25 BEST BEACHES IN SOUTH KOREA [FULL GUIDE]

WHERE ARE THE BEST BEACHES IN SOUTH KOREA? DOES KOREA HAVE GOOD BEACHES?

South Korea is a country with many things to see. If you have been reading this blog already for some time, you should know that by now! We wrote hundreds of posts on things to do in South Korea.

Korea has tons of amazing beaches!

South Korea offers a variety of beautiful beaches, whether you’re looking for a bustling beach scene or a peaceful getaway. Here’s a summary of some of the best beaches across the country.

Read Also: BEST SURF SPOTS IN SOUTH KOREA

Did you know?

When you think of South Korea, you might picture bustling cities, historic temples, and a thriving pop culture scene.

But did you know that this beautiful country also boasts some stunning beaches?

From the serene shores of the East Sea to the vibrant, tropical paradise of Jeju Island, South Korea has a diverse range of coastal destinations for beach lovers.

Best beaches in the Southern part of South Korea

1. Haeundae, the most popular beach in South Korea

Haeundae Beach is the most famous place in the city of Busan. This sandy beach, sometimes overcrowded in summer, is one of South Korea‘s most popular swimming spots. At the foot of very tall buildings, in a lively district full of cafes and restaurants, Haeundae is a pleasant place to relax while enjoying the sea.

Also, if you are looking for a place to stay during your trip to Busan, we highly recommend staying in Haeundae. We recommend Shilla Stay Haeundae which for us has the best value for money.

>> READ: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAEUNDAE BEACH IN BUSAN

2. Songjeong Beach, the best surfing spot in Busan

Songjeong is a lovely beach located near Haeundae in Busan. You can access it by taking the Beach Train or Sky Capsule from Haeundae. (For more info on Sky Capsule, check out our full post about Busan here)

Songjeong is the surfer paradise in Busan. There are many surf shops along the beach, and it is one of the most popular place for surfing in Korea. We wrote a full guide about surfing in Korea here. You can book your surf lesson in Songjeong with a discount here.

To book your surf lesson with a discount, you can purchase your pass on Trazy: here.

3. Gwangalli Beach in Busan, is best to see at night

Almost as famous as its neighbor Haeundae, Gwangalli Beach is best visited at nightfall, when the Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Diamond Bridge) that crosses the bay lights up with a thousand lights.

With the luxurious skyscrapers in the background, like those at the Marine City luxury residential complex, Gwangalli is magical. It is a must-see place for a pleasant romantic evening.

A fun activity in Gwangalli is to go Stand Up Paddling and check out this beautiful bridge up close. Book your SUP here.

4. Gujora Beach in Geoje

Geoje is a gorgeous island in the southern part of South Korea. The island is connected to Busan by an 8.2 km long bridge and a tunnel under the sea which makes it very convenient to travel to.

Our favorite beach in Geoje is Gujora Beach!

Gujora Beach is a stretch of sand (30m wide and 1.1km long) located along the emerald blue ocean. The beach is famous in Geoje thanks to its natural beauty.

The warm, relatively shallow waters along with nearby tourist attractions have made this beach one of the region’s best places to spend the weekend.

>> READ: DISCOVER GEOJE ONE OF OUR FAVORITE PLACES IN SOUTH KOREA

5. Sangju Beach in Namhae

Namhae is Korea’s fifth largest island and is famous for its slower pace of life, beautiful sea, and stunning nature.

In Namhae head to Sangju Beach, one of the prettiest beaches on the island and one of the best beaches in South Korea.

Sangju is a 2 km of soft white sand beach with shallow water. During summer it can be quite packed with tourists. Sangju Beach is popular for its many water sports activities such as Kayaking.

The small town of Sangju has several shops for basic items. There are also restaurants and hotels nearby, although those can be booked pretty fast during the summer months.

>> READ: NAHMAE IS A TRUE HIDDEN GEM IN KOREA – CHECK IT OUT

6 Yulpo Beach near the famous Boseong Green Tea Fields

Another must-see attraction in Korea is to visit the world-renowned Boseong Green Tea Fields. We were blown away when we visited this place.

The good thing about Boseong is that it’s also located very close to the coast. From the tea plantation head to Yulpo Beach and Yulpo Fishing Village.

Yulpo is a 1.2-kilometer-long beach that also attracts many tourists over the summer. The area has become a family summer resort, fully equipped with accommodation and leisure facilities.

