Ah, the beautiful charms of Jeju, one of my favorite destinations to visit. Ever since traveling there with my buddies in 2015, I’ve always had a soft spot for South Korea’s most romantic island, thanks to its mesmerizing natural scenery, unique culture, and, of course, its unforgettable beaches.
If you ever find yourself in Jeju, you really mustn’t miss the opportunity to see its famous coastal attractions! If you’re unsure of which beaches in Jeju to visit, I’ve got you covered! Here are 12 of the best beaches on Jeju Island that you definitely can’t leave the island without visiting!
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1. Hyeopjae Beach
Of the many beaches on Jeju Island, Hyeopjae Beach is arguably the most famous of them all. Located along the beautiful northwestern coast of Jeju, this lovely destination is known for its soft white sand, enigmatic volcanic rocks, and mesmerizing turquoise waters.
At this often-crowded spot, considered one of the best beaches in Jeju, you can set up camp to enjoy scenic views of Biyangdo Island floating in the distance or rent a float to frolic in the water. Apart from soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea breeze, Hyeopjae Beach is also a bustling hub of activity, with plenty of picturesque cafes and eateries to be found!
2. Geumneung Beach
Another popular Jeju beach that I recommend visiting is Geumneung Beach, located literally just next to Hyeopjae Beach, across from Hallim Park. In fact, I personally liked Geumneung Beach just a little more because it is usually slightly less crowded without being any less fun.
Featuring a pristine shoreline dotted with palm trees and volcanic rocks, Geumneung Beach is one of the best beaches on Jeju Island to catch the sunset. As you wait for the sun to dip beneath the horizon, don’t be shy to head out into the shallow waters for a memorable snorkeling session!
3. Hamdeok Beach
Hamdeok Beach is easily one of my favorite beaches on Jeju Island, and not just because it was the first beach I ever visited there!
This coastal gem is found on Jeju Olle Course 19 (a scenic route perfect for biking, one of the reasons why Jeju is worth visiting), right next to the enigmatic Seoubong Peak oreum (volcanic cone). That backdrop, combined with the deep emerald crystal clear water and palm trees, makes Hamdeok Beach one of the most Insta-worthy spots in Jeju! Like most beaches in Jeju, there are also plenty of cafes where you can chill at.
What I remember most about my visit to Hamdeok Beach is hiking up Seoubong Peak and enjoying the view. On clear days, you can even spot Hallasan Mountain in the distance! I recommend hiking during spring when the route is covered in a blanket of canola flowers.
4. Woljeong-ri Beach
Unlike the other beaches in Jeju on this list so far, Woljeong Beach is more of a cafe-hopping spot in my opinion. That’s because while this tucked-away coastal area boasts a lovely beach, it is more well-known for its array of artisan cafes, bars, and eateries, many of which feature scenic views of the emerald sea.
One particular cafe I really liked is Gujwa Sanghoe, a humble hangout known for its picturesque volcanic rock walls. I can only hope that the carrot cake is just as delicious now as it was when I tried it a few years ago!
If you’re looking for photos to show off to your social media circle, hit up the beach boardwalk for a few photos with the iconic wooden chairs there, which are reminiscent of some K-Pop album covers.
5. Jungmun Beach
Another one of the most famous beaches on Jeju Island is Jungmun Beach and I, for one, think it’s actually the most beautiful beach on the island!
This 560m-long enclave is characterized by its stunning coastline adorned with fine black and white sand, enigmatic cliff faces, and sunset vistas that never fail to captivate you.
Located in the Jungmun Resort Complex, itself a noteworthy location for exploring Jeju’s natural beauty, Jungmun Beach is also a popular surfing spot thanks to its consistent waves. And yes, it also has a surfing school to teach beginners how to ride the waves.
6. Sehwa Beach
If you’re looking for a more secluded beach getaway that doubles up as a great photo spot, then Sehwa Beach is definitely one of the best Jeju beaches to visit. This little-known hidden gem is located on the east coast of the island, near a picturesque fishing village.
Because it isn’t as well-known, you can expect fewer crowds at this quiet 200m beach. On the flip side, prepare for a more rustic experience as you will soon realize that the beach doesn’t have as many amenities as other beaches on this list.
However, it makes up for it with its scenic beauty: Think deep cobalt-blue waters, contrasted against black basalt rocks, which provide ample Instagram moments as you stroll along the shore.
