Destination 》Asia 》East Asia 》South Korea 》GangNeung
Year Visited: 2014 – May
I visited Seoul, South Korea while living and working in Shanghai. It was a short five days trip, so we made Seoul our base and travelled around the country. While in Seoul, we made a day trip to GangNeung. We took a early morning bus from Seoul to GangNeung to spend some time on the beach and experience GangNeung Danoje Festival, which is inscribed in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
GangNeung is the largest coastal city in GangWon Province, nestled at the east side of South Korea‘s longest mountain range, Taebaek. Geologically isolated from most parts of the country, GangNeung is able to preserve its own distinct culture.
Photos below are from GangNeung beach,
During Gangneung Danoje, Gangwon-do’s largest folk festival, the city becomes a festive ambiance with over 50 official events, open-air market with around a thousand shops, traditional dance, music and splendid fireworks.
The largest market in the entire country is held during the Gangneung Danoje Festival period, food, local products and hand crafts from each region are sold.
Pictures below are from Traditional music, dance, and mask play during Gangneung Danoje.
Pictures below are from Traditional farmers’ music and dances competition in the evening.
After a full day of fun, took a bus back to Seoul. Traveling within the county is a breeze as South Korea is a small country with very efficient public transport system.
Window on the World 