Korea's Year-Round Surf Town Is Unlike Any Other For Novices and Experts Alike

Busiest in the summer months (though locals surf year-round, even when the sand is covered in snow), the town wakes up to sunrises that light up the deep blue ocean waves with dazzling orange and pink tones. Local surfers hit the waves with the sun. As the day moves on, parked motorbikes and skateboards line the streets as visitors enjoy the sunshine that glimmers on the ocean. When the sun sets behind the mountains, the warm nights are energized by barefoot partiers on the beach and the sound of house music.

These elements all add up to an ideal beach vacation spot for both surfers and those who just want to soak up the scene. The lack of crowds, shallow waters, and sandy bays certainly help.

A few things to know before planning a trip: book ahead at surf shops (most have at least one staff member who speaks English, but reservations ensure there are English accommodations for classes), the summer has smaller waves while the fall sees bigger swells, and a KakaoTaxi account will help you more easily get around.

Last, and perhaps most importantly, listen to the locals. Whether you’re a new surfer or an experienced one, it’s always best to ask local surfers about the spot you’re surfing at. Places like Jukdo and Gisamun are both bay areas that usually experience pretty clean break waves but can get fast and strong quickly. Hajodae is a wider stretch of ocean experiencing stronger currents. If you ask the locals, they’ll be happy to let you know the best places to paddle out, where to avoid, and where to start for beginners.

Yangyang surf shops and lessons

Singlefin Aleworks

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Singlefin is located in Hajodae, a renowned cultural hub of Yangyang where motorbike and surf culture meet. The best part about learning to surf with Singlefin is without a doubt being able to come back after class to try the delicious Chicago-style deep dish pizzas and locally brewed beers. If you’re lucky, you’ll stop in on a night when local DJs are practicing their sets. You can also check out some of the vintage Harley Davidson bikes usually stationed outside, but remember, no touching! Singlefin’s resident surf instructors and most staff are able to communicate in English, making it a convenient place to stop-by at any time.

Singlefin Aleworks: 48-42, Hajodae2-gil, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do 25047 South Korea

Yangyang Surf

An all-in-one stop surf shop in Gisamun Harbour with onsite dormitory accommodation, cafe, bar, and barbecue facilities. Yangyang Surf is perfect for those who don’t want to think about too much planning and just simply enjoy beach life. The staff are friendly and they have a hang-out lounge complete with a guitar and drum kit, making it a great place to meet people and have some laid back fun. The surf lessons (always in a small group no more than 10 people) include a board and suit, and there are options for both adults and kids — rain or shine.

Yangyang Surf: Yangyang Surf Cafe, 11 Gisamun-gil, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Nalu Surf

Located just south of the main town on Jukdo Beach, which is known for its clean and reliable wave sets, Nalu Surf is the local hub on a good or bad wave day. Nalu is where a lot of locals store their surfboards and will gather for a pre- or post-surf coffee. It is perfectly located on the seafront for enjoying a beverage while watching the local surfers and picking up some tips. Nalu Surf offers lessons and board rentals.

Nalu Surf: 11-10 Saenaru-gil, Hyeonnam-myeonYangyang, Gangwon-do, South Korea

What to do in Yangyang when not surfing

Seoraksan National Park

Yangyang borders Seoraksan National Park, home to Korea’s fourth highest mountain, one of the oldest Zen Buddhist temples in the world, and some of the country’s most stunning natural scenery. It’s free access with no need for reservations. The trails are suitable for varied abilities, from a 20 minute forest-meditation flat stroll; to two-hour hikes defined by rushing waterfalls, streams, and fresh-water pools; to a 14-hour hike to the peak of Mount Sorak at 5,603 feet elevation. Note that there’s no swimming in the streams in the park. For that, you’ll have to head to the outskirts of National Park grounds (Oseak Valley is a good choice). There are plenty of options, but be sure to check ahead the limitations of each area.

Seoraksan National Park: South Korea, Gangwon-do, Sokcho-si, Seoraksan-ro, 833 KR

Vintage Shopping at Denim Surfboards

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Take a break from the sunshine and explore the large workshop space that is Denim Surfboards. The creative coffee, soda, and dessert menu makes this a great place to stop for refreshments while scanning rails of vintage denim available for purchase. Don’t miss a look at the surfboard workroom, where custom surfboards are made from scratch and painted with unique designs.

