1. Jeju Island Full of Blue Sea and Romance
Jeju Island is one of Koreans’ most beloved summer vacation spots. From emerald seas and fresh nature to exotic scenery, Jeju Island is an essential destination to visit in summer.
Jeju Island Basic Information
Location: Island located in the southern part of South Korea.
Transportation:
- Air: Flights operate very frequently from major airports nationwide including Gimpo, Gimhae, Daegu, and Cheongju to Jeju International Airport. Flight time takes about 1 hour.
- Ship: Passenger ships operate from Mokpo, Wando, Yeosu, etc., to Jeju Port. Takes longer but has the advantage of being able to load vehicles.
- Island Transportation: Rental cars are most convenient, and bus or taxi use is also possible. Many electric rental cars are available for eco-friendly travel.
Summer Jeju Island’s Attraction Points
- Beach Bathing: Many beautiful beaches including Hyeopjae Beach, Hamdeok Beach, and Jungmun Saekdal Beach. Crystal-clear seawater and fine sandy beaches are the best summer resorts.
- Marine Activities: You can enjoy various marine sports such as snorkeling, surfing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Especially surfing is a popular activity in Jeju during summer.
- Oreum Trekking: Oreums with different charms from beaches are good for walking while receiving relatively cool breezes even in summer. Saebyeol Oreum and Yongnuni Oreum are famous.
- Green Nature: Many places where you can enjoy cool nature such as forest trail walks and valley water play. Saryeoni Forest Path and Donnaeko Valley are representative.
- Various Festivals: Various events such as beach festivals and music festivals are held during the summer season.
Recommended Activities
- Surfing Lessons: Try thrilling experiences by taking surfing lessons at Jeju’s eastern beaches (Iho Tewoo, Woljeongri, etc.).
- Private Beaches: It’s also good to spend leisurely time at quiet beaches avoiding crowded places.
- Night Sea Appreciation: Enjoy romantic time while walking the night sea receiving cool breezes or at beachside cafes.
- Jeju Olle Trail: Walking the Olle Trail along the coast is the best way to discover Jeju’s hidden beauty.
- Local Restaurant Tour: Taste Jeju’s special foods like fresh seafood, black pork BBQ, and meat noodles.
2. The Gem of the East Coast, Gangneung
Gangneung is perfect as a summer destination, embracing the blue East Sea along with cool valleys and mountains. It’s a place full of various attractions and foods with clean beaches.
Gangneung Basic Information
Location: Located in the central part of South Korea’s East Coast.
Transportation:
- KTX: The KTX Gangneung Line operates from Seoul Cheongnyangni Station, arriving in about 1 hour 40 minutes. Very good accessibility.
- Bus: Direct buses frequently operate from Seoul Gangnam/Dong Seoul Terminal to Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal. Takes about 2 hours 30 minutes.
- Local Transportation: City buses are well-established, and rental car or taxi use is convenient.
Summer Gangneung’s Attraction Points
- Gyeongpo Beach: The East Coast’s largest beach, popular with family travelers due to wide sandy beaches and shallow depths.
- Jeongdongjin: Famous as a sunrise spot, but also good for walking the beach receiving cool sea breezes in summer.
- Haslla Art World: A complex cultural space where you can appreciate artworks while viewing the sea.
- Ojukheon, Seongyojang: You can feel cool summer by visiting historical places.
- Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch: You can enjoy cool nature while interacting with sheep on green meadows.
- Valley Water Play: You can cool off in cool valleys like Yeongok Valley and Wanggol Valley.
Recommended Activities
- Beach Bicycle Riding: Feel cool sea breezes while riding bicycles along Gyeongpo Beach.
- Coffee Street: Enjoy exotic atmosphere by visiting various cafes on Anmok Beach’s coffee street.
- Craft Beer & Seafood: The pleasure of tasting craft beer containing regional characteristics along with fresh East Coast seafood cannot be missed.
- Marine Sports: You can experience various marine activities like surfing and paddleboarding.
- Nearby Sokcho/Yangyang Connection: You can plan diverse summer travel by visiting Sokcho or Yangyang near Gangneung together.
3. The Charm of the Blue East Sea, Sokcho & Yangyang
Sokcho and Yangyang are adjacent to each other, making them good for traveling together. Popular summer destinations with various charms including cool sea, mountains, and lakes.