>> READ: VISIT THE BOSEONG GREEN TEA FIELDS IN KOREA

Best Beaches on Jeju Island

7. Hamdeok Beach in Jeju, our favorite one

One of South Korea’s must-see destinations is Jeju Island.

Spending a few days on the island during a stay in South Korea will allow you to relax and have unforgettable moments whether you are with friends, family, or as a couple.

We visited many beaches in Korea, but Hamdeok in Jeju stood out for us. The colors of the waters, this particular emerald shade, made us fall in love with Hamdeok instantly. Ever since we went there for the first time, Hamdeok became our #1 visited place in Jeju right after landing at the airport.

Hamdeok is one of the best beaches in Jeju but also one of the best beaches in South Korea!

>> READ: ALL ABOUT HAMDEOK BEACH IN JEJU

8. Jungmun Beach, the most famous one in Jeju

Jeju has many beautiful beaches. Jungmun is among the most popular beaches in Jeju.

Jungmun is especially famous for its three-color sand (black, white, and red). These colors blend perfectly with the black volcanic stones that characterize the island.

In addition, the water there is turquoise. Once there, you will have a landscape worthy of a postcard. From Jungmun you can also rent a catamaran to explore the gorgeous coastline of Jeju (book here).

Jungmun Beach offers a variety of water sports such as parasailing, water skiing, windsurfing, scuba diving, surfing, and yacht trips. Plenty of activities to spend unforgettable vacations!

>> READ: MOST AWESOME THINGS TO DO IN JEJU

9. Woljeongri Beach, the cutest place in Jeju

Woljeongri, is actually a village located on the east side of Jeju Island. In Korean it means “the moon stays.”

The shallow water is perfect for families with children to play in the water. Woljeongri has become more and more popular among tourists due to its outstanding scenery and great vibes.

Now there are many restaurants, cafes, and hotels. However, the village still kept its authenticity. Which we really love about this place.

What we also like about Woljeongri Beach is the color of the sea and the white fine sand. It feels like the Maldives as it is so pristine!

>> READ: DISCOVER WOLJEONGRI BEACH IN JEJU

10. Hyeopjae Beach in Jeju, perfect for families

Hyeopjae Beach is perfect for beginner swimmers in Jeju, thanks to its shallow and crystal clear water. The sand is made up of tiny bits of seashells that give it a slightly silvery color, and the emerald waters are so pure that you can see even the smallest shell on the ocean floor.

After a good swim, don’t forget to visit Hallim Park, located just a 5-minute walk from the beach. It is a beautifully landscaped park, with plenty of subtropical plants and numerous lava caves, very pleasant to explore and to escape the heat of summer.

>> READ: DISCOVER THE BEAUTIFUL HALLIM PARK IN JEJU

11. Geumneung Beach in Jeju, best for Kitesurf

From Hyeopjae Beach you can easily access to Geumneung Beach. Both beaches are connected by a long strip of sand and grassy dunes. Geumneung Beach offers another magnificent panorama! This beach often gets good wind for Kitesurfing.

We love going to a rooftop cafe nearby and checking out the kitesurfers and having fun by the beach. The view from there is stunning!

Now that we have listed the best beaches in Jeju, let’s look at the best beaches on the East Coast of South Korea.

>> READ: BEST BEACHES IN JEJU

Best Beaches on the East Coast of Korea

12. Naksan, the most beautiful beach on the East Coast

If you decide to explore the eastern part of South Korea, make sure to visit Naskan, one of the best beaches in South Korea.

Measuring almost 1.5 km long, the beach is one of the most popular in the east. It is characterized by a magnificent white sand beach and clear blue water.

Naskan Beach is much less crowded and more relaxed than most other beaches in South Korea. In addition, watching the sunrise from Naksan is a unique experience in South Korea.

With the almost deserted beaches, the sunlight, and the splendid Seoraksan Mountain, it’s hard not to fall in love with Naksan.

In Naksan you can also visit the famous Naksan Temple

READ: DISCOVER NAKSAN TEMPLE IN KOREA

13. Jukdo Beach, the best surf beach in South Korea

Let’s head to Yangyang for our next best beach tour of South Korea and more specifically to Jukdo Beach.

This is a must-see spot for all beach lovers in South Korea. Jukdo Beach is also considered one of the best places to surf in South Korea (full guide on best surf spots here).

