10 Best Beaches and Coastal Towns in Korea
South Korea boasts some stunning beaches and coastal towns, offering everything from relaxing beach getaways to vibrant coastal cities full of culture and activities. Here's a list of the best beaches and coastal towns in Korea that you should check out.
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1. Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장 (부산)– Busan
3.Naksan Beach (낙산 해수욕장 (양양)—Yangyang
4. Daecheon Beach (대천 해수욕장)—Boryeong
5. Songdo Beach (송도 해수욕장)—Incheon
6.Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) – Busan
7. Hamdeok Beach (함덕해수욕장) – Jeju Island
8.Eurwangni Beach (을왕리해수욕장) – Incheon
9. Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변) – Gangneung
10. Jungmun Beach (중문해수욕장) – Jeju Island
1. Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장 (부산)– Busan
Address:264 Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea 부산광역시 해운대구 해운대해변로 264 (우동)
Highlights: One of Korea's most famous beaches, known for its soft sand, clear water, and vibrant atmosphere.
Activities: Swimming, sunbathing, beachside cafes, and the annual Busan International Film Festival.
Nearby attractions: The Haeundae District has many restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can also explore Dongbaek Island, The Busan Aquarium, and Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, a stunning seaside Buddhist temple.
Why visit: Haeundae is perhaps the most famous beach in South Korea, known for its long stretch of golden sand and beautiful skyline views. It’s a bustling beach during the summer with lots of events, festivals, and activities like water sports, beach volleyball, and sunbathing.
2.Jeju Island（제주도 해변）
Location: Off the southern coast of South Korea.
Nearby attractions: Explore Hallasan Mountain, Jeju Olle Trail for hiking, and Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) for sunrise views. The island is also known for its unique culture and art, such as Jeju Folk Village and Jeju Loveland.
Why visit: Jeju is South Korea's most famous island destination, renowned for its picturesque beaches, volcanic landscapes, and relaxed vibe. The island offers a variety of beaches, including Hyeopjae Beach (with turquoise waters and soft white sand) and Jungmun Beach (great for water sports).
3.Naksan Beach (낙산 해수욕장 (양양)—Yangyang
Address:100 Naksanhaebyeon-gil, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea（강원도 양양군 강현면 낙산해변길 100）
Highlights: A serene beach surrounded by pine forests and Naksansa Temple.
Activities: Swimming, temple visits, and hiking along the coastal trails.
Nearby attractions: Naksansa Temple is a beautiful Buddhist temple overlooking the beach, and the Naksan Coastal Road offers picturesque views of the sea and the surrounding mountains.
Why visit: Naksan Beach offers a peaceful, less crowded experience compared to other beaches in Korea. It's perfect for those who want a quiet retreat and scenic views, with the added bonus of the Naksansa Temple located on a nearby mountain.
4. Daecheon Beach (대천 해수욕장)—Boryeong
Address:245 Daecheonhaebyeon-ro, Sinheuk-dong, Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea（충청남도 보령시 신흑동 대천해수욕장로 245）
Nearby attractions: You can also explore Boryeong's Mud Museum or visit nearby Mokcheon Gung (a royal tomb) and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the nearby coastline.
Why visit: Daecheon Beach is famous for its wide sandy shores and the Boryeong Mud Festival, which takes place every summer. The festival attracts visitors from all over the world who come to enjoy the mud baths, mudslides, and other unique activities.
5. Songdo Beach (송도 해수욕장)—Incheon
Address:196 Songdohaebyeon-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, South Korea（인천광역시 연수구 송도해변로 196）
Nearby attractions: Explore Songdo Central Park, Incheon Chinatown, and the Incheon Grand Park. The beach is also close to the Incheon Bridge, which offers stunning views, especially at sunset.
Why visit: This beach offers a more urban beach experience with easy access from Seoul. It has calm waters, and the Songdo Beach Walkway provides a beautiful place for a relaxing stroll by the sea. It’s also home to various modern facilities and attractions.
6.Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장) – Busan
Address:219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan, South Korea부산광역시 수영구 광안해변로 219 (광안동)
Highlights: Famous for its stunning views of the Gwangan Bridge, which lights up at night.
Activities: Nighttime strolls, water sports, and dining at beachfront restaurants.
Nearby Attractions: Millak Waterfront Park and trendy cafes.
7. Hamdeok Beach (함덕해수욕장) – Jeju Island
Address:1008 Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea（제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 함덕리 1008）
Highlights: Known for its emerald-green waters and white sand.
Activities: Swimming, snorkeling, and enjoying the scenic coastal walkways.
Nearby Attractions: Seoubong Peak and Jeju Stone Park.
8.Eurwangni Beach (을왕리해수욕장) – Incheon
address：925-1 Eulwang-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea（인천광역시 중구 을왕동 925-1）
Highlights: A peaceful beach close to Incheon International Airport.
Activities: Swimming, picnicking, and enjoying fresh seafood.
Nearby Attractions: Muuido Island and Yongyu Island.
9. Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변) – Gangneung
Address:Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea（강원도 강릉시 강동면 정동진리）
Highlights: Known for its picturesque sunrise views and proximity to the Jeongdongjin Rail Bike.
Activities: Sunrise watching, rail biking, and visiting the Time Museum.
Nearby Attractions: Gangneung Coffee Street and Haslla Art World.
10. Jungmun Beach (중문해수욕장) – Jeju Island
Address:3039-1 Jungmun-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea（제주특별자치도 서귀포시 중문동 3039-1）
Highlights: A beautiful beach with black volcanic sand and dramatic cliffs.
Activities: Swimming, surfing, and exploring nearby waterfalls.
Nearby Attractions: Cheonjeyeon Waterfall, Jusangjeolli Cliff, and Jeju Folk Village.
Tips:
- It is easier to find routes in Korea using Naver Map or Kakao Map.
- Some addresses can be searched in English, but it is recommended to prepare Korean addresses for asking directions or taking a taxi.
- Buy a T-money card (Seoul and surrounding areas) or Cashbee card (Busan and Jeju) in advance to facilitate public transportation.
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