Anmok Coffee Street, Gangneung

최광모 (Choe Kwangmo) · CC BY-SA 4.0

A beach with a whole street of roasteries, which began with vending machines on the sand.

It started plainly enough: in the 1980s a few coffee vending machines were installed along Anmok beach so people could drink something while watching the sea, and it turned into a regional habit. Then roasters moved in, opening right at the edge of the sand, and Gangneung now calls itself Korea's coffee capital, with its own festival each October. The good part is that the old vending machines are still there, standing beside the elaborate roasteries — and plenty of locals still choose the machine. A cup, then a walk along the shore into the East Sea wind, is how Gangneung starts the morning.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Anmok Coffee Street, Gangneung?

Year-round; the coffee festival is in October

How long do you need at Anmok Coffee Street, Gangneung?

2 hours

What are the opening hours of Anmok Coffee Street, Gangneung?

There are no shared hours — each café sets its own, most running roughly 09:00 to 22:00; the beach in front is open all day

Did you know

The coffee street grew out of vending machines installed on the beach in the 1980s.
Gangneung holds the Gangneung Coffee Festival each October.
Dozens of cafés roast their own beans along Anmok beach.
The beach faces east and is a sunrise spot.

Travel tips

The KTX from Seoul to Gangneung takes only about 2 hours.
Come early and drink your coffee as the sun comes up over the sea.
Combine with Gyeongpo beach and the Ojukheon house on the same day.

Source: https://access.visitkorea.or.kr/opentour/detail.do?cotId=34bd6230-b3a4-433d-be50-6811f0a6699e

Updated: 2026-08-05