18 Best Beaches in Korea: Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

Last Updated on June 12, 2026

When summer comes, it’s amazing how fast those beaches in Korea start beckoning. With the temperatures rise, the sun’s rays are strong and all I can think about are lapping waters, sandy beaches and swimming, swimming, swimming. The salty seas refresh and luckily in Korea there are miles and miles of coastline to choose from across three very different coasts.

The west coast offers long mud flats and dramatic tidal beaches. The east coast has the clearest water and whitest sand in the country, backed by mountains. The south brings sprawling city beaches and island energy. And Jeju, in its own category entirely, has white sand, black sand, and rocky coves all within a short drive of each other.

This guide covers 18 beaches, some extremely well-known, some far more under-the-radar, organized by region so you can plan a coastal trip without bouncing across the country. Swimming season in Korea generally runs from early-mid July through late August, though many of these beaches are worth visiting earlier or later for the scenery alone.

Here are some that you may not have heard about yet and some that you should definitely check out THIS summer in Korea! Need to take a beach vacation in South Korea? Here are the places you can’t miss.

Feel free to skip around. Here are the beaches in Korea you can check out in this guide:

• West Coast Beaches
• East Coast Beaches
• Busan Beaches
• Jeju Beaches

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West Coast Beaches

The west coast is defined by mud flats, dramatic tides, and a slower pace. Tide pools and clam digging are part of the experience here in a way they aren’t on the east coast.

Chaesukgang Cliffs & Byeonsan Beach (채석강 & 변산해수욕장)

Byeonsan Beach is one of the best spots on the west coast, but for me, the real highlight is the Chaesukgang Cliffs just to the south. With a massive sandy beach, rocky coastlines, tide pools, and caves to explore, this area has something for everyone, whether you’re into sunbathing, sea creatures, or a bit of adventure. It’s the perfect weekend escape from Seoul!

• Address: Gyeokpo-ri Byeongsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 부안군 변산면 격포리)
• Where To Stay: Benikea Starhills Hotel
• How To Get There:
  • By Car: The easiest way to get to Chaesukgang would be by car and takes just under three hours. If you don’t have a car, consider renting one. Plan a road trip and see more of the country!
  • By Bus: From Seoul Central City Terminal, you can take a bus bound for Buan which will take just under three hours and cost a bit more or less than W20,000 depending on type of bus. From Buan’s Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take a taxi to the Byeonsan/Chaesukgang area. It should take around 20 minutes and cost around W25,000.

Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장)

Hanagae Beach is the popular weekend getaway beach for people living in Seoul located on Muuido Island out in Incheon, Korea. There are dramatic tides so you can swim and go out and dig for clams and conchs. It’s gotten even easier to get to with the addition of bridge from the mainland to the island. There is a beautiful wooden boardwalk to walk out over the water to check out the rocks and there are restaurants and a cafe there too. It’s a great easy trip from Seoul. Don’t miss it this summer in Korea.

• Address: San 189 beonji, Muui-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 무의동 산189번지 (무의동))
• Where To Stay: Nest Hotel (Design Hotel) Note: Nest Hotel is just on the main Incheon Airport Island at the entrance to Muuido Island. There aren’t as many options to stay on Muuido and the little cabins on the beach are first come first serve so you should get there early in the day and reserve. However, if you want to be sure you’ve got a bed with a shower and beautiful aesthetic, just book Nest Hotel. It’s amazing and worth it to just another 20 minutes to the beach or back.
• How To Get There: Take public transportation out to the Incheon International Airport and then head up to the 3rd floor to take a bus out to the bus stop named Muuido Entrance. Currently, buses 111 and 306 run there but always reconfirm buses when you’re looking. From there, you’ll want to catch bus 6-1 to go onto the island and get off at the beach. Takes about 35 minutes from the airport.

Kkotji Beach (꽃지해수욕장)

Kkotji Beach is famous for its breathtaking sunsets, especially between the iconic “Grandmother Rock” and “Grandfather Rock” at the north end. Legend has it one rock represents a wife turned to stone waiting for her husband, though, oddly, there are two! Located in Taean-gun, this area is packed with beautiful forests, flower gardens, and endless beaches, making it a fantastic weekend escape from Seoul.

