Yangyang-gun: Paradise On Korea’s East Coast at Naksan Beach

Gangneung is one of the most popular areas for people living in Seoul, Korea to head each summer when they’re seeking a beach getaway. Most people focus on Gyeongpo Beach BUT Naksan Beach headed toward Sokcho is DEFINITELY one of the best beaches in the area and exactly because it’s often overlooked.

The waters are clear and beautiful shades of blue and the sands are soft and white. It’s easy to get to the east coast and as of 2018, the train built for the Olympics has now made it even easier and a bit faster too. Hoping the beaches in the vicinity would be just as beautiful, I came upon a pension with a room on Naksan Beach (낙산해변) and booked it as quick as my little fingers could get it done. It was worth it.

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How To Get There

Address: 59 Haemaji-gil Ganghyeon-myeon Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 양양군 강현면 해맞이길 59)

By Bus: 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.

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Where To Stay On Naksan Beach

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What To Know About The Beach Area

Beach Amenities: Camp site (open from the beginning of May to the end of August), restrooms, shower rooms, changing rooms, drinking fountains, parking

The beach was all that and more.

Four kilometers of white sand make up this beach that is lined with pine tree forests providing shade along a boardwalk when the sun becomes too hot to bear. Swing-sets and benches are spaced sporadically along the side walk at the back of the beach and from morning to evening the clear blue water sparkles in the sunlight.

Even though it was the last weekend of the summer high season there was plenty of space for everyone to spread out and claim a good plot of sand for themselves. Of course there were the clumps of umbrellas you have to pay for and the groups of tents set up by families, but wander this way or that and there was sand, sand and more sand with hardly a soul in sight.

Just like Gyeongpo Beach which is the most famous beach in the Gangneung region, this beach had the white sand the clear emerald waters that we were seeking. It may have been even better because we had so much space to spread out.

If you want recommendations for another spot with space to spread out and cliffs and beaches too, make sure to look into the Chaesukgang cliffs and seaside on the west coast. A lot of people overlook the west coast as it has shallower water, but it’s a great spot too.

If you are looking for crowds, the partying concerts and the fireworks run amok, the north end of the beach is where you should head, but just a bit south and there’s nothing of the sort. While we expected crowds for this “last weekend” of the summer, they just weren’t to the extent that you’d find in Busan’s famous Haeundae or in Jeju this time of year and that suited us just fine.

Party central at the north end of Naksan Beach also provides all of the carnival games you could want to play and some carnival rides too if you want a little action. There is also a CU, GS25 and two 7/11’s all in one corner so if you have a favorite convenience store, no worries, yours is there. If you’re looking for some good coffee not of the convenience store variety, head to Cafe Le Mer Bleue which sits among the many Korean sashimi restaurants. Plenty of fishy eats and plenty of store bought treats.

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Not only is this beach one of the best I’ve seen and lacking the normal beach paradise crowds to boot, there’s also the gorgeous Naksansa Temple nearby and Seoraksan National Park is just a short half hour bus ride away.

It would behoove any visitor to enjoy the beach, but also take a gander around the area of Yangyang-gun because it’s really a spectacular weekend getaway destination. There are really beautiful beaches throughout the Gangneung area. Here are a few more to check out if you’re headed that way.

Sungeut Beach: Set between the more popular areas named Jumunjin and Gyeongpo, this small beachside area has a quieter atmosphere which suited us just fine. Even though smaller, it does still have amenities like umbrella rental and plastic lounge chairs. There was plenty of space and a modern look out area on the southern end of the beach that was cool to check out as well.

Gyeongpo Beach: Gyeongpo is the most popular beach in the area. There is not only a seaside, but there is also a lake and a ton of activities to have fun with in the area. Don’t miss the beach, but also don’t miss a stop to nearby Chodang Sundubu Village.

Jeongdongjin Beach: This beach is famous as it features the Sun Cruise Resort a ship shaped resort on the side of a hillside that overlooks the beach. The drama “Hourglass” filmed here also helped. The beach is absolutely gorgeous so it’s no wonder people flock to the area. Maybe you’ll get lucky like us and not meet a soul around when you go though.

Surfyy Beach: If you’re looking to get your surf on in Korea, head to Surfyy Beach which is ONLY for surfers. It’s near Hajodae Beach and is an awesome experience. Whether you have experience or not, there are teachers and surf. Get out there.

Chuam Beach: This beautiful stretch of coastline in Donghae has only recently became much more accessible due to a new train station opening up in the area. This beautiful beach also has a fun suspension bridge and a sculpture park to check out as well.

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