Decide by the time left between trains: a day visit suits one coastal area, while an overnight leaves room for dinner and a second morning without a same-day return race.
Start with the usable rail window
Compare your arrival and return on the live KORAIL timetable. Then allow for the station transfer, luggage and the trip to your chosen area in both directions. The train ride itself is only part of the day.
A day trip needs one main stop
Choose Anmok Coffee Street, Gyeongpo Lake and beach, or Jeongdongjin as the focus; crossing between several coastal areas uses time on local transport. Jungang Market can fit as a meal stop when its opening hours and your route line up. If the return leaves little room after transfers, keep the visit near the station side of your plan.
An overnight changes the pace
One night lets you keep a coastal sunset or dinner without tying the evening to the last train, and gives you a separate morning for the shore. Compare the room cost with check-in and the next morning’s train or bus; staying makes sense when you plan to use the extra evening or morning in Gangneung.
Check the return from your exact stop
Gangneung buses have route-specific schedules and service-day options. Check the official Gangneung bus timetable for the stop and day you will travel; do not plan around a citywide “last bus” time. If the connection does not fit, price a taxi before choosing a farther coast area.