If you’re planning on vacationing in Korea this summer, be sure to check out at least one of the following beach destinations! Korea is surrounded on all three sides by water, giving it plenty of beaches in a variety of shapes and sizes that offer a welcomed escape from everyday life. Since most beaches in Korea officially open in June or July and close towards the end of August, visitors have only a few months to splash around in the water and soak up the rays. But don’t worry if you miss out on the official summer beach season, as there are plenty of sightseeing activities that you can all year round!
Scenic coastline of Korea’s East Sea
The East Sea, known for its clear waters and expansive, white sandy beaches, is one of the most popular summer vacation spots in the nation. People come from far and wide to catch the stunning view of the sun rising over the East Sea, and most beaches in the area even hold an annual Sunrise Festival. Although these festivals only take place on New Year’s Day, the sight of the sun slowly peeking over the ocean’s horizon is a mesmerizing sight any day of the year.
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Guryongpo Beach in Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
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Guryongpo Beach is about 24 kilometers away from Pohang and 1.5 kilometers from Guryongpo-eup. Thanks to the gentle slope of the ocean floor and the clean sea water, Guryongpo Beach is a favorite vacation spot for swimming enthusiasts. The beach is also popular among fishermen, many of whom troll their lines in Yeongilman Bay.
- ☞ Address: 6, Homi-ro 426beon-gil, Guryongpo-eup, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: June 24 – August 20, 2017
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Sokcho Beach in Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
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Sokcho Beach is well known for the picturesque pine trees that stand proudly along its white sandy coast. One of the perks of this particular beach is that there are many tourist attractions in the surrounding area, including Yeongnangho Lake and Seoraksan Mountain, one of Korea’s most famous mountains.
Given the beach’s range of facilities (parking lots, campsites, etc.) and nearby accommodations, Sokcho Beach is a convenient place for a weekend trip. Visitors can even rent a fishing rod and go fishing at nearby Jodo Island, or walk towards the pier to get some fresh hoe (sliced raw fish) at one of the local fish markets.
One of the biggest draws of Sokcho Beach is that it is located near Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, making it easy to find for even first-time visitors. Festivals held at Sokcho Beach include the Sunrise Festival on January 1 of every year, and many events that take place during the beach swimming period between July and August for all visitors to enjoy.
Given the beach’s range of facilities (parking lots, campsites, etc.) and nearby accommodations, Sokcho Beach is a convenient place for a weekend trip. Visitors can even rent a fishing rod and go fishing at nearby Jodo Island, or walk towards the pier to get some fresh hoe (sliced raw fish) at one of the local fish markets.
One of the biggest draws of Sokcho Beach is that it is located near Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, making it easy to find for even first-time visitors. Festivals held at Sokcho Beach include the Sunrise Festival on January 1 of every year, and many events that take place during the beach swimming period between July and August for all visitors to enjoy.
- ☞ Address: 190, Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 7 – August 20, 2017
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Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
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Gyeongpo Beach is the largest beach on the east coast, and is only about a kilometer away from Gyeongpodae Pavilion, famous for its sunrise view. Perhaps the most striking characteristic of Gyeongpo Beach is its fine powdery sand, which is perfect for barefoot walks along the beach. There is also a beautiful pine tree forest that can be found nearby for leisure walks. Beach activities such as banana boating, jet skiing, and waterskiing are also well-favored. In addition, Gyeongpo Summer Music Festival is held every evening between the end of July and early August, featuring performances from famous bands and hip-hop groups for a beachside club atmosphere.
- ☞ Address: San 1, Anhyeon-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 7 – August 20, 2017
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Naksan Beach in Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
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Naksan Beach is one of the top beaches in Gangwon-do, with a sandy beach stretching over 1,810 meters that draws in countless visitors each year. The beach runs along clean waters and is bordered by rows of pine trees. In addition to its natural beauty, Naksan Beach also has a variety of water leisure activities such as banana boating and jet skis for those looking for more adventure.
The beach is also a top pick for those who are interested in Korea’s traditional culture, as it is close to Naksansa Templeand Uisangdae Pavilion, which was built to commemorate Great Monk Uisang. As an added bonus, the pavilion is also one of the best places in the area to view the sunrise.
The beach is also a top pick for those who are interested in Korea’s traditional culture, as it is close to Naksansa Templeand Uisangdae Pavilion, which was built to commemorate Great Monk Uisang. As an added bonus, the pavilion is also one of the best places in the area to view the sunrise.
- ☞ Address: 59, Haemaji-gil, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 7 – August 20, 2017
Eco experiences along Korea’s West Sea
Beaches along the West Sea are easily accessible from Seoul and are therefore extremely popular among citizens and travelers who may not have a lot of time on their hands. The beaches of the West Sea are also great places to catch the sunset, and many have tidal flats teeming with small marine life.
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Daecheon Beach in Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
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Daecheon Beach is the largest beach on the west coast, and is known for its shallow and calm waters. The sand on the upper shores of Daecheon Beach is especially soft and easy to wash off because it is composed of tiny bits of eroded shells. Closer to the shoreline, the sand is hard packed. These two varieties of sand allow visitors to enjoy both leisure walks and sand scrubs. Daecheon Beach is also home to the annual summer festival, Boryeong Mud Festival. In the winter, the beach draws large crowds again as locals and tourists flock to the shores for the annual Sunset Festival.
