East Coast Train Trip: 5 Summer Beaches You Can Reach by KTX-Eum

On December 30, 2025, the KTX-Eum semi-high-speed train began operating on the entire Donghae Line, greatly improving transportation along Korea’s east coast. Travel time between Busan’s Bujeon Station and Gangneung Station has been reduced from more than five hours by regular train to about 3 hours and 50 minutes, with six daily services—three in each direction.

• Bujeon

  45 min

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• Taehwagang

  20 min

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• Gyeongju

  22 min

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• Pohang

  20 min

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• Yeongdeok

  33 min

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• Uljin

  26 min

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• Samcheok

  15 min

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• Donghae

  6 min

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• Mukho

  19 min

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• Jeongdongjin

  14 min

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• Gangneung

✔️ Benefits of Traveling by Donghae Line KTX-Eum: With many stations located close to the east coast, travelers can easily reach major beaches without renting a car. It also allows them to avoid the heavy traffic on coastal roads during the peak summer season.

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Rather than raw fish restaurants, the area around Anmokhaebyeon Beach is best known for its concentration of cafés, which has earned it the name Gangneung Coffee Street. The street traces its roots to a row of roadside coffee vending machines, where visitors once sipped coffee while looking out over the sea. Today, it has grown into a lively café street lined with coffee chains and local cafés. Many travelers like to begin with local Gangneung specialties such as chodang sundubu (soft bean curd), gamja ongsimi (potato ball soup), and jang kalguksu (spicy noodle soup) at Gangneung Jungang Market or Chodang Dubu Village, then head here to relax with a cup of coffee at an ocean-view café.

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Jeongdongjinhaebyeon Beach is located right in front of Jeongdongjin Station, known as the world’s closest train station to the sea. As soon as you step off the train, the wide-open ocean comes into view. Made famous by the classic Korean drama “Sandglass (1995)” and its easy access by rail, the beach has become one of Korea’s most iconic sunrise spots. Nearby attractions include the Jeongdongjin Railbike, which runs along the coast, and Jeongdongsimgok Badabuchae Trail, a coastal terrace path known for its unique rock formations.

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Eodalhaebyeon Beach is a small, charming beach with the quiet feel of a fishing village. Its soft sand and shallow waters, about 1 meter deep, make it easy for anyone to enjoy. Nearby, Nongoldam-gil Street is lined with murals showing scenes from the lives of local fishermen, while Dojjaebigol Sky Valley offers the thrill of walking high above the ground. Together, these spots are a great way to experience the charm of Mukho Port. Don’t miss Eodal Samgeori, a photo spot unique to Mukho where the road and sea fit perfectly into one frame.

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At 1,750 meters long, Yeongildae Beach is the largest beach on Korea’s east coast. The view here is unlike anywhere else, with an overwater pavilion standing against the sea and Korea’s largest steelworks rising in the background. Nearby Hwanho Park is home to Space Walk, an art installation with panoramic views of Pohang. Around sunset, visitors can take in the overwater pavilion and the glittering lights of the steelworks in one sweeping view.

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Gwangalli Beach is one of Busan’s best-known beaches, framed by the iconic Gwangandaegyo Bridge. The area is lively year-round, with surfing, paddleboarding, yachting, and plenty of distinctive cafés along the shore. After a day on the water, stop by Millac The Market for food, shopping, and cultural experiences, or end the evening with the Gwangalli Marvelous Drone Light Show over Busan’s night sea.