Gangneung Coffee Festival 2026 is a strong reason to visit Korea’s east coast in autumn. Gangneung has become closely associated with Korean coffee culture, with local roasteries and a well-known seaside cafe scene.
Venue: Gangneung Coffee Street, 20-1 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung.
Fees: Vary by program; confirm the price of each workshop or tasting.
Best for: coffee lovers, cafe culture and an east-coast city break.
Why Gangneung is known for coffee
VISITKOREA describes Gangneung as a coffee city shaped by its influence on Korea’s coffee culture and its variety of local roasteries. For international visitors, the festival is a useful way to experience a side of Korea that goes beyond Seoul’s better-known cafe districts.
What to expect at the 2026 festival
The official 2026 autumn-festival guide highlights opportunities to sample a wide variety of coffee and try coffee-bean roasting. Specific booths, sessions and performance times may change, so check the current program shortly before your visit.
How to get to the festival
The festival organizer gives Gangneung Coffee Street (강릉커피거리), 20-1 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil (창해로14번길 20-1) as the venue. Save that destination before leaving for Gangneung.
After arriving at Gangneung Station or the bus terminal, continue to the coffee street by local transport or taxi. KTO’s Anmok Beach directions estimate about 15 minutes by taxi in ordinary conditions; allow extra time for festival traffic. Our train-booking guide covers the intercity booking steps.
Allow half a day for the festival, or stay overnight for a slower coastal visit. The dedicated tourism listing says fees vary by program and labels its detailed operating information as based on 2025. Confirm 2026 workshop times and prices with the organizer before reserving transport around one session.
Combine the festival with Anmok Beach
Anmok Beach is beside the coffee street, so a practical route is festival stalls → a beach walk → a café with a sea view. This keeps the coast within the same visit instead of adding a cross-city transfer. If you also want a café day in Seoul, compare the setting with our Seongsu walking guide.
Practical tips for international travelers
Check the latest festival program. Dates are confirmed, but individual activities can be adjusted.
Expect popular periods to be busy. Autumn weekends can attract both festival visitors and regular domestic travelers.
Compare coffee before buying beans. Roast level, origin and flavor profile vary significantly between roasters. Ask for recommendations rather than choosing only by packaging.
Leave room in your schedule. Cafe visits take longer than expected when you are combining them with coastal sightseeing and festival activities.
Who will enjoy this festival most?
The festival is particularly suitable for travelers interested in specialty coffee, Korean cafe culture, regional travel and relaxed food-focused itineraries. It can also be a good choice for repeat visitors who have already covered Korea’s major palace and shopping routes.
Is the Gangneung Coffee Festival worth a separate trip?
For a serious coffee fan, yes. For a first-time visitor with only a few days in Korea, it is better treated as part of a broader Gangneung or east-coast itinerary. The strongest plan combines the festival, local cafes, food and coastal scenery rather than traveling solely for a quick festival stop.
Updated: September 13, 2026.
Official sources: Gangneung Coffee Festival organizer | VISITKOREA festival listing
Featured photo: Chulho Choi / Unsplash. Representative beachside cafe scene; not presented as a photograph of the festival itself.