There’s a certain thrill to turning a layover in Sokcho / Gangneung into a quick city adventure. From YNY, the Airport Bus can get you into town in around 70 minutes. Below, we’ll walk you through transport, budget, bags, and what’s actually worth seeing.
Before You Step Outside YNY
A few things to sort out before you leave YNY:
- Entry requirements: Make sure you have the right visa or entry clearance for South Korea. Transit visas and tourist visas are different things — double-check before you exit.
- Travel time: The trip to Sokcho / Gangneung takes about 70 minutes by Airport Bus. Factor in the return trip and at least 90 minutes of buffer for security and boarding.
- Currency: The local currency is KRW. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some KRW in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
What to See and Do in Sokcho / Gangneung
For a layover visit to Sokcho / Gangneung, we’d suggest Naksansa Temple and Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market. Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look. It’s a good place to browse local goods and soak up the atmosphere.
If you’d rather stay inside YNY — maybe your layover is shorter than expected, or you just prefer to stay close to your gate — there are still ways to pass the time:
- Yangyang International Airport Duty Free
- CU Convenience Store (Airport)
Food Worth Trying
For food in Sokcho / Gangneung, local travelers recommend Manseok Dakgangjeong (Jungang Market). If you have time for a second stop, Daege Jeonha is another popular pick.
Back at YNY, A Twosome Place (Yangyang Airport) is the go-to. Sky Lounge Cafe (Yangyang Airport) rounds out your in-terminal options.
Airport to City: Your Transport Options
The most straightforward way into Sokcho / Gangneung is the Airport Bus, which takes about 70 minutes. This is generally the best option for layover travelers — it’s reliable and you won’t get stuck in traffic.
A taxi or ride-share will also get you there, typically in 90 minutes depending on conditions, but expect to pay significantly more. If time is tight, the Airport Bus is usually the smarter call.
Layover Budget Breakdown
You don’t need a fortune for a layover outing. Here’s a realistic estimate for Sokcho / Gangneung:
Transport to the city and back runs about $5 USD. A sit-down meal averages around $10 USD. Add $10 for a coffee, snacks, or a small souvenir, and you’re looking at roughly $25 USD total.
Budget a little extra for the unexpected. It’s better to come back with spare change than to run short.
What to Do With Your Bags
Specific locker facilities at YNY aren’t well-documented. We recommend checking Bounce before your trip to find a secure storage spot either near the airport or in Sokcho / Gangneung itself.
If you’re traveling carry-on only, you might be able to skip storage entirely and bring your bag along.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at YNY, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sokcho / Gangneung itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for South Korea that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Need a Nap? Options at YNY
Sometimes the best layover plan is no plan at all. If you need sleep at YNY, scope out the quieter gate areas first. Noise-canceling headphones and an eye mask go a long way in a busy terminal.
Lounge access is another option if you want a real seat and maybe a shower. Check Priority Pass or ask at the information desk about day-use rates.
Final Thoughts
Not every layover leads somewhere interesting, but a layover in Sokcho / Gangneung genuinely does. There’s enough to fill a few hours with good food, interesting sights, and the kind of experience that makes a journey feel like more than just getting from A to B.
Make the most of it. You’ve got this.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.