Sokcho & Yangyang Basic Information
Location: Northern Gangwon-do East Coast.
Transportation:
- KTX/Bus: Move from Seoul to Gangneung using KTX or intercity bus, then transfer to city bus, or use direct bus to Sokcho/Yangyang from Dong Seoul Terminal. (Seoul-Sokcho/Yangyang bus about 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Local Transportation: Rental car or taxi use is more convenient than public transportation.
Summer Sokcho & Yangyang’s Attraction Points
- Sokcho Beach: Good accessibility close to downtown, good for water play with gentle waves.
- Seorak Beach: Famous as a surfing spot, popular with young travelers.
- Naksan Beach: Boasts wide sandy beaches and beautiful scenery, good to tour together with nearby Naksansa Temple.
- Jumunjin Beach: Known as the filming location for the drama ‘Goblin,’ a good spot for taking photos.
- Seoraksan National Park: Good for trekking to escape summer heat with cool valleys, waterfalls, and dense forests.
- Sokcho Jungang Market: A vibrant market where you can taste fresh seafood and various foods.
- Yangyang Surfing Festival: Various surfing-related events and festivals are held during summer season.
Recommended Activities
- Surfing Challenge: Enjoy thrilling summer by taking surfing lessons following Yangyang’s reputation.
- Seoraksan Cable Car: You can comfortably appreciate Seoraksan’s spectacular scenery.
- Sokcho Jungang Market Mukbang: Be sure to taste Sokcho’s specialty foods like dakgangjeong, squid sundae, and raw fish.
- Hajodae Observatory: A place where you can capture beautiful East Coast scenery at a glance.
- Yangyang 8 Scenic Views: Find Yangyang’s hidden attractions with various charms including beaches, mountains, and valleys.
4. The Hidden Gem of the Blue East Sea, Samcheok & Donghae
Samcheok and Donghae are recommended for those who want quieter and more secluded summer vacations than Gangneung and Sokcho. Boast clean seas along with mysterious caves and beautiful coastlines.
Samcheok & Donghae Basic Information
Location: Southern Gangwon-do East Coast.
Transportation:
- KTX: You can move from Seoul by KTX to Donghae Station or Samcheok World Station. (Seoul-Donghae KTX about 2 hours)
- Bus: Direct buses to Samcheok/Donghae operate from Dong Seoul Terminal. (About 3 hours)
- Local Transportation: Rental car use is most convenient, and city buses and taxis are also available.
Summer Samcheok & Donghae’s Attraction Points
- Maengbang Beach (Donghae): Good for family vacationers with wide and clean sandy beaches and shallow depths.
- Chuam Beach (Donghae): Famous for ‘Candlestick Rock,’ boasting beautiful sunrise scenery.
- Samcheok Beach: You can enjoy relatively quiet yet clean sea.
- Jangho Port: Boasts beautiful coastlines and transparent sea worthy of being called ‘Korea’s Naples.’ Famous for transparent kayak experiences.
- Marine Rail Bike (Samcheok): You can ride while receiving cool breezes along beautiful coastlines.
- Hwanseongul & Daegeum Cave (Samcheok): Cool cave exploration is a special experience that makes you forget summer heat.
- Isabu Ocean Park: A sea-themed park, good for visiting with children.
Recommended Activities
- Jangho Port Transparent Kayak: Enjoy transparent kayaking while looking into the emerald sea.
- Marine Rail Bike Riding: Spend leisurely time appreciating cool sea scenery.
- Cave Exploration: Have mysterious experiences escaping summer heat inside cool caves.
- Local Specialty Tasting: Taste regional delicacies like fresh seafood along with gomchi soup and miyeok-gui.
- Rest at Quiet Beaches: You can take true rest at quiet and clean beaches avoiding crowded crowds.
5. The Charm of the West Coast, Taean & Anmyeondo
Taean and Anmyeondo are popular as summer vacation spots with the West Coast’s characteristic calm seas, beautiful beaches, and abundant seafood. Many unique activities like tidal flat experiences.
Taean & Anmyeondo Basic Information
Location: Chungcheongnam-do West Coast.
