10 Best Beaches in Korea

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 convenient facilities and accommodations like hotels.

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.

Haeundae Beach is without a doubt the most famous beach 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.

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.

Songjeong Beach may be smaller than other more famous beaches, but it's a quaint spot with clean, white sands. It's popular among locals looking for some casual relaxation, and it's also the only place 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.

Hakdong Mongdol Beach, the widest mongdol (rounded stone) beach in Korea which also served as the filming location of the K-drama Uncontrollably Fond, is a unique destination where you can relax to the sound of waves crashing against pebbles. It's 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.

Gangmun Beach has many convenient facilities around, such as a large carpark, so it makes for an ideal destination for just stopping by on a whim. 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.

Udo is a small island that can only be reached by a 30-minute boat ride from Jeju Island. There you will find Hongjodangoe, a beach 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 unique Udo topography from the sea. The emerald waters and white sands are so dazzling here that even people who aren't confident in their photo-taking skills will easily end up with some stunning pictures.

Nicknamed "Slow City", Jeungdo is an island oozing with the chill, tranquil vibes. Ujeon Beach is lined with straw parasols, offering an exotic feel rarely experienced in Korea. It's perfect for quiet walks or watching the sunset. 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.

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.