#4 : GANGNEUNG: STADIUM AND TOURISM RESOURCES

Hello guys! I'm back with May topic which is Gangneung city. It is another city where winter olympics' stadiums are located at. For this time, I will not separate both, stadiums and tourism resources. I will just combine them both in one! Let's dive in and know more about the Gangneung city! Let's get started!

- MAY -

G A N G N E U N G ' S I N T R O D U C T I O N

Gangneung (江陵市) is a city in Gangwon-do, on the east coast of South Korea. Gangneung is the economic centre of the Yeongdong region of Gangwon Province. Gangneung has many tourist attractions, such as Jeongdongjin, a very popular area for watching the sun rise, and Gyeongpo Beach.

The city is also home to National League football club Gangneung City FC and K League football team Gangwon FC.

G A N G N E U N G ' S S T A D I U M

Gangneung Hockey Centre

Gangneung Hockey Centre (Korean: 강릉 아이스하키 경기장) is an indoor arena currently under construction in the coastal city of Gangneung, South Korea. The arena will be one of the two venue for the ice hockey events at the 2018 Winter Olympics, serving as the main venue for the men's tournament and medal matches. It will also host the ice sledge hockey competition during the 2018 Winter Paralympics. The cost of construction for the venue is 108 billion won (about $90 million US). Construction started in July 2014 and in expected to be completed by November 2016.

Gangneung Oval

The Gangneung Oval (Korean: 강릉 스피드 스케이팅경기장) is a speed skating oval in South Korea, which will used for the speed skating competitions at the 2018 Winter Olympics. The building of the oval was started in September 2013. The venue will consist of a double track 400 m rink and has a capacity of 8000 seats. It has three floors aboveground and two underground levels. The original plan was to build the venue at the Gangneung Science Park, but because there was limited space due to the number of local businesses taking the opportunity to relocate, the oval will be built in the Gangneung Olympic Park, in the vicinity of the Gangneung Ice Arena and Gangneung Hockey Centre.

Gangneung Ice Arena

Gangneung Ice Arena (강릉 아이스 아레나) is an indoor ice arena which has been built for the 2018 Winter Olympics. It is located in the coastal city of Gangneung. It will be the venue for two sports: figure skating and short track speed skating. The seating capacity is 12,000. The Gangneung Ice Arena is designed to house two ice rinks (60m x 30m) for competition and training respectively. The building has four floors above ground and two underground levels. An environmentally- friendly ice cooling system has been adopted, and the facility will be used for local recreational purposes after the Games. The cost of construction for the Olympics is 85 million USD. The facility has been inaugurated on December 14, 2016

Gangneung Curling Centre

Gangneung Curling Centre (강릉 실내 빙상경기장) is an indoor ice arena which was used for the 2013 Special Olympics World Winter Games, and will be used for both the 2018 Winter Olympics and 2018 Winter Paralympics. It was opened in 1998

It is located in the coastal city of Gangneung. It will be the venue for curling and wheelchair curling. The seating capacity is 3,500.

It is the only Olympic venue in Gangneung which existed prior to the election of PyeongChang as host city of the 2018 Winter Games. Before the Games it was known as the Gangneung Indoor Ice Rink. It will be renovated between October 2015 and October 2016 in preparation for the Games. The Centre was the venue for ice hockey at the 1999 Asian Winter Games and hosted the 2009 World Women's Curling Championships. Traditionally, the Olympic host venue will host the World Junior Curling Championships in the year previous to the games.

Kwandong Hockey Centre

Kwandong Hockey Centre (가톨릭 관동대학교 아이스하키 II 경기장) is a future ice skating arena which will be established on the grounds of Catholic Kwandong University in Gangneung, Gangwon-do. During the 2018 Winter Olympics, it will be one of the two venues for Ice Hockey. The seating capacity is 6,000. There will be one ice rink (60m x 30m), four floors above ground and one underground level.

G A N G N E U N G ' S T O U R I S M R E S O U R C E S

Ojukheon

Ojukheon House gets its name from the many black bamboo trees that surround it. It was here where Sinsaimdang (1504-1551) lived and where her son Yi I (penname Yulgok; scholar and politician of the Joseon Period) was born. It was built during the time of the 11th King of Joseon, King Jungjong (1506-1544), and remains one of the oldest wooden residential buildings in Korea. It was designated as Treasure No. 165 in 1963 and has been maintained by the descendants throughout the generations.

Address : 24, Yulgok-ro 3139beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Seongyojang

Seongyojang is the former upper class residence of the Naebeon Lee (1703-1781) noble family of Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Province. It was designated Important Folklore Material No. 5 in 1967. The meaning of "Seon", in Seongyojang, is boat. Gyeongpo Lake was directly in front of Seongyojang at the time it was built, thus making is accessible by boat. Gyeongpo Lake at one time reached the enormous circumference of 12km. Its size has reduced by 4km over the years and its depth has decreased by 1-2 meters. It is said that 10 generations of descendents of Naebeon Lee have continued to live at Seongyojang. KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) has selected this residency as one of the top 10 most well preserved original dwellings in Korea that was constructed over the past 300 years.

Address : 63, Unjeong-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Haslla Artworld

Covering an area of 61 acres, Haslla Art World gets its name ‘Haslla’ from Gangneung of the Shilla Era. Formed by applying to its natural features, the Art Garden contains the Pine Tree Garden, Time Hall, Wetlands, Field Garden, Sea Garden and Fun Garden. At the Fun Garden located by the sea, artists and visitors can talk about artwork placed here, as well as gaze at the clear view of the sea. There is also a study room where children experience the making of artwork and observe nature, as well as try to make sotdae (a Korean folk item, a pole, which is set up for prayer or celebration). A full tour takes about an hour and 30 minutes to two hours and 30 minutes.

Address : 1441, Yulgong-ro, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Jeongdongjin Rail Bike

Jeongdongjin in Gangneung is in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the unique distinction of having a train station that is located the closest to the sea, in the world. It has been famous as the best spot to see the sunrise and has a rail bike running from Jeongdongjin station letting you see the beautiful ocean view all the way while on track.

Address : 13, Jeongdongyeok-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Operation Hour 9:00-17:00 | Admission Fee 20,000 KRW for 2 seats/ 30,000 KRW for 4 seats

Anmok Coffee Street

Romantic Gangneung is a city of coffee. We have a number of coffee shops in Anmok harbor street and coffee roasting museum. Gangneung’s coffee maniacs have a pride in their own coffee recipes and held the coffee festival every year. You may sip the coffee at Anmok street with the beautiful ocean view.

Address : 16, Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Jumunjin Breakwater

Jumunjin Breakwater was built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift. It became a popular attraction after its first appearance in the television drama "Goblin" (2016) as many visitors look forward to taking photos of a scene to react from the drama.

Address : 1609, Haean-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Jumunjin Fishmarket

Jumunjin Seafood Market was founded in 1936 and is situated in Gangneung next to Jumunjin Port, home to a large fleet of squid boats. It is the largest seafood market on the East Coast and includes a dried seafood market and a sashimi center. The market is a favorite among both Koreans and international visitors. Market specialties include a variety of fresh seafood caught on the East Coast such as squid, mackerel, pollacks, pikes, and crabs. At the market, visitors can purchase these items (and a number of dried seafood products) at inexpensive prices, as well as get a taste of fresh, delicious sashimi. In addition, the market hosts a variety of fun events such as the Blowfish Festival and Squid Festival.