Top 5 Summer Travel Guide in Korea

Summer in Korea is a season of hot sun and diverse activities. This guide introduces summer hotspots in Korea that foreigners must experience, recommended activities, and insider tips only locals know.

1. Top 5 Summer Destinations in Korea

1) Jeju Island – Korea's Best Summer Destination

Jeju is one of the most popular summer destinations in Korea, boasting a beautiful coastline and stunning blue seas.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Hyeopjae Beach – A harmonious blend of emerald waters and soft sands
• Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak & Udo Island – Spots where you can enjoy nature along with coastal scenery
• Manjanggul Lava Tube & Yongduri Coast – Natural caves you can explore cool even in the hot summer

Local Tip:
• Peanut ice cream is famous in Udo Island, so be sure to try it!

2) Busan – The Center of Summer Vacation

Busan is a place where beaches and city coexist, allowing for various summer marine activities and exploring delicious restaurants.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Haeundae Beach – Korea's most famous beach, offering various marine sports
• Gwangalli Beach – A beautiful seaside with stunning night views, where you can see the Gwangan Bridge at a glance
• Taejongdae & Songdo Cable Car – A course offering views of Busan's coastal scenery

Local Tip:
• At Gwangalli Beach, you can enjoy LED drone shows and fireworks every night!

3) East Coast of Gangwon Province – Healing in Clean Beaches and Nature

The east coast of Gangwon Province is perfect for summer trips with its clear waters and tranquil atmosphere.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Gyeongpodae Beach – One of the most famous beaches on the east coast
• Sokcho Yongpyeong & Dapo Port – A place where you can enjoy seafood while admiring the blue sea of the east coast
• Hajodae & Jumunjin – Tranquil seaside and coastal road full of Instagrammable spots

Local Tip:
• In Sokcho, be sure to try the shrimp tempura and raw fish noodles!

4) Yeosu, South Jeolla Province – A Romantic Coastal City

Yeosu is optimized for summer trips with the sea, a city where you can enjoy the night sea, seafood, and various marine activities.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Odongdo Island & Yeosu Night Sea – Representative spots of Yeosu, becoming more beautiful at night
• Dolsan Bridge & Hyangil-am Temple – Points where you can see the wonderful coastal scenery of Yeosu
• Yeosu Cable Car – A thrilling experience crossing over the sea

Local Tip:
• In Yeosu, be sure to try the crab bibimbap and fresh seafood dishes!

5) Geoje, South Gyeongsang Province – A Place Where Clear Seas and Lush Nature Coexist

Geoje Island is considered one of the best natural travel destinations in summer, with its clear seas and many beautiful islands.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Oedo Botania – A beautiful island garden filled with exotic plants
• Wind's Hill & Sinseondae – Spots where you can take great pictures against the backdrop of the blue sea
• Hakdong Mongdol Beach – Healing at a pebble beach with unique wave sounds

Local Tip:
• In Geoje, not only seafood but also sea squirt bibimbap and grilled eel are popular menu items!

2. Recommended Summer Activities in Korea

1) Surfing – The Hottest Sport in Summer

There are many places in Korea where you can enjoy surfing, and even beginners can easily learn.

✅ Recommended Surfing Spots
• Jukdo Beach, Yangyang – Korea's surfing mecca, offering various surfing lessons
• Songjeong Beach, Busan – A surfing spot where even beginners can easily learn
• Jungmun Saekdal Beach, Jeju – A place to enjoy surfing amidst beautiful nature

Local Tip:
• It is also recommended to enjoy a beach barbecue party after surfing in the summer!

2) Kayak & Paddleboard – Cool Water Fun on the Han River

You can also enjoy cool activities in Seoul. On the Han River, you can enjoy summer in the city by riding a kayak or paddleboard.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Banpo Han River Park – A place to enjoy paddleboarding while enjoying the night view
• Ttukseom Han River Park – Kayak & SUP (Stand-Up Paddleboard) experiences available

Local Tip:
• Riding at night gives you a different atmosphere along with the Han River night view!

3) Summer Festivals – Korea's Representative Summer Events

Various festivals are held in summer, allowing you to fully enjoy Korean summer culture.

✅ Recommended Summer Festivals
• Boryeong Mud Festival – A festival where you can enjoy various events along with mud experiences
• Busan Sea Festival – Various performances and fireworks displays on the beach
• Inje Naerinchon Rafting Festival – A thrilling experience in Korea's best rafting spot

Local Tip:
• At the Boryeong Mud Festival, you can also experience mud massages, so don't miss it!

4) Jet Boat & Banana Boat – Thrilling Marine Activities

Jet boats and banana boats, which allow you to enjoy the thrill of cutting through the water at high speed, are among Korea's representative summer marine activities.

✅ Recommended Spots
• Haeundae Beach, Busan – A hotspot where you can enjoy various marine sports in one place
• Hamdeok Beach, Jeju – A place where you can enjoy banana boats along with beautiful scenery

Local Tip:
• You can get discounts if you make a reservation for the jet boat in advance!

5) Mountain Stream Water Play – Summer Vacation in Cool Nature

Enjoying cool water play in a mountain stream is a good choice on a hot summer day. Mountain streams deep in the forest are cooler than the city.

✅ Recommended Mountain Stream Spots
• Yongchu Valley, Gapyeong – A valley where clear water and lush forests harmonize
• Suha Valley, Gangwon Province – A famous summer resort known for its deep and clean water

Local Tip:
• Using campsites around the valley can make for a more special experience!

3. Recommended Summer Foods in Korea

✅ Recommended Summer Foods

1) Kongguksu – A Cool and Savory Summer Treat

Kongguksu is a representative summer dish with a harmonious blend of rich soybean soup and chewy noodles.

Local Tip:
• You can wash the noodles in ice water to make it even cooler!

2) Hwachae – Sweet and Refreshing Fruit Dessert

In summer, Hwachae, made with various fruits, is popular.

Local Tip:
• Adding cider to watermelon Hwachae makes it even more delicious!

3) Patbingsu – Korea's Representative Summer Dessert

Patbingsu is Korean-style shaved ice with finely shaved ice, sweet red beans, and various toppings.

Local Tip:
• Adding Injeolmi, green tea, and mango toppings makes it even more delicious!

4) Hoe Naengmyeon – Spicy and Refreshing Summer Treat

Hoe Naengmyeon, with its combination of sweet and sour sauce and chewy noodles, is a perfect food to stimulate your appetite in the summer.

Local Tip:
• Hoe Naengmyeon made with fresh seafood is famous in Sokcho and Gangneung!

5) Chogye Naengmyeon – Summer Treat Made with Chicken Broth

Chogye Naengmyeon, with its cold chicken broth and sweet and sour sauce, is a dish that cools the body in hot weather.

Local Tip:
• In the Gyeongsang Province, you can enjoy soft chicken dishes along with Chogye Naengmyeon!