What are the must-visit places in Taean?

Top attractions in Taean include Cheollipo Arboretum, Mallipo Beach, Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune, and the sea caves at Padori Beach.

How long should I stay in Taean?

A 3-day itinerary is recommended to fully enjoy the beaches, trekking courses like Solhyanggi-gil, and experiences like tidal flat harvesting.

What is the best time to visit Taean?

Taean is great year-round, but autumn is especially popular for the Jumbo Prawn Festival at Baeksajang Port and the pleasant weather for trekking.

What unique experiences can I have in Taean?

You can experience 'Haerujil' (harvesting seafood by hand) in the mudflats, ride ATVs on the beach, or explore sea caves formed by wave erosion.

Is Taean suitable for family trips?

Yes, with family-friendly activities like clam digging at fishing villages and walking paths at the Arboretum, it is an excellent destination for families.

Taean 3-Day Travel Itinerary: 10 Hidden Gems & Must-Visit Spots in Korea's West Coast

Taean is a beloved domestic travel destination, easily accessible from the Seoul metropolitan area via the Seohaean Expressway and known for its pristine natural environment. However, because the region is vast, planning a Taean travel itinerary can be a bit challenging.

In this post, we introduce Taean's hidden gems and 10 must-visit spots. Check out these destinations featuring the sea, forests, and various activities, and use this information to plan your own perfect 2-night, 3-day itinerary.

10 Must-Visit Places & Hidden Gems in Taean

Cheollipo Arboretum

Cheollipo Arboretum is Korea's first private arboretum, established in 1962 by Carl Ferris Miller, an American who became a naturalized Korean citizen in 1979. It holds over 16,000 diverse plant species from around the world. Located right on the coast, it offers a unique charm distinct from typical inland arboretums.

The walking course along the deck path through the dense pine forest was particularly memorable. It is an excellent travel destination where you can take photos overlooking the West Sea through the pine trees and feel a sense of relaxation away from daily life.

Cheollipo Arboretum Visitor Information

Admission Fee: Adults 12,000 KRW (approx. $9 USD) in summer / 15,000 KRW (approx. $11 USD) during peak season (April–May)
Operating Hours (Last Admission)

Winter (Nov – Feb): 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:00 PM)
Summer (Mar – Oct): 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Last admission at 5:00 PM)

Cheollipo Arboretum

Mallipo Beach

Mallipo Beach is one of Taean's most representative beaches. Thanks to its wide sandy shore, many visitors enjoy the beach throughout all four seasons, not just for swimming in summer. Recently, it has emerged as a surfing hotspot, making it a popular place to visit in Taean for young travelers. At low tide, the vast tidal flats are revealed, allowing visitors to enjoy Haerujil (traditional seafood harvesting by hand). Since it is close to Cheollipo Arboretum, it is great to visit both in a one-day schedule. It is a perfect destination to end your day while watching the beautiful sunset of the West Sea.

Mallipo Beach

Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune

Designated as Natural Monument No. 431, the Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune is the largest sand dune area in Korea. It is a terrain formed by sea winds and sand accumulating over a long period, featuring an exotic landscape that feels like a "miniature desert" in Korea. This area has high ecological value as it is home to rare plants that only grow in dune environments.

Visitors must use the designated trails and wooden decks to protect the dunes. Walking along the well-maintained path, you can admire the unique sand hills. The view from the top of the sand dune is particularly captivating, making it one of Taean's hidden gems for photography.

Please stay on the designated trails and deck paths.

Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune

Byeongsulman Fishing Village Experience

Byeongsulman Fishing Village is a destination where you can enjoy both tidal flat experiences and marine leisure activities. There are well-organized hands-on programs for families, such as digging for clams and catching crabs. Equipment for the mudflat experience is available for rent, making it easy to visit without heavy preparation. This place is also famous for carts and 4-wheel ATVs that you can ride along the cool beach. It is a great family travel spot where you can relieve stress by digging for clams in the mudflats and racing along the coast on an ATV.

People enjoying fishing village experience and parked ATVs

Anmyeonam Hermitage

Anmyeonam is a small hermitage located on Anmyeondo Island, famous for its "Floating Pagoda" which can only be reached via a floating bridge at low tide. When the water recedes, you can cross the bridge, and the view of the hermitage, which appears to float on the sea, offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. It is one of Taean's hidden gems frequented by those seeking the unique tranquility of a temple by the sea. Visiting early in the morning allows you to enjoy a scenic sunrise along with the quiet ocean.