The expressway linking Yangyang to Seoul, now allows people living in the capital to reach the Jukdo in a bit more than 2 hours. Thus, this beach has become a perfect starting point for all of those who would like to learn to surf in Korea.

For us, we consider Jukdo Beach to be one of the best surf spots in South Korea with the most consistent waves.

>> READ: BEST THINGS TO DO IN YANGYANG

14. Surfyy beach in Yangyang, the most hipster one

If you think of sipping your cocktail by the beach, while watching surfers and chillaxing by the sun, then Surfyy Beach is your go-to beach.

Located in Yangyang the surf mecca of South Korea and near Jukdo, Surfyy Beach is a strip of private beach offering a laid-back experience with a new generation of surfing crowds.

We always enjoyed relaxing at Surfyy Beach during the summer in South Korea. Surfyy is undeniably one of the best beaches in South Korea.

READ: 28 AWESOME SUMMER ACTIVITIES IN KOREA

15. Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung, famous for its pine trees

Gyeongpo Beach is 6 km long.

The beach strip contains fine sand and is located between the ocean and Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung. This beach is outstanding for watching the sunrise and sunset.

Another great aspect of Gyeongpo Beach is that it is surrounded by a pine forest, which provides another experience.

As Gangneung is well known for its coffee culture, we also recommend visiting one of the seaside cafes at Gangneung Coffee Street.

>> READ ALSO: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT GANGNEUNG

16. Sokcho beach in the north-east of Korea

Sokcho Beach is well known for its crystal clear water. In addition, the easy access to the beach from the city of Sokcho makes it a popular destination. You can easily reach this beach from the nearby bus station.

If you are looking for a Korean beach easily accessible by public transport, Sokcho is a great option. In addition, it is complemented by the pine forest and the beautiful fine white sand. Sokcho also offers various water sports activities along the beach.

17. Jeongdongjin Beach, the best beach for sunrise

Less known than other beaches in Gangneung, Jeongdongjin Beach is still well worth a visit. With its emerald blue water and beautiful, intensely red sunrises, Jeongdongjin Beach is a great place to take a stroll and soak up the sun. You can also visit one of the many cafes and restaurants to relax nearby.

There are also more reasons to visit Jeongdongjin! Here, you’ll find a rail bike trail right on the beach with a clear view of the ocean. You can pedal across the beach, feeling the cool ocean breeze while enjoying the spectacular scenery (book your activity here).

Jeongdongjin Beach is easily recognizable with its hotel shaped like a cruise on top of a cliff right by the beach.

Best Beaches on the West Coast of Korea

18. Mallipo Beach known as the California of Korea

Located 18 kilometers from Taean on the west coast, Mallipo Beach is considered one of the Eight Scenic Views of Taean. It offers beautiful points of view for those who love splendid landscapes. This beach is part of the Taean National Marine Park.

From here, you can easily visit the other seven sites, which include Halmi-Harabi Rock, Anmyeon Pine Forest, Sindu Dune, Anheungseong Fortress, and Gauido Island.

Mallipo Beach is considered a surf paradise.

Imagine a beautiful blue sea, an amazing sunset, and great waves. This is Mallipo Beach, also called “Malifornia” because of its similarities to California. It’s ideal for beginners because of the sandy bottom and good-quality waves. It is also relatively close to Seoul, which makes it a great weekend gateway from the city.

>> READ: BEST THINGS TO DO. IN TAEAN

19. Mongsanpo Beach, the most famous one for camping

Mongsanpo Beach, which is located in Taean-gun Municipality in Chungcheongnam-do Region, is the largest beach on the Taean Peninsula.

The beach is covered with very fine sand and the pines stretching along the coast offer a sublime landscape. Around the walking path that leads to the pine forest, visitors can also observe sea dunes and mudflats.

Go to its observatory first. Then continue with a visit to its famous lighthouse, which offers lovely views of the coastal shoreline as well as a rocky beach below.

But Mongsanpo is first and foremost a very popular spot for camping right by the beach. This place is often full of families almost whole year round.

20. Sinduri Beach in Taean, famous for its gigantic dune

Sinduri Beach was clearly one of our favorite places to visit while in Taean. The beautiful beach stretches for kilometers with no one in sight. It is located about a 10min drive from Mallipo Beach.

Right behind Sinduri Beach, you can visit the Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune. It is believed to have been formed about 15,000 years ago after the ice age. At that time strong winds carried sand from the sea which then formed the current Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune.