- ☞ Address: 123, Mud-ro, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: June 17 – August 31, 2017
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Eurwangni Beach in Jung-gu, Incheon
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Eurwangni Beach, located near Seoul and Incheon International Airport, is a popular beach, both for its gorgeous views and clean white sand. The beach’s shallow water also provides the perfect place for children to go swimming. Nearby amenities include a number of lavish resorts and restaurants serving fresh seafood. Having dinner outside on the terrace of one of these restaurants is the perfect way to watch the final rays of sunlight as they disappear over the horizon! Beachgoers can also rent a fishing boat or rent a fishing rod to fish off the side of the pier. A variety of beach festivals take place at Eurwangi every summer.
- ☞ Address: 15, Eurwang-ro 13beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 1 – August 31, 2017
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Muchangpo Beach in Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
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Muchangpo Beach is particularly famous for what is known as the "Moses Miracle," a natural phenomenon in which extreme tides reveal the seafloor for only a few short hours two or three days a month (around the 15th and 30th days of the lunar calendar). The exposed sea floor makes a path about 1.5 km long that reaches all the way from the beach to Seokdaedo Island. The beach is also known for its scenic coastal drive, clusters of pine trees, and beautiful sunsets.
- ☞ Address: 10, Yeollinbada 1-gil, Ungcheon-eup, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 15 – August 31, 2017
Emerald waters of Korea’s South Sea
There are countless islands, and therefore beaches, along the southern coast of Korea. Each beach has its own unique style, meaning that there are almost limitless options for visitors willing to travel a little further from Korea’s capital. The South Sea is also home to Jeju Island, a favorite tourist site in Korea. Islands in the South Sea provide visitors with vastly different experiences from those along the east or west coast.
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Haeundae Beach in Haeundae-gu, Busan
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Haeundae Beach is perhaps the most well-known beach in the country. The waters are shallow and there is little change in tide making this beach perfect for swimming. The beach is famous for its views of the sunrise and moonrise as seen from Haewoljeong Pavilion. Haeundae’s Dalmaji-gil Road, which is located between Haeundae Beach and Songjeong Beach, is another recommended spot for a romantic view of the moonlight glistening off the water’s surface.
Haeundae Beach is also extremely well known for its many cultural events and festivals that are held throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy Haeundae Sand Festival in summer; Busan International Film Festival in fall; and the New Year Festival and Polar Bear Swimming Contest in winter.
Haeundae Beach is also extremely well known for its many cultural events and festivals that are held throughout the year. Visitors can enjoy Haeundae Sand Festival in summer; Busan International Film Festival in fall; and the New Year Festival and Polar Bear Swimming Contest in winter.
- ☞ Address: 264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
- ☞ Beach swimming period: June 1 – August 31, 2017
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Jungmun Saekdal Beach in Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
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Jungmun Saekdal Beach inside of Jeju Jungmun Resort is a unique beach made of a gradient of black, white, red, and gray sand, as well as the famous black volcanic stone of Jeju Island. To the right of the sandy beach is a natural cave that was created by coastal erosion. Rare plants flourish near the cave, offering a convenient spot for some eco-focused sightseeing. The waves and tides can be rather rough along Jungmun, so while conditions are great for wind surfing, jet skiing and other water leisure activities, non-swimmers and young children are advised to stick close to the shoreline under the careful watch of lifeguards.
Jungmun Resort is also home to an aquarium, Yeomiji Botanical Garden, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, and a cluster of traditional houses of Jeju Island. Various events are held along the beach and in the complex throughout the year.
Jungmun Resort is also home to an aquarium, Yeomiji Botanical Garden, Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, and a cluster of traditional houses of Jeju Island. Various events are held along the beach and in the complex throughout the year.
- ☞ Address: 3039, Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 1 – August 31, 2017
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Hyeopjae Beach in Jeju-si, Jeju-do
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Hyeopjae Beach is one of the best beaches on Jeju Island for swimmers, since the waters are shallow with no sudden drops. Tiny shells in the sand give the beach a silver sheen and make for a firm feel that is perfect for long walks along the water’s edge. Once you get into the water, you’ll be pleased to discover that the water is so pure that you can clearly see your toes! Hallim Park, a major tourist attraction, is only 5 minutes away on foot, and is well worth a visit. The park is landscaped with an abundance of subtropical plants and topiaries, and serves as a cool escape from the summer heat.
A pleasant beach with plenty of space, Hyeopjae is all the more beautiful because of the black basalt rocks to one side and the view of Biyangdo Island stretching out in the distance.
A pleasant beach with plenty of space, Hyeopjae is all the more beautiful because of the black basalt rocks to one side and the view of Biyangdo Island stretching out in the distance.
- ☞ Address: 2497-1, Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
- ☞ Beach swimming period: July 1 – August 31, 2017
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[full credits to Korea Tourism Organization]
