10 Best Family Things to Do in Yangyang

At Naksan Beach, you can paddle through the waves and sunbathe on a wide sandy strip. When you need to fill up, you can order delicious fresh crab and raw fish dishes from eateries lining the beach. It’s an excellent place to take the family for an exciting day out in Yangyang.

Naksan Beach stretches for about 4 km, and you’ll find facilities such as shaded areas and swings dotted along the strip. If you fancy a break from the sun, you can check out many temples near the beach. One of the most popular Buddhist complexes is Naksansa Temple, located on top of the mountain to the west of the beach.

Seorak Waterpia is a waterpark that’s home to tube rides, water slides and wave pools. When you need a break from the kids, you can relax in indoor and outdoor saunas, as well as hot mineral pools. The park also has facilities like changing rooms, restaurants, and children’s play areas.

If you don’t want to end up in a long queue, we highly recommend visiting Seorak Waterpia on a weekday, though keep in mind that the park is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. If the weekend is your only option, you might want to arrive before the park opens at 10 am.

Yangyang Surfyy Beach is the premier destination for surfing and water activities in Yangyang County. If you’re new to surfing, you'll find plenty of lessons for beginners being offered up and down the beach. You can also dine in trendy bars and cafes along the promenade.

At the southern tip of Yangyang Surfyy Beach is the scenic Hajodae viewpoint, which is also a popular camping spot during the summer months. We recommend arriving at Yangyang Surfyy Beach early so that you can grab a comfortable spot on the sand before the water sports enthusiasts arrive.

The Yangyang Traditional Market opens daily, but it spreads over the streets and alleys of Gangwon-do on the 4^th and 9^th of every month. At this open-air farmer’s market, you can browse local produce, clothes, houseware and a diverse array of seafood. You can also shop for souvenirs and handicrafts.

Even though the Yangyang Traditional Market draws large crowds, you can expect a laidback atmosphere – it lacks the haggling and hustling that takes place at most markets. Arrive before 9 am to see the best products on display. It's not unusual for stalls to sell out by lunch.

At the Osan-ri Prehistory Museum, you can peruse a collection of around 40,000 artefacts found in the archaeological zone of Osan-ri, some of which date back 8,000 years. As you explore the museum, you’ll find out about the lives and cultures of South Korea’s Neolithic residents.

In addition to indoor displays inside two large exhibition halls, the Osan-ri Prehistory Museum features outdoor recreations of Neolithic cottages. Admission to the museum is very affordable, and parking is free. Guided tours run 5 times a day but can fill up quickly on weekends.

Naksansa Temple is a Buddhist temple complex that boasts over 1,300 years of history. It’s located on the slopes of Naksan Mountain, overlooking the Sea of Japan. Here, you’ll see a 7-storey pagoda, the Uisangdae Pavilion and the 16-metre-tall Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, which is said to grant wishes to those who touch his feet.

Thanks to its high elevation, Naksansa Temple is an ideal place to watch the sunset above the ocean. You’ll find plenty of shops and restaurants at the foot of Naksan Mountain, particularly around the streets near Naksana-ro.

Micheongol Valley is a must-visit if you want to get away from the crowds and experience nature in Yangyang. It runs for about 10 km into a nature reserve, where you’ll see unspoilt forests and dramatic mountain peaks. You can also check out temple ruins and swim in mineral water springs.

While it’s possible to explore the Micheongol Valley in the space of a day, you might want to stay overnight by either camping or staying in a lodge. The latter is usually in high demand during holidays, so book well in advance. If you’re hiking the valley, make sure you save the contact details for the Korea Forest Service in case you lose the trail.

The Seoraksan National Park has been a nature reserve since 1965 and a UNESCO-listed biosphere reserve since 1982. It’s a popular attraction for families who love the outdoors. Here, you can spot animals such as kestrels and otters, plants like dwarf pines and yews, and mountain peaks like the Dinosaur Ridge.

On top of its diverse array of flora and fauna, the Seoraksan National Park is home to the Buddhist temples of Baekdamsa and Sinheungsa, which both date back to the 7^th century CE. You can also ride the Seoraksan Cable Car to reach the Gwongeumseong Fortress. Shuttles run daily between 9 am and 5.30 pm.

The Oeongchi Bada Hyangiro Trail provides you with unobstructed views of the Sea of Japan and attractions along South Korea’s shoreline. In some sections, this trail takes the form of a wooden bridge that extends out over the ocean. Be prepared to get splashed on windy days.

We recommend setting aside 1 to 2 hours to cover the Oeongchi Bada Hyangiro Trail. Along the trail, you’ll find attractions including a waterpark and a luxury resort with a rooftop bar. You can also ride fair rides at the nearby Sokcho Beach.

The Ilhyun Museum is one of the only contemporary art galleries in Yangyang County. Here, you can browse works of art from the region’s well-known and up-and-coming artists. You can also take in stunning views of South Korea’s east coast from the museum’s beachside location.

After browsing the displays of art at the Ilhyun Museum, you can relax on the beach of Jangjongul or grab a bite from a nearby cafe. The museum has a parking area for bicycles, making it a great attraction to visit during a day of outdoor exploration in Yangyang.