Planning a summer escape from Seoul or Busan? This 2026 guide to the best beaches in Korea brings together classic family‑friendly spots, trendy Busan beaches like Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, and emerald‑water Jeju coves near your next Jeju hotel or seaside Airbnb. Before you go, don’t forget to pack and apply sunscreen !
Beaches In Gangwon-do
Naksan Beach | Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
With shallow waters, white sand, and dense forests, this spot is great for families who want a clean beach with many facilities on-site: restrooms, showers, drinking fountains, and cooking areas. It’s about 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul by bus to Yangyang, followed by a short local bus or taxi ride.
Specialty: Naksansa Temple has a history of more than 1300 years, founded in 671 during the Silla Dynasty (57 BCE – 935 CE), it’s a calming environment worth visiting.
Where to stay : Urban Stay Naksan Beach Hotel – Small, clean hotel steps from Naksan Beach with sea‑view family rooms and free parking, perfect if you want a simple stay close to the water.
You can also add Gangwon Discovery: DMZ Museum to your stop !
Gyeongpo Beach | Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Surrounded by Gyeongpo Lake and ocean, this beach offers freshwater-saltwater playgrounds amid pine forests and wild roses — 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul by KTX to Gangneung, then bus/taxi. Lifeguards, umbrella rentals, showers, changing rooms, and beachfront motels/hotels/cafes.
Attractions: Annual late-July beach festival (check schedules), ocean fishing, flower viewing.
Where to stay : Skybay Hotel Gyeongpo – Large, highly rated hotel directly on Gyeongpo Beach, famous for its rooftop infinity pool and balconies looking straight over the East Sea sunrise.
Sokcho Beach | Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
White sand, shallow blue waters, and pine forests make this family-friendly beach perfect for kids and campers — 2.5 to 3 hours from Seoul by bus from Dong Seoul Terminal. Showers, rentals, convenience stores, hotels, and Airbnbs line the beachfront.
Attractions: Seoraksan National Park, Seorak Mountain photo ops, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Yeongrangho Lake, boardwalk sashimi restaurants, and Sokcho Central Market day trips.
Where to stay : Le Collective Sokcho Beach – Beachfront special hotel with modern ocean‑view rooms and a rooftop pool right by Sokcho Beach, ideal if you want resort vibes without leaving the sand.
Jeongdongjin Beach | Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
There are three main swimming spots here: near Jeongdongjin Station, at Moraeshigae Park, and along the seawalls. The station area is the most popular because it is spacious and easy to access, and Moraeshigae Park allows swimming both day and night. Basic showers, eateries available.
Attractions: World-famous sunrise views, Jeongdongjin Sunrise Tourist Train, Mt. Goseong climbs, coastal walks, “Sun Cruise” hotel overlooking the shore.
Where to stay : Sun Cruise Hotel & Condo – Iconic cruise‑ship‑style hotel on a cliff above Jeongdongjin Beach, giving you unbeatable sunrise views and an only‑in‑Korea photo spot.
Jumunjin Beach | Gangneung, Gangwon-do
With shallow, clear waters and soft sand, the Jumunjin Beach is ideal for anyone looking to lounge on the beach for an afternoon. Visitors can gather clams, fish in the nearby lake, or climb on Jumunjin’s natural rock playgrounds. Jumunjin Beach is peaceful and accessible.
Short bus or taxi ride from Gangneung; expect a similar 2.5 to 3‑hour total trip from Seoul. There are pensions, seafood restaurants and small convenience stores near the sand.
Specialty: Stop by Mureung Valley and gaze upon Guryong Waterfalls, which consists of 9 waterfalls of various sizes. While you’re there, try to spot the legendary Adeulbawi Rock, also known as Son Rock because of legends that claim you’ll have a son if you pray to it.
Where to stay : San & Bada Hotel Resort Jumunjin – Mid‑range resort a short walk from Jumunjin Beach, with a pool to beat the heat, fitness center and free parking for families driving up the coast.
Beaches In Chungcheongnam-do
Daecheon Beach | Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Korea’s largest west coast beach offers water skiing, jet skiing, banana boats, shore cruises over white pebbles, and famous mineral-rich mud treatments—2.5 hours from Seoul by train/bus to Boryeong, then local bus/taxi. Water sports rentals, festival mud zones, showers, changing rooms, beachfront motels/pensions/hotels.
Attractions: Annual Boryeong Mud Festival with mudslides, marine training courses, spa massages; skin-soothing mud packs.
Where to stay : Beache Palace – Condo‑style property between Daecheon and Muchangpo Beaches with sea views, on‑site restaurant and poolside bar, good if you want to visit both spots.
Muchangpo Beach | Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
Korea’s first man-made west coast beach (1.5km x 50m) offers shallow 22°C summer waters amid pine forests—local bus/taxi from Boryeong terminal (2.5 hours from Seoul). Basic showers, restrooms, coastal pensions available; check lunar calendar for sea-parting dates.
