't understand이해하지 못해요
  [ihaehaji mothaeyo]

• I'd like to see the menu, please메뉴를 보고 싶어요
  [menyureul bogo sipeoyo]
• I don't eat meat고기를 먹지 않아요
  [gogireul meokji anayo]
• Cheers!건배!
  [geonbae!]
• I would like to pay, please계산하고 싶어요
  [gyesanhago sipeoyo]

• Help!도와주세요!
  [dowajuseyo!]
• Go away!가세요!
  [gaseyo!]
• Call the Police!경찰을 불러주세요!
  [gyeongchareul bulleojuseyo!]
• Call a doctor!의사를 불러주세요!
  [uisareul bulleojuseyo!]
• I'm lost길을 잃었어요
  [gireul ilheosseoyo]
• I'm ill아파요
  [apayo]

• I'd like to buy...사고 싶어요...
  [sago sipeoyo...]
• I'm just looking구경만 하고 있어요
  [gugyeongman hago isseoyo]
• How much is it?얼마에요?
  [eolmaeyo?]
• That's too expensive너무 비싸요
  [neomu bissayo]
• Can you lower the price?가격을 깎을 수 있어요?
  [gageogeul kkageul su isseoyo?]

• What time is it?지금 몇 시에요?
  [jigeum myeot sieyo?]
• It's one o'clock한 시에요
  [han sieyo]
• Half past (10)십 시 반
  [sip si ban]
• Morning아침
  [achim]
• Afternoon오후
  [ohu]
• Evening저녁
  [jeonyeok]
• Yesterday어제
  [eoje]
• Today오늘
  [oneul]
• Tomorrow내일
  [naeil]
• 1한
  [han]
• 2둘
  [dul]
• 3셋
  [set]
• 4넷
  [net]
• 5다섯
  [daseot]
• 6여섯
  [yeoseot]
• 7일곱
  [ilgob]
• 8여덟
  [yeodeol]
• 9아홉
  [ahop]
• 10열
  [yeol]

• Where's a/the...?어디에 ...이/가 있어요?
  [eodie ...i/ga isseoyo?]
• What's the address?주소가 뭐에요?
  [jusoga mwoeyo?]
• Can you show me (on the map)?지도로 보여주세요?
  [jidoro boyeojuseyo?]
• When's the next (bus)?다음 버스 언제와요?
  [daeum beoseu eonjewayo?]
• A ticket (to ....)...(으)로 티켓 하나 주세요
  [...(e)ro tikes hana juseyo]

Gangneung has been an important settlement since the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BC – 668 AD). Originally known as 'Gyerim,' it was part of the Silla Kingdom. The city later became a significant cultural and political center in the Goryeo dynasty (918–1392).

During the Goryeo Dynasty, Gangneung grew in prominence. Ojukheon House, built in the early 15th century, is one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea. It is famously the birthplace of the Confucian scholar Yi I (Yulgok) and his mother Shin Saimdang, a prominent artist and calligrapher.

In the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897), Gangneung continued to flourish. Seongyojang House, built in 1703, exemplifies the architectural style of the time. This grand mansion belonged to a prominent yangban (aristocratic) family and now provides a glimpse into the lifestyle of the Korean nobility.

During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910–1945), Gangneung underwent significant changes. The coastal areas were developed for fishing and trade. Some of the architecture and infrastructure from this period still remain, reflecting the influence of Japanese colonial rule.

Gangneung was relatively spared from the direct impacts of the Korean War (1950–1953). However, the post-war period saw significant reconstruction and modernization efforts. The coastal areas were developed into tourist destinations, capitalizing on their natural beauty and historical significance.

In 1996, Gangneung was the site of a significant military incident when a North Korean submarine ran aground near the city. The crew attempted to infiltrate South Korea, leading to a large-scale manhunt and increased military tensions. The incident is a stark reminder of the ongoing conflict on the Korean Peninsula.

Gangneung played a crucial role in the 2018 Winter Olympics, hosting events such as figure skating, curling, and ice hockey. This international event brought significant attention to the region, boosting its global profile and tourism.

Gangneung is located in the Gangwon Province of South Korea. The nearest international airport is Incheon International Airport in Seoul, approximately 230 kilometers away. From Seoul, you can take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station, which typically takes around 2 hours. Alternatively, express buses run frequently from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal to Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal, with a travel time of about 3 hours.

Gangneung offers several transportation options for visitors. The city has an efficient public bus system that connects various parts of the city and surrounding areas. Taxis are readily available and relatively inexpensive. For a more flexible option, renting a car can be convenient, especially if you plan to explore the coastal areas and nearby attractions. Bicycles are also a popular mode of transport, with rental shops available near Gyeongpo Lake and other tourist areas.

The official currency in South Korea is the South Korean Won (KRW). Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and shops in Gangneung. However, it is advisable to carry some cash, especially when visiting smaller establishments or local markets. ATMs are available throughout the city, and many offer services in English.

Gangneung is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, it is always wise to take standard precautions. Avoid walking alone late at night in unfamiliar areas and keep an eye on your belongings in crowded places. While Gangneung does not have any specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, it is best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 119 for immediate assistance. Gangneung has local police stations and medical facilities available. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies in the city where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing overly revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Remove your shoes before entering temples and be mindful of your behavior in sacred spaces. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't talk loudly or disturb others on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a slight bow or a handshake. A polite 'Annyeonghaseyo' (hello) is appreciated. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don't leave food on your plate as it is considered wasteful.

To experience Gangneung like a local, visit the traditional markets such as Gangneung Jungang Market, where you can buy fresh produce and local specialties. Engage with locals, as they are often friendly and eager to share information about the city's history and culture. Don't miss visiting the scenic Gyeongpo Lake and the beautiful Jeongdongjin Beach, famous for its sunrise views. For a unique experience, take a ride on the Jeongdongjin Rail Bike, offering stunning coastal scenery.