• Address: Seungeon4-ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 태안군 안면읍 승언4리)
• Where To Stay: Anmyeondo Plaza Hotel
• How To Get There: Catch a bus from Central City Bus Terminal to Anmyeondo. The bus takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. Buses leave every two hours or so. Check the schedule here on Kobus.co.kr From there, you’ll want to take about a five minute taxi to the beach area and it’ll cost around W5,000.

Gosapo Beach (고사포해수욕장)

Byeonsanbando is a must-see National Maritime Park, blending Korea’s stunning shoreline with iconic mountain views. My favorite spot here is Gosapo Beach, with its pine tree grove perfect for camping and elevated views of the endless ocean. At the south end, a dramatic cliff frames the beach, and at low tide, you can dig for clams as the sun sets into the horizon, a picture-perfect scene every evening.

• Address: 8-8 Norumok-gil, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 부안군 변산면 노루목길 8-8 (변산면))
• Where To Stay: Benikea StarHills Hotel
• How To Get There: 
  • By Car: The easiest way would be by car and would take just under three hours. If you don’t have a car, consider renting one. Plan a road trip and see more of the country!
  • By Bus: From Seoul Central City Terminal, you can take a bus bound for Buan which will take just under three hours and cost a bit more or less than W20,000 depending on type of bus. From Buan’s Bus Terminal, you’ll need to take a taxi to the area. It should take around 25 minutes and cost around W35,000.

Mongsanpo Beach (몽산포해수욕장)

Mongsanpo Beach is a hidden gem in Taean-gun, offering plenty of space to soak up the sun and enjoy the water without the crowds. Campers set up under 50-year-old pine trees, and nearby pensions and boutique hotels add charm. Known for shellfish digging and stunning sunsets, it’s also close to a national park and a forest of 120-year-old pines, making it a perfect spot for a peaceful coastal getaway.

• Address: Sinjang-ri, Nam-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 남면 신장리)
• Where To Stay: Goodstay Pinnochio Pension
• How To Get There: Catch a bus from Central City Bus Terminal to Anmyeondo. The bus takes 2 hours and 10 minutes. Buses leave every two hours or so. Check the schedule here on Kobus.co.kr From the bus terminal, you’ll want to take a taxi about 30 minutes to Mongsanpo Beach and it’ll cost around W30,000.

Sinduri Beach (신두리해수욕장)

Sinduri Beach is a vast beach on the west coast in northern Taean-gun. I had the best weekend away there and was so surprised at how vast the beach was. It’s huge and it’s just views of the ocean and islands in the horizon. The beach isn’t the only thing to see there either. The only sand dunes in Korea are located here and they are epic. This is an amazing hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss if you want a weekend on the beach in Korea.

• Address: 135 Sindu-ri Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충청남도 태안군 원북면 신두리 산 135)
• Where To Stay: Taean Golden Bean Pension
• How To Get There: You can get a bus from Gimpo Airport Terminal or Central City Bus Terminal or Seoul Nambu Bus Terminal to the Taean Bus Terminal. From there, you’ll want to take bus 313 directly to the beach. The bus from the Taean Bus Terminal takes just over an hour but takes you all the way to the beach.

Seonnyeo Rock Beach (선녀바위)

While Eurwangli and Wangsan Beaches are the popular spots on Yeongjong Island, Seonnyeo Rock Beach is a hidden gem with a sandy center flanked by rocky sides. Named after a fairy-shaped rock, the beach is perfect for crab and shellfish hunting at low tide. Easily accessible from Seoul, it’s a peaceful spot to watch the sunset and surprisingly uncrowded year-round, making it an ideal weekend escape.

• Address: 68-2, Seonnyeobawi-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon (인천광역시 중구 선녀바위로 68-2 (을왕동) 부근)
• Where To Stay: Incheon Airport Hotel Oceanview
• How To Get There: Catch a taxi from the airport that takes just 15 minutes and will cost around W12,000 or take bus 111 or 306 from the third floor bus area. The bus will take about 30 minutes.

