The 7 best beaches in Korea

Today, Korea is a modern country that has a rich culture and traditions. Attracting millions of tourists each year, cities like Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are familiar to most. As a bustling metropolis, coupled with the world’s top beauty and fashion trends, there is no doubt that visiting Seoul is the dream of many others. Due to Korea’s geographical location, other parts of the country also have a lot to offer. Embracing nature and enjoying scenic landscapes can be your next getaway too! Hence, we put together the 7 best beaches in Korea to include in your upcoming itinerary!

Our picks on the 7 best beaches in Korea

1. Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)

It is hard to miss Busan when it comes to beautiful beaches in Korea. Situated on the southeastern coast, Busan is the country’s second-largest city and is famous for its beaches. Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan where locals and tourists gather during summer every year. Around the area, there is no shortage of accommodations from luxury hotels to humble guesthouses. When you visit, you may also want to drop by the Busan Aquarium for more activities!

Address: 264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264)

Directions from Busan Station:

• Take the Busan Metro Line 1 (Orange Line) towards Sinpyeong (신평역) & get off at Seomyeon Station (서면역).
• At Seomyeon Station, transfer to Busan Metro Line 2 (Green Line) towards Haeundae & get off at Haeundae Station (Exit 5 or 7).

2. Busan Songdo Beach (부산 송도해수욕장)

Another one on the list of our 7 best beaches in Korea is also located at Busan, the Songdo Beach. If you’re a lover of beach and food, this is the place you must visit. Not only you can enjoy your time at the beach with its expanded coastlines, the famous Jagalchi Seafood Market (자갈치시장) is also located right here. What’s not to love when you get to indulge in fresh seafood and spend some time exploring the market? On top of that, Amnam Park (암남공원) which is a coastal ecological park is also available to the public.

Did you know that during the Korean War, Busan was the temporary capital of South Korea? As a result, the Provisional Capital Memorial Hall was once used as the residence of President Syngman Rhee at that time. Now transformed into a museum where you can visit to get a glimpse of the amazing architecture and history.

Address: 100 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Seo-gu, Busan (부산광역시 서구 송도해변로 100)

Directions from Busan Station:

• Take the Busan Metro Line 1 (Orange Line) towards Sinpyeong (신평역) & get off at Nampo Station (남포역).
• At Nampo Station, transfer to Busan Metro Line 1 (Orange Line) towards Sinpyeong & get off at Jagalchi Station (남포역).
• Take Exit 2 and walk towards the Busan International Passenger Terminal to take the Songdo Beach Skywalk or the Songdo Beach Cable Car to reach Songdo Beach.

3. Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

Sokcho is situated in Gangwon Province, and Sokcho Beach lies along the eastern coast of the Korean Peninsula. As one of Korea’s representative beaches, there is always a high influx of visitors every summer. Sokcho Beach is also famous for its clear water and sandy beach, hence swimming and shell collecting are top activities by visitors.

Another reason why this is one of the 7 best beaches in Korea to visit is because there is a pine forest with a walking trail just behind the beach where you can immerse yourself in the beauty this place has to offer. What’s more, there are lots of seafood restaurants and some cafes that are available so you can simply enjoy your meal or take a coffee break near the beach!

Address: 190 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원특별자치도 속초시 해오름로 190)

Directions from Seoul:

• Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line 3) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal located at Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) to Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. Bus tickets can be bought at the counter. The journey takes around 3 hours.
• From Sokcho Express Bus Terminal, walk about 6 minutes to Sokcho Beach.

4. Yangyang Surfyy Beach (양양서피비치)

Why Yangyang Surfyy Beach is one of our 7 best beaches in Korea to visit? Also located in Gangwon Province, Yangyang Surfyy Beach is famous and exclusive for surfing activities and many other recreational adventures like snorkeling. They are the first to have a Surf School which is a surfing training school for beginners to advanced learners! Fret not, if you’re a surfer and only looking to rent their equipment, they also offer rental services for their surfboards and attires.

Not only that, camping facilities are available at Yangyang Surfyy Beach! Not to mention the hammocks and sunbeds for visitors to chill and relax.

