The following list highlights some of the best beaches in South Korea. So if you are in South Korea, I recommend visiting the following:
The Best Beaches in Gangwon
Gyeongpo Beach, Gangneung
Address – Gyeongpo Beach, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 37°48’20.3″N 128°54’29.0″E
Gyeongpo Beach is located in Gangneung, in the Gangwon province. This thin, long beach is backdropped with pine trees, and has the perfect soft sand to lie down on and sunbathe. The water is clean and clear, calm with small waves. There are a lot of restaurants nearby for you to choose from. Getting up early to admire the sunrise at the beach is totally worth it, but by 6pm it closes and no one is allowed to get near the water.
Anmok Beach, Gangwon-do
Address – Anmok Beach, 286 Gyeonso-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 37°46’24.4″N 128°56’49.5″E
Anmok Beach is located in Gangneung, in the Gangwon region of South Korea. This long, white sandy beach is a lovely place to hang out with friends or family, with a picturesque backdrop and fun spots for photos. The water is bright blue, with breakwaters making it calm and safe for everyone to swim. There are many cafes along the coast, all with stunning views over the beach. This is a popular beach for walking and hanging out, and it tends to be busy during the weekends.
The Best Beaches in Gyeonggi
Haeundae Beach, Jung-dong
Address – Haeundae Beach, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 35°09’30.2″N 129°09’32.4″E
Haeundae Beach is located in Jungdong, Busan, in the South Gyeongsang province. This stretches for over one kilometer, and the bright blue water is backdropped with tall buildings of different colors. Haeundae Beach is very popular, so it is almost always crowded and busy especially if there is an event at the time. However, the water is calm and perfect for swimming and fishing. There is a wide range of options for dining nearby, and you will surely find a restaurant offering your favorite dishes.
The Best Beaches in Jeju
Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Jeju
Address – Jungmun Saekdal Beach, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 33°14’42.5″N 126°24’39.0″E
Jungmun Saekdal Beach is located in Jeju Island, off the southern coast of South Korea. This thin stretch of sand is surrounded by lush vegetation. Waves are too strong to swim, but are perfect for surfing, especially for beginners; there are some surf schools where you can get lessons. However, there is a small spot where the waters are calm and you can swim safely. Arrive early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the busiest hours. There are some restaurants and a cafes nearby.
Woljeongri Beach, Jeju
Address – Woljeongri Beach, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 33°33’22.1″N 126°47’44.8″E
Woljeongri Beach is located is Jeju Island, off the southern coast of South Korea. This sandy beach has a beautifully bright blue water, and being backdropped with windmills, it gives you a stunning scenery. You can get snacks and drinks from seaside coffee houses, or full meals from the restaurants nearby. Enjoy the view from the shore, go for a swim, or take adventage of the waves and surf.
The Best Beaches in North Gyeongsang
Gwangalli Beach, Busan
Address – Gwangalli Beach, Busan, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 35°09’11.4″N 129°07’07.0″E
Gwangalli Beach is located in Busan, in the South Gyeongsang Province. This beach is a favorite in South Korea for long, relaxing walks. It only gets crowded during the firework festival, but otherwise, you will only find small groups of people in the area. Nearby, there are restaurants, cafes, bars and convenience stores. Besides, you can find karaoke bars and arcade games around the beach. Stay at night to admire how the Gwangandaegyo Bridge light up with endless colors.
Dadaepo Beach, Busan
Address – Dadaepo Beach,Busan, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 35°02’47.4″N 128°57’46.8″E
Dadaepo Beach is located in Busan, in the South Gyeongsang Province. This is a long, long beach; one kilometer of sand a bit far from the city center. Its visitors are mostly locals, and the beach never gets two crowded. There is a restaurant and a cafe nearby, and some others a bit further away. Stay at night to admire the ‘Fountain of Dream’ show, a 20-minute long breathtaking light show with thousands of colors and music; once the show is over, you can step inside the fountain and play in the water.
Songjeong Beach, Busan
Address – Songjeong Beach South Korea
Google Maps Link – 35°10’41.3″N 129°11’56.8″E
Songjeong Beach is located in Busan, in the South Gyeongsang Province. This is a long arched beach, with thin soft sand and nice waves for surfing. Several restaurants and cafes nearby offer all kinds of food, from Japanese cuisine or American fast food to seafood or noodles. You can rent surf boards and get classes from any of the surf academies settled on the beach. Most people visit Songjeong Beach early in the morning to watch the sunrise; if you want to avoid these busy hours, arrive later on the day.
Guryongpo Beach, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Google Maps Link – 35°59’50.7″N 129°33’59.3″E
Guryongpo Beach is located in Pohang, in the North Gyeongsang region of South Korea. With white sands and bright blue waters, this calm beach is a great spot to relax and spend the day with family. With clear, shallow water and small waves, it’s a fun and safe place to swim. You can find a few cafes and restaurants along the beach, as well as accommodation and markets. The beach is usually quiet, but can be busy during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in South Chungcheong
Chunjangdae Beach, Chungcheongnam-do
Address – Chunjangdae Beach, 1319 Dodun-ri, Seo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 36°09’48.7″N 126°31’23.3″E
Chunjangdae Beach is located in South Chungcheong, on the western coast of South Korea. This long stretch of soft sand is a favorite spot among families, with stunning views and a peaceful atmosphere. The water is shallow with small waves, making it safe for everyone to swim. There are a few campgrounds with barbecue areas. As for restaurants and accommodation, there are many options to choose from along the beach and nearby. It is usually quiet and serene, but tends to be busy during weekend afternoons.
The Best Beaches in South Jeolla
Ungcheon Beach Park, Jeollanam-do
Address – Ungcheon Beach Park, 37-26 Yeulmaru-ro, Sijeon-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 34°44’50.8″N 127°40’02.6″E
Ungcheon Beach Park is located in Yeosu, a coastal city in the South Jeolla province of South Korea. This small sand beach is a great spot to hang out with family or friends, with many activities for everyone to enjoy. The water is calm and safe for swimming, snorkeling and diving; you can also enjoy kayaking and windsurfing, or get a jet ski and banana boat rides. Head to the right end of the beach and you will find a bridge that takes you to Jangdo Island, where you can visit the art gallery and walk around the park, admiring the stunning views. You can find a few restaurants and cafes nearby. Keep in mind that it can be crowded during the weekends, especially in the afternoon.
Songpyeong Beach (송평해변), Haenam-gun
Address – 송평해변, Hwasan-myeon, Haenam-gun, South Korea
Google Maps Link – 34°26’08.4″N 126°28’15.7″E
Songpyeong Beach is located in Haenam, a city in the South Jeolla province of South Korea. Serene and isolated, this lovely beach is a great option to relax and disconnect from a busy life, admiring a stunning sunset. The water is shallow with gentle waves, making it a safe spot for swimming. Keep in mind that there are no places to eat nearby; make sure you bring your own food and enjoy a picnic in the sand. It never gets crowded or busy, and the beach remains quiet all year long.