23 Jun
When I first moved to South Korea, I didn’t really think of it as a beach destination. I pictured bustling cities, scenic mountains, cozy cafés, and historic sites—but beaches? Not so much.
Over time, though, I discovered that Korea is home to some truly beautiful beaches. Whether you’re looking for a lively summer atmosphere, a peaceful coastal escape, or crystal-clear island waters, there’s a beach for every type of traveler. Best of all, many of them are surprisingly easy to reach.
Here are some of my favorite beaches in South Korea and what you can expect when you visit.
Haeundae Beach (Busan)
If you’ve ever seen photos of a Korean beach, chances are it was Haeundae Beach in Busan.
The first time I visited, I was amazed by its size—and by the crowds. During peak summer season, the beach becomes incredibly busy, with rows of colorful umbrellas stretching across the sand. It’s a popular destination for families, tourists, and groups of friends looking to enjoy the ocean and the lively atmosphere.
One of the best parts of Haeundae is that the fun doesn’t stop when the sun goes down. The beachfront lights up at night, creating beautiful views and a vibrant energy that makes the area worth exploring long after you’ve left the water.
Gyeongpo Beach (Gangneung)
Gyeongpo Beach offers a completely different experience from Busan’s famous coastline.
Compared to Haeundae, it feels more spacious, relaxed, and less crowded. When I visited, I expected nothing more than a simple beach day, but I ended up staying for sunset—and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful sunsets I’ve seen in Korea.
Although Gyeongpo is still a popular summer destination, it maintains a calmer atmosphere that makes it perfect for travelers looking to unwind and enjoy the scenery.
Jeju Island Beaches (A Different Level)
The beaches on Jeju Island are in a category of their own.
The water is clearer, the landscapes feel more tropical, and the overall atmosphere is noticeably different from mainland Korea. If you’re looking for postcard-worthy scenery, Jeju delivers.
Some of my favorites include:
Hamdeok Beach
Known for its bright turquoise water and picturesque coastline, Hamdeok Beach is one of the most photogenic beaches in Korea.
Hyeopjae Beach
With its white sand and stunning ocean views, Hyeopjae Beach is often considered one of the most beautiful beaches on Jeju Island.
The first time I saw the water in Jeju, I actually stopped and stared for a moment. It didn’t feel like the Korea I had become familiar with—it felt like I had traveled to an entirely different country.
Eurwangni Beach (Near Seoul)
If you’re based in Seoul and don’t want to spend hours traveling, Eurwangni Beach is one of the most convenient beach destinations in South Korea.
Located near Incheon, it can be reached in about an hour, making it an ideal choice for a spontaneous day trip. While the water isn’t as clear as Jeju’s and the scenery isn’t quite as dramatic as Busan’s coastline, its accessibility is a huge advantage.
Sometimes, convenience is exactly what you need.
Final Thoughts
I never expected to become a “beach person” after moving to Korea, but somehow that’s exactly what happened.
Each of these beaches has its own personality. Haeundae is energetic and lively, Gyeongpo is peaceful and relaxing, Jeju feels tropical and breathtaking, and Eurwangni makes quick beach escapes possible from Seoul.
Now, every summer, I find myself planning at least one beach trip. Even if it means sitting under an umbrella, eating convenience store snacks, and wondering how everyone else seems so effortlessly prepared, it’s always worth it.
And honestly, that’s part of the fun.
Michelle Duquette, Marketing Assistant
Michelle Duquette is from Toronto, Canada and moved to South Korea in 2015. She has a Bachelors in English literature and a Masters in ESL Education. Michelle has taught at Creverse campuses in Gangneung, Songpa, and Mokdong and currently works as a CDI and April Trainer. Michelle never set out to be a teacher but fell in love with Korean culture and the excitement of being in the classroom. Michelle lives in Seoul with her partner and two cats, Cherry and Frost.