If South Korea isn’t in your top five destinations when it comes to paradise beaches, then it’s time for us to reintroduce this amazing country to you! Compared to all of its other popular destinations and activities, beaches might not be the first thing to come to mind when you think about traveling to South Korea. But make no mistake, this country is chock-full of unique and picturesque beaches just waiting to be discovered by you!
Whether you spend your beach days doing exciting water sports or just sunbathing on the sand, Korea has the perfect beach for you. What are you waiting for? Let’s dive into just 12 of the most breathtaking beaches in South Korea!
1. Haeundae Beach
We’re kicking things off with undoubtedly one of the most popular beaches in the country. This sparkling gem of Busan is home to tons of important pop culture events like the Busan International Film Festival! Every year, thousands of movie buffs flock to the Haeundae area where some of the festival’s events are done directly on the sandy beach.
Haeundae is truly the life of the party. New Year countdowns are also regularly held here, as well as several projects like the Marine City. The fine white sand and bright blue waters make for the perfect events place, so you can definitely count on seeing something cool when you stop by here.
For a luxurious place to stay that’s quite literally on the shores of Haeundae Beach, we recommend checking out Paradise Hotel Busan!
Book It Here: Paradise Hotel Busan
2. Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Surf’s up! For those thrill-seeking tourists looking to ride the waves, we have the perfect beach for you. Jungmun Saekdal Beach is located in beautiful Jeju Island. It’s right at the center of the Jungmun Tourist Complex, which means this beach is located quite near to plenty of other attractions you can visit. But above all, Jungmun Saekdal Beach is known for surfing!
In fact, this is where the biggest international surfing competition in Korea is held every year. The gorgeous waters come up in breathtaking waves that will make anyone’s heart skip a beat! If you’re not the surfing type, don’t worry. Jungmun Saekdal Beach has plenty of other attractions, including observation decks where you can take the most picturesque photos!
If you’re looking for a place to stay here, we definitely recommend the Parnas Hotel Jeju. It’s less than a 5-minute walk from the beach!
Book It Here: Parnas Hotel Jeju
3. Seobin Beach
Tucked away from the Jeju Coast you can find a stunning little island called U Island! Also known as Peanut Island, it’s one of the most popular spots in Jeju because of its gorgeous beaches and delicious peanut delicacies. Grab a cone of peanut-flavored ice cream and make your way over to Seobin Beach, one of the most beloved beaches in the country!
Seobin Beach has crystal-clear waters you’ll rarely find anywhere else. The incredible turquoise color will make you second-guess if the photos have been edited–but no, that’s just actually how beautiful this beach looks like in real life! No wonder it’s such a famous natural attraction. Seobin Beach is also known for being one of the few coral beaches in the country.
If you’re looking for a place to stay, why not try the Haevichi Hotel & Resort?
Book It Here: Haevichi Hotel & Resort Jeju
4. Hyeopjae Beach
Our next beach is a favorite for Instagram lovers as well as families with small children: Hyeopjae Beach! This dazzling jewel located in Jeju has drawn plenty of foreigners and locals alike due to its bright emerald waters and bright white sandy shores. What makes this perfect for kids is the water is crystal-clear and quite shallow, so you won’t have to worry about any swimming-related accidents as much!
Hyeopjae Beach is the definition of paradise. We can’t think of a better activity than lounging on the sands while watching the sunset over the horizon. It’s one of the most picturesque places in the country! There are also plenty of quaint cafes nearby so you can really take your time, soak in the view, and have a nice drink while you’re at it!
If you’re looking for the perfect place to stay at Hyeopjae, look no further than the gorgeous Hallim Resort!
Book It Here: Hallim Resort Jeju
5. Hajodae Beach
Up next we have another beach that’s perfect for lovers of water sports: Hajodae Beach! It’s even been nicknamed the “Surfy Beach”–and for good reason. Hajodae Beach is one of the most famous places when it comes to serving in South Korea. Located in Yangyang in the Gangwon Province, this beach is divided into two separate zones for swimmers and surfers, so you can have as much fun as you like without worrying about anyone else. Whether you’re a beginner who’s always wanted to try surfing or a pro surfer, Hajodae Beach is for you!
If you’re not that into surfing, don’t worry. Hajodae Beach still has plenty to offer for those who prefer leisurely swimming and sightseeing instead. This place is also quite famous for its lighthouse which offers incredible views of the entire area. Get ready to snap some mesmerizing photos if you spend a day at Hajodae Beach!
For nearby accommodations, we definitely recommend checking out Zio Pinetree.
Book It Here: Zio Pinetree
6. Gyeongpo Beach
There are few things more romantic than a nice leisurely stroll along the beach. With its intimate vibes and unique surroundings, Gyeongpo Beach makes for the perfect romantic getaway destination! Located in Gangwon Province which is next to Seoul, this beautiful paradise is just a few hours away. Getting to the beach is already exciting in itself as you first have to pass through a dense pine forest before arriving at the shoreline. The gorgeous blue waters slowly get revealed to you as you walk further and further into the forest!
Gyeongpo Beach is also a pretty popular spot when it comes to sunrise viewings as it provides a peaceful and warm atmosphere. Its location is also pretty good as it’s just a few minutes walk away from other incredible sights like the Gyeongpo Lake that’s surrounded by cherry blossoms during spring!
