The Taste of the Sea and Chodang, and the Breath of Seorak — A Journey to Gangneung

Escaping the hustle and bustle of Seoul, I needed a place to catch my breath. My choice? Gangneung. With the vast embrace of the sea, the savory taste of Chodang, and the majestic presence of Seorak — every day felt like a healing experience. ⸻ 1️⃣ Embracing the Sea – Jeongdongjin Beach The first destination upon arriving in Gangneung was Jeongdongjin Beach. The sunlight gently descended, and the waves whispered in rhythmic harmony. Walking barefoot on the sandy shore, my tangled thoughts seemed to unravel effortlessly. I captured a few photos with the sea as the backdrop — moments of pure freedom. ⸻ 2️⃣ Chodang’s Delicacies – Soft Tofu and Corn After enjoying the sea, I headed to Chodang-dong. Famous for its Chodang soft tofu, the area has recently gained popularity for Chodang corn as well. • ✔️ The soft tofu was so rich and mild that it slid down easily even without rice. The clear broth, cooked without chili oil, was soothing to the stomach. • 🌽 Chodang corn was chewy and sweet, melting in the mouth. I brought some home and enjoyed it the next morning — just a quick microwave reheat brought back the freshly steamed taste! ⸻ 3️⃣ Embracing Seoraksan – A Stroll in the Small Park An hour’s drive from Gangneung, Seoraksan’s Small Park is a must-visit spot. Walking along the trail felt like a casual stroll, with sunlight filtering through the dense trees and the distant sound of birds adding to the serenity. Sitting at the entrance of Seoraksan, I let my mind wander, feeling a sense of clarity and peace. ⸻ 4️⃣ A Sweet Finale – Gelato Time On the way back, I stopped by a gelato shop near Anmok Beach. The creamy milk gelato, Chodang corn-flavored gelato, and slightly salty caramel gelato left a lasting impression. A bite of gelato while gazing at the sea — could there be a more perfect ending?