Transportation:
- Bus: Direct buses to Taean/Anmyeondo operate from Seoul Central City Terminal. (Seoul-Taean about 2 hours, Seoul-Anmyeondo about 2 hours 30 minutes)
- Private Car: Easy access using West Coast Expressway.
- Local Transportation: Anmyeondo is connected by land bridge, so private car or bus use is convenient. Rental cars or taxis are useful in Taean area.
Summer Taean & Anmyeondo’s Attraction Points
- Kkotji Beach: Where grandma and grandpa rocks create spectacular scenes, especially beautiful sunsets.
- Sambong Beach: Famous for beautiful sandy beaches and clear water, camping equipment rental also available.
- Baengnyipo Beach: Relatively quiet and calm, suitable for family vacationers.
- Bangpo Beach: You can have tidal flat experiences at the beach, with many raw fish restaurants nearby.
- Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest: You can enjoy cool walks in dense pine forests.
- Taean National Park: You can observe unique natural landscapes like coastal dunes and tidal flats.
- Mallipo Beach: A good place for enjoying surfing, various surfing lesson programs operate.
Recommended Activities
- Tidal Flat Experience: Feel the charm of West Coast tidal flats while catching clams, crabs, etc. (Must confirm experience timing)
- Beach Camping: You can spend romantic nights enjoying camping against beautiful beach backgrounds.
- Fresh Seafood Tasting: Many restaurants where you can taste West Coast specialties like blue crabs, prawns, and clams.
- Mallipo Surfing: Lesson programs well-established for even surfing beginners to learn easily.
- Sea Fishing: Feel thrilling hand tastes by going out on boats to enjoy sea fishing.
6. Cool Valleys and Nature, Gapyeong
Gapyeong has very high summer popularity with good accessibility from the metropolitan area while enjoying dense forests, clear valleys, and water sports.
Gapyeong Basic Information
Location: Northeastern Gyeonggi-do.
Transportation:
- ITX-Cheongchun/Train: You can take ITX-Cheongchun or Gyeongchun Line train from Seoul Yongsan Station, Cheongnyangni Station, etc., to Gapyeong Station or Sangbong Station. (Seoul-Gapyeong about 1 hour)
- Bus: Direct buses operate from Dong Seoul Terminal to Gapyeong/Hyeolri areas.
- Local Transportation: You can use Gapyeong city buses, taxis, rental cars, and tourist attraction circulation buses.
Summer Gapyeong’s Attraction Points
- Bukhangang/Namhangang: Many places where you can enjoy various water sports like water skiing, wakeboarding, and banana boats.
- Valleys: You can enjoy water play in cool and clean valleys like Myeongji Valley, Yongchu Valley, and Hwaaksan Valley.
- The Garden of Morning Calm: You can enjoy summer’s freshness by walking beautiful gardens.
- Petite France & Edelweiss Swiss Theme Park: Good spots for taking photos in exotic atmospheres.
- Nami Island: A good place for spending leisurely time riding bicycles or walking.
- Zipline & Survival Games: You can relieve stress while enjoying thrilling activities.
Recommended Activities
- Water Sports: Enjoy cool summer by enjoying various water activities in Bukhangang.
- Valley Water Play: Feel nature while cooling off by dipping feet in cool valley water.
- Gapyeong Zipline: Appreciate Gapyeong’s beautiful scenery while thrillingly sliding down from mountain tops.
- Nami Island Bicycle Tour: Spend leisurely time riding bicycles in beautiful scenery.
- Craft Beer & Barbecue: Enjoy barbecue parties with cool beer at valley-side pensions or camping sites.
7. The Romance of the Blue South Sea, Namhae
Namhae is a place boasting picture-like scenery where beautiful coastlines, terraced rice fields, and blue seas blend. Recommended for those wanting leisurely and romantic summer vacations.
Namhae Basic Information
Location: Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do.
Transportation:
- KTX: Move from Seoul/Busan by KTX to Jinju Station, then transfer to bus to reach Namhae. (Jinju-Namhae bus about 1 hour 30 minutes)
- Bus: Direct buses to Namhae operate from Seoul/Busan. (Seoul-Namhae about 4 hours 30 minutes)
- Private Car: Connected to land through Namhae Bridge and Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge, so private car access is convenient.
- Local Transportation: Rental car or taxi use is convenient.
