Sunpo Wetland, Gangneung
Wetland park · Data as of
Sunpo Wetland in Gangneung is a wetland park open at all times with no admission fee, where you can watch migratory birds and waterbirds from a bird-watching deck. It is in Sandaewol-ri, Sacheon-myeon, is regarded as keeping the features of a typical lagoon, and was re-created as a wetland park through a restoration project from 2011. In late autumn and winter, swans, Gangneung’s city bird, arrive, and the oriental greenfinch, oriental reed warbler, grey heron, spot-billed duck, Eurasian sparrowhawk and common kestrel are listed as its typical birds. It was selected as an Ecotourism Area of the Month for June 2026. For inquiries, call the Gangneung City Hall Environment Division at +82-33-640-5423.
- Location
- 강원특별자치도 강릉시 사천면 산대월리
- Opening hours
- Always open
- Closed
- Open all year
- Admission
- Free
- Contact
- Gangneung City Hall Environment Division, +82-33-640-5423
Official information page (Korean)
What is Sunpo Wetland?
Short answer: A lagoon wetland re-created as a wetland park through a restoration project.
Despite its great ecological value, the Sunpogae wetland was neglected; as it gradually silted up, it turned into a swamp and was in danger of disappearing, so it was restored. Through a restoration project from 2011, it was reborn as a wetland park with facilities such as a bird-watching deck.
The National Inland Wetland Survey rated it as small but keeping the characteristics of a typical lagoon, and highly valuable as a place for education.
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 사천면 산대월리 |
| Opening hours | Always open |
| Closed | Open all year |
| Admission | Free |
| Contact | Gangneung City Hall Environment Division, +82-33-640-5423 |
Sunpo Wetland is always open, with no closing time. Migratory birds come mostly in winter, so to see the swans, go between late autumn and winter.
What should I see at Sunpo Wetland?
Short answer: Watch migratory birds from the bird-watching deck, and look for the swans that arrive in winter and the wetland’s fish and birds.
The oriental greenfinch, oriental reed warbler, grey heron, spot-billed duck, Eurasian sparrowhawk and common kestrel are the typical birds that visit the wetland, and in late autumn and winter, swans, a winter migrant and Gangneung’s city bird, arrive.
Fish living here include the eight-spine stickleback (removed from the endangered species list), Korean ricefish, big-scaled redfin, crucian carp, common carp and snakehead. In 2026 it was named the June Ecotourism Area by Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.
Where can I stay near Sunpo Wetland?
Short answer: The closest is 코스테 (pension), about 3 min walk. These are the 3 closest stays within 1 km.
| Stay | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 코스테 | Pension | 201 m | About 3 min walk |
| CN6 POOL VILLA | Hostel | 911 m | About 11 min walk |
| 마이앤트세라 | Pension | 926 m | About 12 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 Sunpo Wetland?
Short answer: 5 restaurants between 1.2 km and 1.3 km, and 2 cafés between 96 m and 983 m, listed from the closest.
| Restaurant | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| 즈므즈므 | Outdoor pub | 1.2 km | About 14 min walk |
| 원영장칼국수 | Kalguksu (noodle soup) | 1.2 km | About 15 min walk |
| 유천가든 강릉직영점 | Korean | 1.3 km | About 1.3 km (straight line) |
| 강릉경포닭강정 | Fried chicken | 1.3 km | About 1.3 km (straight line) |
| 오봉이돼지국밥 | Gukbap (rice soup) | 1.3 km | About 1.3 km (straight line) |
| Café | Type | Signature menu | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 오늘에 | Brunch café | 돈까스, 크림파스타 | 96 m | About 1 min walk |
| 휴가카페 | Café with a view | 아메리카노, 카페라떼 | 983 m | About 12 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 Sunpo Wetland. Tap a pin to see its name and distance.
What else is there to see near Sunpo Wetland?
Short answer: The closest is Sacheon Beach (about 1.3 km (straight line)), and there are 5 attractions within 4 km.
| Attraction | Type | Distance | Getting there |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sacheon Beach | Swimming beach | 1.3 km | About 1.3 km (straight line) |
| Sageunjin Beach | Swimming beach | 1.3 km | About 1.3 km (straight line) |
| Gyeongpo Beach | Swimming beach | 2.7 km | About 2.7 km (straight line) |
| Gyeongpodae Pavilion | Pavilion, Treasure, Scenic Site | 2.9 km | About 2.9 km (straight line) |
| Gyeongpoho Lake | Lake, migratory bird habitat | 2.9 km | About 2.9 km (straight line) |
Who is Sunpo Wetland good for?
- Anyone who wants to watch migratory birds and waterbirds in peace
- Those who want an easy look at wetland ecology with children
- Anyone looking for a free place for a walk
Check before you go
- Migratory birds vary by season, so choose when to visit
- Inside the wetland, follow the guidance on where to walk
Checklist
- Check the season for the birds you want to see
- Bring binoculars or a telephoto lens
- Pick nearby restaurants and cafés on the map in advance
Photos of Sunpo Wetland
Frequently asked questions
How much is admission to Sunpo Wetland?
It is free and always open, every day of the year.
What birds can I see at Sunpo Wetland?
Typical birds are the oriental greenfinch, oriental reed warbler, grey heron, spot-billed duck, Eurasian sparrowhawk and common kestrel, and swans arrive in late autumn and winter.
What kind of place is Sunpo Wetland?
A place that keeps the characteristics of a typical lagoon, re-created through a restoration project from 2011 as a wetland park with a bird-watching deck.
Where is the closest place to stay near Sunpo Wetland?
Pension 코스테 is the closest (about 3 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.