10 Best Places to Visit in Yangyang, Korea - A Travel Guide
Yangyang in Gangwon Province is a captivating travel destination throughout the year. In recent years, it has established itself as a surfing hub, attracting young travelers who enjoy riding the waves of the blue sea. Yangyang is also filled with numerous spots where you can appreciate the beautiful scenery of the East Coast. This article will introduce 10 recommended travel destinations in Yangyang, perfect for a trip with family or your significant other.
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| Travel in Yangyang |
Surfyy Beach
Surfyy Beach in Yangyang offers an exotic atmosphere and features a surf school providing lessons for all levels, from beginners to advanced surfers. The beach is lined with photo-worthy spots and trendy beach bars, making it a great place to relax with a coffee or drink while enjoying the ocean view. There's also a pub where you can watch the sunset for a leisurely evening.
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| Surfyy Beach in Yangyang |
Information about Surfyy Beach
- The Surfyy Pass, which costs KRW 10,000 (approx. USD 7.30), is a ticket that allows you to use the paid facilities on the beach.
- There is a large, free parking lot available right in front of Surfyy Beach.
Naksansa Temple
Naksansa Temple, founded by the Silla monk Uisang, is a stunning temple overlooking the sea. It is also a healing place with a beautiful promenade where you can walk while admiring the ocean. Inside the temple, there's a teahouse with a sea view, perfect for taking a short break with a cup of tea. Naksansa also runs a program combining surfing lessons with a temple stay, which is great for families with children.
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| Naksansa Temple |
Attractions at Naksansa Temple
- Uisangdae Pavilion: A pavilion on a seaside cliff built in 1925 to commemorate Monk Uisang's achievements. It is one of the Eight Sights of Yangyang, offering breathtaking views of the East Sea and the coastline.
- Hongryeonam Hermitage: Located on a seaside cliff surrounded by old pine trees, it offers a panoramic view of the beautiful East Coast scenery.
- Botajeon Hall: This hall enshrines the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva. The exterior walls are painted with murals depicting the life of Monk Uisang. Inside, it houses the Thousand-Armed Avalokiteshvara, the Seven-Avalokiteshvara statues, and the Thirty-two-Armed Avalokiteshvara.
- Haesugwaneumsang (Bodhisattva of Mercy): A grand statue that exudes majesty and offers a magnificent view of the East Sea.
- Wontongbojeon Hall: The main hall of the temple, enshrining the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva, who compassionately guides all beings to paradise.
Information
- Main Gate Parking Lot: A spacious and convenient parking lot.
- Back Gate Parking Lot: Smaller in size but closer to Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongryeonam Hermitage.
- Parking Fee: KRW 4,000 (approx. USD 2.90)
- Admission Fee: Free
Hajodae Pavilion
Hajodae is a place where you can enjoy the beautiful East Sea. The coastal cliffs and old pine trees create a picturesque landscape. It is named after Ha Ryun and Jo Jun, two founding contributors of the Joseon Dynasty, who are said to have stayed here.
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| Hajodae Pavilion |
Attractions at Hajodae
- Hajodae Observatory: Located at the right end of the beach, it's famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets.
- Hajodae Dulle-gil Trail: A seaside deck trail from the observatory that leads to the famous "Aegukga Pine Tree" pavilion and a lighthouse.
- Hajodae Lighthouse: A striking white lighthouse, famous as a sunrise spot.
- Hajodae Pavilion: The pavilion is surrounded by beautiful pine trees, including the famous pine tree featured in the Korean national anthem (Aegukga).
Hyuhyuam Temple
Meaning 'to rest and rest again,' Hyuhyuam is a small temple by the sea that instantly lifts your spirits with its beautiful scenery. It's a place children especially love, with a small sandy beach and an area where you can see schools of fish.
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| Hyuhyuam Temple |
Attractions at Hyuhyuam Temple
- Dharani Cave Law Hall: A mystical place carved into a rock, enshrining the Buddha's relics.
- Wisdom Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva: A magnificent statue facing away from the East Sea, flanked by the Dragon King of the East Sea, Nine Dragon Gods, and Nam-soon-dong-ja. With a book in hand, the bodhisattva is often visited by families of students praying for academic success.
- Myojeokjeon Hall: The first building of Hyuhyuam, known for its beautiful interior.
- Gwaneum Dharma Bell: A gold-plated bell, said to be the largest in use at a temple today.
- Schools of Fish (Hwangeo - Tribolodon hakonensis): A place where you can witness the amazing sight of countless fish, fitting the expression 'half water, half fish.' Fish food is sold at an unmanned stand by the sea, so you can feed them.
- Hyuhyuam has a fine sandy beach, perfect for dipping your feet and taking a break.
