Gaerock

Gaerock is a filter coffee cafe on a quiet residential street in Gyodong, near Wolhwa Street and the old Hyanggyo, well away from the beachfront strip. Its roasting room, called Coffee Ranger, stands next to the shop, and the same team runs a green coffee importer called El Bosque.

Hand drip is the focus, with a changing choice of beans and baristas who are happy to talk through the options. The cafe opens on weekdays only, from ten in the morning to six in the evening, and stays closed at the weekend. There is parking for a few small cars outside, and the walk from Gangneung Station takes about twenty minutes, so it suits a quiet stop away from the crowds.