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From June the temperatures start to climb in Korea, but this doesn’t mean that you can’t have fun outdoors. Korea’s beaches offer visitors a chance to cool off, have fun in the water, and enjoy some beautiful scenery. Korea is surrounded by water and so there are plenty of good beaches to choose from. Visitors to the west coast can watch the sunset over the vast tidal flats, while on the east coast you can soak up the sun on dazzling white beaches. Jeju Island’s beaches even offer you a taste of tropical paradise.
High season for hitting the beaches in Korea is from early July to the end of August. During this time festivals are often held, and visitors can try out fun activities like water skiing or banana boats. Even during the off-season visitors can still enjoy the beautiful scenery of Korea’s beaches and visit other tourist attractions in the area.
Whether you want to swim, sunbathe, or watch an unforgettable sunrise, a trip to Korea’s beaches is a refreshing escape from everyday life. VisitKorea has prepared a guide to the best beaches in Korea.
* How to choose your perfect beach
Depending on where they are located, Korea’s seashores have distinctive characteristics.
The East Sea has a fairly flat coastline, with clear, deep seawater. These wide beaches have white sand, and visitors can enjoy a barefoot stroll or just relax on the warm soft sand.
The West Sea has a more rocky coastline, shallow seawater, and wide tidelands. Visitors can have fun discovering sea creatures on the seashore, and the area is famous for its beautiful sunsets.
Korea’s south sea contains countless islands with many beautiful beaches. Each of these beaches is different according to the characteristics of the islands on which they are located. Some of the most beautiful beaches can be found on Jeju Island, one of Korea’s most popular tourist destinations. The climate of Jeju Island is close to subtropical, so visitors will enjoy white sands, turquoise waters, and palm trees.
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 Gyeongpo Beach |
 Gyeongpo Beach is located near to Gangneung town in Gangwon-do province. It is the largest beach on the east coast and is visited by tourists throughout the year.
Next to the beach is the large serene Gyeongpoho Lake, which was created when a large sandbank formed, separating it from the ocean. Gyeongpo beach is covered with fine, clean sand, which is of such a high quality that many visitors take a “sand bath” by completely covering their bodies with sand.
The beach is surrounded by thick pine forests, and the Gyeongpodae Terrace, which is a famous spot for viewing the sunrise and moonrise, is only a kilometer away from the beach.
If sunbathing on the beach isn’t really your thing, then there are plenty of fun activities you can try out on Gyeongpo Beach. Water sports fans could take a ride on a banana boat or try jet skiing. Or you could take a tour of Gyeongpo Beach in the Gyeongpo tourism carriage (7,000-10,000 won a person), from where you sit back and take in the beautiful scenery and enjoyable atmosphere of Gyeongpo beach.
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 Directions
From Seoul to Gangneung
 Go to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Exit 4 of Gangbyeon station on subway line 2) → Take a bus to Gangneung (Time it takes: 3hrs / Buses depart every 30mins / First bus 06:31, Last bus 23:00 / Fare: 13,300-14,600 won)
Or go to Seoul’s Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (Exit 1 of Express Bus Terminal station on subway lines 3 and 7) → Take a bus to Gangneung (Time it takes: 3hrs 50mins / Buses depart every 20-30mins. / First bus :06:00, Last bus: 23:30 / Fare: 13,300-21,600 won)
From Gangneung to Gyeongpo Beach
From Gangneung Express Bus Terminal, take bus no. 202 and get off at Gyeongpodae Beach (buses depart at 20 min intervals / 20 min ride)
By taxi it takes 10 minutes.
For more info on Gyeongpo Beach, click here!
Tourist attractions: Gyeongpoho Lake,
Ojukheon,
Gyeongpodae Terrace,
Chodang Sundubu (tofu) Village
In the Gyeongpoho Lake area, there are many things to see, such as the Ojukheon House, and Gyeongpodae Terrace. It’s refreshing and fun to rent a bicycle and cycle along the shores of Gyeongpoho Lake. Don’t forget to try Chodang Sundubu (tofu), which is the most famous dish in Gangneung and one of the most popular dishes in Korea. Sundubu (tofu) is made out of ground soybeans and is very soft.
Gangneung Tour Homepage
: www.gntour.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Travel Phone
: +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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| Naksan Beach |
The other famous beach on the East coast is Naksan beach, which is located near to Yangyang town in Gangwon-do province. The beach is very picturesque, dazzling white sand is set against thick pine groves and the seawater is clear and deep. This beach is famous for its beautiful sunrises, so we’d recommend finding a hotel room with a sea view.
