Looking for the best beaches in South Korea 2026? Beyond its bustling cities and rich cultural heritage, South Korea offers stunning coastal escapes perfect for relaxation, adventure, and seaside fun. From pristine shores on Jeju Island to lively, activity-packed beaches in Busan, the country’s coastline combines natural beauty with modern amenities.
In this guide, you’ll discover the top beaches in South Korea, including must-visit spots, activities, and travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable beach getaway filled with sun, sea, and scenic views.
1. Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach, Busan is one of the most famous beaches to visit in South Korea, especially crowded during the summer for its lively atmosphere, sparkling waters, and vibrant nightlife. It’s perfect for water sports enthusiasts and food lovers alike, offering top eateries along the beach.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Highlights:
- Stunning panoramas
- Popular and lively tourist destination
- Clean and beautiful environmentÂ
- Features various celebrations like Busan Sea Festival
Location: Haeundae, BusanÂ
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Family vacations
- Enjoying a lively atmosphere
- Going for watersports
Activities:Â
- Swimming
- Sunbathing
- Water sports
- Beach outdoor games
Nearby Attractions: Busan Aquarium, Dongbaek Island, The Haeundae Market
Nearby Places to Eat: Kakao Friends Cafe, The Beach Restaurant
Nearby Hotels: Shilla Stay Haeundae, The Westin Josun Busan
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2. Jukdo Beach
Jukdo Beach, located on the expressway linking Yangyang to Seoul, is a favorite among surfers. As one of the free beaches in South Korea, it’s ideal for summer adventures and should be on every traveler’s itinerary.
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Highlights:
- Surfer’s paradise
- Tranquil and peaceful setting
- Relaxing and exploring the natural splendors
- Clear water and less crowded
Location: Jukdo, UlsanÂ
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Families seeking a getawayÂ
- Couples looking for a peaceful vacay
- Beach lovers looking for scenic landscapes
Activities:Â
- Beachcombing
- Sunbathing and strolling along the coast
- Capturing nature shots
- Local fishing
Nearby Attractions: Ulsan Grand Park, Jukdo Market
Nearby Places to Eat: Galchi Restaurant, Jukdo Fish Market
Nearby Hotels: The Lotte Hotel Ulsan, Ulsan Business Hotel
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3. Songjeong Beach
Songjeong Beach, Busan is accessible by Beach Train or Sky Capsule from Haeundae. While it’s less known, this charming spot mesmerizes visitors with calm waters and a relaxing coastal vibe a hidden gem beach near South Korea’s Busan city center.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Highlights:
- Known for the clean and wide beaches in South Korea
- Relaxed atmosphere and clear waters
- Favorite place to surf
- Less crowded
- Surrounded by stunning views
Location: Haeundae-gu, Busan
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Enjoy water sports and surfing
- A calm beach experience
- Couples, families, and solo travellers
- Having a relaxing beach day
Activities:Â
- Walking along the coastline
- Exploring nearby parks
- Dining in beachside cafes
- Surfing
Nearby Attractions: Dalmaji Hill, Haedong Yonggungsa Temple, Mipo Port
Nearby Places to Eat: The Beach Lounge, Songjeong Cafe Street
Nearby Hotels: The Bay 101, Hotel Aqua Palace
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4. Woljeongri Beach
Woljeongri Beach, Jeju Island is a secluded east-coast gem. With soft sands, picturesque windmills, and clear waters, it ranks among the most beautiful beaches in South Korea for peaceful getaways.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Highlights:
- Stunning turquoise waters with white sand
- Beautiful sunset
- Relax and enjoy the amazing natural scenes
- Charming cafes with great ocean views
Location: Gujwa-eup, Jeju Island
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- People looking for a soothing beach vacay
- Soaking in the natural beauty
- A peaceful place to enjoy the beauty of Jeju Island
- Exploring unique cafe culture with an ocean view
Activities:Â
- Beach walks
- PhotographyÂ
- Going nearby cafés
- Cycling along the coastline.
