【2026 Gangwon Province Accommodations】Tired of Seoul? Must-Visit Hotels with Infinity Pools and Soothing Ocean Views

South Korea•Asia

Published at 06/20/2026

Are you feeling weary of Seoul? In just two hours by high-speed train, you can arrive at the stunning coastal views of Gangwon Province! This time, we have curated a list of the most talked-about accommodations in Gangwon for 2026. Whether you're looking to capture breathtaking photos at an infinity pool or simply want to relax in your room while listening to the sound of the waves, this dream list will surely fulfill your vacation desires!

2026 Korea Travel Trend: Why Is Everyone Heading to Gangwon-do?

In recent years, an increasing number of travelers have been drawn to the suburbs of Seoul, with Gangwon-do emerging as a top vacation choice. This region boasts Korea's cleanest and most beautiful coastline, offering opportunities for surfing and water activities in the summer, while winter brings access to world-class ski resorts. Compared to the bustling and noisy streets of downtown Seoul, Gangwon-do offers a more relaxed vacation atmosphere, with air that feels particularly fresh. If you have four to five days in your Korea itinerary, it is highly recommended to include Gangwon-do to experience a distinctly different pace of Korean life.

Comprehensive Transportation Guide from Seoul

In the past, traveling to Gangwon-do often raised concerns about inconvenient transportation. However, now you can easily reach Gangneung or Donghae in about two hours by taking the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station. One-way tickets start at approximately 27,600 KRW, which is roughly 160 HKD or 650 TWD, making it quite a good deal. It is highly recommended to book your tickets online in advance from Taiwan or Hong Kong, especially during busy weekends, to avoid missing out. Once you arrive, you can elegantly embark on a perfect vacation itinerary.

Absolute Landmark of Gangneung’s Seaside: Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo

When it comes to landmark hotels in Gangwon-do, the Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo, which resembles a massive luxury cruise ship, is certainly a must-mention! This hotel is situated in Gangneung City, boasting a unique and eye-catching geographical location. As soon as you roll your luggage into the lobby, the friendly staff will warmly welcome you. However, please note that check-in begins at 3 PM, so if you arrive early, it's a good idea to store your luggage and take a leisurely stroll to the nearby Gangneung Coffee Street for a cup of hand-brewed coffee.

The Ultimate Experience of Dual Views: Embracing Mirror Lake on the Left and the East China Sea on the Right

What truly captivates visitors at Sky Bay is its extraordinary dual landscape. The hotel is perfectly situated between the serene, mirror-like Mirror Lake and the majestic East China Sea. Regardless of which side you choose to stay on, you will be treated to distinctly beautiful views. For those who wish to fall asleep to the soothing sound of ocean waves, we recommend opting for a room that faces the sea. Each morning, as you gently draw back the curtains, you can witness the golden sunrise slowly rising from the horizon, a breathtaking sight that will surely make you forget all your worries.

Relaxing Moments by the Rooftop Water and Surrounding Delicacies

In addition to the incredibly comfortable rooms, the surrounding amenities are exceptionally well-planned. If you feel hungry in the evening, you can take a short walk to the street lined with seafood restaurants, where you can savor the local delicacies like the famous Matsuba crab and fresh sashimi. After indulging in a satisfying meal, you can return to the hotel's rooftop heated pool for a refreshing dip. The pool's water temperature is perfectly controlled, ensuring that even on a slightly chilly night, you won't feel cold at all. Relaxing in the water while gazing up at the dazzling starry sky is truly one of life's rare pleasures!

Dynamic Storyboard Inspiration for Infinity Pools

If you're looking to create a viral short video, the morning light at an infinity pool is simply stunning! Slip into a bright swimsuit and capture a low-angle shot of yourself walking towards the pool's edge, then pan the camera to reveal the vast East China Sea—it's absolutely perfect. Please note that drones and large tripods are prohibited on site, so be sure to follow the rules.

The Luxurious New Star on Sokcho Coast: Cassia Sokcho Hotel

If you're on the lookout for the most talked-about seaside accommodation in 2026, look no further than the Cassia Hotel in Sokcho! This brand-new resort, crafted by the internationally renowned Banyan Tree Group, has successfully captured everyone's attention since its grand opening. From the exterior architecture to the interior design, every detail reflects a tastefully understated luxury. The lobby features an abundance of warm wooden tones and high-quality stone materials, complemented by expansive floor-to-ceiling windows, creating an atmosphere that instantly makes you feel relaxed and comfortable upon entering.

