South Korea’s pop culture and dramatic mountains can make it easy to overlook just how good of a beach destination the country is. Surrounded by ocean on three sides and with countless islands sprinkled off its coastlines, South Korea has no end of shores to explore.
Travel the country’s beaches and what you’ll be most struck by is just how diverse they are. From Busan’s urban oases and Jeju-do Island’s subtropical sanctuaries to the east coast’s smooth stretches of sand and the west coast’s dramatic tides, you’ll find a beach for every mood and every moment.
Get muddy at Daecheon Beach
Daecheon Beach has a real Jekyll and Hyde thing going on. For most of the year, it’s a relatively low-key place – kind of touristy with lots to do, but still sort of sleepy. However, for a month each summer, it loses its mind.
For several weeks spanning July and August, Daecheon is the site of the Boryeong Mud Festival. The festival is nominally held to celebrate the city of Boryeong’s mineral-rich mud, which is used in commercial skin care products and is said to have all sorts of health benefits, from anti-aging to improved blood circulation. Commemorations are held in the form of mud marathons, mud obstacle courses, and concerts in the mud, drawing huge crowds of mostly young people, but it’s a family-friendly event as well.
During the remaining months of the year, you can appreciate just how nice of a beach Daecheon is. At 3.5km (2.2 miles) long and 100m (328ft) wide, it’s the west coast’s largest beach. The water on the west coast is also warmer than at east coast beaches. Activities include water-skiing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, and zip-lining along the shore. You can also take a boat out to the uninhabited Dabo-do Island. At just 2.5 hours from Seoul by bus or train, Daecheon makes for an easy weekend getaway from the capital.
Haeundae Beach is for seeing and being seen
Haeundae takes its moniker from the Silla-era scholar and poet Choe Chi-won, who was so fond of the beach that he carved his pen name, Haeun, into a nearby rock. More than 1000 years later, it’s a tough place to write poetry.
Haeundae is South Korea’s most popular beach by some margin, and it’s not hard to see why: 1.5km (0.93 miles) long, with calm, shallow water and surrounded by some of Korea’s glitziest real estate, it’s a fabulous place to be. In July and August, the beach is packed with tourists, families, and locals eager to socialize. During the height of summer, much of the sand is covered by beach umbrellas, creating a colorful patchwork when viewed from above.
The attractions surrounding Haeundae are just as appealing. In the middle of the beach, SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium offers a chance to see otters, penguins, and watch shark feedings. Nearby, you’ll find cultural venues, restaurants serving seafood, and beautiful parks with walking trails. Festivals held at the beach throughout the year include the Haeundae Polar Bear Festival each January and the Haeundae Sand Festival in May.
Find waves and good vibes at Jukdo Beach and Ingu Beach
It may surprise many to learn that Korea has a thriving surfing scene, with Jukdo and Ingu beaches in Yangyang-gun County as its epicenter.
Jukdo is the quieter beach, while Ingu is more built-up, offering lively nightlife options. Both beaches have surf shops that provide lessons and board rentals. If you’re new to surfing, Jukdo is welcoming to novices, making it a great place to learn. Experienced surfers can find the best waves in winter.
Have a family day out at Woljeongri Beach
Woljeongri, located on Jeju-do Island’s northeastern tip, is a beautiful half-moon of white sand leading into turquoise waters. Ideal for families, the beach has shallow water perfect for toddlers to play in.
Beyond the beach, the village of Woljeong-ri offers quaint streets filled with traditional walls made of volcanic stone and trendy cafes perfect for cooling off after a day in the sun. If you’re visiting with kids, attractions like Gimnyeong Maze Park and Manjang-gul lava tube are nearby.
Jeongdongjin Beach is serene at sunrise – and an easy day trip from Seoul
Jeongdongjin Beach is incredibly accessible, just a train ride away from Seoul Station. This spacious strip of golden sand is renowned for its breathtaking sunrises, attracting early risers who come to witness the spectacle.
A rail bike track loops along the beach, providing a unique way to explore the scenery. Convenience stores, cafes, and restaurants line nearby streets, ensuring that visitors can easily find refreshments.
Live the resort life at Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Located on Jeju-do Island’s south coast, Jungmun Saekdal Beach is perfect if you’re looking for a lively beach experience. This beach features diverse activities, including surfing, water-skiing, and parasailing.
The stunning black volcanic cliffs and beautiful subtropical waters make this a picturesque spot to relax, while a range of nearby attractions, such as the Jungmun Golf Club and Teddy Bear Museum, ensure there’s something for everyone.