- Scenic drives through Jeju coast
Nearby Attractions: Jeju Haenyeo Museum, Bijarim Forest, Udo Island
Nearby Places to Eat: The Sea Café, Jeju Black Pork Restaurant
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Ttattarang, The Baume Couture Jeju
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5. Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach, Busan is famous for its pristine sands, water sports, and stunning view of the Gwangan Bridge. Visitors can enjoy lively cafés, festivals, and endless entertainment, making it one of the best beaches in South Korea for social and recreational activities.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Highlights:
- Beautiful panoramic views over the Gwangan Bridge
- Stunning and illuminated evenings
- Lively and energetic atmosphere
- Exciting nightlife scene.
- Large and sandy beach with soft waves
- Beach related activities with amazing city views
Location: Suyeong-gu, Busan
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Beach lovers looking for peace
- Couples and families looking for lively energy at evening
- Enjoying breathtaking views
- Exploring beachside restaurants and cafes
- Water sports fansÂ
Activities:Â
- Beach volleyball and other sports
- Swimming and sunbathing
- Jet skiing, parasailing, and paddleboarding
- Having nighttime walk around the bridge
- Dine at beachfront cafés and restaurants
Nearby Attractions: Gwangan Bridge, Millak Waterfront Park, Dongbaek Island
Nearby Places to Eat: Gwangalli Seafood Street, Cafe de One, The Lounge & Bar
Nearby Hotels: Busan Gwangalli Beach Hotel, Park Hyatt Busan
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6. Jeongdongjin Beach
Jeongdongjin Beach, Gangneung is known for its impressive waves and luxury resorts. It’s an ideal spot for relaxation amid tranquil landscapes and is considered one of the must-visit beaches to visit in South Korea on the east coast.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Highlights:
- Best location to watch sunrise
- Tranquil beauty with natural environment
- Peaceful ambience
- Bordered by stunning woods and cliffs
Location: Gangneung, Gangwon Province
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Photography enthusiasts
- People looking to experience a beautiful sunrise
- Couples and families looking for peace
- Beautiful beach with less crowds
- Nature lovers to have walk around the coastlines
Activities:Â
- Breathtaking sunrise view
- Rail Biking along picturesque railway tracks
- Relaxing walk along the beach
- Sunbathing and swimming
Nearby Attractions: Haslla Art World, Jeongdongjin Railbike
Nearby Places to Eat: Sun Cruise Café, Myeongdong Jip
Nearby Hotels:Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht, Hotel Rian, Gangneung City Hotel
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7. Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Jeju is a top surfing destination near Jeju City International Airport. With large waves, accessible facilities, and nearby local restaurants, it’s a great option for those seeking both adventure and convenience.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Highlights:
- Stunning and varied landscape
- Beautiful sandy shores with crystal clear water
- Colorful sand which is a distinct feature
- The most quieter ambience on Jeju Island
Location: Seogwipo, Jeju Island
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Water sports lovers
- For unwinding and picturesque beaches
- Nature lovers looking for surrounding forests and ocean views
- Visitors looking for a less crowded beach
Activities:Â
- Surfing and Windsurfing
- Swimming and Sunbathing
- Beach Sports
- Snorkeling in clear waters
- Hiking in the scenic trails
- Capturing colorful sand and cliffs
Nearby Attractions: Jungmun Tourism Complex, Jeju Teddy Bear Museum
Nearby Places to Eat: Noodle Street, The Cafe at Yeomiji Botanical Garden
Nearby Hotels: Ramada Plaza Jeju, Jeju Jungmun Resort
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8. Dadaepo Beach
Public beaches across Busan and Jeju provide free beaches in South Korea with stunning ocean views, soft sands, and amazing sunsets. These coastal escapes are perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting to unwind and enjoy beautiful beaches in South Korea without leaving the city’s reach.
Google Rating: 4.2/5
Highlights:
- Sandy shoreline and stunning sunsets
- Beautiful spots in Busan to enjoy night views
- Peaceful and tranquil environment
- Breathtaking panoramas of islands and the coast
Location: Saha-gu, Busan
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Beautiful and less crowded beach optionÂ
- Sunset lovers
- Most stunning sunrise views available in Busan
- Couples and families to spend a relaxing day
- Nature lovers
Activities:Â
- Biking and walking
- Water sports like paddleboarding.
