A gray-tiled hanok stands in front of pine trees and green foliage

Chodang-dong, Gangneung: tofu, then a walk in the pines

Published Oct 10, 2026

Chodang-dong in Gangneung, known for tofu set with seawater, puts tofu restaurants within walking distance of the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park and its pine grove, with Gyeongpoho Lake nearby.

South of Gyeongpoho Lake, Chodang-dong’s tofu restaurants share the neighborhood with the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park and its pine grove. A bowl of soft tofu can lead into a walk through the area’s literary history.

Soft tofu in red broth, topped with chives and sesame seeds, in a metal bowl — An archival serving of jjamppong sundubu at Donghwa Garden in Chodang-dong. The image does not establish current pricing or accompaniments.
한국농어촌공사 웰촌 · 「경포호 따라 한 바퀴 돌아 즐기는 초당순두부마을」(2022-06-10) · 공공누리 제1유형 · KOGL Type 1

The local tofu is traditionally set with seawater. Soft curds scooped out become sundubu; pressing out the moisture produces firmer tofu. Menus run from a mild set meal to red, spicy jjamppong sundubu, and recipes vary between restaurants.

The name Chodang comes from the pen name of the scholar Heo Yeop. A story credits him with first making the tofu, but the Encyclopedia of Korean Culture notes that no documentary evidence supports it.

The memorial park honors Heo Yeop’s children, the poet Heo Nanseolheon and the writer Heo Gyun. Past the hanok buildings and literary monuments, the path continues into the pine grove.

Only Here

One neighborhood, different tofu Sundubu set meals, spicy jjamppong sundubu and pressed tofu differ in flavor and texture. Choosing the style first makes ordering easier.

A park for the Heo siblings The memorial hall and outdoor spaces introduce Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon. The hanok photograph shows the current commemorative setting.

From lunch to pine shade The walk runs from the food streets to the park’s pine grove, with the lakeside as an option if time allows.

A rectangular piece of tofu on a white plate beside small bowls of sauce — Pressed tofu and dipping sauces at the same restaurant, illustrating the firmer form alongside soft curds.
한국농어촌공사 웰촌 · 「경포호 따라 한 바퀴 돌아 즐기는 초당순두부마을」(2022-06-10) · 공공누리 제1유형 · KOGL Type 1

Best Time

To include the memorial hall, visit Tuesday through Sunday. Published hours are 09:00–18:00, with a 12:00–13:00 lunch break. It is closed Mondays, January 1, Seollal day and Chuseok day.

An earthen path and wooden benches among reddish pine trunks — The pine grove and resting places around the memorial park. Archive photograph published in 2022.
한국농어촌공사 웰촌 · 「경포호 따라 한 바퀴 돌아 즐기는 초당순두부마을」(2022-06-10) · 공공누리 제1유형 · KOGL Type 1

How Long

Allow 2–3 hours for a meal and the park, plus extra time for restaurant queues or a lakeside walk.

Getting There

From Gangneung KTX Station, take local transport to Chodang-dong. The walk starts at Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, 1-29 Nanseolheon-ro 193beon-gil, Gangneung. Showing a taxi driver the park’s Korean name helps.

Park admission and parking are free. Restaurant hours, prices and queuing vary. Facility inquiries: +82-33-640-4798.

LOCATION

Continue from Gangneung KTX Station to Chodang-dong by local transport. Start at Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, 1-29 Nanseolheon-ro 193beon-gil, Gangneung. Show the park’s Korean name to a taxi driver.강원특별자치도 강릉시 난설헌로193번길 1-29

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