Hello everyone! Today, I'm going to give you a very detailed introduction on how to enjoy a sentimental trip by walking along the beautiful Odaebouchegil (Sea Fan Trail) located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do.

The Gangneung Odaebouchegil is a 6.2km long coastal promenade that stretches from Jeongdongjin in Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung City to Gangmun Beach. You can walk along the East Sea and enjoy a leisurely time admiring the blue sea and sky. In particular, the Odaebouchegil offers breathtaking scenery along the coastline that will delight your eyes throughout your walk.

Jeongdongjin, the starting point of the Odaebouchegil, is famous for being the place where the sun rises first in Korea. If you walk a little towards the sea from Jeongdongjin Station, you will find Jeongdongjin Beach, which stretches out wide. Simply admiring the sunrise from the beach will be a special memory. Watching the red sun slowly rise over the early morning sea will bring peace to your mind.

There is also a 'Sandglass Park' on the beach. The 7m high giant sandglass is a symbol of Jeongdongjin Beach. It's a photo spot where you can take amazing pictures with the sea in the background. How about taking an Instagram-worthy shot with the East Sea and the sunrise in the background in front of the sandglass?

If you walk south along the Odaebouchegil from Jeongdongjin, you will come across the Jeongdongjin Clock Museum. Inside the museum, you will find exhibits on the history of clocks and various types of clocks. From large grandfather clocks to unique designs of modern clocks, you can hear interesting stories about clocks. Outside the museum, a 13m high giant grandfather clock sculpture stands. At every hour, the dolls on top of the clock move and play beautiful music. You'll feel like you've stepped into a fairytale.

As you walk along the Odaebouchegil, you will encounter beautiful landmarks of Gangneung, such as Wolhwa Street, Hoegok Beach, and the National Gangneung Wonju University Haeram Cultural Heritage Complex. Wolhwa Street is a charming tree-lined street that has been selected as 'the most beautiful street in South Korea.' The gingko trees and platan trees lining the over 1km street offer a different landscape every season. Especially in autumn, the golden gingko leaves fill the street, creating a spectacular golden scene. The street is lined with cute cafes, galleries, and workshops. If you get tired of walking, you can take a break with a cup of coffee or enjoy the fun of browsing unique items.

Hoegok Beach is a place where the emerald blue sea and oddly shaped rocks create a perfect harmony. The clear and transparent seawater makes it feel like a huge aquarium. Walking along the promenade by the beach while feeling the sea breeze will naturally lead to healing. There are many sea caves and rock crevices along the coast. You can feel the wonder of nature with your whole body by listening to the crashing waves between them.

The highlight of the beach is the two bridges that you can walk on over the azure sea. These bridges, called 'the Bridge of Life' and 'the Odaebouchegil Bridge', are the best photo spots where you can feel the cool breeze while walking on the sea. Standing on the bridge and looking at the sea that stretches out beyond the horizon will give you a sense of openness.

If you continue walking south along the Odaebouchegil past Hoegok Beach, you will reach the National Gangneung Wonju University Haeram Cultural Heritage Complex. Inside the complex, precious cultural heritage that preserves the old appearance of Gangneung is on display. At the 'Gangneung Dano Festival Heritage Education Center', where you can see the origin of the Dano Festival, you can learn about the history and value of the Gangneung Dano Festival.

The Dano Festival is an intangible cultural heritage that represents Gangneung, and it's a precious festival that has been with the lives of Gangneung people for a long time. At the Heritage Education Center, you can hear detailed explanations about the origin of the Dano Festival and various events. You can also see costumes, musical instruments, and props used during the Dano Festival.

There is also a 'Intangible Cultural Heritage Heritage Center' inside the complex, which recreates a Joseon Dynasty nobleman's house. Gangneung is famous for being a place where Confucianism has been deeply rooted for a long time. It's a space where you can get a glimpse of the traditions of Gangneung. Take a walk through the serene Hanok courtyard and feel the wisdom and elegance of your ancestors. At the Heritage Center, you can also experience traditional crafts of Gangneung, such as najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl inlay), somokjang (woodworking), and myeongjujagi (silk weaving). As you watch the works being created by the artisans' hands and feel them, you will be amazed by the excellence of Gangneung crafts.

After leaving the Haeram Cultural Heritage Complex, continue walking south along the Odaebouchegil, and you will see a large piece of pottery. This 6.8m high piece of pottery was made after modeling it after a Silla Dynasty pottery excavated in Gangneung. It would be nice to take a commemorative photo in front of this sculpture, called 'Gangneung Shin Saimdang Pottery'.

As you walk along the road, you will feel like you are on a time trip to the past. You will often see scenes that evoke the atmosphere of Gangneung, such as old stone walls, alleys, and serene Hanok houses. The quaint charm of the narrow alley will make you lose track of time. The 40 to 50-year-old juniper trees lining the road are soothing just to look at. Inhaling the faint scent of juniper as you walk will naturally lead to healing.

Be sure to visit Anmok Beach, which is located in the middle of the Odaebouchegil. The beach promenade, where the open sea view unfolds before your eyes, makes you happy just by walking. Especially at sunset, the sunset gently settles among the pine groves, dyeing the sea red, a beautiful sight. It would be nice to end the day by sitting on the beach and admiring the setting sun.

South of Anmok Beach is the Gangneung Coffee Street. If you get tired of walking, take a break with a cup of coffee at a nice cafe. Gangneung has long been known for its famous coffee. Thanks to this, there are many unique local cafes in Gangneung. From cafes with vintage charm that feel like coffee museums to cafes with great views where you can see the ocean at a glance, you can choose a cafe that suits your taste. Don't forget to pair your coffee with Gangneung's specialty, bungeoppang (fish-shaped pastry).

How about enjoying a culinary trip by visiting Gangneung Central Market? The Central Market, boasting over 70 years of history, is a place where you can taste Gangneung's local food all in one place. Especially, the 'Dakgangjeong Alley' inside the market is a must-visit course on a trip to Gangneung. Gangneung-style dakgangjeong, a combination of chewy chicken and spicy and sweet sauce, is loved by many. Once you taste the dakgangjeong, you can't help but fall in love with the charm of street food.

After enjoying the market, I recommend going to Gangmun Beach, which is at the end of the Odaebouchegil. Gangmun Beach, with its endless white sand beach mixed with pine groves, offers a sense of openness that opens up your heart. Walking along the beach with the gentle waves will melt away all your worries. The horizon where the sea and sky meet in the distance is healing just to look at. Also, watch the sunset beyond the horizon. You'll be mesmerized by the magical colors.

After making memories at Gangmun Beach, how about relaxing at the accommodation and savoring the aftertaste of your trip? Gangneung offers a variety of accommodations, including pensions, guesthouses, and hotels. A day at a secluded pension surrounded by nature will wash away the fatigue of everyday life. It would also be nice to enjoy the night of Gangneung with new acquaintances you made at a guesthouse.