Gampo Port
A charming fishing port offering fresh seafood, scenic coastal walks, and a peaceful atmosphere along the East Sea.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Less crowded, more serene
Gampo Port
Best Time
Less crowded, more serene
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming fishing port offering fresh seafood, scenic coastal walks, and a peaceful atmosphere along the East Sea.
"Experience the authentic charm of a Korean fishing village with delicious seafood and beautiful sea views."
🚗 Easy Parking, Limited Restrooms
Parking is usually straightforward, but public restrooms are scarce. Use restaurant facilities if needed.
🦀 Snow Crab & Puffer Fish Deals
Look for great prices and generous portions of snow crab and puffer fish at local restaurants.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Gampo Port's Coastal Charm
Gampo Port
Experience the atmosphere of a bustling fishing village with scenic views of the East Sea.
Songdaemal Lighthouse Trail
Near Gampo Port
A picturesque coastal walk offering ocean views and a refreshing sea breeze.
Fresh Seafood Dining
Gampo Port Restaurants
Enjoy delicious and often affordable snow crab and puffer fish dishes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Gampo Port and Surroundings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Parking, Limited Restrooms
Parking is usually straightforward, but public restrooms are scarce. Use restaurant facilities if needed.
🦀 Snow Crab & Puffer Fish Deals
Look for great prices and generous portions of snow crab and puffer fish at local restaurants.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks & Views
Enjoy scenic walks along the coast, especially towards Songdaemal Lighthouse for beautiful ocean vistas.
☕ Cafe with a View
Stop by cafes like 'Tsumpleis Gampo' for coffee with unique sea and breakwater views.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Parking, Limited Restrooms
Parking is usually straightforward, but public restrooms are scarce. Use restaurant facilities if needed.
🦀 Snow Crab & Puffer Fish Deals
Look for great prices and generous portions of snow crab and puffer fish at local restaurants.
🚶♀️ Coastal Walks & Views
Enjoy scenic walks along the coast, especially towards Songdaemal Lighthouse for beautiful ocean vistas.
☕ Cafe with a View
Stop by cafes like 'Tsumpleis Gampo' for coffee with unique sea and breakwater views.
🌊 Haeparang Trail Section
Gampo Port is part of the Haeparang Trail, offering beautiful coastal hiking. 
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Gampo Port offers a tranquil coastal experience with fresh, affordable seafood, particularly snow crab and puffer fish. While some find it quiet due to fewer open restaurants, its scenic beauty and location on the Haeparang Trail are highlights. Visitors appreciate the easy parking but note the scarcity of public restrooms.
"Gampo Port, a place of memories. In my twenties, I used to fish from the breakwater and have drinks with friends. You still see plenty of fishing cars here. Many of the nearby raw fish restaurants have closed, so it feels quiet."
장재훈
"From the fishing boats anchored at Gampo Port and the auction house, follow the guide lines on the floor to Songdae Lighthouse. (Buy raw fish on the 1st floor of the fishery center & eat at the designated place on the 2nd floor for a set price) (Buy dried fish such as flounder) (Buy and eat durebak pork cutlet or premium popsal twists at the market) (Photo time at the church flower stairs) is recommended."
Taekyung Kang
"After getting a job in Ulsan, I stopped by Daegu and then Gyeongju. I saw it on Instagram and decided to visit it because it was close to Gyeongju.
Maybe I had too high expectations, but I didn't feel very satisfied, but if you still have a lot of time left after stopping by Gyeongju, I recommend passing through Gampo Port and visiting Songdaemal Lighthouse. Because it is close to Gyeongju. It is about 20 minutes away by car, but recommended for travelers with a lot of time. I also recommend eating raw fish on the beach here.
Here, the price of snow crab is especially cheap and there is a lot of quantity. I don't know the type of puffer fish, but the aquarium is full of snow crab and puffer fish.
I wanted to have a bowl of puffer fish, but I skipped it because I didn't have time.
And here, whelk is grilled over charcoal and sold on the street, and it comes with a camera.
I couldn't eat because of the car.
And the lighthouse seen on Instagram is currently officially closed.
Occasionally, I would see people walking there and I would follow them.
The entrance was closed, so I gave up going in and walked around the neighborhood and took a tour around the port.
If you look around slowly, it will take about an hour, and if you don't have any equipment, you can eat snow crab and fortune-telling.
Recommended to eat.
Even though it wasn't a large wholesale fish market, almost every raw fish restaurant was full of snow crab and puffer fish.
If it weren't for the equipment, I really wanted to have a bowl of blowfish, but I skipped it because of the equipment and the next schedule.
Parking is easy here, but there are no restrooms.
Please note that there are only public restrooms in restaurant restrooms or takeout centers."
