11 Best Beaches on Jeju Island (+ Interactive Map)

Jeju Island, South Korea's top vacation & honeymoon destination, has always beckoned visitors forth with its pristine natural beauty and tranquil beaches.

If you're a travel enthusiast looking for a picturesque coastal getaway in Korea, you'll find these Jeju beaches to be among the best in the country, offering unique experiences from serene sands to azure waters. But each beach boasts its own charm.

Whether you're after a peaceful retreat or a spot buzzing with activity, Jeju Island has a beach that caters to every type of traveler. With options ranging from the family-friendly shores of Gwakji Beach, known for its calm waters, to the hidden beauty of Pyoseon Beach on the east coast, you're in for an experience as diverse as it is delightful.

The volcanic origins of the island have blessed it with an array of distinctive volcanic rocks; some beaches even boast eye-catching stretches of black volcanic rock that contrast strikingly in photographs with the bright white sand.

These geological features not only create a visually stunning landscape, but they also serve as natural wave breakers, contributing to the serenity of the turquoise and emerald-colored clear waters. Venturing to Jeju's coastline, you'll notice that the nature surrounding the beaches is as diverse as it is beautiful.

The lush greenery and the clear skies blend seamlessly with the crystal waters, creating breathtaking vistas. Whether you're looking to unwind amidst nature, take a dip in the inviting waters, or explore the volcanic rock formations, Jeju's beaches provide a tranquil retreat.

Because in addition to their natural beauty, the beaches on Jeju Island offer a sense of seclusion and peace that is getting harder to find in the country. No wonder the coastline of Jeju has a reputation for leaving visitors with a lasting impression of its unspoiled charm.

Jeju Island and its surrounding inlets offer a myriad of water sports and activities that cater to all ages and any level of adventure and expertise. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a beginner, the clear and calm waters surrounding the island create the perfect environment for a variety of sports.

Surfing: during its short season from June to August you can experience the thrill of surfing in Korea, with superb beaches that are not only beautiful but also offer great waves for surf enthusiasts. While Jeju might not be the first place that comes to mind for surfing, it’s definitely a venue worth trying for a unique surfing experience.

Paddle Boarding: Stand Up Paddle Boarding, commonly known as SUP, is a peaceful yet exciting way to enjoy the ocean. The Hado Sea, with its serene water, is an ideal spot for both beginners and experienced paddle boarders alike.

Though the nearby beaches are admittedly not the prettiest, it's still a fantastic way to get a full-body workout while taking in Jeju's natural beauty. Just remember to always check weather conditions and wear life vests if heading into the water.

Kayaking: Glide across the water and explore Jeju's stunning coastline at your own pace by kayaking. Destinations like Woljeongri Beach offer a scenic backdrop for this leisurely activity, giving you a different vantage point to appreciate the island's pristine nature.

When planning your beach excursions in Jeju Island, the weather is a key factor. For the warmest sea temperatures and the most comfortable beach-going conditions, aim to visit between late May and mid-September.

During these months, you'll experience sunny days perfect for soaking up the sun and taking a dip in the ocean. Sunrise and sunset times are also magical on Jeju Island, as you can easily stand on one coast in the morning and the other in the evening.

To catch a breathtaking sunrise, head to the eastern shores early in the morning. Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, offers a spectacular sunrise view, with its peak times just as the sun ascends the horizon.

Meanwhile, for an equally stunning sunset, the teal waters of Hamdeok Beach on the northeastern part of the island provide a serene backdrop as the day winds down. But if you prefer a quieter and more secluded atmosphere, consider visiting beaches like Sehwa Beach during the off-peak season, from October to May.

You might find the waters too cool for swimming, but the peacefulness and unique beauty of the shorelines remain. The fall is also still a great time for beach camping on Jeju and esewhere in Korea - yes, seriously. It's exactly what it sounds like, though it's a bit more on the glamping side these days.

The best time for your visit ultimately depends on what you're looking for— warm beach days or tranquil solitude. Just make sure to check the local weather forecasts and tidal times to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Jeju Island offers a unique mix of white sandy shores, crystal-clear waters, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes it a perfect beach destination.

From secluded bays with volcanic rock formations to popular stretches with vibrant cafes, each of these Jeju beach destinations has its own charm and character. Check out the map below for a visual of where and how far apart each of these beaches is from other Jeju attractions!

Geumneung Beach

Geumneung Beach, located on the west coast of Jeju Island, boasts a vast stretch of fine white sand and breathtaking views of Biyangdo Island. The shallow waters are perfect for swimming and offer stunning views of the sunset.

This Jeju beach offers a quieter atmosphere compared to its neighboring beaches and boasts vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish in the surrounding waters. The nearby Geumneung Stone Culture Museum also provides an opportunity to learn about the island's history and culture while enjoying the beautiful natural surroundings.

For those looking to explore beyond the beach, just a few hundred feet away are hiking trails that lead to nearby attractions such as Hallim Park and Geumneung Waterfall.

Hamdeok Beach

Located on the east coast of Jeju Island, Hamdeok Beach is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike. What makes Hamdeok unique is the fact that it's actually 3 beaches folded into one, offering a literally wide variety of landscapes and activities for beachgoers.

The main beach boasts a broad stretch of white sand and shallow waters, perfect for swimming. Further down, the wind protection provided by Seoubong Peak makes this beach calm and wave-free, explaining why it's such a popular Jeju beach for kids.

