In the shadow of Gangneung’s dramatic mountains, Hourglass Park is a fascinating and picturesque set of grounds to visit. Facing the East Sea, the park is made up of several grassy sections beside the sandy beach. Gaze up at the world’s largest hourglass and watch the sands of time slip from one side to the other in this enormous piece of machinery.
Relax on a bench and watch people go by in this serene area by the sea. Set up a picnic to enjoy with your family on the grass with the soothing sound of the waves in the background.
The park is particularly beautiful at sunrise, when golden light bathes the hourglass. Set inside a giant wheel, the hourglass has a diameter of 26 feet (8 meters) and a width of more than 10 feet (3 meters).
Arrive on New Year’s Eve for the countdown to midnight, the moment when this immense hourglass turns around and starts counting again. Sit with a friend on the swing facing the water and watch the sky turn red at sunset.
A successful Korean TV drama called Hourglass was filmed in Jeongdongjin, associating the area with time. Head to the Jeongdongjin Time Museum to learn about the mysteries of time and those who’ve tried to increase our understanding of it. Its various exhibits depict all types of time-related stories aboard a train that stands between the park and the sea. Note that the park is free to enter and open to the public at all times.
Hourglass Park is on the coastline overlooking the East Sea. It is in the eastern part of Gangneung, in the northeastern corner of South Korea. Ride the train to the Jeongdongjin Station, on the other side of Jeongdongjin Beach. This is thought to be the world’s closest train station to the sea. While you’re in the area, stop at surrounding landmarks such as Jeongdongjin Sculpture Park.
