Some trips are best enjoyed slowly. In Gangneung, that means a late brunch in a garden, coffee in a café that feels a little like Paris, an immersive art stop and a night by the sea. These are the places I have been saving for a two-day escape built around good food and beautiful spaces.
At a glance: Day 1 — brunch, café, art, bakery, hotel pool and French dinner. Day 2 — a leisurely hotel breakfast and one last coffee. This route works best by car. Leave room to linger rather than treating every stop as a checklist.
Day 1 · A garden brunch at Aubrieta
Start among the trees before heading for the sea. Aubrieta pairs red brick, warm wood and a garden view with an unhurried brunch. If you can, take a seat by the window and let the morning begin at its own pace.
Address: 82 Yangjimal-gil, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung. Hours: 10 am–5 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Check current hours before visiting.
Photo idea: Frame the brick building with the garden, or photograph your brunch against the view from the window.
A little Paris in Gangneung · Vacances des Parents
For the next coffee, change the mood completely. Vacances des Parents has vintage furniture, soft lighting and the lovely feeling of a small neighbourhood café in France. The name means “parents on a long holiday,” which seems fitting. Try a rich hot chocolate or a French dessert and take your time.
Address: 3F, 2064 Gyeonggang-ro, Gangneung. Hours: noon–7 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Check before you go.
Step into the art · ARTE Museum Gangneung
ARTE Museum is an immersive experience rather than a traditional walk past framed works. Waves, flowers and forests fill the rooms with moving light, sound and scent. It is an easy all-weather stop for couples, friends or families.
Address: 131 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung. Hours: 10 am–8 pm daily. Check the latest opening and ticket details before visiting.
Photo idea: Leave the flash off and wait for a brighter scene to catch a silhouette.
A sweet little check-in · Checkeast
After the exhibition, stop at Checkeast for a pastry. This bakery plays with the idea of a hotel check-in, from room keys to travel-inspired details. Pick up a salt bread, kouign-amann or a small baked treat to take home. Keep it light: there is still a swim and dinner ahead.
Address: 153 Gangbyeonbuk-gil, Gangneung. Hours: 10 am–8 pm daily.
The stay · Shilla Monogram Gangneung
Now for the centrepiece of the trip. Shilla Monogram Gangneung brings together the sea, pine trees and calm, polished interiors. The hotel and residence have different room types, so check which building you are booking, the exact view and what is included with your rate.
Check-in / check-out: 3 pm / 11 am. Pool access and booking arrangements may vary by season and room package.
Explore Shilla Monogram Gangneung rooms on Trip.com →
Before sunset · Swim or walk the beach
Drop your bags, then head to the pool if it is open for your stay. The hour just before sunset is especially lovely, when the light softens over the water. After a few photos, put your phone away and enjoy the warm water. If swimming is not on the agenda, take an easy walk along the beach instead. Confirm the pool schedule and any reservation requirement before check-in.
A little treasure hunt · Au Franc
Before dinner, browse Au Franc, a French-inspired lifestyle shop filled with tableware, textiles and small objects you will want to bring home. It is fun to explore even if you leave empty-handed. The best part of this stop is how neatly it flows into dinner: Summer Kitchen is downstairs.
Address: 2F, 67-6 Jukheon-gil, Gangneung. Hours: 11 am–8 pm, break 3:30–5 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Dinner to remember · Summer Kitchen
End the first day over French-inspired food and a glass of wine. Summer Kitchen feels like being invited into a small European home, with thoughtful lighting, furniture and table details. Look out for its slow-cooked onion soup and the abalone take on escargot with garlic butter.
Address: 67-6 Jukheon-gil, Gangneung. Hours: 11 am–9 pm, break 3:30–5 pm; closed Tuesday and Wednesday. Reserve ahead if your dinner timing matters.
Day 2 · Breakfast without a rush
There is no need to race out for breakfast. Ease into the day at the hotel buffet at Dining M, then take a gentle walk near the sea and pine trees. Check your breakfast time at check-in, and compare room rates carefully if you want breakfast included.
Compare rooms and breakfast options →
One last coffee · Terarosa at Shilla Monogram
Before the drive home, stop at Terarosa for a final coffee. Brick walls, high ceilings and broad windows make it a lovely place to look back through yesterday’s photos. From a garden brunch to this last cup, the trip ends as gently as it began.
Address: 145 Nanseolheon-ro, Gangneung. Hours: 9 am–9 pm daily; parking available. Confirm details before you set off.
Save this route for a Gangneung trip when you want to spend more time in places you love. Opening hours, menus and hotel facilities can change, so check each venue before travelling.