Looking for a place to stay? Check out Gyungpo Beach Hotel!
Book It Here: Gyungpo Beach Hotel
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7. Muchangpo Beach
Muchangpo Beach stands out because it manages to be lowkey and intimate as well as dramatic at the same time! For most of the year, Muchangpo Beach is one of the locals’ beloved places to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. It’s a very chill spot with nice relaxing views and cool glittering waters. This beach can be found in the city of Boryeong which is also known as Daecheon, located in the South Chungcheong Province.
Once a year, something very dramatic takes place here at Muchangpo Beach–indeed, something with Biblical proportions! The Muchangpo Mystic Sea Road Festival takes place right at this very beach. Every year, the sea miraculously splits into two, creating a 1.5 km-long division from Muchangpo Beach all the way to Seokdae Island! It sounds like something straight out of stories, which is why it’s also been called the Modern Moses Miracle.
If you want to witness this firsthand, we recommend going from mid-March to early April. You can also stay at the nearby Beache Palace!
Book It Here: Beache Palace
8. Songjeong Beach
Our next pick takes us back to Busan, this time at a more relaxing and understated place: Songjeong Beach! Songjeong Beach is a little smaller than the other beaches on this list, which makes it perfect for those looking for some casual relaxation. There’s even a nice picturesque trail where you can go on long romantic walks with your loved ones!
Aside from being one of the best spots to chill, Songjeong is also one of the only places in Busan where you can try your hand at surfing. The smooth waves are definitely beginner-friendly, so you don’t have to worry too much about any unwanted accidents!
If you’re looking for nearby accommodations, we think The Coolest Hotel definitely lives up to its name!
Book It Here: The Coolest Hotel
9. Daecheon Beach
Less than three hours from Seoul is a bright wonderful paradise called Daecheon Beach! Located in the city of Boryeong which is also known as Daecheon, this beach is one of the largest and indeed most popular beaches in the country. The fun and youthful vibe, coupled with absolutely breathtaking sights make Daecheon as beloved as it is.
If you’re swinging by, we definitely recommend planning a trip in mid-July so you can catch the iconic Boryeong Mud Festival! This unique festival promises one hell of a good time as you jam out to incredible artists while slathering each other with nutrient-rich mud. Not only is this festival a great time, it’s also perfect for skincare!
One nearby accommodation you have to check out is Hotel Solaire!
Book It Here: Hotel Solaire
10. Hakdong Mongdol Beach
We can think of few beaches more relaxing than Hakdong Mongdol Beach. Located in Geoje, this place is considered the widest mongdol (rounded stone) beach in Korea! It’s famous for its shiny black pebbles that make the beach unique and relaxing. The best thing to do at Hakdong Mongdol Beach is to lie down on the warm pebbles, close your eyes, and listen to the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the stones. And just like that, you’ll feel your worries melt away in an instant!
Hakdong Mongdol Beach is also part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park System, which means it’s always kept in top shape when it comes to cleanliness. It’s also pretty near other incredible natural sights, so we suggest making an entire day trip out of visiting this beach!
If you’re looking for a good place to stay, we definitely recommend checking out the H Avenue Hotel!
Book It Here: H Avenue Hotel
11. Hongjodangoe Beach
Our next paradise beach takes us back to U Island in Jeju. This small island is truly home to some of the most picturesque places in the country, including the gorgeous Hongjodangoe Beach! It’s a totally showstopping beach, the shorelines of which are made from finely broken corals–that’s why this beach is also known as “Coral Beach.” The white sand paired with the deep aquamarine waters will make you feel like you’ve stepped right into a nature documentary.
If you’re eager to see Hongjodangoe Beach, why not get the full package and take a boat tour around the entire U Island? Enjoy the island’s dazzling sights and unique topography as you go beach-hopping. Your Instagram feed will definitely thank you!
A great guesthouse that’s also within walking distance of Hongjodangoe Beach is White Castle Pension.
Book It Here: White Castle Pension
12. Sangju Silver Sand Beach
It’s only fitting that we end this list with truly one of the most popular and beloved beaches in the country! Sangju Silver Sand Beach has drawn in crowds for its sandy shores. The sand here is so clean and so soft that you won’t have to worry about walking barefoot! The beach got its name from the way the sand shimmers in the light. It’s located in Namhae County in the South Gyeongsang Province, which is west of Busan.
Another great thing about Sangju Silver Sand Beach is that it’s near a pine forest, so you can enjoy a cool breeze and some shade even during the sunniest days. This family-friendly paradise is home to plenty of year-round activities like the Full Moon Festival and the Summer Festival. The beach is also complete with amenities like car parking, cafes, restaurants, and more. It’s truly the perfect place to unwind and rejuvenate yourself!
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We hope you enjoyed our article on the best beaches in South Korea! Which beach caught your eye the most? Don’t forget to tell us in the comments!
When it comes to breathtaking beaches, you just can’t discount South Korea. This country has its own fair share of incredible paradise beaches to choose from! From wild waves to tranquil sandy shores, Korea has it all.
Wanna visit Jeju island during your trip to Korea? Check out our posts about the best things to do in Jeju City and the top things to do in Seogwipo!