
Best Summer Beach Destinations in Seoul, Korea, South

1. Haeundae Beach
Located in Busan, Haeundae Beach is one of the most famous and beautiful beaches easily accessible from Seoul by train. It offers a vibrant seaside atmosphere with many restaurants and cafes lining the shore, making it perfect for a day trip or overnight stay. The beach's wide sandy stretch is ideal for sunbathing and beach games, solving the challenge of needing space and activities for everyone.
- Accessibility: Easily reachable by KTX train from Seoul.
- Dining Options: Numerous cafes and restaurants nearby.
- Activity Variety: Offers various water sports and beach activities.
- Accommodation: Plenty of hotels nearby, ranging from budget to luxury.
- Scenic Views: Beautiful ocean views with city lights in the distance.

2. Gyeongpo Beach
Situated in Gangneung, Gyeongpo Beach is known for its stunning sunrise views and long, sandy shore. It's a quieter alternative to the busier beaches, providing a serene escape from Seoul’s hustle and bustle. The nearby Gyeongpo Lake adds a unique water landscape to explore.
- Tranquility: Less crowded, offering more relaxation.
- Scenic Sunrises: Famous for breathtaking sunrise views.
- Nearby Attractions: Close proximity to Gyeongpo Lake.
- Festive Events: Hosts events like music festivals in summer.
- Cycling Path: Offers bike rentals and cycling paths.

3. Naksan Beach
Known for its gentle waves and wide sandy areas, Naksan Beach in Gangwon Province is perfect for families with kids. Its proximity to Naksansa Temple provides travelers with an opportunity to blend a beach trip with cultural experiences. The natural scenery around the beach enhances the relaxing ambiance.
- Family-Friendly: Safe and gentle waves suitable for children.
- Cultural Proximity: Nearby Naksansa Temple offering cultural activities.
- Safety: Lifeguards on duty during peak times.
- Parking: Ample parking spaces available.
- Natural Beauty: Picturesque surroundings with mountains and sea.

4. Sokcho Beach
Situated in Sokcho City, this beach offers clear water and soft sands, perfect for swimming and sunbathing. Despite its popularity, the beach remains clean and well-maintained, solving the common issue of overcrowdedness in popular destinations. It's also a short distance from the beautiful Seoraksan National Park.
- Cleanliness: Maintained regularly, ensuring a pleasant experience.
- Proximity to Nature: Close to Seoraksan National Park for hiking trails.
- Food Stalls: Offers local seafood at nearby stalls.
- Vibrant Nightlife: Has a lively beachfront nightlife.
- Fishing Opportunities: Fishing spots available nearby.

5. Eurwangni Beach
Located near Incheon International Airport, Eurwangni Beach is a convenient beach getaway for travelers, especially those with layovers or shorter stays in Seoul. The beach offers calm waters and is especially popular for its beautiful sunsets. Its accessibility and peaceful surroundings provide a perfect quick escape from city life.
- Proximity to Airport: Short drive from Incheon Airport.
- Sunset Views: Famous for stunning sunset vistas.
- Calm Waters: Ideal for easy swimming and relaxation.
- Local Cuisine: Seafood restaurants offering fresh local dishes.
- Short-Stay Convenience: Good for brief visits or layovers.

6. Daecheon Beach
Daecheon Beach in Boryeong is well-known for its annual Mud Festival, which attracts visitors eager to participate in mud-based activities. Beyond the festival, the beach provides vast sands and shallow waters ideal for families and sports enthusiasts. The festival and diverse activities make it more than just a sunbathing spot.
- Annual Events: Home to the famous Mud Festival.
- Family-Friendly: Kid-safe shallow waters.
- Water Sports: Offers activities like jet-skiing and banana boating.
- Festival Attraction: Unique experience with mud wrestling and races.
- Lodging Options: Variety of accommodations catering to different budgets.

7. Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Located on Jeju Island, Jungmun Saekdal Beach is known for its multi-colored sands and distinct volcanic formations. It's a hotspot for surfers and those seeking adventure sports, solving the lack of diverse ocean activities. The beach's natural setting provides picturesque landscapes and unique photo opportunities.
- Unique Landscape: Features volcanic rock formations.
- Surfing Paradise: Waves suitable for surfing enthusiasts.
- Diverse Activities: Offers water sports and paragliding.
- Scenic Beauty: Vibrant, colorful sands provide photographic spots.
- Cultural Connection: Close to Jeju’s cultural sites and attractions.

8. Muuido Hanagae Beach
A lesser-known spot, Hanagae Beach on Muuido Island offers a much quieter beach experience with trails for hiking and mudflats for exploration. The beach features charming stilted huts for overnight stays, perfect for those wanting a rustic holiday. It’s an ideal destination for eco-tourism or a retreat from city life.
- Privacy: Secluded, offering privacy and tranquility.
- Mudflat Exploration: Unique mudflat areas to explore.
- Rustic Accommodation: Stilted huts for a unique stay.
- Hiking: Scenic trails around the island.
- Eco-Friendly: Emphasis on sustainability and nature.

9. Jeongdongjin Beach
Located in Gangneung, Jeongdongjin Beach is known for its railway station right by the beach, allowing travelers to arrive directly via train. It is especially popular for beautiful sunrise views and its proximity to the Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park. This reduces transit stress for those preferring train travel over long car rides.
- Train Accessibility: Unique train station location near the beach.
- Sunrise Views: Excellent spot for sunrise watching.
- Park Proximity: Nearby Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park.
- Cultural Spots: Close to art installations and sculptures.
- Convenience: Ideal for travelers preferring train journeys.

10. Dolsan Pebble Beach
Found on Dolsan Island in Yeosu, this pebble beach provides a different texture and sound experience compared to sandy beaches. Known for its clear waters, it's perfect for snorkeling and exploring marine life. The unique pebble setting provides a distinct sensory experience compared to typical sand beaches.
- Unique Texture: Distinct pebble beach sensation and sound.
- Snorkeling: Clear waters allow for observing marine life.
- Scenic Views: Surrounded by lush greenery and rocky landscapes.
- Maritime Activities: Boating and sea kayaking available.
- Island Access: Easy access via Yeosu bridges, enhancing island exploration.

11. Guryongpo Beach
Located in Pohang, Guryongpo Beach is known for its long stretch of sand and proximity to the scenic Guryongpo Modern Culture and History Street. Ideal for cultural enthusiasts, it allows visitors to blend beach time with insightful historical exploration. The combination of beach relaxation and cultural immersion is its standout offering.
- Cultural Proximity: Close to Guryongpo history street.
- Long Shoreline: Ideal for walks and beach games.
- Fishing Villages: Near traditional fishing communities.
- Local Cuisine: Fresh seafood available in nearby restaurants.
- Historical Tours: Offers historical tours and educational opportunities.

12. Muchangpo Beach
Best known for its "Moses Miracle," where the sea parts and reveals a path during extreme low tide, Muchangpo Beach offers a unique natural phenomenon. This event attracts tourists eager for a unique walking experience between two parts of the sea. It's perfect for travelers seeking a rare and extraordinary moment in nature.
- Phenomenon Experience: Witness the "Moses Miracle" during low tide.
- Nature Walks: Paths appear briefly, offering unique walks.
- Family-Friendly: Safe shallow waters for kids.
- Event-based: Tide event attracts unique annual attendance.
- Temporarily Accessible: Event occurs periodically, linked to moon phases.

13. Samcheok Beach
Located in Samcheok, this beach is perfect for those interested in marine exploration due to its proximity to the Samcheok Ocean Railbike, which provides a scenic ride along the coast. It's an ideal spot for families and adventure lovers seeking both beach relaxation and exciting activities. The blend of tranquility and thrill makes it a great destination.
- Railbike Experience: Unique ocean view via railbike rides.
- Family Fun: Offers attractions for all ages.
- Scenic Coasts: Beautiful views along the ocean railbike route.
- Adventure Activities: Various outdoor experiences available.
- Safe Environment: Lifeguard presence and safe swimming areas.

