Gangneung cookie sand shop, coworker gift boxes: persimmon vs corn

If you're back from a trip to Gangneung and trying to figure out a thoughtful local treat for family, friends, or coworkers, I recommend Gangneung Sand. This is the Gangneung Sand Main Branch, the place that's basically become synonymous with Gangneung travel gifts thanks to its combo of nutty flavor and sweet cream. From the clean packaging to the addictive taste, here's everything about my visit!

Where is Gangneung Sand Main Branch, and is it easy to find?

Gangneung Sand Main Branch is located at 31 Seonggokgoyang-gil 5beon-angil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Step just slightly off the main road and a modern building catches your eye right away — even first-timers can spot it easily.

Parking is convenient in the parking area around the store, so visiting by car isn't a hassle at all. It's a nice stop to grab a box on the way through your travel route.

Inside Gangneung Sand Main Branch: café seating on the 2nd floor

Gangneung Sand Main Branch has its space divided across several floors. The café area is on the 2nd floor!

The exterior is clean and styled with a Santorini vibe, and it's a great photo zone — I really enjoyed taking pictures here.

Step inside and you're greeted by a nutty butter aroma along with a pleasant, well-organized space.

Most visitors are there for takeout, but the interior is spacious and stylishly kept, so you can browse the menu and order at a relaxed pace.

Near the counter, samples and packaging boxes of Gangneung Sand are on display so you can check them out with your own eyes before choosing. The box design is so clean it feels perfect for gift-giving.

You can order easily at the kiosk next to the counter.

Gangneung Sand menu: which cookie sand flavors are sold?

Gangneung Sand Main Branch serves handmade cookie sandwiches baked with top-grade French gourmet butter.

They have a colorful lineup packed with the charm of Gangneung's local specialties — persimmon, Chodang corn, coffee, strawberry, black sesame, and more.

Two gift boxes photographed on the Gangneung Sand terrace

We picked up one box of persimmon flavor and one box of Chodang corn flavor — the ultimate combo of nuttiness and sweetness.

We came out to the store's terrace to take some photos. The weather was so bright and clear that the pictures turned out great. Such a pretty package for gift-giving.

It can be stored for 14 days at room temperature or 30 days refrigerated, which is an added bonus!

Everything comes neatly individually wrapped, so it's easy to split pieces with coworkers or friends, or buy a few boxes to mix and match different flavors as gifts.

Dried persimmon sand: a refined take on a Gangneung specialty

First up, the persimmon flavor, which stood out as a refined reinterpretation of a Gangneung local specialty. Between the crisp, nutty gourmet butter cookies was a generous, soft filling. One bite and the natural sweetness of dried persimmon (gotgam) melded beautifully with the buttery flavor.

Chodang corn sand: the flavor that won the taste test

Next, we tried the flavor that's practically synonymous with Gangneung: Chodang corn. It was nutty with a subtle corn aroma that got the appetite going. The cream had the sweet, nutty flavor of Chodang corn (a local sweet corn variety) melted deep into it — addictive and easy for anyone to enjoy, no matter their taste preferences.

Is Gangneung Sand Main Branch worth it as a coworker gift?

If you're wrapping up a trip to Gangneung and looking for a gift that's special but still crowd-pleasing, I recommend Gangneung Sand! It was better than expected, so even though this visit was sponsored, I'd happily come back and pay with my own money next time. Personally, Chodang corn beat persimmon for me. 😋

Gangneung Sand Main Branch: address, hours and storage

• Address: 31 Seonggokgoyang-gil 5beon-angil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
• Hours: Daily 09:30–19:00
• Last order: 18:30
• Parking: Available