7. Iho Tewoo Beach
For a quick seaside escape from the city, I recommend heading to Iho Tewoo Beach, one of the most accessible beaches in Jeju. After all, it’s only a short distance from the airport and a bus ride away from the city center.
Popular among windsurfers, the beach features a gleaming golden beach, and two iconic horse-shaped lighthouses which are the main attraction. Beyond the must-see landmarks, you can also paddle out into the ocean here by renting a boat, try your hand at windsurfing, or swim in the emerald waters during the summer.
8. Gimnyeong Beach
If you’re one of those travelers who don’t mind waking up super early while traveling, I recommend putting Gimnyeong Beach on your Jeju itinerary. This secluded beach in the northeast of Jeju is one of the best beaches in Jeju to catch the sunrise!
Apart from the stunning vista at the break of dawn, the calm waters and serene atmosphere make this location a great place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. Once you’ve had enough of your morning zen, check out the nearby Manjanggul Cave, a must-visit attraction in Jeju.
9. Pyoseon Beach
Another Jeju beach to visit for bedazzling sunrise views is Pyoseon Beach, whose name literally means, “the sun rises”! What I found to be most unique about Pyoseon Beach was its ever-changing geography. During the low tide, you’ll see a round sandy beach which makes for the perfect camping spot. However, when the water rises, the area becomes a shallow pond!
If you really want to experience this beach at its most vibrant, visit in August, when the Pyoseon Beach Whitesand Festival is held. Not only will you enjoy the typical beach vibes, but you’ll also be able to snack on local delicacies and experience Jeju’s unique traditional culture through performances, games, and other activities!
10. Udo Sanho Beach
Speaking of attractions in Jeju, a lot of casual tourists forget that apart from the main island, there is also a small islet called Udo Island that’s just a short boat ride away from Seongsan Port. And, as you can expect, there are even more Jeju beaches to discover on Udo Island!
One such coastal gem is Udo Sanho Beach (also known as Seobin Baeksa or Hongjodangoe Beach), known for the beautiful white “sand” on its crescent-shaped shoreline. What makes the white sand here so special is the fact that the sand isn’t actually sand! Rather, the popcorn-like grains are actually deposits of a special type of marine algae. This is why locals call this Hongjodangoe Beach, meaning coral sand.
In terms of activities, you can definitely soak up the sun here and enjoy a swim in the ocean, which actually changes color depending on how deep the water is. Apart from that, I recommend trying peanut ice cream by the shore, an Udo Island delicacy not to be missed!
11. Geommeolle Beach
While Sanhosa is the most famous beach on Udo Island, Geommeolle Beach is one of the most unique ones. Located inside a gorge below Udobong Peak, this tiny black sand beach in Jeju (it is only 100m in width) is known for its postcard-worth scenery, punctuated by its black shoreline, turquoise water, and the iconic rocky cliff in the background.
Apart from the typical beachside activities, you can also explore the cave at the end of the beach. Additionally, you can also hop aboard a bot tour to get an even more intimate experience of Udo Island’s beautiful coastal scenery!
12. Yongmeori Coast
Yongmeori Coast can’t be considered one of the best beaches in Jeju because it’s not technically a beach, in that it doesn’t have a sandy shoreline. That said, I had to include this because I remember how beautiful the coastal view was when I visited!
This picturesque sandstone bed can be found while hiking to the top of Sanbangsan Mountain and features an iconic dragon-shaped rock face. As you trudge along the rocky coast, you’ll see haenyo (Jeju’s famous female divers) selling their fresh catch from the ocean.
More importantly, in certain areas, you can walk out towards the emerald sea and enjoy a truly liberating view. Do note however that this is dependent on weather conditions as getting too close to the shoreline during bad weather is quite dangerous!
Final thoughts
And there you have it: 12 of the best beaches on Jeju Island that are worth visiting on your next trip there. My advice would be to include a good mix of both mainstream beaches (like Hyeopjae and Hamdeok Beach) and hidden gems (like Sanhosa and Sehwa Beach) for the best experience.
If you’re in search of even more paradise-like beaches in the world, check out our guide on the best beaches in Southeast Asia, Istanbul, and Ischia too!
Must-visit beaches on Jeju Island – Pin it!
