While South Korea is well known for its busy cities and rich history, there are also plenty of South Korea beaches that are stunning – and perfect for families.
Korea has a variety of beaches to explore, whether you’re looking for soft sand, gentle waves, or fun activities for kids.
Here’s a guide to the best family-friendly beaches, focusing on Busan, Jeju Island, and a couple of other must-visit coastal spots.
Busan: Korea’s Beach Capital
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae Beach is probably Korea’s most famous beach. Many families regularly visit this long stretch of golden sand with shallow waters and a cool atmosphere. It’s great for kids to play in the sand and splash in the waves. There are restrooms and showers, and you can rent umbrellas and sunbeds.
During summer, lifeguards are on duty, so it’s a safe option for families. But be warned, the lifeguards can be a little overzealous and won’t let you go out very far at all before you get whistled at!
Nearby attractions:
- SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium
- Dongbaekseom Island (where you can enjoy a short coastal walk with beautiful views)
- Kid-friendly cafes and restaurants along the beach
Gwangalli Beach
Gwangalli Beach is another great option for families. This spot is best known for the stunning views of Gwangan Bridge, which lights up at night. The water is calm, and the beach is usually less crowded than Haeundae. Families can enjoy kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or just chill out on the sand while your kids build sandcastles!
Top tip: If you’re doing lots of beaches when travelling to South Korea, consider buying collapsible beach buckets. We take these everywhere when travelling to beach destinations. They store easily and will fold down easily into your luggage, so you won’t have to buy (and dispose) of plastic sets every time you visit the beach.
Nearby attractions:
- Gwangalli Bridge Light Show
- Water sports rentals
- Plenty of cafes and restaurants with outdoor seats
Songjeong Beach
If you’re after a quieter, more laid-back atmosphere, Songjeong Beach is a good choice. It’s more popular with local Korean families and people learning to surf. The shallow waters mean it’s a good option for little kids, and the surrounding pine trees provide lots of natural shade.
Nearby attractions:
- Surfing schools for beginners
- Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (a stunning seaside Buddhist temple)
- Coastal hiking trails
Jeju Island: A Paradise for Beach Lovers
Hyeopjae Beach
Hyeopjae Beach is a must-visit for families! It boasts white sand, clear blue waters, and stunning views of Biyangdo Island. The shallow waters make it ideal for young kids to swim safely. Depending on the time of day you visit the tide can be way out, which means there’s lots of rock pools to explore – in the late afternoon there’s usually a sand bar which is fun to walk out to with your kids – with the water in between the sandbar and the beach shallow and calm.
Just be warned: You may need to navigate the photoshoots. Many Korean families will dress up (often in matching outfits) and head to Hyopjae for professional or amateur family photo shoots because the location is so stunning.
Nearby attractions:
- Hallim Park (botanical gardens and lava caves)
- Hyeopjaegul Cave (a fun, short lava tube to explore)
- Local seafood restaurants
Hamdeok Beach
Another stunning beach on Jeju Island, that’s perfect for families looking for shallow, crystal-clear waters and soft sand. The calm waters make it one of the safest beaches for kids to swim in. It’s also well-maintained and during summer there are lifeguards on duty. There are also restrooms available, and plenty of cafes nearby.
Nearby attractions:
- Jeju Stone Park (visiting here is also easy to do by booking a Jeju day tour)
- Manjanggul Cave (one of the longest lava tubes in the world)
Jungmun Saekdal Beach
Located in the famous Jungmun Tourist Complex, this beach offers golden sand (rather than the white you’ll see at Hyopjae and Hamdeok), turquoise water, and plenty of family-friendly amenities. The waves here are slightly stronger though and it can get deep quite fast depending on the time of day you visit. It’s better suited for older kids to try boogie boarding or body surfing.
Nearby attractions:
- Teddy Bear Museum
- Yeomiji Botanical Garden
- Cheonjeyeon Waterfalls
Other Must-Visit Family Beaches in Korea
Daecheon Beach (Boryeong)
Daecheon Beach is one of South Korea’s most famous and largest beaches, stretching over 3.5 km. The sand is soft, the water is shallow. It’s famous for hosting the Boryeong Mud Festival, Daecheon Beach is a great year-round destination for families. Unlike Korea’s east coast beaches, Daecheon offers stunning sunset views over the Yellow Sea.
The beach offers fun activities like banana boat rides, parasailing and windsurfing. You can also visit Dabo Island (unhabited) via boat which takes about 20 minutes. And there’s a Sky-Bike (a pedal-powered rail bike) you can enjoy along the coastline for a fun and scenic ride. If you’re a thrill-seeker, there is also a 700-meter-long zipline that offers panoramic views of the beach from above.
There are also plenty of seafood restaurants if you’re a fan of seafood (and Korean BBQ).
Naksan Beach (Gangwon Province)
For families looking for a peaceful escape, Naksan Beach offers gold, white sand and clear blue waters (which are even more stunning during sunrise). It’s one of the best beaches for a relaxed family trip, and it’s close to Naksansa Temple, a scenic Buddhist temple overlooking the sea.
The beach stretches for 4 km along the East Sea, perfect for relaxing or taking a stroll. With shallow waters and well-maintained facilities, it’s ideal for families with children.There is also paddleboarding and kayaking available.
Eurwangni Beach (Incheon)
If you’re looking for a beach near Seoul, Eurwangni Beach is one of the best options. Located only 15 kilometres from Incheon International Airport, this beach has calm, shallow waters and plenty of nearby seafood restaurants. It’s also a great spot for watching the sunset.
During low tide, the water recedes to reveal expansive tidal flats. Your kids can dig for clams and explore some of the local marine life. Plus, like other beaches in South Korea, there’s jet skiing, banana boats and kayaking available during peak seasons.
You can also grab a coffee with a view at some of the funky cafes near the beach.
Tips for Visiting South Korea Beaches with Kids
- Go early: Popular beaches like Haeundae and Hamdeok can get crowded, especially in summer. But like most tourist spots in South Korea – if you get there before 10 or 11 AM you’ll have no problems.
- Bring sun protection: The sun can be strong, so make sure to pack hats, sunscreen, and umbrellas. Many South Korean families will usually be well covered up (think head to toe) so you may feel underdressed in a bikini! Lots of Korean kids can be seen wearing full body swimsuits to stay protected against the sun.
- Check the tide times: Some beaches, especially in Jeju, have strong tides at certain times of the day. Do a little research to make sure its safe when you’re planning your visit.
- Try local snacks: Many beaches have stalls selling hoddeok (sweet pancakes), grilled seafood, and bingsoo (shaved ice dessert). The shaved ice was a BIG hit with our kids!
South Korea Beaches – Wrap Up
Whether you’re hitting the bustling beaches of Busan, the stunning volcanic coastline of Jeju Island, or the quieter shores of Gangwon Province, Korea has lots of beach options to suit all types of families.
Make sure to pack your swimmers, hats and sunscreen for a fun day out in the sun!
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