Address: 119, Hajodaehaean-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 119)

Directions from Seoul:

• Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line 3) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal located at Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) to Yangyang Express Bus Terminal. Bus tickets can be bought at the counter. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.
• From Yangyang Express Bus Terminal, take buses 11, 77 or 12.
• Drop off at Junggwangjeongri station and walk 22 minutes to Surfyy Beach.
• Nonetheless, you can take a taxi from Yangyang Express Bus Terminal to Surfyy Beach (around 15 minutes).

5. Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장)

A popular venue for sunrise-watching, picturesque cliffs, and clear waters, Naksan Beach makes its way to our list of the 7 best beaches in Korea. Due to the water’s 1.5 meter depth, it is a conducive place for all ages to play in. Hence, Naksan Beach has attracted more than 1 million visitors each year, making it one of the most famous beaches in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. Accommodations are available as well, making it perfect for a 1-night stay. Additionally, cafes and restaurants are easily accessible so you do not need to worry about finding food!

Right behind the beach is the Naksan Mountain, which is home to Naksansa Temple (낙산사). An ancient temple that was built during the Silla dynasty by the Buddhist monk Uisang. What’s more interesting is that they offer temple stay, if you’re interested, find out more on their website.

Address: 59, Haemaji-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 양양군 강현면 해맞이길 59)

Directions from Seoul:

• Take a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal (Seoul Subway Line 3) or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal located at Gangbyeon Station (Seoul Subway Line 2) to Yangyang Express Bus Terminal. Bus tickets can be bought at the counter. The journey takes around 2.5 hours.
• From Yangyang Express Bus Terminal, walk approximately 3 minutes to Songamri bus station and take bus 9-1.
• Drop off at Josan station and walk 5 minutes to Naksan Beach.

6. Gwakji Beach (곽지해수욕장)

A Jeju legend, Gwakji Beach, also known as the Gwakji Gwamulhaebyeon Beach (곽지과물해변) is certainly one of the 7 best beaches in Korea. According to a local myth, Gwaji Beach used to be an ancient village but was buried in the sand one day and later emerged as Gwakji Beach.

At Gwakji Beach, you can enjoy surfing and paddle boarding under an instructor. Other widely enjoyed activities here are kayaking and sunbathing. At such a picturesque place, do not miss out on the entire street of Instagram-worthy cafes too! You can take out some drinks and simply sit on the rocks by the waters for a more relaxing time to spend your day.

Address: Geumseong 5-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 제주시 애월읍 금성5길)

Directions from Jeju International Airport:

• From Jeju International Airport, walk approximately 5 minutes to Seogwipo Bus Terminal.
• Take bus 102 and drop off at Aewol Bus Transfer Station (5 stops).
• At Aewol Bus Transfer Station, take bus 202-2 and drop off at Gwakji Moumul (3 stops).
• At Gwakji Moumul, walk approximately 5 minutes to Gwakji Beach.

7. Seonnyeo Rock Beach (선녀바위해수욕장)

Last on the list of the 7 best beaches in Korea, we have the Seonnyeo Rock Beach located in Incheon. If you only have half a day to spare but still wish to visit a beach, we recommend here as it is located near the Seoul metropolitan area. Behind the story of the Seonnyeo Rock Beach is a beautiful myth. Legend has it that the rock is named after a fairy who came down on a rainbow to play on the beach.

With its alluring myth and beautiful scenery, the beach is popular for sunset watching. A perfect spot to see the sky with hues of warm orange, fluffy pink, and mesmerising purple over the horizon. On the other hand, this beach is also suitable for camping, a place not too far from the city. Perhaps you can go hunt around the rocks for crabs, shellfish and other seafood for a camping snack!

Address: 21, Yongyu-ro 380beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 용유로380번길 21)

Directions from Incheon International Airport:

• Walk to Incheon International Airport Terminal 1 Gate 7 (3rd floor), take bus 306 and get off at Seonnyeobawi Recreation Area (19 stops).
• From Seonnyeobawi Recreation Area, walk approximately 2 minutes to Seonnyeo Rock Beach.

Here we sum up our picks on the 7 best beaches in Korea and reasons why you should visit them. If you’re keen to find out how we can help you study and live in Korea, be sure to contact us or find more out in this article. Also, don’t forget to follow the Go! Go! Hanguk blog for more content!