the encyclopedic entry of Gangneung

Gangneung

Gangneung or Kangnung, city (1993 pop. 151,921), Gangwon (Kangwon) prov., NE South Korea, a port on the Sea of Japan (or East Sea). An agricultural center with a silk weaving industry, Gangneung is famed for its beautiful scenery; Gyeongpo provincial park and Odaesan national park are nearby.

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Gangneung

Gangneung is a city in Gangwon-do, on the east coast of South Korea. It has a population of 229,869 (as of 2006). Gangneung is the economic centre of the Yeongdong region of eastern Gangwon Province. There are a number of historical remains, including an ancient shrine (Ojukheon) and Gyongpodae. Gangneung is a national tourist destination, offering good bathing facilities in the Sea of Japan. There is a ROK airbase south of Gangneung which formerly doubled as a civil airport.

The city is also home to National League soccer club Gangneung City.

Symbols of Gangneung

The flag of the city shows a red sun in the centre and blue wave in front, on a white background. The sun represents the sunrise, the wave the sea. The flower of the city is the crepe myrtle, the tree of the city is the pine tree, its bird the swan. The animal of Gangneung is the tiger.

Gyeongpodae

Gangneung is considered special in that is has both access to a lake and the sea. Gyeongpodae is a legendary pavilion overlooking Gangneung's lake. It's said that one can see the moon five times when at Gyeongpodae. This is once in the sky, once reflected in the lake, once reflected in the sea, once reflected in the drinking glass and once more in the eyes of the lover. The site of Gyeongpodae is known for its beautiful location east of the centre of the city.

Inside the Gyeongpodae pavilion, built with 28 pillars, is located the Gyeongpodaebu, a poem by Yul Gok. Gyeongpodaebu describes the movement of the heaven and the moon. The best view of the moon is on the 15th of the lunar month.

Sunrise

Sunrises, especially the first in the New Year, are important in traditional Korean culture. The Jeongdongjin and Gyeongpo beaches in Gangneung are popular places to enjoy a sunrise.