- Fountain show at the Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dream
- Sunset viewing
Nearby Attractions: Saha Cultural Center, Nakdong River Estuary Eco Center
Nearby Places to Eat: Dadaepo Traditional Market, Dadaepo Seafood Restaurants
Nearby Hotels: The BS Hotel, Hotel 1
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9. Hyeopjae Beach
Hyeopjae Beach, also on Jeju Island, is one of the most stunning beaches in South Korea known for its soft white sand and turquoise-blue water. It’s an ideal place to unwind, swim, or simply enjoy the serene island vibe with your loved ones.
On clear days, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the nearby Biyangdo Island, adding to its postcard-perfect appeal. With its calm waters and breathtaking scenery, Hyeopjae is considered one of the best beaches in South Korea for both relaxation and photography.
Google Rating: 4.5/5
Highlights:
- Clean turquoise sea
- Fine white sands
- Awe-inspiring panoramas from Biyangdo Island
- Beautiful shots
- Relaxing opportunities with less crowd
- Shallow water ideal for children
Location: Hallim-eup, Jeju Island
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Families with kids
- Nature lovers for serene beach experience
- Beach lovers and swimmers for dipping in the ocean
- Photographers eager to capture the sunset view
Activities:Â
- Snorkeling in the clear water
- Capturing picturesque scenery
- Walking and hiking
- Kayaking or Stand-up Paddleboarding
- Sunbathing
Nearby Attractions: Hallim Park, Jeju Stone Park, O’sulloc Tea Museum
Nearby Places to Eat: Hallim Restaurant, Biyangdo Island Cafe
Nearby Hotels: Jeju Riu Hotel, Jeju Ocean Palace Hotel
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10. Hamdeok Beach
Hamdeok Beach offers a peaceful setting with gentle waves and a romantic atmosphere, making it one of the most beautiful beaches in South Korea. Located on Jeju Island, it’s known for its crystal-clear waters framed by scenic green hills.
Evenings here are magical you can take a calm stroll along the shoreline, watch the sunset, and enjoy the soothing coastal breeze. It’s a must-visit beach in South Korea for couples and travelers seeking relaxation and natural beauty.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Highlights:
- Popular for clean and emerald-green waterÂ
- Leisurely swimming in shallow water
- Beautiful mountains and cliffs
- Idyllic natural setting with a relaxed vibe
- Ideal sunset and night view
Location: Jocheon-eup, Jeju Island
Timings: 24/7
Entry Fee: Free
Ideal For:
- Swim and sunbathe with a stunning ambience
- Photographers for capturing stunning sunset views
- Families to have relaxing and enjoyable time
- Children can enjoy calm and shallow water
Activities:Â
- Water sports like windsurfing or kayaking
- Exploring surrounding areas by walking and hiking
- Capturing the nearby viewpoints
- Enjoying barbecue or picnic with a scenic view
Nearby Attractions: Manjanggul Lava Tube, Jeju Island Folk Village Museum
Nearby Places to Eat: Cafe de Hamdeok, Chungmu Gimbap
Nearby Hotels: Hotel Theart Jeju, Aewol Resort Jeju
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FAQs
Which beaches are free in South Korea?
Almost every beach. Some options for public beaches in South Korea include Songjeong Beach and Dadaepo Beach.
Can you swim on South Korea beaches?
Yes, you can swim at various beaches in South Korea, especially during the summer when lifeguards are there to ensure safety.
Which beach is famous in South Korea?
Haeundae Beach in Busan is famous for its lively atmosphere, stunning atmosphere, and various celebrations.
Is South Korea good for a beach holiday?
Yes. Beaches in South Korea offer a relaxing time and watersports opportunities with stunning views.
What are the best beaches in South Korea for couples?
Some options for romantic beaches in South Korea include Hyeopjae Beach and Gyeongpo Beach.
What are the famous beaches in South Korea to visit with your family?
Some options for family beaches in South Korea include Naksan Beach and Daecheon Beach.
Which are the best beach resorts in South Korea?
Some options for luxury beach resorts in South Korea include Hanwha Resort and Paradise Hotel Busan for their stunning beach location and top-notch amenities.
What is the best time to visit South Korea?
You can visit South Korea during spring (April-June) and fall (September-November). This is when the weather is mild, and the landscapes are most beautiful.
