There are cities remembered for their unique foods. When thinking of Gangneung,
the beautiful nature of the Baekdu Mountains and the East Sea comes first.
But the delicious food made with ingredients harvested from this natural bounty is also famous.
Alongside Jeonju, Gangneung is recognized by the UNESCO Creative Cities Network as a City of Gastronomy in Korea,
earning acknowledgment for its culinary culture. In this era where gastronomy drives tourism,
why not take on a culinary journey to Gangneung to try out the distinctive and traditional flavors that will tantalize your taste buds?

Gangwon-do, where potatoes are abundant, is sometimes called the "potato country.”
In times when rice was scarce, potatoes were the staple food in Gangwon-do.
Gangneung locals enjoyed a dish by grinding potatoes into small balls. The locals called the dish as “ongsimi.”

Ongsimis are carefully crafted and combines a chewy texture with a refreshing broth,
creating a deeply flavorful dish. You can find many restaurants specializing in this delicious ongsimi all around Gangneung.

In Byeongsan-dong, there is a village known for ongsimi restaurants.
The restaurants here started by selling freshly grated potato pancakes at first,
but eventually gained fame and formed Ongsimi Village.
Now is the season to taste the seasonal ongsimi made from freshly harvested potatoes.
Enjoy the thick and chewy texture of kalguksu (ongsimi noodles),
complemented by the crispy potato pancakes to stimulate your appetite.
Your anxiety of being in an unfamiliar travel location will disappear, making you want to visit Gangneung again.

You can't talk about Gangneung without mentioning dubu (tofu).
If you think dubu is just an ordinary ingredient, you must try Gangneung's chodang dubu.
You’ll be amazed by its deep and rich flavor.

“Chodang” came from the pen name that Heo Yeop, a public servant and a Neo-Confucianist used from the mid-Joseon dynasty.
Heo Yeop was also the father of Heo Nanseolheon and Heo Gyun,
the author of famous Korean tale "The Story of Hong Gildong.”
Chodang dubu was created when Heo Yeop was the governor of Gangneung.
He made dubu using natural coagulant from seawater, and its unique taste soon became famous.
It eventually became a representative dish of Gangneung.
In 1986, the first restaurant specializing in dubu opened in Chodang Village.
The delicate taste of soft dubu quickly gained popularity, leading to the creation of today's Chodang Dubu Village.

As more people seek the rich flavor of chodang dubu, new ideas for dubu food have also gained popularity.
These include jjamppong broth combined with soft dubu, and even dubu transformed into gelato and ice cream.
Traditional dishes now coexist with the innovations.
Chodang Dubu Village is also close to Gyeongpo Beach, making it an excellent destination for a leisurely day.
You can visit the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park and enjoy coffee at the nearby Gangnueng Coffee Street.

Gangneung, a heaven of seafood paradise facing the East Sea!
If you try mulhoe (spicy raw fish soup) at Sacheonjin Port in Gangneung, even the faintest appetite will awaken.
Mulhoe is a dish made by finely slicing of freshly caught fish or squid,
mixing it with vegetables in a sweet and sour seasoning with water.
It is known as a dish that fishermen would eat on their boats to quickly satisfy their hunger.
While squid mulhoe is famous, it also pairs well with other fish such as flatfish and halibut, each offering unique flavors.

Miyeokguk (sea mustard soup) is a perfect match for mulhoe that soothes the spiciness of mulhoe.
It is considered as a best combo, much like how fish and chips go well together.
Miyeokguk is usually served as a rockfish miyeokguk, and it can rival the main dish with its deep, savory taste.
Though most restaurants in the village serve mulhoe, each has its distinct flavor.
Some use beef bone broth, while others serve it in large bowls, each offering different unique tastes.
The one thing in common is that mulhoe is a beloved menu for people of all ages!

Enjoy fresh air of the sea with an amazing broth and fresh seafood,
together with the perfect ocean view while eating in Sachon Mulhoe Village.
Eating well is one of the most important aspects of travel. So,
if you come to Gangneung, make sure to fully enjoy mulhoe!