Summer is coming!

Anna Lee

Summer is coming. As you know South Korea has four seasons – spring, summer, fall and winter. It all has its own characteristics. And one thing is definitely true, summer is hot. It can make you like you are in South East Asia. It became hotter, recently, due to global warming. So in order to get over with the overheated atmosphere, I would like to introduce you guys some famous beaches you can beach in Korea.

1. Haeundae Beach (Busan)

Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan. The white sand beach is roughly 1.5km long, over a 30~50m wide area, creating a beautiful coastline before a shallow bay, making Haeundae Beach perfect for swimming. People flock to Haeundae Beach every summer. All kinds of accommodations from luxury hotels to private guesthouses have developed in the area around the beach, making this the perfect summer vacation spot. Haeundae Beach is also famous for various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. Other facilities in the area include Dongbaek Island, Busan Aquarium, a yachting dock, BEXCO, driving courses and more.

2. GyeongPo Beach (Gangreung)

Located 1km away from Gyeongpodae, Gyeongpo Beach is a sand bank formed between Gyeongpo Lake and the ocean. This beautiful beach extends to a length of 6 km and is covered with fine sand. It is a very well-known tourist attraction within Korea: a flawless combination of nature and cultural relics.  Gyeongpo Beach is famous for its picturesque sunrise and tranquil moonrise. There are other nearby attractions in the area, like the pine forest and wild roses, which grow in various areas around the beach. Those who enjoy ocean fishing can take a boat to the mall rocks just off the beach.

3. MaengBang Beach (Samcheok)

Maengbang Beach is the ideal place for families because of its shallow waters (about 1-1.5m) and various facilities nearby. I recommend here very much because there are not many people in this beach- clean and quiet. I visit here at least twice a year and this is actually my secret spot. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the 4-kilometer stretch of beach or in the dense forest nearby.

4. Hakdong Mongdol Beach (Geoje)

Surrounded by Mt. Noja and Mt. Gara, Hakdong Mongdol Beach provides a cozy atmosphere. Compared to other beaches, it has small pebbles, “Mongdol” in Korean, spans a distance of about 1.2 km, is 50m wide and covers a 30,000 ㎢ area starting from Yongbawi Rock. The feeling one gets when walking on these pebbles is soothing and the sound of the waves are refreshing. You can also soothe your feet when you walk on the rocks and activate acupressure points on the soles of your feet. There are many attractions to visit around Hakdong Mongdol Beach. So, I recommend you visit Geoje island for about 3 days and visit this beach as well.

All of these four beaches are recommended and feel free to go there because there are always full facilities ready to welcome you. Enjoy your spring and upcoming summer!