The Thoughtful Touch of Banyan Tree Group: A Stunning Ocean View from Every Room

The highlight that travelers rave about at Cassia Hotel is that every room offers a breathtaking view of the enchanting East Coast! That's right, you won't have to stress about securing an ocean view room. The interior design of the rooms is incredibly modern, featuring soft and comfortable beds, and every room type comes with its own floor-to-ceiling windows and a small balcony for enjoying the scenery. Just imagine soaking in the spacious bathtub while sipping on the complimentary capsule coffee provided by the hotel, all while admiring the gradient of the azure sea outside—now that's the true rhythm of a vacation.

Exploring and Savoring Delights Around Sokcho

Living in Sokcho comes with a delightful surprise: the abundance of affordable local cuisine! A quick ten-minute taxi ride from the hotel will take you to the incredibly popular Sokcho Tourist Fish Market. Here, you'll find not only fresh and inexpensive seafood but also the famous "Wanshi Spicy Chicken," which has taken Korea by storm. Grab a box of sweet and spicy crispy fried chicken, pair it with a few cans of chilled Korean beer, and enjoy it slowly on your hotel balcony while watching the twinkling lights of distant fishing boats. This spontaneous joy is truly priceless.

Tips for Capturing Light and Shadows by the Window

The light and shadows within your room can serve as the perfect photography studio! The slanted afternoon light is incredibly enchanting. Slip into a pure white cover-up and take a seat by the window, allowing the camera to capture your profile alongside the stunning blue sea view from the side of the bed. Be cautious of the strong winds on the balcony; avoid climbing over the railing to ensure your safety.

A Pilgrimage for Architecture Enthusiasts: Seamarq Hotel

For travelers who appreciate spatial design and environmental aesthetics, the Seamarq Hotel in Gangneung is an essential destination that embodies a dreamlike experience. This remarkable hotel was personally designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Richard Meier! The entire structure is primarily adorned in pure white, resembling a modern work of art quietly standing by the seaside. Although the nightly rate starts at approximately 450,000 Korean won, equivalent to around 2,600 Hong Kong dollars or 10,500 New Taiwan dollars, those who experience a stay will undoubtedly understand the value it offers.

Breathable Space Magic: A Luxurious Stay Merging Nature and Modernity

Upon entering the elegant guest rooms, you will realize that the designers have truly mastered the art of light and shadow. The rooms are devoid of excessive worldly decorations; instead, they cleverly utilize large, pristine glass windows to seamlessly bring the sunrise and sea colors of Gangwon-do indoors. The hotel’s mattresses and amenities are carefully selected from top international brands, allowing you to enjoy a subtle, soothing woody fragrance even while bathing. This understated elegance, combined with meticulous attention to detail, makes it hard for guests to check out once they’ve settled in.

Taste the Exclusive Moments of Tranquility

In addition to its impeccable facilities, the privacy and serenity of the Schimak Hotel are truly exceptional. With a limited number of guests, whether you are quietly reading in the library or enjoying a leisurely swim in the indoor heated pool, you can fully appreciate a sense of exclusivity. In the evening, it is highly recommended to visit the hotel bar and order a signature light cocktail, accompanied by soft jazz music, as you reflect on the wonderful experiences of the day. The local regulations are quite strict, so please remember to keep your voice down in public areas to help maintain this rare atmosphere of tranquility.

A Guide to Minimalist Composition in Masterful Architecture

When faced with pristine white geometric structures, it is recommended to wear low-saturation earth tones to best highlight a sense of sophistication! Capturing the spiral staircase from a low angle can reveal the ultimate tension in its lines. While the lobby is photogenic, be sure to avoid bringing large commercial photography equipment, as it may disrupt the serene atmosphere of the space.

Step into a Fairy Tale Forest in Europe: Sono Felice Vivaldi Park

Gangwon-do offers more than just stunning ocean views; its enchanting mountain landscapes are absolutely worth experiencing! If you enjoy the feeling of being enveloped by dense forests, the Sono Felice Vivaldi Park resort in Hongcheon County will surely captivate you. This place resembles a hidden European fairy tale town nestled deep in the Korean mountains, with charming villas that boast exotic architectural styles scattered throughout the area. It's also quite convenient to reach from downtown Seoul via a dedicated shuttle bus, and the scenery along the way is as breathtaking as a vivid oil painting, instantly transporting you into pure vacation mode.