East Coast Beaches

The east coast has the clearest water and whitest sand in Korea, backed by mountains, Seoraksan in particular makes the Yangyang-area beaches a natural pairing of mountains and coast in one trip.

Jeongdongjin Beach (정동진해변)

Jeongdongjin Beach, with its white sands and crystal-clear water, is a must-visit spot steeped in mystique thanks to the drama Hourglass filmed here in 1995. While the rail bike is a bit of a tourist trap, the surrounding parks, cafes, and restaurants make it an ideal beach getaway. The Gangneung coastline, in my opinion, is a summer must-see, quieter and more pristine than the hyped southern beaches. Don’t miss it!

• Address:  17 Jeongdongjin Station Road, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 강동면 정동역길 17)
• Where To Stay: The Haslla Art World Museum Hotel
• How To Get There: The best way to get from Seoul to Jeongdonjin Beach is to take a train from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station. There are trains throughout the day starting at 7:00am and they take just over 2 hours. The train costs between W26,000 and W44,000 depending on the train and where you’re sitting.

Sungeut Beach (순긋해변)

On one trip, we skipped the high prices at Gyeongpo Beach and found a fantastic inn just steps from Sungeut Beach. The water was gorgeous, the beach was quiet, and a small forest to the north led to the Terra Rosa forest cafe, a perfect spot for a walk.

Our hosts served a BBQ dinner at outdoor picnic tables, and a nearby mart had everything we needed. While it didn’t have the bustling restaurant scene of busier beaches, it was perfect for peaceful family time. For every busy beach, there’s a quiet gem like this, just remember that.

• Address:  Anhyeon-dong 235-5, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 안현동235-5)
• Where To Stay: S202 Hotel
• How To Get There: Take a train from Seoul Station out to Gangneung Station. It takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes and costs around W25,000+ depending on which seats you choose. From Gangneung Station, you can take a bus or taxi about to nearby Sungeut Beach.

Naksan Beach (낙산해수욕장)

Naksan Beach, just east of Seoraksan National Park, is the perfect spot to pair a mountain hike with a beach day. The four-kilometer beach features pine forests, camping spots, budget-friendly villas, and even a stunning temple perched on a seaside cliff.

Despite visiting during high season, there was plenty of space to relax, and the wooden boardwalk through the forest was a nice touch. Popular tours from Seoul make it easy to combine Seoraksan’s peaks with Naksan’s scenic coastline, a must-do if you’re craving both mountains and the beach in one trip! Also don’t miss the beautiful Naksan Temple.

• Address: 59 Haemaji-gil Ganghyeon-myeon Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 양양군 강현면 해맞이길 59)
• Where To Stay: Naksan Beach Hotel
• How To Get There: From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal OR Gangnam Express Bus Terminal, take a bus to Yangyang Bus Terminal. From Seoul Express Bus Terminal it takes about 2 hours. From the Yangyang Bus Terminal, catch bus number 9 OR 9-1 in front of the terminal to Naksan or just take a taxi to your hotel which shouldn’t take more than 10 minutes and won’t cost more than W10,000 depending where you’re staying.

Travel Tip: Want to take your own road trip up and down the coast? Rent a car. Avis is pretty affordable and with a group of friends, it’s the best way to get back and forth, off the beaten path, and all around. Once you get out of Seoul, the roads or open and the paths varied. Where do you want to go?

Gyeongpo Beach (강릉 경포해변)

Gyeongpo Beach is a must-visit on the northeast coast, but for a more memorable trip, check out some lesser-known nearby spots. Visit the quirky gramophone museum, then head to the saltwater tofu street for delicious local eats. The white sand and emerald waters make this beach a favorite for a reason, and its easy access by bus or train from Seoul makes it even better. Don’t miss this hot spot!

• Address: 1-san Anhyeon-dong Gangneung-si Gangwon-do (강원도 강릉시 안현동 산1)
• Where To Stay: Seamarq Hotel
• How To Get There: 
  • By Train: The most comfortable way to travel to the east coast now is most definitely the train which you can catch from Seoul Station and take straight out to Gangneung Station. Trains leave every hour from 5:00am until 10:00pm and take around two hours. The tickets cost between W26,000 and W44,000 depending on the seats chosen.
  • By Bus: There are buses available that go from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal out to Gangneung and take around 2.5 hours. They cost between W14,000 and W22,000 depending on what kind of bus you’re riding. Buses leave throughout the day as well.