Denim Surfboards: 100-3 In-gu-ri, Hyeonnam-myeonYangyang, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Recycled Crafts at DASH

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Channel your creative side and make an environmentally-friendly souvenir to take home at DASH. DASH is a partially government funded initiative that takes used glass bottles from local beach bars and turns them into beautifully shaped fragments, ready for you to visit and create recycled art including keyrings, windchimes, and vases.

DASH: 5-12 Inguhang-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Naksan Temple

While Seoul’s temples have their own form beauty contrasted against the urban landscapes, there is a different serenity found while experiencing Korea’s traditional temples among backdrops of oceans and mountains. Even the local stray cats often enjoy making an appearance. Yangyang’s most famous temple is Naksan Temple, where you can spend an hour or two roaming Naksan park to view the temple and its surrounding pagodas, gates, and traditional bronze bell. Naksan Temple is also open for Temple Stay experiences.

Naksan Temple: 100 Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Where to eat in Yangyang

Ninbe Bingsu

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Bingsu, a shaved ice dessert typically topped with sweet red bean paste, is a classic summer treat in Korea. That’s saying a lot in a country filled with trendy dessert cafes. At Ninbe Bingsu, the bingsu is nostalgic yet approachable even for first-time eaters. If you’re not a fan of red bean paste or want to venture out, there are also green tea and chocolate flavors. You’ll leave with a lifelong craving for this summer delight.

Ninbe Bingsu: 6 Inguhang-gil, Hyeonnamm-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Province

Gami Izakaya

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Treat yourself by eating dessert first at Ninbe (it closes at 5 PM), and then head right next door to Gami Izakaya for dinner. Izakayas are a Japanese-style combination of a bar and a restaurant in one. Gami is the perfect opportunity to try the Korean take on the Japanese classics (just as there’s American-Chinese food, this is Korean-Japanese), as well as sampling local fresh fish and sushi. A cute favorite among locals at Gami is the sushi dessert: a fish-shaped ice cream sandwich cut up to look like sushi.

Gami: 630-6 In-gu-ri, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

The Meatroom

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No tourist is going to leave Korea without trying Korean Barbeque, and The Meatroom offers up a Korean classic: ‘samgyeopsal’, thickly sliced pork with crispy, fatty layers left attached, eaten with grilled vegetables and often paired with Korean rice wine soju. Positioned in the backstreets of nightlife central Ingu and right next to surf beach Jukdo, it makes for a great location to start the evening adventures.

The Meatroom: 1st floor, 46-23 Ingujungang-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Where to stay in Yangyang

We hope you love the stays we recommend! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay.

Surf shops

If you’re looking to stay on a budget, most of the surf shops have accommodation package deals. These can vary from on-site dormitories to nearby hotel rooms, so be sure to check out what’s on offer when booking your surf class. Staying at the surf shops can be a good way to meet other guests from abroad and the rest of Korea. The surf shops also often include food, so you don’t have to think about where to eat on your trip.

Booker’s Motel

For those seeking instagram-worthy spots, Booker’s Motel in Hajodae is a popular place for local brand photoshoots due to its colorful retro American-motel style exterior and interior. The rooms are simple yet comfortable, and the location in the center of Hajodae makes it a great accommodation for exploring local restaurants, cafes, and the neighborhood skatepark. It’s also a short walk away from some of the most popular beach bars.

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Yangyang Jukdo Auto Camping Place

To get the full nature-immersive experience, Yangyang has some beautiful options for beachside camping. Jukdo Campsite is hard to rival. Located right behind the sandy shores of Yangyang’s most popular beach, you can watch the surfers from your tent and stay within seconds of all the facilities you’ll need: cafes, restaurants, convenience stores, surf shops, beach bars and supermarkets. The supermarkets are often fully-stocked with camping facilities including everything you’ll need to set up a beachside barbecue. All you need to bring is a tent.

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Getting around Yangyang

The most convenient way to get to and around Yangyang is without a doubt by car, so if you’ve got your international license it’s worth getting a rental from Seoul. Don’t fear if not. Korea’s Express Bus services can get you to Yangyang from Seoul in 2.5 hours, with bus prices at just $15 one way. You’ll arrive at Yangyang Bus Terminal where you can take a local bus or taxi to your accommodation. Taxi fares start at $3, and if you stay in areas like Hajodae, Jukdo, or Gisamun, you’ll be able to walk to the things you need. While it’s possible to get around by bus, the service doesn’t run frequently so will require some planning ahead.