5 Ocean-View Cafes in Gangneung and Jeongdongjin for Winter

Gangneung is one of the best places in South Korea to enjoy coffee with an ocean view.

In winter, the East Coast feels particularly clear and peaceful. The beaches are quieter than in summer, the blue water looks brighter, and a warm cafe becomes the perfect place to rest after walking beside the sea.

We visited several ocean-view cafes along the Gangneung coast, from Sacheon and Anmok Beach to Jeongdongjin. Some are large bakery cafes with panoramic windows, while others offer quiet views of the sea and railway.

Here are five ocean-view cafes in Gangneung and Jeongdongjin that are especially enjoyable during a winter coastal trip.

Gangneung Ocean-View Cafes at a Glance

Cafe	Area	Best for
Cafe Ggot	Sacheon Beach	Clear sea views and rooftop photos
Bontemps Gangneung	Anmok Beach	Donuts and a sunset rooftop
Stay Interview Cafe	Near Haslla Art World	A quiet coastal atmosphere
Again DM Cafe	Deungmyeong Beach	Railway and ocean views
Cafe PROUST	Jeongdongjin Station	Travelers arriving by train

These cafes are spread along the coast. Visiting all five in one day is possible by car, but choosing two or three that fit your route will make the trip more relaxed.

1. Cafe Ggot (카페 곳)

A large bakery cafe overlooking Sacheon Beach

Cafe Ggot is a large ocean-view bakery cafe located directly across from Sacheon Beach in northern Gangneung.

The interior itself is not particularly elaborate or memorable. The real reason to visit is the view.

As soon as you enter the cafe, the East Sea stretches out in front of the windows. Even from the third floor, we could clearly see the waves rolling toward Sacheon Beach.

The open ocean view was so refreshing that we could enjoy the feeling of being beside the sea without standing outside in the cold winter wind.

Which Floor Has the Best Ocean View?

You might expect the second or third floor to have the best seats, but that was not our experience.

Some of the second-floor seats face utility wires, which interrupt the ocean view. If you want to see the sea without anything blocking it, the first-floor window seats may actually be the better choice.

For us, the seats directly beside the first-floor windows offered the clearest and most comfortable view.

Rooftop Stairway to Heaven

On a clear day, go up to the third-floor rooftop to see Cafe Ggot’s well-known Stairway to Heaven photo spot.

The stairs are positioned against the sky, creating the illusion that they lead upward above the sea. It is a striking place for coastal photos, although the rooftop can feel very cold and windy during winter.

Cafe Ggot Visitor Information

Korean name: 카페 곳
Address: 143 Jillihaebyeon-gil, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Korean address: 강원특별자치도 강릉시 사천면 진리해변길 143
Opening hours: Daily, 9:00 AM–9:00 PM
Phone: +82-33-646-4500
Parking: Available
Best for: Ocean views, bread, desserts and rooftop photos
Our seating tip: Choose a first-floor window seat for the clearest view
Map: Find Cafe Ggot on Google Maps

Cafe Ggot does not appear to have a clearly identifiable official English website. Save its Korean name, 카페 곳, before visiting so that you can also find it easily on Naver Map or Kakao Map.

2. Bontemps Gangneung (봉땅 강릉점)

Donuts with an ocean view on Anmok Beach

Bontemps Gangneung is an ocean-view donut cafe located along Anmok Beach Cafe Street.

The first thing that caught our attention was the view through the cafe windows. The sea stretched out directly in front of us, and the weather was exceptionally clear that day.

Every time I looked outside, I found myself saying, “Wow.”

On days like this, it is difficult to put the camera down. The bright sky, blue sea and sunlight on the water made even an ordinary coffee break feel special.

Bontemps specializes in Korean-style twisted donuts. It is a good choice for travelers who want a sweet dessert with their coffee while exploring Anmok Beach.

Sitting beside the windows allowed us to enjoy the sea comfortably without facing the cold coastal wind.

A Rooftop Between the Sea and Mountains

The cafe also has a rooftop with the sea in front and the mountains behind.

During the middle of the day, the rooftop can become very hot, particularly in summer, so it may not be the most popular place to sit.

However, the atmosphere changes after sunset. As the heat fades and the light becomes softer, the rooftop feels much more peaceful and atmospheric.

If you visit later in the day, go upstairs after sunset and enjoy the evening coastal view.