Hajodae Beach (하조대해변)

Hajodae Beach, on Korea’s northeast coast, is a hidden gem with pristine turquoise waters, white sand, and no crowds, a perfect escape from busier spots like Busan. Just a 30-minute bus ride from Sokcho, this small beach town offers a few hotels, restaurants, and even free beach camping.

• Address: 35, Hajodaehaean-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 35)
• Where To Stay: Zio Resort
• How To Get There: You can get a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal.The express bus from either is around 2 hours and takes you to the Yangyang Express Bus Terminal. Take a taxi about 15 minutes depending on traffic to travel 11km and cost about W17,000. The buses here have long intervals and require a bit of walking so I wouldn’t recommend trying to wait for them.

Surfyy Beach  (서피비치)

For cool vibes and surfing, Surfyy Beach is the perfect spot on Korea’s east coast, just north of Hajodae Beach. It’s great for groups with surfers and swimmers alike, offering lessons for beginners and fun waves for seasoned surfers, a laid-back spot with something for everyone.

• Address: 119 Haean-gil Hajodae, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 119 서피비치)
• Where To Stay: Zio Resort
• How To Get There: You can get a bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal or Dong Seoul Bus Terminal. The express bus from either is around 2 hours and takes you to the Yangyang Express Bus Terminal. Take a taxi about 15 minutes depending on traffic to travel 11km and cost about W17,000. The buses here have long intervals and require a bit of walking so I wouldn’t recommend trying to wait for them.

Chuam Beach (추암해수욕장)

Chuam Beach is a quieter east coast spot than the popular Gangneung spots just north. In just 2.5 hours you can get to the east coast from Seoul and from there it’s a 10 minute taxi ride to this gorgeous beach. There is a suspension bridge, sculpture park and a little boardwalk with restaurants and cafes. It’s a lovely seaside area that isn’t hugely popular yet which is great but also easy to get to on public transportation.

• Address: Chuam Beach, Bukpyeong-dong, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do (강원 동해시 북평동 추암해수욕장)
• Where To Stay: Sol Beach Samcheok
• How To Get There: Catch a KTX train from Seoul Station and get off at Donghae Station. From there, it’s just a 10 minute taxi to Chuam Beach.

Maengbang Beach (맹방해수욕장)

Samcheok has beautiful beaches up and down the coastline so it’s not too hard to get away from the crowds. Maengbang beach is a bit of a sleepy area that gained some popularity after BTS featured this seaside spot in their music video “Butter”. Though popular, it’s just tricky enough to get to that you can have a wonderful beach day without too many crowds most days.

• Address: 12-1 Hamaengbang-ri, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 삼척시 근덕면 하맹방리 12-1)
• How To Get There: You can take a bus from Gangnam Express Bus Terminal to Samcheok. A bus leaves every 30 to 40 minutes and takes four hours to get there. There are also buses from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal that leave every hour. There’s also a train option. You can take a train from Seoul Station or Cheongryangni Station out to Donghae Train Station. From there, you can take a bus or taxi to Maengbang Beach. Buses 21, 22, 23, or 24 go to Maengbang Beach from the Samcheok area.

Busan Beaches

Busan is a popular summer destination for locals and famous for tourists to be sure and of course there are major beachside spots like Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, but there are other spots to spread out down on the southern coast as well.

Songdo Beach (송도해수욕장)

Songdo Beach, Korea’s first public beach, was established in 1913 and became a favorite seaside retreat for Busan locals by the 1920s. After a five-year redevelopment, it now features a suspension bridge and plenty of spots for fun, relaxation, and sightseeing, a must-visit for anyone exploring the area! The Songdo Beach area is a rather all inclusive spot for fun, relaxing, and features plenty to see and do.