Attractions: Mysterious Sea-Parting phenomenon (July 15 & 30 lunar), Muchangpo Observation Tower views.
Where to stay : Muchampgo Beach – Same Beache Palace also works well for Muchangpo, putting you a short drive from the beach and its sea‑parting tower while keeping resort facilities on‑site.
Mallipo Beach | Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
One of Taean’s Eight Scenic Views in Coast National Marine Park, this wide shallow beach offers picture-perfect family photo backdrops amid Halmi-Harabi Rock, Anmyeon Pine Forest, Sindu Dunes, Anheungseong Fortress, and Gauido Island—3 hours from Seoul by bus to Taean, then local transport. Campgrounds, pensions, small hotels nearby.
Attractions: Fresh seafood (gangemi muchim, grilled eel, king prawn), easy tours to park’s seven other scenic spots.
Where to stay : Manripo Hotel – Simple hotel close to Mallipo Beach and Chollipo Arboretum, convenient if you want to stay right in the Taean coast area without a long drive in and out.
Beaches In Jeju-do
Hyeopjae Beach | Cheju, Jeju
White sand, deep blue waters at Hallim Park amid evergreen forests with Biyangdo Island views— 40–50 min car/bus from Jeju City. Lifeguards (seasonal), showers, cafes, convenience stores, campgrounds, pensions, small hotels nearby. Top 10 Jeju Beaches
Attractions: Hyeopjaegul Cave and Ssangyonggul Cave lava tubes for cool walks and unique rock formations.
Where to stay : Hotel Bluespring Boutique – Boutique stay just across the road from Hyeopjae Beach, so you can cross the parking lot and be on the sand in minutes.
Hamdeok Beach | Jeju
Emerald water, sheltered bay, and photogenic sandbar make Hamdeok one of Jeju’s most‑Instagrammed beaches and a KTO‑listed favourite.
About 30 minutes from Jeju City by car or bus. Plenty of cafes, pensions, Jeju hotels and Airbnbs overlook the bay, and basic facilities include showers, rentals and convenience stores.
Where to stay : UTop Ubless Hotel Jeju – Popular hotel right on Hamdeok Beach’s main strip, with ocean‑view rooms, good walkability to cafes and free parking for Jeju road trips.
Jungmun Beach | Seogwipo, Jeju
The white sand of Jungmun Beach is mixed with different shades of black, grey, and red giving the beach a unique look. The turbulent water is ideal for water sports such as tubing, windsurfing, and water skiing. Located near many of Jeju’s famous museums, this beach is great for a quick stop during the day.
Around 40–50 minutes from Jeju City or 20 minutes from Seogwipo by car/bus. Nearby you’ll find large resorts, smaller hotels and pensions, plus a cluster of restaurants and cafes.
Specialty: Due to its unique location, Jungmun Beach is often the background of many TV commercials. During your visit, you may recognize Haesikgul Cave, a natural sea cave to the right of the beach, which has been featured in several films/dramas.
Where to stay : Kensington Resort Jeju Jungmun – Well‑reviewed resort within a short walk of Jungmun Saekdal Beach and the Jungmun resort area, good for families who want pools plus easy beach access.
Yongmeori Beach | Seogwipo, Jeju
Yongmeori Beach is ideal for those who love taking a stroll on the beach. Get the perfect view of Jeju’s famous volcanic mountain, Mt. Sanbangsan, stretching across the island in the distance. Locals say that the mountain looks like a dragon’s head going underwater from Yongmeori Beach! Enjoy the natural rock skyscrapers, perfect for photos and picnics.
Reachable by car or tour bus from Jeju City or Seogwipo. Access may be restricted at high tide, so check conditions before visiting. Basic food stalls and ticketed entry to the coastal path are available.
Specialty: In addition to the beauty of the beach, try to spot a haenyeo (해녀), women sea divers, who often sell sea cucumbers here!
Where to stay : Sun & Moon Resort – Charming resort a few minutes’ walk from Yongmeori Beach and Sanbangsan, with pool and breakfast included for a relaxed southwest Jeju base.
Want to know more about Jeju ? check out our article on Driving In Jeju: The Beauty Is in the Ride !
Beaches In Gyeongsangbuk-do
Guryongpo Beach | Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
A popular destination all year round, Guryongpo Beach has warm winters and cool summers. During the summer months, enjoy the calm waters and relax on the shore, which is surrounded by forested mountains.
Reachable by KTX or intercity bus to Pohang, then local bus/taxi to Guryongpo. The beach has showers, changing rooms and small pensions; you’ll find more hotel options in central Pohang.
Specialty: At the heart of the district’s fishing industry, the well-developed Guryong-po seaport sells deliciously fresh cuttlefish, mackerel pikes, mother crabs, and more. Nearby docked fishing boats create an ideal background to enjoy dining or watching the sunrise and sunset any time of the year.
