Gimnyeong Beach
Jeju has a wealth of beaches to choose from. Whether you’re keen on swimming or surfing, sunbathing or building sandcastles, a day by the sea is one of the true highlights of summer on Jeju.
In this series, we’re profiling the island’s 12 “official” beaches, meaning that in the summer season they have lifeguards and special facilities open to beachgoers.
For simplicity, we’ve grouped Jeju’s beaches by region: east, west, and south.
Please note that given current COVID-19 conditions (as of mid-July) on the mainland and Jeju, officials are asking beachgoers to wear masks and avoid larger groups as often as possible.
Jeju’s newest “official” beach—the island’s 12th—gets pride of place in this list for 2021. Woljeong Beach is some 28km east of Jeju International Airport, but despite the distance is very highly regarded for its beauty, surfing conditions, and noteworthy cafes. The shallow depth of the 2.3-km-long beach makes it a perfect place to be in harmony with nature.
In the last two years, domestic travelers ranked it as one of their favorites, along the lines of mainstream mainland beaches like Haeundae Beach in Busan and Anmok Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province.
With its inauguration as an official Jeju beach, Woljeong has been equipped with seasonal facilities such as changing rooms, showers, and emergency services personnel to help keep beachgoers safe and comfortable.
Facilities
Opening Period: July to August
Average Depth 1∼2m
Safety Facilities: Lifeguards on standby at all times during the opening period
Parking: Free
Amenities: Restrooms, convenient store, drinking fountains, information center
Address: 33-3 Woljeong-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si
Samyang Black Sand Beach, which is just outside of Jeju City proper, is relatively unknown to tourists. As a result, it is very quiet and clean. Particularly, glittering black sand is known to be good for a variety of illnesses, and it is not uncommon to see tourists snoozing caked in the sand every summer.
Facilities
Opening Period: July – end of August
Amenities: Restrooms, Convenience Store, Beverage Stand, Guidance and Information Facilities
Address: 1960-4 Samyang 2-dong, Jeju-si
Hamdeok Seoubong Beach with its beautiful emerald green water and sugar white sand that is resplendent in its spirit is located about 14 km east from downtown Jeju. The beach that is praised as the Maldives of Korea is often visited by families with kids for its shallow depth and calm waves. The moment you arrive at the beach, you will attempt to convince yourself that you are in a different country. With tall palm trees standing in lines to welcome you from the entrance, the arched viaduct above black basalt, and a red lighthouse blends in together and creates an exotic scenery.
Facilities
Opening Period: July – end of August (also open at night)
Average Depth 1.2m
Safety Facilities: A designated beach, lifeguards on standby at all times during the opening period, alarm & evacuation facilities
Parking: Free parking available for up to 500 vehicles
Amenities: Shower rooms, accommodations, camping sites, restaurants, restrooms, convenient store
Address: 1008 Hamdeok-ri, Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si
The beach was created when fine sand piled up on a huge, broad, and flat volcanic rock. It was named after a small fortress that was built to prevent the invasion of foreign countries in Gimnyeong Village in the past. Gimnyeong Seonsegi Beach is a place where a huge wind generator draws the attention of passing travelers and the sugar white sands and emerald green water make you gasp in adoration. The towering Seoubong you reach after following the jagged coastline will make you feel humble.
Facilities
Opening Period: July-August
Average Depth 1~2m
Safety Facilities: A designated beach, lifeguards on standby at all times during the opening period
Parking: Free parking available for 200 vehicles
Amenities: Shower rooms, changing rooms, restrooms, camping sites, convenient store, drinking fountains
Address: 7-6 Haemajihaean-ro, Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si
Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, traveling to Jeju is problematic. In the meantime, we are highlighting some of the island’s attractions. We sincerely hope you will visit Jeju once it is safe to do so.
• For all your Jeju travel and safety information: www.visitjeju.net
Jeju Tourism Organization Travel Blog 