Seoul in 1 Days - Chodang Sundubu Village (local soft tofu lunch)
In Collaboration with LOTTEJTB. Updated on February 22, 2026.
Escape the city for a day of nature, flavors, and seaside in Gangneung. English-speaking guide, timed stops at Chodang Sundubu Village, Haslla Art World, Jeongdong‑Simgok coastal trail, and Gangneung Jungang Market. Operates April–June; sample itinerary below for a May (spring) departure.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with LOTTEJTB, inspired by the tour Gangneung Day Tour from Seoul: Haslla art-world & Seaside trail. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Chodang Sundubu Village (local soft tofu lunch)
- Haslla Art World (coastal art park)
- Jeongdong‑Simgok Badabuchae seaside trail (scenic coastal walk)
- Gangneung Jungang Market (local street food & shopping)
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Itinerary
Day 1
Full-day guided coach tour from Seoul to Gangneung visiting local food streets, an art park overlooking the East Sea, a coastal walking trail, and the central market. Timings reflect the operator's schedule — arrive at your chosen meeting point 10 minutes early.
Meet your English-speaking guide — Hongik Univ. Station Exit 4
Gather and check-in with your RingKtrip guide. Board the coach for the transfer to Gangneung. Please arrive 10 minutes early at the meeting point.
Tips from local experts:
- Bring a printed or digital voucher and have it ready to show the guide at Exit 4.
- Exit the station at Exit 4 and wait by the main stairwell; the guide will hold a RingKtrip sign.
- Carry a small, easy-to-carry day bag (water, light jacket); coach luggage space is available but keep essentials with you.
Free-time lunch at Chodang Sundubu Village
Arrive in the Chodang Sundubu area for a relaxed lunch. Explore alleys of traditional sundubu restaurants and try local soft tofu dishes made with seawater.
Tips from local experts:
- Popular sundubu restaurants can be busy at noon — arrive at the start of the time window to avoid longer waits.
- If you have dietary restrictions, ask for 'no seafood' or 'mild' when ordering stews; many restaurants can accommodate simple requests.
- Carry cash (Korean won) for small vendors; card is accepted at larger restaurants but some small stalls are cash-only.
Explore Haslla Art World (admission included)
Visit the hillside Haslla Art World — indoor galleries and outdoor sculptures overlook the East Sea. Time allocated for self‑guided exploration of the park and museum spaces.
Tips from local experts:
- Admission is included; keep your ticket or voucher accessible in case staff request it at the entrance.
- Wear comfortable shoes — some outdoor sculptures are on sloped paths; bring a light layer for sea breezes on the hilltop.
- Photography is allowed in most outdoor areas; check signs for any restricted indoor exhibits.
Jeongdong‑Simgok Badabuchae seaside trail — coastal walk
Take a scenic coastal walk along Jeongdong‑Simgok Badabuchae‑gil (approx. 1.3 km). Expect dramatic cliffs and ocean views; the walk is approx. 1h30min including photo stops.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes; parts of the trail are uneven and can be slippery after rain.
- Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen) and a light windbreaker — coastal conditions can change quickly.
- Plan for photo stops and a short rest; pick a side of the path with the best sea view for couples' photos, especially near cliff viewpoints.
Stroll and snacks at Gangneung Jungang Market
Wander the lively Jungang Market. Sample coastal street food (squid sundae, hotteok) and browse artisan stalls. Time for shopping and local bites.
Tips from local experts:
- Try small portions from stalls to sample multiple items; vendors often offer single servings.
- Market aisles can be narrow — keep personal items close and move to one side for passing crowds.
- If you want to buy fresh items, ask the vendor about packing/transport rules for travel back to Seoul.
Hotel drop-off & pick-up (Skybay Hotel, St. John’s Hotel, Wolhwa Street pickup)
Scheduled hotel drop-offs for guests staying longer in Gangneung. The coach will stop at Skybay Hotel, then St. John's Hotel; guide will also pick up guests from Wolhwa Street by Gangneung Central Market if arranged in advance.
Tips from local experts:
- If you plan to stay in Gangneung, inform RingKtrip in advance or tell the guide on the day to confirm your preferred hotel drop-off.
- Have your hotel name and room reservation readily available for the guide to confirm drop-off arrangements.
- If rejoining the tour later, agree a clear pick-up location and return date with the guide before leaving the coach.
Return coach transfer from Gangneung to Seoul
Depart Gangneung for the return transfer to Seoul. Approximate travel time to Seoul Station is 3 hours; final estimated arrivals: Seoul Station ~21:00, Hongik Univ. Station ~21:30.
Tips from local experts:
- Board promptly at the scheduled departure time (coach will leave on time); store larger bags in the luggage hold.
- Keep essential items (medication, phone charger, travel documents) in a small bag you take onboard the coach.
- Expect one short restroom break en route; use the coach restroom only if necessary and follow the guide’s instructions for stops.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 4 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Couples |
| Transfers | 1 |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 7 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Meal, Culture, Outdoor, Shopping, Hotel, Transfer |
Why this experience
Gangneung sits just two hours from Seoul, but it feels like a world away. Your day trip takes you to Haslla Art World—a creative compound built into a clifftside where contemporary galleries, sculpture gardens, and a museum merge with views of the East Sea. You'll walk a seaside trail where dramatic stone meets beach, breathing ocean air that smells nothing like the city. Then comes the centerpiece: lunch at Chodang Sundubu Village, where you'll eat the softest tofu you've ever experienced—freshly made in family-run restaurants that have perfected the recipe over generations. The whole experience feels like stepping into a secret that locals have guarded for years.
Before you go
- Best time: Spring and autumn offer ideal weather for seaside trails and gallery walking. Summer is warm but can be crowded; winter's clear skies are beautiful but the coast wind is sharp.
- Budget: Check the booking widget for current tour pricing. The package typically includes transport from Seoul, art world entry, and lunch at Chodang village.
- Difficulty: Moderate. The seaside trail involves uneven stone and coastal paths, but no climbing. Gallery walking is leisurely paced.
- What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes with grip (the trail can be wet), light jacket, sunscreen, camera for the sea views.
- Getting there: You'll meet your guide in Seoul (typically at a central metro station) and travel by van or small coach to Gangneung, about 2 hours away.
- Accessibility: The seaside trail has uneven surfaces and isn't wheelchair accessible. Haslla Art World has some stairs but also level gallery spaces. Let your guide know your needs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the sundubu really that special? Yes. Chodang's water and technique make the tofu unbelievably creamy. Many travelers say it's the best they've tasted. It's simple, not fancy, and that's exactly the point.
How much time do we spend at Haslla? Usually 2–3 hours, giving you time for galleries, the sculpture garden, and a break at the cliff-view café. It's unhurried.
Can I skip the art world if I'm not into galleries? This depends on your operator, but Haslla is typically the anchor of the day. Contact your guide if you have preferences; they may offer flexible pacing.
What's included in this itinerary? This itinerary on TheNextGuide is free to read and follow at your own pace. The bookable experience includes round-trip transport from Seoul, guided tour through Haslla Art World and seaside trail, entry to galleries, and lunch at Chodang Sundubu Village.
Complete your trip in Seoul
Before or after your Gangneung escape, ground yourself in Seoul's quieter side.
- Gentle 3-day Seoul for seniors — Slow-paced Seoul walks that pair well with Gangneung's unhurried rhythm.
- Neon nights and hanok dawns — A multi-day Seoul journey balancing history and modernity.
- Private car and driver day — If you want flexibility to design your own day trip after the Gangneung experience.
Browse all Seoul itineraries at TheNextGuide.
*Last updated: April 2026*
