Gyeongpoho Lake, Gangneung
Lake, migratory bird habitat · Data as of
Gyeongpoho Lake in Gangneung is open at all times with no admission fee, with old pine forests and cherry trees around the lake and migratory birds in winter. Also called Gyeongho, it is about 6 km north of the city center. It was once a large lake with a circumference of 12 km, but sediment has built up and it is now 4 km around and 1 to 2 m deep. A sandbar separates the lake from the East Sea and forms Gyeongpo Beach, and in winter migratory birds such as mallards and mandarin ducks arrive. For inquiries, call the Gyeongpo Traveler Center at +82-33-640-4531.
- Location
- 강원특별자치도 강릉시 저동
- Opening hours
- Always open
- Closed
- Open all year
- Admission
- Free
- Contact
- Gyeongpo Traveler Center, +82-33-640-4531
Official information page (Korean)
What is Gyeongpoho Lake?
Short answer: A lake also called Gyeongho, about 6 km north of central Gangneung.
It was once a large lake with a circumference of 12 km, but as sediment flowing in built up, it is now about 4 km around and has become shallow, around 1 to 2 m deep. Small streams such as the Yucheon flow in from the west.
What are the opening hours and admission fee?
Short answer: Admission is free, and it is always open, every day of the year.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 강원특별자치도 강릉시 저동 |
| Opening hours | Always open |
| Closed | Open all year |
| Admission | Free |
| Contact | Gyeongpo Traveler Center, +82-33-640-4531 |
Gyeongpoho Lake is always open, with no time limits. The lakeshore is long, so decide in advance which stretch to walk. For inquiries, call the Gyeongpo Traveler Center at +82-33-640-4531.
What should I see at Gyeongpoho Lake?
Short answer: Enjoy the pine forests and cherry trees around the lake, and in winter look for migratory birds such as mallards and mandarin ducks.
The old pine forests and cherry trees around the lake are famous, and the sandbar that separates Gyeongpoho Lake from the East Sea forms Gyeongpo Beach. Gyeongpodae, with the lake as its backdrop, is famous as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong.
It is also known as a migratory bird habitat, visited in winter by birds such as mallards and mandarin ducks.
Where can I stay near Gyeongpoho Lake?
Short answer: The closest is 솔향기펜션 (pension), about 5 min walk. These are the 3 closest stays within 1 km.
| Stay | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 솔향기펜션 | Pension | 427 m | About 5 min walk |
| 하이오션 경포 | Hotel | 769 m | About 10 min walk |
| 경포 그곳에가면 | Pension | 827 m | About 10 min walk |
Distances are straight-line distances, so the actual route may be longer; walking times assume 80 m per minute. Select a stay to open its page (in Korean) with check-in times and nearby restaurants and cafés. Property names are shown as officially registered in Korean.
Where can I eat or get coffee near Gyeongpoho Lake?
Short answer: 5 restaurants between 518 m and 650 m, and 5 cafés between 479 m and 901 m, listed from the closest.
| Restaurant | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 명경막국수 | Kalguksu (noodle soup) | 518 m | About 6 min walk |
| 호수정 | Korean | 532 m | About 7 min walk |
| 까막장이야기 | Korean | 549 m | About 7 min walk |
| 솔담한정식 강릉본점 | Korean | 557 m | About 7 min walk |
| 남향막국수 본점 | Kalguksu (noodle soup) | 650 m | About 8 min walk |
| Café | Type | Signature menu | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 엘카페 | Café | 정보 없음 | 479 m | About 6 min walk |
| 티타임 경포대점 | Café | 정보 없음 | 523 m | About 7 min walk |
| 버선발 | Roastery, specialty coffee | 옛날팥빙수, 아메리카노 | 680 m | About 8 min walk |
| 이디야커피 강릉경포점 | Café | 거문도쑥 라떼, 저당 하동매실 그린티 | 759 m | About 9 min walk |
| 레이지캣카페 | Café | 정보 없음 | 901 m | About 11 min walk |
Select a name to open its page on our restaurant or café guide (in Korean). The small dots on the map also show nearby places that are not in the tables.
See it on the map
The large purple pin is Gyeongpoho Lake. Tap a pin to see its name and distance.
What else is there to see near Gyeongpoho Lake?
Short answer: The closest is Gyeongpodae Pavilion (about 6 min walk), and there are 5 attractions within 4 km.
| Attraction | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gyeongpodae Pavilion | Pavilion, Treasure, Scenic Site | 511 m | About 6 min walk |
| Heo Nanseolheon Pine Forest | Pine forest | 853 m | About 11 min walk |
| Heo Nanseolheon Birthplace | Birthplace site, cultural heritage material | 854 m | About 11 min walk |
| Gyeongpo Beach | Swimming beach | 1.0 km | About 13 min walk |
| Gangmun Beach | Beach | 1.5 km | About 1.5 km (straight line) |
Who is Gyeongpoho Lake good for?
- Anyone who wants to walk by a lake and through pine forest
- Those who want to see winter migratory birds
- Anyone combining Gyeongpodae and Gyeongpo Beach
Check before you go
- Decide first which stretch to walk and how long
- Winter is the season for bird-watching
Checklist
- Choose which stretch of the lakeshore to walk
- Leave time to walk on to Gyeongpodae and the beach
- Pick nearby restaurants and cafés on the map in advance
Photos of Gyeongpoho Lake
Frequently asked questions
How much is admission to Gyeongpoho Lake?
It is free and always open, every day of the year.
How big is Gyeongpoho Lake?
Today it is about 4 km around and 1 to 2 m deep. It was once a large lake with a circumference of 12 km.
Can I see migratory birds at Gyeongpoho Lake?
It is known as a winter migratory bird habitat, visited by mallards and mandarin ducks.
Where is the closest place to stay near Gyeongpoho Lake?
Pension 솔향기펜션 is the closest (about 5 min walk). Its page, in Korean, shows the check-in time and nearby restaurants and cafés.
Things to do in Gangneung
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Sources
- Korea Tourism Organization TourAPI, Korean-language tourist information (attraction details) · Korea Tourism Organization · accessed 2026-10-23 (Korean-language source)
- Official information page · Operator · accessed 2026-10-23 (Korean-language source)
Fees, hours and closing days can change. Please check with the site before you visit.