Surfboard-decor burger spot in Chodang-dong, Gangneung: Moana Burger

Whenever I come to Gangneung, I always end up looking for sundubu (soft tofu stew) in Chodang-dong, but this time I wanted something a bit different for lunch, so I went looking and ended up at Moana Burger❗️🍔

I had no idea there was a handmade burger place with this kind of vibe in Chodang-dong. When I actually went, it felt way hipper than I expected, and I really liked it.

Turns out it used to be located near Sacheon Beach, and has since relocated to Chodang-dong.

Moana Burger / 304-4 Chodang-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do / Closed Tuesdays / Daily 11:00 - 21:00 / Last order 20:30

There's parking right in front of the restaurant, so it was convenient to visit by car.

MOANA BURGER was hip from the outside

The exterior already felt different from your typical burger joint.

Inside, surfboards and skateboards are placed all around, and because of that, even though I was in Gangneung, I felt for a moment like I'd wandered into Yangyang.

The overall vibe is free and casual, so it was fun just looking around the space.

And a cute retriever pup greeted me, which put me in a good mood right from the entrance. 🐶

The menu board matches the vibe perfectly

The menu board wasn't just a plain list of items — it matched the restaurant's atmosphere so well that it was worth photographing.

I ordered the signature Moana Burger + fries (₩13,000) and the Moana Double Burger + fries (₩15,000).

There's also a ₩2,000 discount on draft beer when you order a burger, so if you want a cold one with lunch, keep that in mind.

They also have a variety of bottled beers and drinks ready, so it seemed easy to pick something to your taste.

Moana Burger + fries

First up, the basic Moana Burger. True to a handmade burger, the patty is on the thick side, and with vegetables and cheese layered in, the flavors all came together nicely in one bite.

It definitely felt different from the usual chain burger, and I think handmade burger fans would love it.

The fries that came with it were also great to snack on alongside.

Moana Double Burger + fries

And for the meat lovers, I ordered the Moana Double Burger.

With two patties in it, it definitely feels much heavier than the basic version. If you want something filling, go for the double; if you want something a bit lighter, the basic one is the way to go. Ordering both and sharing made it fun to compare the two side by side.

The thoughtful touch of hygiene gloves

When eating a handmade burger loaded with fillings, you're always a bit worried about sauce or grease getting on your hands, but here they thoughtfully gave us hygiene gloves, so we could eat comfortably. These burgers really only taste right when you pick them up with your hands, and having gloves meant I didn't have to worry about my hands getting messy — a nice, thoughtful touch.

What I liked even more thanks to the open kitchen

Personally, what I liked most was the open kitchen. While waiting after ordering, you can see the kitchen preparing the food, which gave it the feel of a handmade burger being made fresh the moment you order. Being able to see the space where the food is actually made was something I personally appreciated.

Turns out there's more to Chodang-dong than sundubu

Chodang-dong naturally makes me think of sundubu first, but this time I was glad to discover somewhere a little different. I think I'll remember this place the next time I want something other than sundubu in Chodang-dong.

Visit tips

• There's dedicated parking right in front, so it's convenient to visit by car.
• Fries come included with any burger order.
• There's a ₩2,000 discount on beer when you order a burger.
• A wide variety of bottled beers and drinks means there's something for every taste.
• Sauce getting on your hands can be a hassle, but they provide hygiene gloves so you can eat comfortably.
• The hip surfboard-and-skateboard decor makes for a fun, different dining atmosphere.
• Good to check out when you want lunch in Chodang-dong that isn't sundubu.
• Also worth noting for anyone staying at St. John's and looking for lunch in Chodang-dong.