Korea’s top 3 most famous and attractive beaches that you must visit

As the cherry blossoms slowly fall and the spring breeze turns into a hot, lazy warmth, touring around the cities can start to feel a bit overwhelming. Sweat falling down your neck, shirts clinging to your skin, and the unrelenting sun burning your face… It all begins to drain the excitement out of your special vacation. That’s when you realize that you’ve got to escape. You duck into a café for a cold drink, but that doesn’t work—the AC feels nice, but the moment you step back outside, the heat hits harder. You try speeding through your checklist to finish early, but that also doesn’t help—everything blurs together, and instead of memories, you’re just left with exhaustion.

Yet Korea has the perfect geographical advantage for moments like this: three sides of the peninsula are bordered by ocean. A relaxing vacation on a beach is never too far away. And depending on where you head, each location offers something a little different. 

Songjeong Beach, Busan

The most famous beach in Busan is, without a doubt, Haeundae. Yet, just a 30-minute walk from the hubbub of Haeundae, you’ll find Songjeong—a quiet and calming shore where time seems to slow down. Although it isn’t as populated or well-known as Haeundae, Songjeong offers a refreshing and unique charm with gentle waves rolling back and forth. Lining the shore are small, locally run restaurants and cafes, popular photo spots thanks to the beach’s bright view. This beach is also known among surfers for its rich marine life, as well as beginner-friendly waves, making it a hotspot for surf schools and first-timers.So if visiting Busan, consider renting a surfboard and spending some time out at sea. Whether you're catching your first wave or simply floating on the water, there's something calming about the steady rhythm of Songjeong’s surf. 

Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju

Driving along the coastal road on the northwestern side of Jeju Island, you will see crystal-clear turquoise waters and black volcanic rocks that tell a story of the island's long geological history. Jeju Island is known to have beautiful nature with thousands of unique species, so every destination offers something special. Yet if you want to go full-on tourist mode and enjoy all the tourist highlights, Hyeopjae Beach is the perfect place. Not only does the beach have a stunning landscape, but the nearby markets also bring a unique experience with fresh local fruits and handmade products. Although organized activities are not quite famous here, visitors can enjoy peaceful beach walks and snorkeling in the clear waters. Also, if you are fortunate enough, you might see Jeju’s native dolphins swimming gracefully just offshore, adding an unforgettable memory to your visit. It’s only about an hour’s drive from the airport, so if you ever get the chance, why not sip some mango juice by the lazy shoreline?

Eurwangni Beach, Incheon

If you’re flying into Korea and don’t want to travel far for a quick escape, Eurwangni Beach near Incheon International Airport is the perfect place. Just a 15-minute drive from the terminal, this beach gives you a refreshing break from the city without having to go too far. With soft sand, calm tides, and wide, open skies, it’s an ideal spot for a peaceful stroll, a quiet picnic, or just watching the waves roll in with no rush. Along the shoreline, you’ll find a row of seafood restaurants grilling up clams, serving hot bowls of spicy stew, and offering local flavors that hit just right after a long day. And as the sun sets, the entire beach glows gold—one of those moments where everything feels still and slightly unreal.

What makes Eurwangni even better is how easy it is to stay. There are plenty of hotels and guesthouses just steps away from the water, so turning a short visit into a weekend getaway is no problem at all. Whether you're heading to the airport the next morning or just slowing down after a packed schedule, this beach gives you a quiet, easy place to pause.

Works Cited

Mobius6. Songjeong Beach, South Korea. 30 Apr. 2022. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Songjeong_Beach_20220430_003.jpg. Accessed 1 July 2025.

Cukuroglu, Engin. Hyeopje Beach, Jeju Island. 13 May 2017. Wikimedia Commons, https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Jeju_Island_Hyeopje_Beach.jpg. Accessed 5 July 2025.