Best Hotel in Seoul Korea

Best Hotel in Seoul Korea for a Beach Weekend Trip: A One-Day Trip to Gangneung Beach, Starting from The Plaza Hotel!

Who would have thought that a one-day trip from Seoul to the beach could be this special?

While staying at The Plaza Hotel Seoul, I wondered if I could sneak in a visit to the beautiful East Sea during my short time in the city.
To my surprise, I managed to visit Anmok Beach in Gangneung as a day trip—thanks to the high-speed KTX train. It was a truly memorable experience!

Even though the journey started in the heart of Seoul, I was able to see emerald-colored waves, stroll along a famous café street, and enjoy the beach breeze—all in one day. Talk about a perfect itinerary!

From City Center to the Sea: It Felt Closer Than the Airport

The Plaza Hotel is just one subway stop from Seoul Station via City Hall Station on Line 1.
Simply take the elevator down from the hotel to Exit 6, hop on the subway, and within 3 minutes you're at Seoul Station.
Including walking time, it took only 10–15 minutes to get there—making early morning travel surprisingly easy.

From Seoul Station, I boarded the KTX bound for Gangneung.
Hard to believe, but the ride only took about 1 hour and 50 minutes!
By choosing an early departure (around 7:30–8:30 AM), I arrived in Gangneung around 9:00 AM and had plenty of time to enjoy the sea.

Anmok Beach: Coffee and Ocean Views in One Place

After arriving at Gangneung Station, a 10-minute taxi ride took me straight to Anmok Beach.
Known for its café street, this beach was a dream—sipping coffee while gazing out at the emerald waters was the kind of romantic moment one hopes for.
It was the perfect spot for a slow walk along the sand, the sound of the waves in the background, and some peaceful time on a café terrace.
With such calm winds and a relaxing atmosphere, it was easy to lose track of time.

Our Itinerary for a One-Day Gangneung Trip

Here’s how we spent the day:

7:30 AM: Departed Seoul Station on KTX

9:20 AM: Arrived in Gangneung, headed straight to Anmok Beach

Spent the morning walking and enjoying lunch by the water

4:30–5:00 PM: Took the KTX back to Seoul

Around 7:00 PM: Returned comfortably to The Plaza Hotel

� Useful Tips Before Check-In

Q. How do I get to Seoul Station from the hotel?
The hotel is directly connected to City Hall Station (Line 1), Exit 6.
Seoul Station is just one stop away and takes only about 3 minutes.
You can also walk—it's about 10–12 minutes on foot.

Q. Should I reserve KTX tickets in advance?
Yes! The Gangneung-bound KTX tends to sell out quickly, especially on weekends.
It’s highly recommended to reserve round-trip tickets ahead of time.
The KORAIL app offers a convenient booking option with an English version available for international travelers.

Q. Are there other beaches besides Anmok?
Absolutely. Gyeongpo Beach is about 20 minutes away from Gangneung Station by taxi.
If you enjoy swimming or want a more nature-focused seaside walk, it’s a great alternative.

Final Thoughts: Seoul Meets the Sea

Seeing the East Sea in just one day from the middle of Seoul was an unexpected gift.
This journey perfectly combined the modern vibrance of Seoul with the calm serenity of the ocean—all within a few hours.

If you're staying in Seoul and looking for a unique day trip,
I highly recommend this beach adventure starting from The Plaza Hotel—just minutes from Seoul Station.
It will definitely become one of your most unforgettable memories.