Naksan Beach: Yangyang’s Best-Kept Summer Secret Near Seoraksan

Last Updated on June 22, 2026

Gangneung draws most of the summer beach traffic from Seoul. Most visitors lock onto Gyeongpo Beach specifically, which means Naksan Beach (낙산해변), just north in Yangyang-gun, closer to Sokcho, stays quieter than it deserves to be. That’s good news if you’re the kind of person who’d rather have sand than crowds.

The waters are clear and genuinely beautiful shades of blue. The sand is soft and white for four kilometers straight, backed by pine tree forests that cast shade along a wooden boardwalk. And perched on the cliff above the beach is Naksansa Temple, one of the more striking seaside temples in Korea. I booked a pension here as soon as I found one available, as quickly as my fingers could manage it. It was worth it.

The beaches on the east coast of Korea are gorgeous. Want a beautiful adventure? Find Naksan Beach:

• How To Get There
• Where To Stay On Naksan Beach
• What To Know About The Beach Area
• Naksansa Temple
• Nearby Beaches Worth Knowing
• FAQ

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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 Seoul 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.

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Where To Stay On Naksan Beach

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What To Know About The Beach Area

Four kilometers of white sand, pine forests along the back edge casting shade, a wooden boardwalk with swing sets and benches spaced throughout, and clear blue water that catches the light from morning to evening. Even during the last weekend of summer high season, when I visited, there was plenty of room to spread out. It’s one of the most beautiful seaside areas in Korea if you ask me. Clumps of rental umbrellas and family tent setups cluster near the entrance, but walk a bit in either direction and the beach thins out considerably.

The north end is where the energy concentrates: concerts, fireworks, and an unlikely cluster of convenience stores (a CU, a GS25, and two 7-Elevens, all within one corner). If you want action, head north. If you want a quieter afternoon, drift south and leave the boisterous people behind.

For coffee beyond convenience store grade, cafes sit among the Korean raw fish restaurants toward the main beach area. There are plenty of options for eating fresh seafood within walking distance.

The beach campsite opens in early May and runs through the end of August, for anyone planning ahead for an overnight option right on the sand.

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Naksansa Temple

Walking from the beach to the nearby temple is part of the experience. Ascend from the sand through pine trees and emerge overlooking both the water and the temple grounds.

For a full account of Naksansa Temple, its history, and what to see there, read the complete Naksansa Temple guide. The beach and the temple together make Naksan a far more complete destination than a beach visit alone.

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Nearby Beaches Worth Knowing

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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FAQ

Is Naksan Beach crowded?

Less so than Gyeongpo or Haeundae in Busan. Even during the last weekend of high season, there’s room to spread out, just walk slightly south of the main entrance area.

Is there a temple near Naksan Beach?

Yes, Naksansa Temple sits right above the beach on a cliff and is one of the stronger reasons to base yourself here rather than at Gyeongpo. Read the complete Naksansa Temple guide for what to see and how to visit.

How do I get to Naksan Beach from Seoul?

Bus from Dong Seoul Terminal, Gangnam Express Terminal, or Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yangyang Bus Terminal (about 2 hours), then bus 9 or 9-1 to Naksan, or taxi (under 10 minutes, under ₩10,000).

Can I camp at Naksan Beach?

Yes, the beach campsite is open from early May through the end of August.

Is Naksan Beach good for families?

Yes. The beach is long and wide, the north end has entertainment and convenience for families, and the south end is calmer. Naksansa Temple is also kid-friendly.

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The combination of 4km of white sand, pine forest shade, and a temple on the cliff above the sea is hard to match anywhere on Korea’s east coast. And since most summer beach traffic anchors on Gyeongpo, Naksan stays manageable in a way the more famous beaches don’t. If you can get a room with a balcony facing the water, book it immediately, that part I speak from experience.

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