13 Jun
Summer weather is officially here in Korea, and for me, that means one thing—beach camping in Taean. If you’ve never heard of it, Taean is a laid-back coastal area about 2.5 to 3 hours southwest of Seoul, famous for its scenic beaches and pine forests. I spent a weekend beach camping there last year, and it was hands-down the highlight of my summer. So, if you’re looking for a unique summer 2025 destination in Korea, this is it!
🚗 How to Get to Taean from Seoul
We rented a car and hit the road early on Saturday morning. The drive took about 3 hours, including a quick rest stop. While there are public transport options, they’re not direct—renting a car is the easiest and most flexible way to get there. One of the perks of living in Korea long-term is being able to take spontaneous road trips like this.
By late morning, we arrived at Hagampo Beach, home to a popular auto beach camping site right by the ocean. Whether you’re into tent camping or car camping, this site has space for both. We brought our own tent and found a great spot right on the sand and grass. The fee? Just ₩50,000 KRW (~$36 USD) for the night.
🏕️ Why You’ll Love Camping at Hagampo Beach
If you’re not into “roughing it,” don’t worry—this place has basic but clean facilities, a large open layout, and a relaxed vibe. There’s even an on-site camping mart where you can buy propane, ramen, drinks, and snacks.
Pro Tip: The shower area was impressively clean and made freshening up after a beach day much more comfortable.
In the afternoon, we went swimming and paddleboarding, then explored a bit of the area. A must-do nearby is the Solhyanggi-gil Trail, a forest path that can take up to 3 hours to complete. We just walked a portion of it, which was perfect for a casual afternoon stroll.
Another local gem is the Sinduri Coastal Sand Dunes. I didn’t even know Korea had sand dunes, but now they’re on my bucket list for the next visit!
🌅 Evening Beach Vibes & Campfire Cooking
Dinner was the ultimate beach feast—grilled meat, veggies, seafood ramen, and even fresh shellfish we collected from the beach earlier. We brought a portable grill and bought firewood on-site for a campfire. Hotdogs, marshmallows, and the sound of crashing waves made for a perfect summer night.
💤 Slow Mornings & Easy Travel Back
Sunday morning was blissfully slow. We packed up around lunchtime and made it back to Seoul in time for dinner. The whole trip was easy, affordable, and unbelievably refreshing.
Why Taean Should Be on Your Summer 2025 Bucket List
If you’re craving a quick escape from the noise and crowds of Seoul, Taean offers the perfect weekend beach camping retreat. You don’t need to be a camping pro—just bring your gear, rent a car, and soak in the beauty of Korea’s west coast.
✅ Perfect for couples, solo travelers, and small groups
✅ Oceanfront camping with facilities
✅ Nearby hiking trails and natural attractions
✅ Affordable and beginner-friendly
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.