Bontemps Gangneung Visitor Information

Korean name: 봉땅 강릉점
Address: 14 Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Korean address: 강원특별자치도 강릉시 창해로14번길 14
Location: Anmok Beach Cafe Street
Specialty: Korean twisted donuts
Best time to visit: A clear afternoon for the ocean view or after sunset for the rooftop
Official Gangneung Instagram: @bontemps_gangneung
Official brand website: Bontemps Korea
Map: Find Bontemps Gangneung on Google Maps

Opening hours may change, so check the official Gangneung Instagram account before visiting.

3. Stay Interview Cafe

A quiet coastal cafe near Haslla Art World

Stay Interview Cafe is located along the coast near Haslla Art World and Jeongdongjin.

It has a quieter and more secluded atmosphere than the busy cafes around Gangneung’s best-known beaches. Large windows face the sea, making it a comfortable place to enjoy coffee and dessert while slowing down between destinations.

The peaceful atmosphere works particularly well in winter. You can stay warm indoors while watching the blue East Coast water through the windows.

Its location also makes it easy to combine with a visit to Haslla Art World. Together, the two stops offer art, coastal scenery and a relaxing coffee break without returning to central Gangneung.

Why Visit Stay Interview Cafe?

Quiet ocean-view setting
Large windows facing the sea
Located near Haslla Art World
Suitable for couples and families
Convenient for travelers exploring the coast by car

Stay Interview Visitor Information

Korean name: 스테이인터뷰 강릉
Address: 1458 Yulgok-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Korean address: 강원특별자치도 강릉시 강동면 율곡로 1458
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–6:30 PM
Phone: +82-10-2476-7784
Parking: Available
Official website: Stay Interview Gangneung
Official Instagram: @stayinterview_gn
Map: Find Stay Interview on Google Maps

The cafe and accommodation share the same property. Check the official website or Instagram before visiting, particularly during holidays.

4. Again DM Cafe

A unique view of the sea and railway

Again DM Cafe is a spacious ocean-view cafe located near Deungmyeong Beach.

What makes this cafe different is the scenery. From the cafe, you can see both the railway and the East Coast sea.

Watching a train pass between the cafe and the water creates a view that feels distinctly Jeongdongjin. It is different from simply looking over the beach from a large coastal cafe.

The spacious indoor seating also makes Again DM a practical winter stop. You can watch the sea and passing trains without remaining outside in the cold wind.

The cafe serves coffee, baked desserts and Korean-style sweets. It is also known for patbingsu, a Korean dessert made with shaved ice and sweet red beans.

Although bingsu is usually associated with summer, many Koreans enjoy it throughout the year.

Why Visit Again DM Cafe?

Ocean and railway views
Spacious indoor seating
Baked desserts and Korean sweets
Convenient for a Jeongdongjin coastal drive
Parking available

Again DM Cafe Visitor Information

Korean name: 어게인디엠카페
Address: 21 Jeongdongdeungmyeong-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Korean address: 강원특별자치도 강릉시 강동면 정동등명길 21
Opening hours: 10:00 AM–8:00 PM
Last order: 7:30 PM
Phone: +82-507-1363-3823
Parking: Available
Official Instagram: @againdm_official
Map: Find Again DM Cafe on Google Maps

Some upper-floor areas may have age restrictions for children because of the terrace structure. Families should check the current floor policy before visiting.

5. Cafe PROUST

A convenient ocean-view cafe near Jeongdongjin Station

Cafe PROUST is located directly across from Jeongdongjin Station.

This makes it the most convenient cafe on the list for travelers arriving in Jeongdongjin by train. You do not need to arrange a taxi or travel farther along the coast.

It is an easy place to stop after watching the sunrise, walking along Jeongdongjin Beach or finishing a warm meal nearby.

The cafe begins on the second floor. From the windows, visitors can look toward Jeongdongjin Station and the sea beyond it.

Its greatest advantage is its location. It fits naturally into a Jeongdongjin itinerary when travelers need somewhere warm to sit before or after a train journey.

Why Visit Cafe PROUST?

Located across from Jeongdongjin Station
Easy to reach without a car
Views of the station and sea
Close to Jeongdongjin Beach
Convenient before a return train

Cafe PROUST Visitor Information

Korean name: 카페 프루스트
Address: 2F, 18-2 Jeongdongyeok-gil, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Korean address: 강원특별자치도 강릉시 강동면 정동역길 18-2, 2층
Opening hours: Usually 10:00 AM–7:30 PM
Phone: +82-507-1349-9953
Official Instagram: @cafe_proust
Map: Find Cafe PROUST on Google Maps

The cafe is upstairs, so access may be difficult for travelers carrying large luggage or using a stroller.