• Address: 171 Songdo Haebyeon-ro, Soegu, Busan (서구 송도해변로 171)
• Where To Stay: Best Western Plus Busan Songdo
• How To Get There: The best way to get to Songdo is by train. Get the train from Seoul Station in central Seoul and get to Busan Station in under three hours. If you’ll be traveling by train, definitely look into getting the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) which will end up giving you a discount on trips if you’re traveling to Busan and back or making multiple stops. The pass is the most cost effective way to travel for foreigners. From Busan Station, you can take a local bus after you cross the road outside of Busan Station. Take bus #26 for 20 minutes and get off at Songdo Beach stop. OR, you could take a taxi from the station which will take the same amount of time and cost around W10,000.

Jeju Beaches

Jeju Island can be overlooked by tourists because it seems like a trek to get to, but it’s a lot easier to get to Jeju beaches than a lot of people realize. There are more flights from Seoul to Jeju than any other flightpath in the world! You can be on a beach on the Hawaii of Korea in just a couple of hours. Don’t overlook the option!

Hamdeok Beach (함덕해수욕장)

A popular area that’s easy to get to from the airport, Hamdeok Beach is beautiful from morning until evening. In the morning the beaches are vast, great for little kids and throughout the day the water comes in covering up the white sand and leaving a couple comfortable sandy areas to play. The water is refreshing and blue, and there are plenty of restaurants and places to stay making it my go-to recommendation for most quick weekend visitors.

• Address: 525 Johamhaean-ro, Jocheon-eub, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (제주시 조천읍 조함해안로 525)
• Where To Stay: Hamdeok Beach Stay Jeju -> Book a room here on Booking.com or on Agoda.com.
• How To Get There: From the airport, you can take bus 101, 325, or 326 to Hamdeok Beach Stop. The bus takes between 50 minutes and an hour. Alternatively, a taxi would take about 45 minutes and cost around W20,000.

Jungmun Saekdal Beach (중문색달해수욕장)

This is a popular beach on the southern coast of Jeju. Since it’s near hotels and resorts, you’ll find a lot more people here in the summers. It’s beautiful with the cliffs behind and the waters out front though. That said, note that there is a pretty good dip in the water which makes the waves stronger here so if you’re taking kids or don’t have strong swimming skills, be prepared.

• Address: 29-51 Jungmungwangwang-ro 72beon-gil, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 색달동)
• Where To Stay: Lotte Hotel, The Shilla Jeju, and Kensington Resort all have steps right down to this beach.
• How To Get There: There are airport buses that go directly from Jeju Airport to the Jungmun area and drop off at the major hotels. The bus takes around an hour and a half. A taxi is an alternative option that would take just under an hour and cost around W40,000.

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FAQ

When is beach season in Korea?

Official swimming season generally runs from early-mid July through late August, when lifeguards and facilities are in operation at most public beaches. Many beaches are worth visiting outside this window too, for scenery, photography, and quieter crowds, but swimming conditions and water temperature are best in mid-summer.

Which beach is closest to Seoul?

Hanagae Beach and Seonnyeo Rock Beach, both accessible via Incheon, are the closest, roughly 1 to 1.5 hours including transit to the airport area. For a full beach day trip without an overnight stay, these are the most realistic options.

Which beach is best for surfing?

Surfyy Beach in Yangyang is Korea’s dedicated surf beach, with lessons available for beginners and good conditions for experienced surfers.

Which beach has the most unique scenery?

Sinduri Beach in Taean has the only sand dunes in Korea, genuinely unlike anywhere else in the country. Chaesukgang’s cliffs, tide pools, and caves are a close second for dramatic scenery.

Can you combine a beach trip with a mountain hike?

Yes, Naksan Beach sits right next to Seoraksan National Park, making it the most natural pairing of mountains and coast in one trip. Many tours from Seoul combine the two.

Which beaches are good for families?

Sungeut Beach and Hanagae Beach both offer calmer, less crowded environments well-suited to families, with nearby amenities (BBQ dinners at Sungeut, restaurants and a cafe at Hanagae) without the intensity of the busiest spots.

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Korea’s coastline rewards a bit of planning, pick a coast, pick a pace, and there’s a beach here for every kind of summer trip. Whether it’s mud flats and tide pools on the west, mountains meeting the sea on the east, or the historic energy of Busan’s Songdo, summer in Korea belongs at least partly on the sand.

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