Iho Tewoo Beach

Probably the nearest beach to Jeju Island's Airport and the city center, Iho Tewoo Beach is a popular spot for travelers who are time-limited.

The beach boasts beautiful horse-shaped lighthouses watching over the coast, as well as the chance to snag some fish for an extra adrenaline rush.

Udo Black Sand Beach

Udo, a tiny island off the eastern coast of Jeju, is just a 15-minute ferry ride away from mainland Jeju, and has become famous in recent years for its deep black sand beach. The striking color of the sand is a result of volcanic activity, just like the pumice-like stones seen throughout the isle.

Udo Island itself is known for its scenic landscapes, and is a popular day-trip destination from Jeju. The clear waters and rich marine life on this beach have made it an excellent spot for snorkeling and underwater exploration, especially on sunny summer days.

Sehwa Beach

Sehwa is a serene and less-crowded beach on the northeastern coast of Jeju. The beach is known for its calm and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming and snorkeling, and because the beach is relatively unknown to many tourists, it's a peaceful retreat away from the more popular spots.

The surrounding area is relatively undeveloped, providing a natural and tranquil setting for visitors, great for kayaking, as the clear waters provide excellent visibility and a serene environment for paddling. For younger visitors, a popular activity is beachcombing and shell collecting, as the pristine sands often reveal beautiful shells and marine treasures.

Gwangchigi Beach

Gwangchigi Beach is located on the eastern coast of Jeju Island, near the famous Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak, also known as Sunrise Peak. The beach offers a peaceful environment with its expansive shorelines and clear waters, the perfect spot to rest after a day of hiking ot the peak, horseback riding, or day-tripping ot Udo.

In my experience it's also usually less crowded compared to other beaches, making it an ideal spot for relaxation and reflection. In the afternoons you may even see some people horseback riding along the shore, which offers kids a unique way to enjoy the scenic views and the tranquil atmosphere (though keep an eye out for droppings!).

Woljeongri Beach

Woljeongri Beach, located in the northeast of Jeju Island, offers a stunning landscape with its emerald waters, white sand, and black volcanic rocks. This beach is also home to the famous Manjanggul Cave, making it a perfect combination of nature and culture when you only have one afternoon in the area.

For Korean street food enthusiasts, this beach offers stylish restaurants and cafes with stunning outdoor dining areas, providing a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

Gwakji Beach

This beach faces the north of the isle and is one of the best beaches on Jeju Island. Aside from swimming, visitors can also enjoy searching for clams along the shores. If you appreciate sandy beaches without too many crowds and attractions, Gwakji Gwamul Beach is the ideal destination.

Pyoseon Beach

Down south, Pyoseon Beach offers a more unusual attraction. During low tide, the water retreats far back enough to expose the sea bed. At high tide, the water transforms into a shallow lagoon, ideal for swimming or simply lounging in the water, making it a very family-friendly beach on Jeju Island.

You can also visit Seongeup Folk Village, a traditional village that showcases the history and culture of Jeju Island, which is walking distance away from Pyoseon Beach.

Jungmun Saekdal Beach

Located just inside the resort area where many young Koreans honeymoon, Jungmun Saekdal Beach is one of the most famous beaches on Jeju Island, located on the southern coast. The beach is known for its multi-colored sand, which includes shades of red, black, and white, creating a remarkably unique visual experience.

It's surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs, offering a picturesque backdrop for visitors of all ages. Beyond suntanning, the most popular activities at Jungmun Saekdal Beach are water sports, including windsurfing, waterskiing, and parasailing, making it a haven for adventure enthusiasts.

Yongmeori Beach

Yongmeori Beach is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, said to resemble a dragon’s head going into the sea, which is where it gets its name ("Yong Meori" means "dragon's head" in Korean). The beach is located on southwestern Jeju Island, a short drive from Jungmun Resort Area, and is known for its stunning rock formations and historical significance.

To make it a day trip, visitors can explore the coastal cliffs and the nearby Sanbang Mountain, which adds to the scenic beauty of the area. Many visitors find that the unique rock formations and the backdrop of the ocean provide excellent photo opportunities, so don't be surprised if you see a plethora of selfies.

Exploring the stunning beaches of Jeju can be a delightful experience with the right mode of transportation. To help you navigate with ease, here are some friendly tips:

By Bus: Frequent bus services connect Jeju's main city areas, including the popular beach destination of Seogwipo-si and up north near Jeju City. Look for the buses heading towards the southern part of the island; they offer a convenient way to reach many of the beautiful coastal areas.

Renting a Car: If you prefer having more control over your travel schedule, consider renting a car on Jeju. It provides the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit more remote beaches unreachable by public transport - when I've rented a car on Jeju, I've gotten about twice as much sightseeing in.

Taxis and Bicycle Rentals: Taxis can get you directly to your chosen beach if you're looking for a quick trip, though they're not cheap. However bicycle rental shops are plentiful, offering an environmentally friendly option for getting to nearby shorelines.

Tips for Your Trip:

• Buses are wallet-friendly but study the schedules ahead of time - they vary abit by the seasons.
• Car rentals will require an International Driving Permit.
• The Jeju Olle Trail is a network of paths that crisscross the island, leading you through scenic routes and right to the edge of some enchanting beaches - it's best experienced with a map or a guided tour, and only if you have a much longer time to visit Jeju.