5 Best Beaches in Yangyang

Naksan Beach is one of the most beautiful stretches of sand in Korea. Located south of the millennia-old Naksana Temple, this sugar-white beauty of a coast lures legions of loyal holidaymakers from around the country. Crystal-clear waters and calm lapping waves make it particularly popular with young families. Need a novel pastime? See how many floaties you can spot.

There are rarely any waves at Naksan, so look elsewhere if you’re planning to surf in Yangyang. Instead, you can stroll its long leafy promenade, which looks extra spectacular come sunset time. Grab a drink from one of the beachfront vendors and watch the end-of-day display in all its glory.

Yangyang Surfyy Beach is, as you might’ve guessed from the strangely misspelt name, the main surf beach in Yangyang. Although the swell won’t rival Hawaii’s North Shore, it’s big enough for beginner riders to splash about. A whole host of surf schools, beachwear boutiques, and oceanfront cafes have sprung up to create the epicentre of Korean surf culture.

Fuel your surfing escapades with a hearty fish-focused feast at one of the many trendy, seat-in-the-sand-style restaurants. And once you’ve had your fun barrelling down bold breaks, take a seat and sip a post-beach aperitif. You’ll find a thriving nightlife scene at Surfyy Beach’s numerous beach clubs – think a young and glamorous crowd.

Seorak Beach is a lovely spot just north of bustling Naksan Beach. Attracting a fraction of the holidaymakers of its southern neighbour, this somewhat secluded stretch is perfect for when you want to escape the crowds. Decent offshore waves and a calm little canal attract surfers and families.

A solid selection of accommodations lies peppered throughout the adjacent village, from no-fuss guesthouses to well-appointed glamping sites. If you’re hungry, the Chef Jeong Sea View Bakery does top-notch coffee and divine sugary treats. And don’t miss the Naksansa Temple, which towers over the peninsula on the eastern end.

Jukdo Beach is a beautiful white sand surfing spot in the southern section of Yangyang. The vibe here is somewhat reminiscent of its more famous cousin, Surfyy Beach, though much more low-key. Charming oceanfront cafes and surf shops ply the shores. Even so, there’s not a single beach club in sight.

If you’re not interested in the party scene, Jukdo Beach is a brilliant base for a laidback Yangyang holiday. You’ll find everything you need within easy reach – restaurants, shops, and hotels – sans the maddening crowds. Take some time to explore Jugdoam, a rugged rocky outcrop with an intricate Buddhist temple nearby.

38th Parallel Beach attracts a small but dedicated stream of Korean and expat surfers for its consistently good breaks. Located around 2 km south of Hajodae, the white-sand beach straddles a quaint fishing village and highway rest area. Due to this unglamorous location, only a trickle of holidaymakers (mostly surfers) come here, even in summer.

At the end of WWII, Japan ceded control of Korea and split the country in 2. 38th Parallel Beach sits on the former border of the US-controlled South Korea and Soviet-controlled North Korea – you can still spy some wartime remnants today. These days, of course, the North-South divide lies further north in the demilitarized zone.