Summer Namhae’s Attraction Points
- Darangyi Village: Boasts unique scenery where terraced rice fields and blue sea blend.
- Sangju Silver Sand Beach: Popular with family vacationers for fine sand and shallow depths.
- Songjeong Pine Breeze Beach: A quiet beach where beautiful beach and pine forest blend.
- German Village: You can taste German beer and sausages along with exotic architecture.
- Boriam: A temple located at Geumsan peak, where you can view Namhae sea’s wonderful scenery.
- Coastal Road Drive: You can enjoy Namhae’s spectacular scenery by driving along beautiful coastlines.
Recommended Activities
- Darangyi Village Walk: Enjoy leisure by walking slowly in picture-like scenery.
- German Village Beer & Sausages: Experience delicious German food in exotic atmosphere.
- Sunrise/Sunset at Boriam: Feel touching moments while watching beautiful Namhae’s sunrise or sunset.
- Coastal Road Drive: Enjoy driving along Namhae’s beautiful coastal roads like Route 77.
- Fresh Seafood: The pleasure of tasting fresh seafood dishes from Namhae cannot be missed.
8. The Charm of Serene Islands, Tongyeong
Tongyeong is an attractive city where blue seas, islands, and art blend. You can appreciate beautiful scenery by riding cable cars up and down, and taste fresh seafood.
Tongyeong Basic Information
Location: Southern coast of Gyeongsangnam-do.
Transportation:
- KTX: Move from Seoul/Busan by KTX to Jinju Station, then transfer to bus to reach Tongyeong. (Jinju-Tongyeong bus about 1 hour)
- Bus: Direct buses to Tongyeong operate from Seoul/Busan. (Seoul-Tongyeong about 4 hours 30 minutes)
- Local Transportation: City buses, taxis, and passenger ships connecting islands.
Summer Tongyeong’s Attraction Points
- Dongpirang Mural Village & Seopirang Park: You can appreciate Tongyeong Port scenery along with colorful murals.
- Tongyeong Cable Car: You can appreciate beautiful panoramas of Tongyeong’s offshore seas and islands by ascending to Mireuksan peak.
- Yi Sun-sin Park: A good place for walking while reflecting on historical meaning.
- Hallyeohaesang: You can appreciate beautiful islands while riding on the blue sea by cruise ship.
- Island Travel to Yokjido/Yeonhwado, etc.: You can spend leisurely time on quiet islands by taking boats.
- Tongyeong Jungang Market: You can enjoy Tongyeong’s foods like fresh seafood and Chungmu gimbap.
Recommended Activities
- Tongyeong Cable Car Riding: Appreciate beautiful Tongyeong scenery while receiving cool breezes.
- Hallyeohaesang Cruise Tour: Enjoy leisurely time appreciating the natural beauty of blue seas and islands.
- Dongpirang Art Village Walk: Walk while appreciating colorful murals and take wonderful photos.
- Fresh Seafood at Jungang Market: Taste Tongyeong’s specialty Chungmu gimbap and fresh raw fish.
- Island Hopping: Experience Korea’s beautiful island scenery by visiting quiet islands like Yokjido and Yeonhwado.
9. Korea’s Summer Capital, Busan
Busan is Korea’s second-largest city and the nation’s representative summer vacation destination. With beautiful beaches, vibrant city culture, and abundant food, it’s a place that satisfies all elements of summer vacation.
Busan Basic Information
Location: Southeastern coast of South Korea.
Transportation:
- KTX: Takes about 2 hours 30 minutes from Seoul Station to Busan Station. Very convenient high-speed rail service.
- Air: Gimhae International Airport is located within the city, with flights from major cities nationwide.
- Bus: Express buses operate from major cities nationwide to Busan Seobu Terminal or Nopo Terminal.
- Local Transportation: Subway, buses, and taxis are well-established. Busan City Tour buses are also convenient.
Summer Busan’s Attraction Points
- Haeundae Beach: Korea’s most famous beach, offering various marine sports and beach festivals during summer. Vibrant atmosphere with many tourists.
- Gwangalli Beach: Famous for beautiful night views with Gwangan Bridge. Good for enjoying cool sea breezes in the evening.
- Songdo Beach: Korea’s first public beach with a long history. The Songdo Cloud Walk and cable car are popular.
