How do I go to the beach in Korea this summer but I am not sure which coast to choose?

Korea has beaches on three coasts plus Jeju Island, each with distinct character. Choose based on what you want.

East Coast: Cleanest, deepest, clearest water with dramatic open ocean views and great waves. The Pacific-facing coast (사실 일본해/동해) drops off quickly so swimming is for confident swimmers. Best beaches: Gyeongpodae (Gangneung) is the most famous east coast beach with 6km of fine sand, surrounded by pine forests, and boardwalk cafes. Sokcho's Sokcho Beach and Naksan Beach (with the famous Naksansa temple cliff). Jumunjin Beach (Gangneung) for surfing, the spot for Korea's surf culture. Mangsang Beach (Gangneung) for family-friendly. Wolpo Beach (Pohang) for less crowded vibes. Strong points: Best water quality, scenic, fewer foreign tourists, excellent seafood (Sokcho's red king crab is famous). Drawbacks: Cold water (June water around 18C, August 22C max), strong waves can be dangerous for kids, far from Seoul (3 hours by KTX or car).

South Coast: Warm calm protected waters with hundreds of small islands, perfect for families and beginners. Best beaches: Haeundae (Busan) is Korea's most famous beach with 1.5km of golden sand, world-class hotels, packed in summer with up to 1 million visitors per day. Gwangalli (Busan) for nighttime views of Gwangan Bridge lit up. Songdo Beach (Busan) for the cable car ride over the water. Jindo's beaches for the famous 'Moses Miracle' tidal sea-parting (April to June, twice annually). Geoje Hakdong Mongdol Beach for unusual smooth pebble beach. Tongyeong's Bijindo for boutique island resort feel. Strong points: Warmest waters (August 26 to 28C), calm conditions perfect for swimming and snorkeling, excellent infrastructure, accessible from Busan. Drawbacks: Very crowded in peak summer, can be busy from May through September.

West Coast (Yellow Sea): Shallow muddy beaches with massive tidal swings (up to 9m difference between high and low tide), creating broad sandy mudflats at low tide. Best for sunsets and unique tidal experiences. Best beaches: Daecheon (Boryeong) hosts the famous Boryeong Mud Festival every July with mud wrestling and music. Eurwangni (Incheon) accessible by subway from Seoul (1.5 hours), most convenient west coast beach for day trips. Muuido Island (Incheon) for camping and rustic beach. Anmyeondo's Kkotji Beach for romantic sunsets. Byeonsan Peninsula Beach (Buan) for protected waters. Strong points: Closest to Seoul, dramatic sunsets, unique shellfish gathering at low tide (조개 캐기), affordable, less crowded, family-friendly shallow waters. Drawbacks: Murky water (mineral-rich but not crystal blue), shorter swimming windows due to tides, smaller waves.

Jeju Island: Korea's tropical destination with the warmest most picturesque beaches. Best beaches: Hyeopjae and Geumneung Beaches (west Jeju) with white sand and turquoise water reminiscent of Hawaii. Hamdeok Beach (north Jeju) with crystal clear shallow water, perfect for families. Jungmun Beach (south Jeju) for surfing. Iho Tewoo Beach (close to Jeju City) with iconic horse-shaped lighthouses. Woljeongri Beach for cafe culture and surfing. Strong points: Warmest water (August 27 to 29C), tropical scenery, year-round destination, unique volcanic landscape backdrop. Drawbacks: Requires flight (1 hour from Seoul Gimpo, 50,000 to 100,000 won round trip).

Practical tips: Korean beach season officially runs July 1 through August 31 with lifeguards on duty, designated swimming areas marked with flags, and beach showers (3,000 won). Outside this window, beaches are open but no lifeguards. Beach umbrellas and chairs rent for 10,000 to 20,000 won/day, or bring your own. Most beaches allow camping in designated areas. Korean swim culture: more conservative dress (rash guards and shorts more common than bikinis, especially outside Haeundae and Jeju). Bring sunscreen (Korean SPF 50+ at convenience stores). Avoid jellyfish season warnings (typically late August). Best months: June for fewer crowds and pleasant temperatures, July-August for traditional beach season but very crowded, September for shoulder-season tranquility but cooling water. Booking accommodations 4 to 8 weeks ahead is essential for peak summer.