A Year-Round Paradise: The Perfect Blend of Skiing and Summer Retreat

This resort's most impressive feature is its ability to offer distinctly different experiences throughout the year! In winter, guests can step out of the hotel and head straight to Korea's top ski resorts, relishing the exhilarating thrill of racing through the snow. Come summer, the location transforms into a cool retreat, with temperatures significantly lower than in the city, making it an ideal spot for families to enjoy golfing, horseback riding, or leisurely picnics along forest trails. The resort even boasts a large chain supermarket and restaurants, allowing visitors to stay for three days and two nights without the need to leave the premises.

Spacious and Comfortable Family Suite

Unlike typical crowded hotel rooms, this place primarily offers spacious apartment-style suites. The rooms not only feature a bright living area but also come equipped with simple yet practical kitchen amenities. In the evenings, everyone can gather on the cozy sofa in the living room to watch TV, enjoy late-night snacks, and engage in cheerful conversations. The warm atmosphere is truly delightful. If you prefer not to wake up too early the next day, you can brew a cup of hot oolong tea in your room and sit on the balcony, gazing out at the expansive green mountains. This is what a truly relaxing slow-paced vacation is all about.

Capturing the Atmosphere of Morning Mist in the Mountains

To create a sense of mystery reminiscent of a European fairy tale, the early morning mist is the perfect time! Slip into a vintage sweater and stroll along the forest trails, using a telephoto lens to compress the background, bringing the subjects and architecture beautifully close together. To protect the ecosystem, drone photography is strictly prohibited here, so please do not test the limits!

Conclusion: Leave Some Space for Your 2026 Trip to Korea

After browsing through the curated list of charming accommodations in Gangwon-do, are you feeling the urge to grab your phone and book a flight right away? Following a hectic work routine, the ideal way to experience travel is to avoid over-scheduling your itinerary. Generously allocate time to enjoy a high-quality hotel, waking up naturally to the rhythmic sound of ocean waves, or taking deep breaths of fresh air in the misty mountain forests. This often allows for a deeper appreciation of the purity and joy that comes with traveling abroad.

No matter if it’s the elegantly designed all-white Simark Hotel or the island getaway vibe of Kasia and Skybay, each of these accommodations has its own unique essence and captivating story. These highly talked-about popular stays are sure to be in high demand in 2026. It is strongly recommended that once you have your flight tickets and travel dates confirmed, you promptly secure your room through the official website or your preferred online booking platform to avoid any disappointment later on.

We hope this meticulously curated accommodation guide for Gangwon-do brings you plenty of inspiration and excitement for your future trip to South Korea. The next time you plan a visit to Korea, consider stepping outside your familiar urban comfort zone and taking a comfortable high-speed train for a delightful getaway into nature. We'll see you in our next travel column, and we wish you a perfect, relaxing, and surprise-filled vacation in Gangwon-do!~

Common FAQs about traveling freely in Gangwon Province

Q1: 從首爾出發去江原道交通方便嗎？

A1:

非常方便！只要從首爾站或清涼里站搭乘 KTX 高鐵，最快約兩小時即可抵達江陵或東海，單程票價大約 27,600 韓元起。

Q2: 有推薦海景絕佳的江原道飯店嗎？

A2:

推薦擁有雙面景觀的「斯凱貝鏡浦飯店」以及保證全海景房的「束草卡西亞飯店」，這兩間都能讓你躺在床上看日出與絕美東海。

Q3: 江原道除了海景還有什麼旅遊特色？

A3:

江原道四季皆有不同玩法，冬天擁有國際級的滑雪場，想體驗山林度假推薦入住彷彿歐洲童話小鎮的「索諾菲利斯維瓦爾第公園度假村」。

Q4: Is it convenient to travel from Seoul to Gangwon-do?

A4:

Very convenient! Just take the KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station, and you can reach Gangneung or Donghae in about two hours at the fastest, with one-way ticket prices starting at approximately 27,600 won.

Q5: Do you have any recommendations for hotels in Gangwon-do with excellent sea views?

A5:

I recommend the "Sky Bay Mirror Lake Hotel" with dual views and the "Sokcho Cassia Hotel" which guarantees all sea view rooms. Both of these allow you to lie in bed and watch the sunrise and the stunning East Sea.