Namae Port
Namae Port is the largest harbor in Yangyang and is located right next to Namae 3-ri Beach. At the entrance of the breakwater, there is an observatory with a small skywalk where you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise. There are many great restaurants nearby, making it a good spot for a walk after a meal. The port has a spacious and pleasant parking area, which is free of charge.
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| Namae Port |
Yangridan-gil (Jukdo Beach - Ingu Beach)
Jukdo Beach is divided into Jukdo Beach to the north and Ingu Beach to the south, centered around Jukdo Island. This area is called 'Yangridan-gil' and is well-equipped with amenities like pretty cafes, beach clubs with swimming pools, and great restaurants.
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| Yangridan-gil |
Attractions at Yangridan-gil
- Jukdo Beach: A beautiful place with a long sandy beach where you can enjoy the fine sand and blue sea. A walking path along the coastline is perfect for a stroll while enjoying the view. The waves at Jukdo Beach are ideal for surfing, attracting many surfers.
- Ingu Beach: Located right next to Jukdo Beach, this beach is popular with families due to its wide sandy shore and easy accessibility.
- Jukdojeong Pavilion: Located at the top of Jukdo Island between Jukdo and Ingu beaches, this pavilion offers beautiful scenery and is especially famous for its sunrises.
Yangyang Traditional Market
Yangyang Traditional Market is well-known as the Yangyang 5-Day Market, held on the 4th and 9th of every month. Here, you can buy various items such as agricultural products, seafood, food, and daily necessities at affordable prices. On market days, the market is held above Namdaecheon Sports Park. It’s a great place to visit with children as you can see not only food but also livestock like chickens and chicks. You can find high-quality fresh produce grown by local elders at low prices. During the pine mushroom season, the entire market is filled with their fragrance.
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| Yangyang Traditional Market |
Information about Yangyang Traditional Market
- Famous Foods: Fried wild vegetables, Kalguksu (noodle soup), Ongsimi (potato dough soup), Kong-guksu (cold soy milk noodle soup), Hotteok (sweet Korean pancake), Kkwabaegi (twisted donuts), and Dakgangjeong (sweet crispy chicken).
- Parking
- Public Parking Lot: Affordable parking at a rate of KRW 200 for every 10 minutes for a standard car.
- Namdaecheon Sports Park Parking Lot: Free parking is available.
Namdaecheon Ecological Observation Trail
The Namdaecheon Ecological Observation Trail offers beautiful views of the reed beds in the fall and features a well-maintained deck path for walking. At Namdaecheon River, there is a water sports center and a cafe for various activities. The first-floor water sports center offers experiences on a traditional Hwangpo dotbae (yellow-sailed boat) and a traditional carving boat. On the second floor, a cafe offers stunning views of the Namdaecheon River from its window seats.
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| Namdaecheon River |
Osaek Mineral Spring
Osaek Mineral Spring is a relatively accessible starting point for climbing Daecheongbong Peak of Seoraksan Mountain. The spring water is rich in iron and carbonates, giving it a unique, slightly tangy flavor that is said to aid digestion. A stream flows around the spring, making it a good place to relax and enjoy the scenery while dipping your feet in the water.
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| Osaek Mineral Spring |
Sol Beach Yangyang
Sol Beach Yangyang has long been known as the representative accommodation in Yangyang. Located right in front of the beach, its main attraction is the beautiful sunrise view from the rooms. As a resort operated by a major corporation, it is well-equipped with various convenient facilities.
Rooms come in three types: hotel-style (no cooking), resort-style (with kitchen), and private villas. There is also 'Ocean Play,' a water park where children can have fun while looking at the East Sea, and a sauna that uses seawater. The resort also has various amenities such as a mart, karaoke, arcade, and billiard hall, making it a perfect accommodation for family travelers.
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| Sol Beach Yangyang |
Susan Port
Susan Port in Yangyang is a representative yacht marina on the East Coast, with various yachts docked, creating an exotic atmosphere. At the Susan Fishing Village Experience, the public can participate in a yacht experience program. In addition to yachting, Susan Port offers various marine programs such as transparent canoes, boat fishing, seasonal snorkeling, and Dorumuk (sandfish) trap experiences. There are also activities for children, like making seaweed soap and octopus bread, making it a great place to visit with young children.
Susan Port also has famous restaurants serving delicious food like Mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) and Ojingeo-sundae (squid stuffed with noodles), as well as various other seafood restaurants.
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| Susan Port |
So far, we have introduced various attractions and things to do in Yangyang. Yangyang has many travel destinations that can be enjoyed by couples and families alike and is a great place to visit year-round. We hope you make precious memories in Yangyang, which embraces the beautiful East Sea.