14. Anmok Beach
Situated in Gangneung, Anmok Beach is famous for its "Coffee Street" where numerous cafes provide a coffee lover's paradise right next to the ocean. The combination of good coffee and sea breeze offers a perfect relaxation setting. Foodies and coffee enthusiasts will find this beach especially attractive.
- Coffee Culture: Features the renowned Anmok Coffee Street.
- Relaxation: Ideal for decompressing with a coffee by the sea.
- Culinary Options: Wide range of cafes and eateries.
- Easy Access: Well-connected by public transport.
- Photography Spot: Good backdrop for memorable photos.

15. Hupo Beach
Located in Uljin, Hupo Beach offers a unique landscape where river meets sea, creating a distinct two-tone color effect in the waters. It's known for its calm and relaxing environment, perfect for a quiet getaway. The nearby Hupo Port also offers a chance to observe local fishing culture.
- Unique Waters: Two-tone river and sea water confluence.
- Tranquility: Perfect for a peaceful escape.
- Fishing Insights: Close to Hupo Port for cultural experiences.
- Minimal Crowds: Less populated and more relaxing.
- Nature Interaction: Opportunities for observing local marine life.

16. Iho Tewoo Beach
Located in Jeju, this beach is distinctive with its unique horse-shaped lighthouses standing guard over its waters. It is ideal for families with children due to its shallow sea and wide sandy area. The playful architecture and gentle beach environment solve the need for a family-friendly destination that is easy to navigate.
- Unique Landmarks: Features iconic horse-shaped lighthouses.
- Kid-Friendly: Shallow waters and wide space for play.
- Balmy Climate: Warm, temperate weather makes it pleasant.
- Event Hosting: Venue for local cultural festivals and events.
- Accessibility: Well-connected, easy to reach by public transport.

17. Seonnyeotang Creek Beach
Situated in the Jirisan National Park, Seonnyeotang Creek Beach is a hidden gem where mountain creeks meet sandy riverbanks. It is perfect for travelers seeking a tranquil, off-the-beaten-path experience surrounded by lush forest. The beach's refreshing mountain water offers a unique alternative to ocean beaches.
- Seclusion: Hidden spot offering solitude for reflection.
- Freshwater Experience: Creeks meet riverbanks for unique swimming.
- Mountain Scenery: Lush forest and tranquil setting.
- Hiking Opportunities: Trails in nearby Jirisan National Park.
- Road Access: Easily accessible by car with nearby parking.

18. Mangyeongdae Beach
Located on the northern coast of Jeju Island, Mangyeongdae Beach captivates visitors with its breathtaking rock formations and untouched natural beauty. The beach provides an idyllic setting for relaxation and picnicking, offering solitude unlike the more crowded tourist spots. Nature lovers will appreciate the pristine environment.
- Rugged Beauty: Stunning rock formations and clear waters.
- Uncrowded: Lesser-known, offering quiet experiences.
- Picnic Perfect: Ideal for family and group picnics.
- Nature Activities: Walking paths around coastal formations.
- Ecosystem Presence: Opportunity to observe unique plant life.

19. Biyangdo Island Beach
Situated just off Jeju Island, Biyangdo Island offers a beach with crystal-clear waters, making it an attractive destination for snorkeling and diving enthusiasts. The island’s serene environment provides a peaceful retreat away from the main island’s busy activities. It caters to those seeking an adventure beneath calm, transparent waters.
- Diving Haven: Ideal for snorkeling and diving activities.
- Island Tranquility: Offers peace away from crowds.
- Marine Life: Vibrant underwater ecosystems.
- Accessibility: Short boat ride from Jeju Island.
- Island Culture: Rich island culture and local foods.

20. Gwakji Beach
Found on Jeju Island, Gwakji Beach is favored for its natural 'bath foot spa,’ where ocean water is warmed by hot springs. It's a unique feature not found at other beaches, offering a blend of relaxation and wellness. The natural spa appeals to those who enjoy both beach moments and thermal experiences.
- Thermal Experience: Features natural hot spring foot spa.
- Wellness Retreat: Relaxing spa-like environment.
- Beach Accessibility: Easily accessible with nearby facilities.
- Local Cuisine: Seafood restaurants with local delicacies.
- Nature Enjoyment: Perfect for rejuvenating oceanic experiences.