[WEEKEND GETAWAY] Soak up summer vibes at Korea's beaches

Typhoon Khanun caused many to cancel and adjust their vacation plans because of its heavy rain and strong winds. Beaches, especially, were a no-go for the past week. However, with no rain or typhoon forecast for the coming weeks, it's time to ...

A tourist takes a picture of the scenery at Hamdeok Beach, Jeju City, Jeju. [KIM DONG-EUN]

Typhoon Khanun caused many to cancel and adjust their vacation plans because of its heavy rain and strong winds. Beaches, especially, were a no-go for the past week. However, with no rain or typhoon forecast for the coming weeks, it's time to enjoy a trip to the beach. If you are wondering where and how to spend a leisurely weekend at the beach, refer to these four recommendations we have for you.

Yangyang Surfyy Beach 양양 서피비치

Yangyang Surfyy Beach is known for its water activities and nightlife. [BAEK JONG-HYUN]

"Hawaii of Korea," Yangyang Surfyy Beach in Yangyang County, Gangwon, is always bustling with surfers and party people. The beach park has become popular over the past few years, especially since the pandemic ended.

Its exotic private beach includes multiple zones with themes ranging from swimming to healing.

Yangyang Surfyy Beach offers a variety of activities you can sign up for, such as surfing lessons, paddle boarding and yoga at various hours of the day.

You can head to the beach's Sunset Bar for a night out after spending a day on the beach. The tropical vibes and colorful neon signs lighting up the venue present an exotic atmosphere for its guests. If you are searching for exciting experience in and out of the water, head to Yangyang Srufyy Beach this summer.

119 Hajodaehaean-gil, Yangyang County, Gangwon (강원 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 119 서피비치) Phone number: 1522-2729 Website: https://surfyy.com/

Jeongdongjin Beach 정동진해변

Sunrise view at Jeongdongin Beach in Gangneung, Gangwon [GANEUNG CITY]

Jeongdongjin in Gangneung, Gangwon, is one of the best beaches to catch the sunrise. Koreans flock to this famous beach to make a wish for a good new year before the year's first sunrise.

Snapshots of orange shades from the sunrise at Jeongdongjin often appear when you search for the best beaches in Korea. You can ride a railbike along the sand to take in the view.

Getting to the beach only takes two hours by train from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station. The beach became famous after appearing in the legendary drama "Hourglass" (1995). Even though nearly two decades have passed since its rise to fame, Jeongdongjin remains popular among those who embrace the beach's clean water and sunrise view.

Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangneung, Gangwon (강원 강릉시 강동면 정동진리)

Kkotji Beach 꽃지해수욕장

A father enjoys the sunset view with his son at Kkotji Beach in Taean County, South Chungcheong. [KIM DONG-EUN]

Kkotji Beach in Taean County, South Chungcheong, is famous for its beautiful sunset view. The beach is relatively calmer compared to other busy beaches, and it's made even better in the evening with the summertime busking from a nearby resort. Sweetbriar roses used to bloom along the beach's white sand, which is why the beach was named "Kkotji," which means flower land in Korean. The sunset dyes the entire beach orange at first and crimson as time passes, to finish off with tints of purple. Watching the nightfall is a view never to miss at the beach. If you are a seafood lover, try the local specialty gegukji, fermented crab soup boiled with kimchi.

Seung-eon-ri, Taean County, South Chungcheong (충남 태안군 안면읍 승언리)

Jeju Hamdeok Beach 함덕해수욕장

Hamdeok Beach in Jeju City, Jeju is loved for its clear waters and palm trees [YONHAP]

The emerald blue waters, palm trees and volcanic stones are the main features of Hamdeok Beach in Jeju. A well-established path for a walk with an overview of the beach adds a romantic touch to the scenery. It is a part of the Jeju Olle trail and is considered safe to walk at night.

Those enjoying water sports can be easily spotted here as it is one of Korea's best beaches for water activities. After splashing in the clear waters, visiting one of the pretty cafes is a way to enjoy the visit even more. One of the most well-known cafes in the area is Cafe Delmoondo, an exotic cafe with an outdoor terrace. There are also many other cozy cafes in the area.

525 Johamhaean-ro, Jeju City, Jeju(제주특별자치도 제주시 조천읍 조함해안로 525)

BY KIM DONG-EUN [kim.dongeun@joongang.co.kr]