If you are visiting Jeongdongjin for sunrise, check the opening time in advance. Sunrise and cafe opening hours may not match.

Which Gangneung Ocean-View Cafe Should You Choose?

Choose Cafe Ggot if you want a large bakery cafe, a clear view of Sacheon Beach and a rooftop photo spot.

Choose Bontemps Gangneung if you want donuts with your coffee or plan to spend the afternoon around Anmok Beach.

Choose Stay Interview Cafe if you prefer a quiet atmosphere or are visiting Haslla Art World.

Choose Again DM Cafe if you are driving toward Jeongdongjin and want to see the railway and sea together.

Choose Cafe PROUST if you are traveling by train and want a convenient cafe near Jeongdongjin Station.

Can You Visit These Cafes Without a Car?

Cafe PROUST is the easiest option without a car because it is located directly across from Jeongdongjin Station.

Bontemps Gangneung is also relatively easy to visit if you are already exploring Anmok Beach and Gangneung Coffee Street.

Cafe Ggot, Stay Interview and Again DM Cafe are more convenient by car or taxi. Public transportation along the coast may involve longer waits and additional walking, particularly in winter.

For families traveling with children, using a car or taxi will make it easier to move between the beaches, cafes and nearby attractions.

A Simple Gangneung Winter Cafe Route

If you are staying near central Gangneung, a relaxed northern coastal route could be:

Visit Sacheon Beach
Stop at Cafe Ggot
Continue toward Anmok Beach
Have donuts and coffee at Bontemps Gangneung
Walk along Anmok Beach before sunset

For a Jeongdongjin coastal route:

Visit Haslla Art World
Stop at Stay Interview Cafe
Continue to Again DM Cafe
Walk around Jeongdongjin Beach
Finish near Jeongdongjin Station and Cafe PROUST

Trying to visit every cafe in one day may feel rushed. Choosing two cafes and combining them with a beach or nearby attraction will create a more enjoyable trip.

Are Gangneung Ocean-View Cafes Good in Winter?

Yes. Winter is one of the best seasons to visit ocean-view cafes in Gangneung.

The beaches are less crowded than in summer, and the East Coast often looks especially blue and clear on cold, sunny days. Cafes also provide a warm place to enjoy the sea when it is too windy to remain outside.

However, rooftops can feel much colder than street level. Even on a clear day, bring a warm coat if you plan to take photos outside.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find ocean-view cafes in Gangneung?

Ocean-view cafes can be found along several parts of the Gangneung coast, including Sacheon Beach, Anmok Beach, Deungmyeong Beach and Jeongdongjin.

Which Gangneung cafe is best without a car?

Cafe PROUST is the easiest option for train travelers because it is located across from Jeongdongjin Station. Bontemps Gangneung is also convenient when visiting Anmok Beach Cafe Street.

Which cafe has the best rooftop?

Cafe Ggot has a rooftop Stairway to Heaven photo spot overlooking the sea. Bontemps Gangneung also has a rooftop that becomes particularly atmospheric after sunset.

Which cafe is near Haslla Art World?

Stay Interview Cafe is located near Haslla Art World and can easily be included in the same coastal itinerary.

Where can I see trains and the sea together?

Again DM Cafe offers views of both the railway and the East Coast sea. Cafe PROUST also overlooks Jeongdongjin Station with the sea in the background.

Final Thoughts

Gangneung’s ocean-view cafes offer more than coffee and dessert. Each one provides a different way to experience the East Coast.

Cafe Ggot has wide views of Sacheon Beach and a memorable rooftop staircase. Bontemps combines donuts with the bright scenery of Anmok Beach. Stay Interview offers a quieter coastal pause, while Again DM shows the railway and sea together. Cafe PROUST is the easiest stop for travelers using Jeongdongjin Station.

For me, the most memorable part was not a particular drink or interior. It was looking through the windows and seeing the winter sea spread out in front of us.

On a clear day, the Gangneung coast makes you reach for your camera again and again.

Opening hours and cafe policies may change by season or holiday. Check each cafe’s official website, Instagram account or Korean map listing before making a special trip.

Planning a Family Trip to Gangwon-do?

If you’re visiting Gangneung with children, there is much more to explore beyond its ocean-view cafés. From indoor attractions to winter-friendly family activities, discover the best places to visit with kids in Gangwon-do and add a few more memorable stops to your Korea itinerary.