In the evening the view is equally beautiful as the sea and the sky glow golden in the setting sun. Naksan Beach is also popular because of its close proximity to the famous Mt. Seoraksan National Park and Uisangdae Pavilion, where the view of the sunrise is stunning. A sunrise celebration is held here on January 1st every year, and many people come to make wishes for the New Year.
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Directions
From Seoul to Yangyang
Go to Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station, subway line 2) → Take a bus to Yangyang (Takes approx. 3hrs, 20mins / First bus: 6:30am, Last bus: 6:19pm / Buses depart every: 20- 50 mins / Fare: 17,400 won)
Or go to Gangnam Express Bus Terminal (subway lines 3 and 7) →Take a bus to Yangyang (Takes approx. 3hrs, 40mins / First bus: 6:30am, Last bus: 11:30pm / Buses depart every: 40-50mins / Fare: 15,200-24,600 won )
From Yangyang to the beach
In front of Yangyang Bus terminal → Take city bus no. 9 or 9-1 towards Naksan → Get off at Naksansa temple and walk for 5mins. (200m - 300m)
For more info on Naksan Beach, click here!
Tourist attractions: Naksansa Temple,
Uisangdae Pavilion,
Mt. Seoraksan
After having fun on Naksan Beach, why don’t you visit Naksansa Temple, Uisangdae Pavilion, or Mt. Seoraksan, Uisangdae Pavilion gives you a breathtaking view of the sunrise, while in Mt. Seoraksan Park, you can walk through ancient forests or hike up one of the most dramatic mountain ranges in Korea.
Yangyang Tour Homepage :
http://tour.yangyang.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Travel Phone
: +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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| Eurwangni Beach |
 Eurwangni Beach is a favorite summer getaway for many Koreans, thanks to its beautiful natural surroundings and extensive accommodation options. Its close proximity to Seoul and Incheon makes it good for a day trip.
The beach is lined with pine trees and has beautiful rocks and stones on either side end. Visitors can walk from end to end of the 200 meter-long white sand beach. The west coast is particularly famous for its breathtaking sunsets, so an evening stroll along the beach is highly recommended. The beach has many shells in its white sand, which children enjoy collecting, but visitors should be careful when walking barefoot. Enjoyable activities include renting a boat and taking a sail out on the water or fishing from the rocks along the edge of the seashore.
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Directions
From Seoul to Eurwangni Beach
From exit no.1 of Yeongdeungpo Station (subway line no. 1), walk towards Aja Shopping Mall, which is opposite Shinsegae Department Store
→ Take bus no.301 → Get off at Eurwangni Beach (Takes 1hr 40mins / First bus: 05:50am, Last bus: 10:20 pm / Buses depart every 20mins / Fare: 5700 won)
Take the subway to Incheon Station (subway line 1) →Take bus no.306 (Buses run every 10mins / Takes 60mins) → Get off at Eurwangni Beach
From Incheon International Airport to Eurwangni Beach
From the third floor of Incheon International Airport, take bus no. 301 (departs every 20 minutes; departs from bus stops 6B and 13A), no. 306 (departs every 10 minutes; departs from bus stops 2A and 9A) or no. 202 (departs every 60 minutes; departs from bus stop 5) → Get off at Eurwangni Beach (Takes 10-15 mins).
For more info on Eurwangni Beach, click here!
Tourist attractions
: Wolmido Island
Wolmido Island is a must-visit destination for people who come to Incheon.
There are many restaurants and cafes and even a theme park along Wolmido Island’s Culture Street. You can have your portrait drawn by street artists and enjoy various performances.
Incheon Tour Homepage
: http://itour.visitincheon.org (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Travel Phone
: +82-32-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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| Daecheon Beach |
Daecheon Beach, which is located in Boryeong town in Chungcheongnam-do province, is considered to be the best beach on the west coast. Every year it attracts a whopping 10million people from home and abroad. Its white sand beach stretches for about 3.5km and its calm waves and mild water temperature make it the perfect family destination. It’s been a popular tourist destination for quite some time and has excellent facilities. During the summer, various festivals take place here, including the Boryeong Mud Festival, which is one of the most famous festivals in Korea. Boryeong mud is thought to be particularly good for your skin, and during the festival visitors can have a mud massage, try out a mud slide, or cover themselves in mud from head to toe in the giant mud bath.
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Directions
From Seoul to Boryeong (Daecheon)
Go to Central City Express Bus Terminal (Exit 2, Express Bus Terminal station, subway line 3 and 7. Follow signs for Honam Line) → Take a bus to Daecheon terminal (travel time: 2hrs 20 mins. / first bus 06:00, last bus 21:50 / Buses depart every hour / Fare: 9,900-14,500)
From Boryeong to Daecheon Beach
From the bus stop in front of Daecheon Bus Terminal, take a city bus → Get off at Daecheon Beach (Travel time: 20 mins / Buses depart every 10mins).
