Gangneung City Recommends Wolhwa Street as an October Travel Destination, with Noodle and Coffee Festivals Completing Its Culinary Appeal

[Financial News | Gangneung—Kim Gi-seop, Reporter] In October, when the Noodle Festival and Coffee Festival are held one after another, Gangneung has introduced an autumn culinary tour centered on Wolhwa Street, a walking trail built on a former railway line.
According to Gangneung on the 29th, the city selected Wolhwa Street as its recommended destination for October during the '2026–2027 Year of Visiting Gangneung' and adopted the theme, 'Walk through autumn, and discover Gangneung's flavors deepening with every step.' Wolhwa Street is an urban tourism space developed along a former railway section stretching from Gangneung Station through downtown to the Namdaecheon River. Walking trails and cultural spaces were created where the railway tracks once stood, turning the area into one of Gangneung's leading attractions. Visitors can take a leisurely walk while enjoying spaces that tell the story of Wolhwa and taking in views of the city center.
Walking along the street naturally leads to Gangneung Central Market and the surrounding alleys, where visitors can sample popular market foods as well as local specialties such as jang-kalguksu and potato ongsimi. The city's recommended route begins at Chodang Sundubu Village, known for its savory sundubu, and continues through Wolhwa Street and Gangneung Central Market, where traditional market fare blends with the energy of downtown. It then passes through Ongsimi Village for potato ongsimi before ending at Anmok Coffee Street, where visitors can enjoy coffee while looking out over the sea.
The festivals follow soon after. The 2026 Gangneung Noodle Festival will be held at Wolhwa Street from October 15 to 18, offering a chance to sample various noodle dishes, including Gangneung specialties, in one place. Food vendors and hands-on programs will also be available. From October 21 to 25, the 18th Gangneung Coffee Festival will take place on Gangneung Coffee Street and in other parts of the city.
Bae Gwang-sik, head of Gangneung's Tourism Policy Division, said, "October is the month when you can start at Wolhwa Street, sample market food, jang-kalguksu and potato ongsimi, and continue on to enjoy both the Noodle Festival and Coffee Festival." He added, "I hope you will stroll leisurely through the city in the crisp weather and savor the flavors and charm found only in Gangneung."

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