Yangyang Travel Guide: My Favorite East Coast Getaway in Korea
If you've been looking for a beautiful beach destination in South Korea that's less crowded than Busan but full of charm, I highly recommend Yangyang.
After living in Seoul for more than 30 years, I've traveled around Gangwon Province countless times. Among all the destinations I've visited, Yangyang has grown faster than almost anywhere else over the past few years.
It used to be known mainly for Naksansa Temple and as the gateway to Seoraksan National Park. Today, it's one of Korea's top surfing destinations and a favorite weekend escape for young travelers.
I visit Yangyang with friends almost every summer, and every trip reminds me why I keep coming back. Beautiful beaches, excellent seafood, trendy cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere make it one of my favorite places on Korea's east coast.
If you're planning your first trip, here's everything you need to know—from transportation and recommended itineraries to food, accommodation, and estimated travel costs.
Why Visit Yangyang?
Yangyang is a small coastal town located on Korea's beautiful East Sea (Sea of Japan) coastline.
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Yangyang is that you can enjoy both the ocean and the nearby mountains. Whether you're interested in surfing, relaxing by the beach, visiting temples, or enjoying fresh seafood, Yangyang offers a surprisingly diverse travel experience.
Highlights
Beautiful East Sea beaches
Korea's most famous surfing destination
Historic Naksansa Temple
Stylish seaside cafés
Quiet beaches with a relaxed atmosphere
Fresh local seafood
How to Get to Yangyang from Seoul
By Express Bus (Recommended)
This is the easiest option for most travelers.
Route
Seoul (Dong Seoul Bus Terminal)
↓
Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal
Travel Time: Approximately 2.5 hours
Fare: Around KRW 20,000–30,000
By Car
Driving via the Seoul–Yangyang Expressway takes about two hours under normal traffic conditions.
Keep in mind that weekends and holidays can be much busier.
By KTX + Bus
You can also take the KTX from Seoul Station to Gangneung Station, then transfer to a local bus heading to Yangyang.
Total Travel Time: Around 3 hours
Day 1 Itinerary
Morning: Arrive in Yangyang
After checking into your hotel or leaving your luggage, I recommend starting your trip with one of Yangyang's most famous landmarks.
1. Visit Naksansa Temple
This historic Buddhist temple overlooks the East Sea and offers some of the most beautiful ocean views in Korea.
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit: 1–2 hours
Don't Miss
The giant Haesugwaneum (Seawater Avalokitesvara) Statue
Uisangdae Pavilion
Hongryeonam Hermitage
If possible, visit around sunrise. The scenery is unforgettable.
2. Walk Along Naksan Beach
Located just below the temple, Naksan Beach features a long stretch of clean white sand.
It's perfect for:
Beach walks
Photography
Relaxing at seaside cafés
Lunch Recommendation: Mulhoe
Whenever I visit Korea's east coast, I make sure to order Mulhoe, a refreshing cold raw fish soup that's especially popular during warmer months.
Typical Price: KRW 15,000–25,000
3. Explore Jukdo Beach
Jukdo Beach has become the center of Korea's surfing culture.
Even if you've never surfed before, it's a fun place to watch surfers, enjoy the atmosphere, and relax in one of the many cafés overlooking the ocean.
Things to Do
Beginner surfing lessons
Beach walks
Ocean-view cafés
Surf Lesson (including equipment):
KRW 50,000–80,000
4. Spend the Evening at Ingu Beach
Among younger Korean travelers, Ingu Beach has become one of the trendiest spots in Yangyang.
The area is filled with cafés, restaurants, and stylish beach bars.
I especially recommend visiting around sunset when the coastline glows with warm golden light.
Dinner
Yangyang is an excellent place to enjoy fresh seafood.
Popular choices include:
Snow crab
Fresh sashimi
Estimated Cost (2 people):
KRW 50,000–100,000
Day 2 Itinerary
Morning Beach Walk
One of my favorite parts of staying in Yangyang is waking up early and walking along the beach before breakfast.
The peaceful atmosphere is completely different from Seoul.
5. Hajodae Observatory
Hajodae offers one of the best panoramic viewpoints on Korea's east coast.
Admission: Free
Recommended Visit: Around 1 hour
6. Hajodae Beach
This beach is quieter than Yangyang's surfing beaches, making it an excellent choice for families or travelers looking for a more relaxing experience.
7. Namae Port
If you enjoy exploring places that locals visit, don't miss Namae Port.
It's a small fishing harbor known for:
Fresh seafood
Peaceful scenery
Excellent photo opportunities
Best Ocean-View Cafés
One thing I always enjoy about Yangyang is spending time in cafés overlooking the sea.
Both Jukdo Beach and Ingu Beach have plenty of stylish cafés that are also becoming increasingly popular with international visitors.
Coffee Prices: KRW 5,000–8,000
Where to Stay
Jukdo Beach
Best for surfers and younger travelers.
Ingu Beach
Great access to cafés and restaurants.
Naksan Beach
Perfect for families and travelers seeking a quieter stay.
Estimated Budget (Per Person)
| Category | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Round-trip Bus | KRW 40,000–60,000 |
| Accommodation | KRW 100,000–200,000 |
| Food | KRW 50,000–100,000 |
| Cafés | KRW 10,000–20,000 |
| Surf Lesson | KRW 50,000–80,000 |
Total Budget
Approximately KRW 200,000–400,000 per person for a comfortable 2-day trip.
Helpful Travel Tips
Book Early During Summer
Hotels and surfing lessons sell out quickly during peak season.
Don't Miss Sunrise
Yangyang is one of the best places in Korea to watch the sunrise over the East Sea.
Beginners Can Try Surfing
Local surf schools are very beginner-friendly, and equipment rental is usually included.
Renting a Car Makes Exploring Easier
Public transportation is available, but having a rental car gives you much more flexibility when visiting multiple beaches.
Final Thoughts
After many trips to Yangyang, I've come to think of it as much more than just another beach town.
It's a place where you can enjoy nature, surfing, fresh seafood, great cafés, and a slower pace of life—all within a short trip from Seoul.
If I were introducing Yangyang to a friend visiting Korea for the first time, I'd recommend starting at Naksansa Temple, spending the afternoon around Jukdo Beach, and finishing the day watching the sunset at Ingu Beach.
If you're looking for a destination that combines beautiful beaches with a relaxed coastal atmosphere, Yangyang is one of the best weekend getaways you'll find in South Korea.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Yangyang worth visiting without surfing?
Absolutely. Even if you don't surf, the beaches, ocean-view cafés, seafood, temples, and scenic coastal walks make Yangyang well worth visiting.
When is the best time to visit Yangyang?
Summer is perfect for surfing and beach activities, while spring and autumn offer pleasant weather with fewer crowds.
Can I visit Yangyang as a weekend trip from Seoul?
Yes. Since the journey takes only about two to two and a half hours, Yangyang is one of the best weekend destinations from Seoul.
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