10 Best Beaches in South Korea

Finding the best beaches in South Korea is a breeze as this thrilling country boasts exotic beaches with white sands and water so clear you can see straight to the bottom. The versatility of the best South Korean beaches is astounding. You’ll find urban oases where you are close to the comfort of a city and remote, quiet stretches of pristine sands perfect for romantic walks.

You’re looking for adrenaline inducing water sports, you can try your hand at surfing or water skiing. There are family-friendly beaches that feature all the modern amenities that’ll make your day at the beach comfortable and the little ones entertained. So, pack your flip flops and snorkel and dive into the Korean beach life.

1. Jungmun Saekdal Beach

A beach for surfers seeking high waves

Good for: Adventure, Photo

Jungmun Saekdal Beach begins at Jungmun Tourist Complex, the center of Jeju Island tourism, and a favorite destination among surfers due to the long beaches and high waves. It’s also where the biggest international surfing competition in Korea is held.

There are promenades and observation decks around the beach that will take you to some stunning scenery for capturing memorable photos. Since it’s located within the Jungmun Tourist Complex, transportation is convenient, and there are plenty of great facilities and accommodations like hotels.

Location: 29-51 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

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2. Hyeopjae Beach

Dazzling white sands and emerald waters

Good for: Families, Photo

If a picturesque landscape of dazzling white sandy beaches and clear emerald seas is what you seek, look no further than Hyeopjae Beach. The water is shallow and crystal clear, making this an ideal spot for those traveling with children.

The sunsets are fantastic here, so get ready to take some photos. Just relax at a nearby cafe and enjoy the ever-changing scenery. Even if you don’t enjoy bathing in the sea, you’ll still be captivated by the colorful charm of Hyeopjae Beach.

Location: 329-10 Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

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3. Haeundae Beach

Perfect for a beach day with the whole family

Good for: Budget, Photo

Haeundae Beach is one the the most famous beaches in Korea, loved by people of all ages. It’s highly accessible by public transportation, such as subways and buses, and has plenty of hotel accommodations nearby.

There’s nothing better than enjoying a wonderful beach and a colorful city at the same time. Haeundae is renowned for having some of the best nightscapes in Korea, where the vibrant lights of high-rise buildings and the ocean come together to create spectacular imagery. If you’re particularly fond of memorable night-time views, don’t miss it.

Location: U-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

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4. Gyeongpodae Beach

A beautiful beach spreading out beyond a pine forest

Good for: Couples, Photo

The best thing about Gyeongpodae Beach is the dense pine forest that you must cross before arriving at the beach. It creates a sense of excitement as the beach is slowly revealed to you beyond the trees. Gyeongpodae Beach is also a popular sunrise viewing spot every New Year’s morning.

Gyeongpo Lake, not far from the beach itself, is also famous for cherry blossom viewing. This is a romantic destination where you can watch the sunrise, stroll along the surrounding promenade and cherish quiet conversations with your significant other.

Location: San 1-1, Gangmun-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

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5. Songjeong Beach

A small beach full of surprises

Good for: Adventure, Couples, Photo

Songjeong Beach is a small, picturesque, and tranquil beach boasting pristine, white sands. It’s popular among locals looking for some casual relaxation, and it’s also one of the few places in Busan where you can enjoy surfing thanks to the high waves.

You can walk over to Jukdo Park nearby and enjoy views of the sea from a different angle. There is also a well-developed trail for romantic walks along a railroad if you’re looking for a bit of healing on your trip.

Location: 712-2 Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan, South Korea

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6. Hakdong Mongdol Beach

Slow walks on the beach never felt so good

Good for: Budget, Photo, Unusual

The unique Hakdong Mongdol beach is one of the widest Korean mongdol (rounded stone) beaches where you can relax to the sound of waves crashing against pebbles. It also served as the filming location of the K-drama Uncontrollably Fond.

The beach is part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park system, which is a testament to the cleanliness and beauty of the beach. Just lie down on warm mongdol and listen to the clattering sound of stones for a relaxing nature massage, and you’ll feel the stress melt away from every inch of your body.

Location: Hakdong-ri, Dongbu-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

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7. Gangmun Beach

A lovely beach overflowing with romance

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

Gangmun Beach is easy to reach by car, so it’s a great spot for ad hoc trips to the beach. It has many convenient facilities around, such as a large carpark.

Sotdae Bridge nearby conveys a sense of intensity to the surrounding landscape, and you can take some colorful pictures thanks to the charming facilities and art installations. You can take yourself up to the observatory for a refreshing view of the East Sea or visit one of the many cafes with a friend or partner for some fantastic views of the surroundings.

Location: Gangmun-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

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8. Hongjodangoe (Coralsand Beach)

An otherworldly beach made from broken corals

Good for: Photo, Unusual

You’ll find Hongjodangoe beach on the quaint Udo island that can be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from Jeju Island. This unique beach is made of sand from broken corals. The crystal clear waters splashing over the white sands will make you feel like you’re in a scene from a movie or nature documentary.

You can even take a boat tour and enjoy the one-of-a-kind Udo topography from the sea. The emerald waters and white sands are so dazzling here that even people who aren’t confident in their photographing skills will easily end up snapping with some stunning pictures.

Location: 252 Udohaean-gil, Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

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9. Ujeon Beach

Calm seascapes to heal the soul

Good for: Budget, Couples, Families

Ujeon Beach is lined with thatched parasols, offering an exotic feel rarely experienced in Korea. It’s perfect for quiet walks or watching the sunset. This tranquil beach is located on the Jeungdo island, nicknamed “Slow City” and it’s teeming with chill, tranquil vibes, perfect for a relaxing day at a beach.

The nearby Jeungdo Salt Farm is home to more unusual attractions like the Salt Museum and the Pacific Halophytes Botanical Garden. For those looking for a sense of healing on their vacation, we recommend listening to the sound of waves at Ujeon Beach, away from the crowds and noise of cities.

Location: Ujeon-ri, Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

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10. Sangju Silver Sand Beach

Immaculate silver sands strewn over a spacious beach

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

As the name suggests, Sangju Silver Sand Beach is full of sand so clean and soft that it shimmers in the sunlight. There’s a pine forest next to the beach, so you can enjoy the cool sea breeze under the shade of pine trees at the same time.

It’s a family-friendly destination with plenty of amenities, including a carpark. Plus, festivals are held here every season, such as the Full Moon Festival and Summer Festival, and are popular with people looking for something different.

Location: 1227 Sangju-ri, Sangju-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea

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