- Jagalchi Fish Market: Korea’s largest seafood market where you can taste fresh seafood.
- Gamcheon Culture Village: Colorful buildings built along hillsides create beautiful scenery like a Santorini of the East.
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple: A rare seaside temple offering spectacular ocean views.
- Taejongdae: A natural park where you can appreciate beautiful sea cliffs and coastal scenery.
Recommended Activities
- Beach Hopping: Visit multiple beaches including Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Songdo to experience each beach’s unique charm.
- Marine Sports: Enjoy various water activities like jet skiing, parasailing, and banana boats at Haeundae Beach.
- Gwangan Bridge Night View: Appreciate the spectacular night view of Gwangan Bridge illuminated at night.
- Seafood Feast: Taste fresh raw fish, grilled eel, and seafood dishes at Jagalchi Market.
- Gamcheon Village Tour: Take photos while walking colorful alleys and appreciate art installations.
- Busan City Tour: Efficiently tour Busan’s major attractions using the city tour bus.
- Haeundae Blueline Park: Ride the beach train or sky capsule to enjoy beautiful coastal scenery.
10. Romantic Port City, Yeosu
Yeosu is a beautiful port city where sea, islands, and city nightscapes harmoniously blend. It’s an attractive summer destination offering both natural beauty and urban charm.
Yeosu Basic Information
Location: Southern coast of Jeollanam-do.
Transportation:
- KTX: Takes about 2 hours 40 minutes from Seoul to Yeosu Expo Station. Excellent accessibility.
- Air: Yeosu Airport operates with flights from Seoul Gimpo.
- Bus: Express buses operate from major cities nationwide to Yeosu Terminal.
- Local Transportation: City buses and taxis are convenient. Rental cars allow more freedom.
Summer Yeosu’s Attraction Points
- Odongdo Island: An island beautiful with camellia flowers, connected by a breakwater making it accessible on foot. The camellia forest path is excellent for walking.
- Yeosu Maritime Cable Car: Korea’s first cross-sea cable car connecting Dolsan Park and Jasan Park. You can appreciate Yeosu’s beautiful night sea and islands.
- Hyangiram Hermitage: A seaside hermitage where you can appreciate beautiful sunrise and ocean views.
- Dolsan Bridge & Dolsan Park: Famous for spectacular night views. The night view of the red-lit bridge is romantic.
- Yi Sun-sin Square & Yeosu Expo: The heart of downtown Yeosu with various attractions and events.
- Yeosu Night Sea: The romantic night sea praised in song, best appreciated from Dolsan Bridge or waterfront cafes.
- Janggundo Island Tidal Flat Experience: You can experience tidal flat ecology and catch clams during low tide.
Recommended Activities
- Maritime Cable Car Ride: Enjoy thrilling experiences while appreciating beautiful sea views from the sky.
- Yeosu Night Sea Tour: Take a cruise or walk along the waterfront while appreciating romantic night views.
- Island Hopping: Visit beautiful islands near Yeosu like Geomundo and Baekdo by boat.
- Fresh Seafood Tour: Taste Yeosu’s specialty dishes like grilled eel, raw fish, mustard leaf kimchi, and seodae fish.
- Hyangiram Sunrise: Experience touching moments by watching beautiful sunrise at Hyangiram.
- Odongdo Camellia Forest Walk: Enjoy leisurely walks in the cool camellia forest even in summer.
- Dolsan Bridge Night View: Capture romantic night views with the red-lit bridge as background.
Conclusion
Korea’s summer offers endless charms from cool seas and valleys to vibrant cities. Each of these 10 destinations has unique attractions, from Jeju Island’s tropical atmosphere to Busan’s urban beaches, Gangneung’s East Coast beauty, cool valley retreats in Gapyeong, and romantic port cities like Yeosu and Tongyeong. Whether you prefer bustling beaches or quiet mountain valleys, Korea’s summer destinations have something for everyone.
Plan your perfect summer vacation by choosing destinations that match your preferences, and create unforgettable memories in Korea’s beautiful summer landscapes!
Internal_Link: Top 10 Korean Spring Travel Destinations, Top 10 Korean Fall Travel Destinations, Top 10 Korean Winter Travel Destinations,