Tip! Every summer, there is a direct bus from Central City Express Terminal to Daecheon Beach, so use this bus if it is running (Bus schedule and operating period TBA).
For more info on Daecheon Beach, click here!
Nearby Tourist Destination
Dabodo Islet, which is 4km away from Daecheon Beach, is an uninhabited islet with beautiful rocks and pebbles on the seashore. Once you are done with sunbathing on Daecheon beach, you could take a 1/2 day tour to this islet. Ferries operate during the summer period, and you can take them from the seashore in front of Yeoin Square. The journey to the islet takes about 20-25mins.
Boryeong Tour Homepage :
http://ubtour.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Travel Phone :
+82-41-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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| Haeundae Beach |
Haeundae Beach, which is located in Busan, Korea’s second largest city, is considered the country’s best beach. It has beautiful scenery and many tourist convenience facilities. Haeundae beach is a great place for swimming, since its waters are shallow and water levels barely change with the tides. The beach has clean sand that is composed of silver-colored shells that over time have been naturally eroded by the wind. Also, there are many hot springs near the beach where visitors can relax after swimming in the ocean.
Various cultural events and festivals are also held at the beach. These include the Haeundae Sand Festival, the Busan Sea Festival, and the World Beach Volleyball Tournament.
There are many hotels and resorts located along the beach, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the sea.
A walking path stretches from Haeundae Beach across Dalmaji Hill to Songjeong Beach. If you take an evening stroll, you can enjoy the view of the large serene moon rising over the sea. Haeundae beach is where the East Sea meets the South Sea and is therefore a famous site for watching the moonrise.
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Directions
From Seoul to Busan
At Seoul Station (subway lines no. 1 or 4) take a train to Busan (Travel time: KTX train: 2 hrs 40 mins; Saemaeul train: 4 hrs 40 mins; Mugunghwa train: 5 hrs 20 mins. / First train: 05:25, Last train: 11:00 pm)
From Busan to Haeundae Beach
When you reach Busan station take subway line 1→ At Seomyeon station, change to subway line no. 2 → Get off at Haeundae Station (subway line no. 2) and take exit 3 or 5 → Go straight for about 10 mins until you reach the beach. (Travel time: 45mins)
Or exit Busan Station and board bus no. 1003 or 139 at the bus stop to the right → Get off at Haeundae Beach Stop (Travel time: 60-70 mins)
For more info on Haeundae Beach, click here!
Nearby Tourist Destination
Dongbaekseom Island, which is located off westernmost point of Haeundae Beach, is known for its beautiful natural landscape with dense camellias and pine trees. Foreign tourists as well as Busan citizens visit the island all year round. If you stroll around the island, you will see Nurimaru APEC House and the famous mermaid statue.
Haeundae Tour Homepage :
http://tour.haeundae.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Travel Phone
: +82-51-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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| Jungmun Beach |
Jungmun beach is located in Jeju Jungmun Resort, which has been chosen as one of Korea’s must-visit tourist destinations. Its sandy beach is curved like a bow. The beach’s sand, which is called Jinmosal, is very unusual, it is black, white, red, and is an arresting sight set against the dramatic black rocks of Jeju Island.
Jungmun Beach has clean water and a powerful current, which is perfect for those who enjoy water sports such as jet skiing and windsurfing. To the right of the beach, you can see a natural cave and a cliff covered with various rare plants, which is a great example of the beautiful ecosystem of Jeju Island. The island’s subtropical plants create exotic scenery and consequently many movies, television dramas and commercials are filmed here. It is considered the perfect destination for a romantic holiday.
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Directions
From Jeju Airport (Exit #1), take bus No. 600 → Get off at the Hyatt hotel in Jungmun Tourist Complex. (Buses depart every 15 mins / Travel time: 50 mins / First bus: 06:20am, Last bus: 10:00pm) → To get to the beach, go down the hill about 200 meters. (5 min. walk)
For more info on Jungmun Beach, click here!
Tourist Attraction:
JungMun Resort
There are several popular tourist destinations within the complex such as Yeomiji Botanical Garden, Cheonjeyeon Falls, Teddy Bear Museum, and Pacific Land. A variety of events are held here all year round.
Jeju Tour Homepage
: www.jejutour.go.kr
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
Travel Phone
: +82-64-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
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Check out more beaches to visit this summer:
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