Beaches may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about South Korea, but this country is home to some stunning stretches of sand. When you are looking for a summer vacation with sun and surf, check out these South Korea beaches for relaxation, water sports, socializing, family time, and more.
1) Jungmun Beach
Jungmun Beach is one of the most popular in Korea, located on the popular Jeju Island. It is around 600 meters long, and you can try your hand at all kinds of water sports here from windsurfing to kite surfing. The beach’s sand is made up of a variety of colors from white to black, and the surrounding scenery is also picturesque and includes some interesting caves plus a lot of jungle vegetation. If you visit one beach in South Korea, you won’t go wrong if you make it this one.
2) Haeundae Beach
This beach is one of the most-visited in South Korea and it is therefore difficult to find much space on the sand in the busiest months. But that does not detract from its appeal. It is in the city of Busan, which makes it easy to reach, and it has some wonderful views of the sunrise. In the summer there are many cultural events to enjoy as well as some interesting festivals including the Haeundae Sand Festival.
3) Songho Beach
At the tip of the southern peninsula, Songho Beach is surrounded by thick pine forest and is a peaceful, less crowded place to visit in the south of the country. The sea is suitable for family swimming and there are places to camp nearby.
4) Naksan Beach
This is a long beach, stretching around four kilometers along the south side of the country. The sea water here is marvelously clear, and there are also hikes you can take in the local area including to the peak of Nak-San. It is a beautiful place for relaxation and attracts many tourists in the summer months.
5) Hyeopjae Beach
Located on the south of Korea, this is 600 meters of stunning white sand that is also ideal for swimming. It’s also a good place to search for seashells, and to take it easy at this picturesque place.
6) Jeondongjin Beach
Jeondongjin Beach is a beautiful place with wonderful white sand. It is the perfect spot for watching the sunrise. There is even a special festival to welcome the sunrise, which is held in the Jeondongjin Beach Sunrise Park. Take the trail to the top of the hill overlooking the beach for more spectacular views.
7) Muchangpo Beach
Muchangpo Beach is another top place for the sunsets and is bordered by some beautiful pine forest. One of the main attractions of this beach is the natural occurrence that happens two or three times each month, where the tide goes out to form a pathway to nearby Seokdaedo Island.
8) Songjeong Beach
Located close to Haeundae Beach, Songjeong Beach has a shallow stretch of water and some nice white sand. Come here for the Harvest Full-Moon Seaweed Festival or for the spectacle of the Songjeong Beach Festival.
9) Gyeongpo Beach
Gyeongpo Beach is located on the east coast and is made up of perfect white powdery sand. The beach is also fringed with pine forest for some leisurely walks, and you can also take part in more active pursuits such as windsurfing, jet skiing, and swimming. It is a prime spot for watching the sunrises and the sunsets over the ocean. In the spring, visit the local parks to see the cherry blossoms and attend the Festival of Cherry Blossoms which is a beach festival held during the spring.
10) Guryongpo Beach
Guryongpo Beach is a wide, spacious beach with fine white sand and pine trees. This is the perfect spot for swimming, and fishing enthusiasts will also find it a good place to visit. It is located around 24 kilometers from the city of Pohang.
11) Sangju Beach
If you are looking for a wider beach, come to Sangju Beach as this is a very spacious and often very quiet place in South Korea. It is located on the south coast of the country and has some lovely white sand with a clear sea gently sloping away from the shore. The beauty of the beach is enhanced by the towering Mt. Geumsan. And you can take a trip to the islands of Namuseom and Dolseum which are nearby and are ideal places for a spot of fishing.
12) Jinha Beach
Look for this secluded and peaceful beach on the southeast coast of South Korea. It is a stunning place and the sea is clear and warm. The beach is flanked by pine trees and there are two islands close by, Ideokdo and Myeongseungdo, which you can fish from.
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