Where to stay : Pohang Guryongpo Aqua – Seaside hotel in Guryongpo close to the harbour and beach, handy if you want to mix beach time with Pohang’s seafood and port scenery
Beaches In Ulsan
Jinha Beach | Ulju-gun, Ulsan
Said to be “a little slice of paradise,” Jinha Beach has soft, white sand with shallow, warm, and calm waters. Despite its large size (1km in length), the beach is known for its intimate atmosphere, which is created by the surrounding pine forest and the sea breeze.
About 40 minutes by car or bus from Ulsan city. Expect free or low‑cost campgrounds in season, basic facilities and nearby pensions and motels.
Specialty: With free campgrounds and facilities, this beach is ideal for a relaxing weekend beach getaway.
Where to stay : Jinha Hotel & Resort – Beach‑area hotel near Jinha Beach, offering simple family rooms and an on‑site restaurant for an easy Ulsan coastal weekend.
Beaches In Jeollanam-do
Cheongsando Island | Wando County
Wando County is one of Korea’s popular vacation spots. With mountains to climb, islands to hop, and long sandy beaches to lounge on, it’s an ideal holiday destination. Cheongsando Island is also along the route of four walking courses available to hikers visiting the area.
From Busan or Seoul, travel to Wando by express bus, then take a ferry to Cheongsando. Accommodation is mainly small guesthouses, pensions and a handful of homestay‑style Airbnbs.
Specialty: Selected as one of the must-visit tourism spots by Korea Tourism Organization and CNN, and designated as one of Asia’s slow cities in 2007, Cheongsando Island and its surrounding areas are considered to be the perfect place for a leisurely walk.
Where to stay : Jeonnam Cheongsando Yeohaeng Pension – Pension‑style apartments on Cheongsando Island itself, ideal if you want to stay overnight for the slow‑city walks instead of day‑tripping.
Beaches In Busan
Dadaepo Beach | Saha-gu, Busan
Shallow waters, spacious sands, outdoor showers, and the world’s largest Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams make this perfect for messy family fun—40 min subway from Busan Station to Dadaepo Beach Station. Restrooms, promenade, family parks; most day-trip from central Busan hotels.
Attractions: Busan Sea Festival (Aug) with cultural/music performances across multiple beaches; evening fountain shows with music/lights.
Where to stay : Oia Hotel – Highly praised “hidden gem” near Dadaepo Beach with modern rooms, friendly staff and easy public‑transport access into central Busan.
Haeundae Beach | Haeundae‑gu, Busan
Iconic Busan beach, famous for huge summer crowds, festivals, and easy access to restaurants, bars and shopping. About 30–40 minutes by subway from Busan Station (Haeundae Station), or direct airport buses from Gimhae Airport. The area is packed with hotels from budget to luxury, guesthouses and Airbnbs.
Nearby: Dongbaekseom Island walk, Busan Aquarium, and many bars and cafes. For more ideas, see the 9 best Busan beach activities.
Where to stay : Uh Suite The Haeundae – Apartment‑style suites directly across from Haeundae Beach and SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium, great for groups or families who want kitchens and sea views.
Gwangalli Beach | Suyeong‑gu, Busan
Trendy urban beach with Gwangandaegyo Bridge views, night‑time drone shows and one of Busan’s most atmospheric cafe and restaurant strips. About 25–35 minutes by subway from Busan Station (Gwangan or Geumryeon Stations). Hotels, guesthouses and Airbnbs line the waterfront, making it easy to find a room with an ocean view.
Nearby: Gwangalli Eobang Festival in spring, Millak Raw Fish Street and coastal walking paths.
Where to stay : Hotel Aqua Palace – Very popular hotel right on Gwangalli Beach with ocean‑view rooms, an infinity‑style pool and easy access to bars and restaurants along the strip.
Songdo Beach | Seo-gu, Busan
Warm, shallow waters make this beach perfect for swimmers of any level. Surrounded by pine tree forests, the scents of the ocean and fresh pine combine to create a calming aroma.
About 20–30 minutes by bus or taxi from central Busan. Facilities include showers, changing rooms and nearby cafes; lodging options are mostly small hotels and guesthouses.
Specialty: Campgrounds available, free of charge! Simple changing rooms and shower facilities available for all visitors.
Where to stay : Urbanstay Busan Songdo Beach – Modern condo hotel basically on Songdo Beach, offering sea‑view rooms and self check‑in for travellers who want a clean, apartment‑like base by the sand.
Planning to go to Busan, check out The Best Places to Stay in Busan !
With more than 280 beaches along its coasts and islands, South Korea offers everything from quiet island coves to lively Busan beaches like Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach. Whether you’re booking a seaside Airbnb or a resort‑style Jeju hotel, this updated list of the best beaches in Korea should give you plenty of ideas for your next trip.
Have a favorite beach or local tip we missed for 2026? Share it in the comments below so other readers can plan an even better summer by the sea.
1 comment
Lakshmi Priya Pampati
I really liked the collection of beaches you mentioned in this post. I am really pumped up to go and visit all of the beaches in the upcoming summer thanks to you!
Here is a blog by a traveler who has visited few of the amazing beaches while she was in Korea! Do check it out.