Anmyeonam Hermitage

Padori Beach (Sea Caves)

Unlike typical beaches, Padori Beach is a hidden gem in Taean featuring mysterious sea caves created by wave erosion. It is a fantastic spot to take beautiful photos with the West Sea as a backdrop from inside the cave. Being relatively less known, it is a good place to spend time quietly without crowds.

Sea view looking out from inside Padori Sea Cave

Padori Beach Sea Cave

Taean Solhyanggi-gil (Pine Scent Trail)

Taean Solhyanggi-gil is a trekking course designed for walking along Taean's beautiful coast and lush pine forests. It consists of a total of 5 courses, with Course 1 being the most popular as it follows the seaside near Gauido Island.

Walking along the path, you can smell the refreshing scent of pine trees ("Solhyanggi"). The sea and forest appear alternately, keeping the walk interesting. The path is well-maintained, making it suitable for everyone, regardless of age or gender, to enjoy a light walk.

< Taean Solhyanggi-gil 5 Courses Info >

Course 1 (Mandae Port ~ Kkujinamugol Beach): 10.2km. The most popular course optimized for forest bathing with dense pine forests.
Course 2 (Kkujinamugol ~ Padori Beach): 11.2km. A relatively flat walk along the coast offering sea views.
Course 3 (Padori ~ Toebigol): 10.8km. A course passing through coastal forest paths and small ports.
Course 4 (Kkujinamugol ~ Daepo Port): 12km. A somewhat challenging course crossing beaches and rocky areas.
Course 5 (Galduncheon Embankment ~ Baekhwasan Naengcheongol): 8.9km. A course where you can feel the scenery of Garolim Bay and the mood of Baekhwasan Mountain.

Deck path over the sea at Taean Solhyanggi-gil

Hakam-po (Taean Coast National Park)

Hakam-po is located within the Taean Coast National Park, characterized by its cleanly managed natural environment. Behind the beach lies a dense pine forest, making its auto camping site highly popular among campers.

With wide rocky areas and a beach, it is also well-known as a fishing spot. Uniquely, at low tide, Hakam-po Beach reveals a path you can walk to a small island. Offering camping, fishing, and beach walks simultaneously, it is a great choice for those seeking rest in nature during their Taean 2-night 3-day itinerary.

Taean Coast National Park Hakam-po

Sea Fishing at Mageompo Port

Mageompo Port is a place where you can enjoy the fun of fishing while being relatively less crowded. Although it is a small port with active fishing boats, it is particularly famous for boat fishing where you can catch various species such as Jumbo Prawns, Webfoot Octopus, and Rockfish in nearby waters.

Even if you don't have expert fishing knowledge, there are many rental shops nearby where you can rent equipment and experience boat fishing. If you like fishing, include this in your Taean travel itinerary for an unforgettable ocean experience. It is recommended to inquire or make a reservation in advance rather than visiting on the day.

Mageompo Port

Baeksajang Port

Baeksajang Port is a lively fishing port where you can buy or taste fresh seafood. It is especially famous as the venue for the large-scale Jumbo Prawn Festival in autumn, bustling with visitors wanting to taste fresh prawns during the festival season.

The port's landmark, the "Blue Crab Bridge", is a pedestrian suspension bridge connecting Baeksajang Port and Drne Port. It is great for walking along the bridge while admiring the West Sea scenery. We recommend Baeksajang Port as the final course of your places to visit in Taean to taste freshly caught seafood.

Baeksajang Port

Recommended 3-Day Taean Travel Itinerary

Check out this Taean 2-night 3-day itinerary that considers regional routes, centering on the hidden gems and must-visit places introduced above. Please use the course below as a reference and adjust the schedule according to your personal preferences.

Day 1: Northwest Taean
- Cheollipo Arboretum → Mallipo Beach → Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune
Day 2: Sea and Experiences
- Byeongsulman Fishing Village (Mudflat/ATV experience) → Anmyeonam Hermitage → Padori Beach (Sea Cave photo zone) → Kkotji Beach (Sunset)
Day 3: Forest Walk and Seafood

Taean Solhyanggi-gil > Hakam-po or Mageompo Port Sea Fishing > Baeksajang Port

We have summarized 10 hidden gems and places to visit in Taean in detail for those planning a Taean 2-night 3-day travel itinerary. From the pine paths of Cheollipo Arboretum to the sea caves of Padori and the sunset at Kkotji Beach, if you follow the course suggested in this post and experience the colorful charms of Taean, it will surely be a satisfying trip.