Explore All of K-Culture →
🏖️ Jeju’s Most Beautiful Beaches — Emerald Water, Surfing Culture & Island Vibes
Jeju’s coastline is a mosaic of color — turquoise shallows, black volcanic rock, and sunsets that paint the sky gold. Each beach has its own rhythm: Hamdeok for calm waters, Hyeopjae for postcard sunsets, Woljeongri for surf and youth, and Iho Tewoo for romance under red lighthouses. This guide invites you to explore five of Jeju’s most beloved beaches — places where locals unwind, travelers connect, and nature tells a story of peace and energy.
1️⃣ Hamdeok Beach — Emerald Calm & Local Charm
Hamdeok Beach is Jeju’s family favorite — a bay where the sea glows in shades of mint and sapphire. Shallow water stretches far from shore, making it ideal for swimming and paddleboarding. At low tide, you can walk to a tiny island connected by a bridge, perfect for photos. Around the beach, find small bakeries and cafés serving *Hallabong ade* and fresh pastries. The morning view is peaceful, but by afternoon, colorful parasols line the sand, and the smell of grilled seafood fills the air. Hamdeok isn’t just scenic — it feels like home, a place where laughter mixes with waves.
- 📍 Location: 14 km east of Jeju City
- 🏊♂️ Family-friendly zone with lifeguards
- ☕ Café Tip: Café Delmoondo (ocean-view terrace)
2️⃣ Hyeopjae Beach — Jeju’s Emerald Gem
Famous for its white shell sand and crystal-clear water, Hyeopjae Beach looks like it belongs on a postcard. Facing Biyangdo Island, it’s one of the best sunset spots in Jeju. The turquoise water remains shallow for 200 meters, safe for children and beginner swimmers. During golden hour, the entire coast glows like liquid amber — photographers and couples flock here to capture the magic. On weekends, live busking fills the promenade with acoustic music. Across the street, local restaurants serve abalone hot pot and spicy cutlassfish stew — the perfect end to a beach day.
- 📸 Best View: Left edge near Biyangdo Island
- 🎶 Tip: Visit around 6 p.m. for sunset music shows
- 🍲 Food: Abalone hot pot at Hyeopjae Haenyeo House
| Beach | Highlight | Best Time to Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Hamdeok | Calm swimming & family area | Morning (8–11 AM) |
| Hyeopjae | Sunset photography | Evening (5–7 PM) |
| Woljeongri | Surfing & cafés | Afternoon (2–5 PM) |
3️⃣ Woljeongri Beach — Youth, Surf & Lifestyle
If Hyeopjae is elegant, Woljeongri Beach is youthful and free. It’s Jeju’s surfing hub, where waves roll steadily and cafés play chill lo-fi beats. Colorful boards line the sand, and surf instructors offer 1-hour beginner lessons in English. Nearby cafés like *Cafe Morebi* and *Gongbech* are local icons — minimalist architecture facing endless blue. Digital nomads and young travelers love Woljeongri for its bohemian charm, strong Wi-Fi, and art markets. Even if you don’t surf, sitting on driftwood and watching surfers chase the horizon is its own kind of therapy.
- 🏄♀️ Surf Schools: Jeju Surf Club, Morebi Surfing Lab
- ☕ Must Visit: Gongbech (ocean glass café)
- 💡 Local Vibe: Young, artistic, creative
4️⃣ Gwakji Beach — Where Locals Go to Cool Off
Hidden west of Aewol, Gwakji Beach is known for its natural spring water stream that meets the ocean. Locals wash their feet in the cool stream before diving into the waves — a refreshing ritual unique to Jeju. The beach is wide and quiet, lined with basalt stones and seafood shacks. In summer, families picnic under pine trees while fishermen cast lines nearby. It’s less touristy, more local — perfect for travelers seeking authenticity. Evenings are magical, with kids flying kites as the sun dips into the sea.
- 📍 Location: Aewol-eup, western Jeju
- 🌊 Feature: Freshwater + ocean confluence
- 🍤 Food Tip: Try grilled mackerel at seaside stalls
5️⃣ Iho Tewoo Beach — Romance Beneath Red & White Lighthouses
Closer to Jeju City, Iho Tewoo Beach blends convenience with charm. Two horse-shaped lighthouses guard the bay — a beloved photo spot at night. It’s popular among couples and evening strollers who enjoy soft sands and pastel skies. Cafés and casual bars along the promenade offer cocktails with ocean views. The beach also hosts kite festivals and light shows in summer, making it one of Jeju’s most accessible yet romantic seaside escapes. It’s where your trip can begin — or end — with a peaceful walk by the sea.
| Feature | Hamdeok | Hyeopjae | Woljeongri | Iho Tewoo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water Color | Light emerald | Deep turquoise | Blue-green | Golden at sunset |
| Best For | Families | Couples | Surfers | Romantic stroll |
| Nearby Cafés | Delmoondo | Bomnal | Gongbech | Surf Holic |
6️⃣ Water Sports & Surfing Culture in Jeju
Beyond swimming, Jeju’s beaches are hubs for water activities. From paddleboarding at Hamdeok to surfing at Woljeongri, the island offers year-round fun. Local surf schools rent boards and wetsuits for about ₩25,000/hour, with English-speaking instructors available. At Hyeopjae, kayaking tours reveal hidden coves; at Iho, night SUP sessions light up the water with neon boards. Each beach has its rhythm — Hamdeok for calm exploration, Woljeongri for adrenaline, Iho for city convenience. Whichever you choose, the ocean feels alive — playful, cleansing, and endlessly photogenic.
- 🏄 Surfing: Woljeongri / Hyeopjae (intermediate waves)
- 🛶 Kayak & SUP: Hamdeok / Iho Tewoo
- 💸 Avg. Rental: ₩20,000–₩30,000/hour
7️⃣ Evening Vibes — Sunset Cafés & Beach Dinners
As the sky turns orange, Jeju’s beaches transform into peaceful sanctuaries. Order Hallasan soju cocktails at beachfront bars or enjoy grilled seafood under fairy lights. At Woljeongri, lanterns flicker along the boardwalk, while Hyeopjae’s cafés glow in warm amber. It’s a perfect time for reflection — when waves whisper and the wind feels like a lullaby. Watching Jeju’s sunset, you’ll realize: it’s not just about seeing the beach — it’s about feeling part of it.
- 🌅 Best Sunset: Hyeopjae & Iho Tewoo
- 🍹 Drink Pick: Hallabong cocktail
- 🍴 Local Dish: Abalone hot pot by the beach
🎯 Expert Travel Insight — Why Jeju’s Beaches Are Special
Jeju’s beaches represent more than beauty — they express harmony. Each coast reveals a side of Korean island life: Hamdeok’s warmth, Hyeopjae’s elegance, Woljeongri’s energy, Iho’s romance. For travelers, they offer connection — to the ocean, to locals, and to themselves. Unlike tropical resorts, Jeju’s beaches feel alive with culture — Haenyeo divers, street food, and songs carried by wind. Here, you don’t just watch the sea — you belong to it. That’s the true magic of Jeju’s shores.