There you can actually walk on a marked wooden path in the middle of the Dune. We had a very good time at Sinduri. The view from the Dune is breathtaking.

Sinduri Beach and Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune are one of the main attractions in Taean which we highly recommend for a unique “desert-like” experience.

READ: Full Guide to Visiting Taean in Korea

21. Sambong Beach, our favorite one in Taean

Taean is famous for its endless sandy beaches. We visited a few, but instantly fell in love with Sambong Beach for its natural beauty.

Sambong Beach is located South of the famous Mongsanpo Beach in Taean. It stretches over 3 km and is a protected area. Meaning, that there is no hotel, camping, shop, or anything, simply Nature. Which is why we really like this beach.

Sambong Beach is actually known for the Three Sambong Rocks which you can see from the beach.

This is actually where the name Sambong is coming from. Right behind you will find a forest of pine trees. The sight is simply breathtaking, especially at sunset. You can also check out the Sand Dune at the southern part of the Beach which is a must-see at Sambong Beach.

22. Daecheon Beach, famous for its mud festival

Daecheon Beach is the largest beach on the west coast of South Korea. This beach has shallow, calm waters and the sand is extremely soft. Therefore, an ideal environment for you to enjoy your time with family or friends.

In addition, the Boryeong Mud Festival is held on Daecheon Beach every year. As it is well known for its nutrient-rich mud, thousands of international visitors come to the beach to enjoy a variety of fun activities as well as lively performances. The festival is usually held in July.

For more information on the Boryeong Mud Festival, please check the official website.

Best Beaches near to Seoul

23. Hanagae Beach in Muuido, the best beach gateway from Seoul

Hanagae Beach in Muuido is one of the best beaches in South Korea and near Seoul. There you can enjoy plenty of activities, eat some seafood, and sleep inside cute beach huts if you want to stay overnight.

Hanagae Beach is very pleasant with golden sand and great place to take a swim during high tide. At low tide, you can enjoy long walks into the sea or collect seashells for your lunch or dinner. A popular activity amongst Korean

If you like to get some thrills, then enjoy a Zipline ride, right on top of the Beach. It’s definitely a lot of fun.

>> READ: DISCOVER MUUIDO NEAR SEOUL

24. Eurwangni Beach, the best for families and seafood

Eurwangni Beach is located in Incheon.

The beach is easily accessible from Incheon International Airport. Therefore, a large number of international tourists tend to come to Eurwangni Beach due to its convenient location. It only takes 15 minutes by taxi from the airport to the beach.

When you get to the beach, you will be impressed by the natural scenery and the shallow waters which provide a great environment for children.

How about grilled shellfish for lunch or dinner? There are many seafood restaurants in Eurwangni.

25. Sugi Beach on Sido Island, our latest discovery

Sindo (신도), Sido (시도) and Modo (모도) islands are the perfect gateway from the busy city life of Seoul. Located off the coast of Incheon, these 3 islands are easily accessible by ferry. All 3 islands are connected by a bridge which makes it easy to visit them all within a day.

Sido is the second biggest island located in between Sindo and Modo. The main attraction on Sido Island is Sugi Beach located on the very north side of the island.

Sugi is a fine sandy beach surrounded by nature. We actually really loved this place and were definitely thinking to go back over the summer. It seemed to be an awesome spot to hang out when it’s really hot in Korea.

>> READ: ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT SINDO, SIDO AND MODO ISLAND NEAR SEOUL

Other Summer Activities in Korea

Besides going to the beach, there are so many things to do in Summer in Korea.

You can go wakeboarding or wake surfing in Gapyeong near Seoul on the Bukhan River, go rafting on the east coast, go diving in Asia’s deepest pool, go camping with your family or friends, enjoy a staycation in some of the best hotels near Seoul, and so much more…

Check out our full post here for the most amazing summer activities in South Korea. If you like the adventure, check out the best adventures just outside Seoul, here.

In conclusion about the best beaches in South Korea

As you would understand by now, no matter your itinerary in South Korea, there are many beautiful beaches to enjoy. We hope that our list of best beaches in South Korea makes you want to explore more about this gorgeous country.

Going to the beach in South Korea, especially during summer is the perfect opportunity to relax and cool off!

Have you ever been to any of these beaches? What do you think is the most beautiful that you have visited in Korea? Do not hesitate to give us your recommendations

For more posts related to South Korea, check out this link here.