Gangneung dessert shop near Ojukheon: coffee and corn sand boxes

I really enjoyed the Gangneung Sand a friend gave me as a gift last time. So on this Gangneung trip, I went back to get some more myself. Here's my Gangneung Sand review!

Where is Gangneung Sand Main Branch, and what are the hours?

Gangneung Sand Main Branch is at 31 Seonggokgoyang-gil 5beon-angil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea, floors 1–3, open 09:30–19:00 with last order at 18:30. Since the main branch is near Ojukheon, it was easy to stop by in the middle of a Gangneung trip itinerary.

Besides the main branch, Gangneung Sand also runs a No. 1 branch at Gangneung Jungang Market, a No. 2 branch in Chodang, and a No. 3 branch called Gangneung Sand Cookie Lab. The branch I visited was the main branch near Ojukheon.

There's an open parking lot behind the building, so parking was easy.

Gangneung Sand has 5 floors total with an elevator, so moving around was convenient. Since the counter is on the 2nd floor, I headed there first.

The 2nd floor has the counter along with seating where you can eat on the spot.

Award from Gangneung's tourism souvenir competition

Turns out Gangneung Sand has consistently done well at Gangneung's tourism souvenir competition.

• Bronze prize at the 2020 Gangneung Tourism Souvenir Competition (Gangneung Coffee Tart)
• Bronze prize at the 2021 Gangneung Tourism Souvenir Competition (Persimmon for You)
• Gold prize at the 2022 Gangneung Tourism Souvenir Competition (Gangneung Sand)
• Silver prize at the 2025 Gangneung Tourism Souvenir Competition (Gangneung Breakwater Bread)

They've steadily developed souvenirs that represent Gangneung. I feel like I understand now why Gangneung Sand is so popular with travelers.

Six flavors, sold by the box only — no single pieces

Gangneung Sand comes in 6 flavors — coffee, dried persimmon, Chodang corn, black sesame, purple sweet potato, and strawberry — and there's no single-piece sale, only by the box. I ordered one box of coffee and one box of Chodang corn.

There are copycat versions of Gangneung Sand out there, so make sure you find the original shop. This is the real Gangneung Sand!!

How long do Gangneung Sand boxes keep?

Gangneung Sand keeps for 14 days at room temperature, 30 days refrigerated, and 90 days frozen, so there was no trouble storing it even buying mid-trip.

Courier shipping is available too. Next time I'll just order Gangneung Sand by courier.

If you join the Naver receipt review event, you get a free canned Americano — so make sure to participate and grab your coffee.

It comes wrapped in a pretty pink box, so I thought it'd also make a great souvenir or gift for friends.

The 3rd-floor event zone and experience zone

The 3rd floor of Gangneung Sand Main Branch has an event zone and an experience zone, which I thought would be great for visiting with kids too.

Since it keeps well at room temperature, I could carry it around worry-free for the whole trip.

Coffee sand vs Chodang corn sand: which tastes better?

Gangneung Sand is made with top-grade gourmet butter and has a higher butter content compared to similar products. That's probably why it tastes more savory, crisper, and more delicious.

The cookie has a texture that crumbles softly the moment you bite in, and the gourmet butter filling inside gives it a rich, savory flavor. With the coffee flavor, you get the coffee aroma right away when you bite in — not too sweet, and delicious. The Chodang corn flavor was sweeter and more savory than the coffee flavor.

I feel like eating several in one sitting is just the default here. Once I finish these, I'll have to order by courier. If you're looking for a Gangneung travel gift or a Gangneung souvenir, I recommend Gangneung Sand.