Daehyun Kim
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gampo Port is approximately a 20-minute drive from Gyeongju city center. You can reach it by car or potentially local buses, though specific bus routes might require checking local transit information.
While accessible by car, public transport options might be less frequent. It's advisable to check local bus schedules in advance if relying on public transport.
Traveling by car offers the most flexibility for exploring Gampo Port and its surroundings, including nearby attractions like Songdaemal Lighthouse.
If coming from Ulsan, Gampo Port is a convenient stop before heading to Gyeongju.
It can be a good addition to a Gyeongju itinerary if you have ample time, offering a different coastal perspective.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Gampo Port itself is a public area and does not require an entrance ticket. Access to specific restaurants or attractions within the port might have their own pricing.
As a port, Gampo Port is generally accessible at all times. However, individual restaurants and shops will have their own operating hours.
Information on specific fees for the Songdaemal Lighthouse area is not readily available, but it's generally considered an accessible scenic spot.
The Haeparang Trail is a public hiking path and does not have an entrance fee.
Yes, the Gampo Flounder Festival is held annually from October 27-29, offering a lively experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy the port's atmosphere, walk along the coast, dine on fresh seafood, and explore sections of the Haeparang Trail.
Yes, you can buy fresh fish at the fishery center and often have it prepared at designated eating areas.
Absolutely! The port offers scenic views, fishing boats, and coastal landscapes perfect for photography.
Restroom facilities are limited. Public restrooms are scarce, so plan to use those in restaurants or takeout centers.
Yes, the coastal paths and the Haeparang Trail offer a pleasant environment for a relaxing walk with sea views.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Gampo Port is famous for its fresh seafood, particularly snow crab and puffer fish, often at good prices.
There are numerous raw fish restaurants around the port. You can often buy fish at the fishery center and have it prepared on the second floor.
Yes, many visitors note that snow crab and puffer fish are particularly affordable and plentiful here.
While seafood is the specialty, some restaurants might offer other dishes. There are also mentions of pork cutlets and twists available in the market.
Yes, cafes like 'Tsumpleis Gampo' offer unique views of the breakwater and sea, providing a relaxing spot.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the fishing boats, the breakwater, coastal landscapes, and the views from the Songdaemal Lighthouse area.
Many visitors recommend going before sunset for beautiful lighting and scenic views.
The 'church flower stairs' are mentioned as a unique photo spot.
Coastal landscapes, fishing village life, and seafood dishes are popular subjects for photographers.
Yes, the port offers direct views of the East Sea, making it ideal for capturing ocean scenery.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Dining on fresh seafood like snow crab can be an exciting experience for adventurous eaters. Consider visiting during a festival, like the Gampo Flounder Festival, for a more lively atmosphere that might appeal to children. Remember that restroom facilities are limited, so plan accordingly.
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
+1The trail provides a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the East Sea coast. It's a well-regarded segment for its picturesque landscapes and the refreshing sea breeze. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and carry water for your trek.
📸 Photographers
+1Visiting before sunset can yield stunning light for your shots. The unique charm of the fishing village atmosphere and the fresh seafood dishes also make for compelling subjects. Don't miss the chance to capture the unique breakwater views and the scenic beauty of the coastline.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Haeparang Trail
+1Travelers often describe this part of the trail as walking through a postcard, with the blue sea stretching out before them. The 9.2km to 13km stretch typically takes around 3 hours to complete, making it a manageable and rewarding hike for day-trippers. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty of the region and enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
+1Along the trail, you'll pass by charming fishing villages and enjoy panoramic views of the East Sea. It's a perfect activity for those who love walking and want to immerse themselves in the coastal environment. Remember to wear comfortable shoes and bring water, especially during warmer months.
Culinary Delights: Gampo Port's Seafood Scene
The port features numerous raw fish restaurants where you can savor these local specialties. A common recommendation is to purchase your fish at the fishery center and then have it prepared at designated eating areas, often on the second floor, for a set price. This offers a fresh and authentic dining experience.
Beyond snow crab and puffer fish, you might also find other local treats. Some travelers mention enjoying grilled whelk sold on the street or trying pork cutlets and premium twists from the market. For a more relaxed experience, cafes like 'Tsumpleis Gampo' offer coffee with unique views of the breakwater and sea.
The Atmosphere of a Working Port
Visitors often describe the port as having a quiet charm, especially on weekdays. This tranquility can be a welcome contrast to busier tourist spots, offering a more laid-back experience. The breakwater and the surrounding coastline provide a picturesque backdrop for leisurely strolls and reflection.
While it might not be as bustling as some larger ports, Gampo Port offers a genuine glimpse into coastal Korean life. It's a place that holds memories for many, and its scenic beauty continues to attract those seeking a peaceful seaside escape.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit