Let’s be real: you’ve done Seoul. You’ve battled the crowds in Myeongdong, waited an hour for a photo in Ikseon-dong, and eaten enough street food to fuel a small army. But what if we told you about sunsets that don’t cost ₩15,000 (₹915.44)? Pack your flip-flops and a light heart—we’re going coastal.
Pohang: The Industrial Port Town That Became a Hipster Haven
Vibe: Brooklyn meets fishing dock
Signature Sound: Indie music playing in a steel container cafe
- Space Walk: That giant, red, rollercoaster-like sculpture you’ve seen on Instagram. Climb it for unreal 360° views.
- Jukdo Market: A seafood market where you can pick your own sashimi platter and eat it right there with spicy cho-gochujang.
That’s Pohang, the steel city. But look closer, the Homigot Sunrise Square isn’t just Korea’s easternmost point—minimalist guesthouses and surf shops now surround it. The real Korean dream isn’t in a high-rise with a view of the Han River, it’s in a fishing village, where the most exciting sound isn’t a subway announcement but the clink of soju glasses at a seaside pojangmacha.
Thanks to the healing vibes of the hit drama ‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’, Korea’s coastal towns are having a major moment. We’re talking fresh-off-the-boat seafood, guesthouses run by ex-Seoulites who traded PowerPoints for paddleboards, and
Don’t Miss
- Container Village (Yeongildae): Where steel containers have been upcycled into funky cafes, tattoo parlours, and galleries run by artists who fled the city grind.
- Local Secret: Grab a bottle of makgeolli and some fried squid from the market, and have a sunset picnic at Yeongildae Beach—you’ll thank us later.
Ulleungdo: The Mysterious Island That Feels Like Another Country
Vibe: Jurassic Park meets cosy mystery novel
Signature Scent: Fresh squid drying in the sea breeze
This volcanic island is a three-hour ferry ride from the mainland and feels worlds away. No traffic lights, no big hotels—just dramatic cliffs, crater lakes, and the friendliest ahjummas you’ll ever meet.
Don’t Miss
- Dokdo Observatory: Peer toward the controversial Dokdo islets while eating the island’s famous pumpkin ice cream.
- Haengnam Coastal Walk: A seaside path that connects tiny fishing villages. Stop at any dock for the freshest hoe (sashimi).
- Songgotbong Peak: Hike through cedar forests to a peak that literally pierces the sky.
Geoje: Korea’s Second-Largest Island That Plays by Its Own Rules
Vibe: Mediterranean holiday meets Korean practicality
Signature Activity: Building sandcastles near a shipyard
Geoje may be an industrial hub for shipbuilding, but its southern coast hides some of Korea’s most beautiful beaches and fishing villages.
Don’t Miss
- Haegeumgang Island: Nicknamed ‘the diamond of the South Sea,’ take a boat tour around its dramatic rock formations.
- Windy Hill: A European-style park with a historic villa and—you guessed it—windy views of the ocean.
- Gujora Beach: White sand, clear water, and beachfront raw fish restaurants where you pick your dinner from tanks.
- Local Experience: Head to the smaller village of Hakdong for the famous ‘dragon eye’ persimmons in autumn, and watch the sunset from its rustic pier.
Wando-gun: The Slow-Life Kingdom of the South Sea
Vibe: Healing drama comes to life
Signature Flavour: Everything citrus
Famous for its clean waters and tangerine farms, Wando is the epitome of slow living. It’s where fishermen still mend nets by hand, and time moves with the tides.
Don’t Miss
- Cheongsan Island: Connected by a bridge, this is where you’ll find the famous ‘Blue Road,’ a coastal walking path with stunning ocean views.
- Uisin Village: A traditional fishing village where you can stay in a minbak (homestay) and join morning fishing trips.
- Tangerine Picking: Depending on the season, you can visit farms to pick and taste Wando’s famous hallabong and other citrus varieties.
- Healing Tip: Wake up early to watch the fishing boats head out at dawn, then enjoy a breakfast of abalone porridge at a waterside restaurant.
How to Do Coastal Korea Right: The Unwritten Rule
1. Embrace the Bus System: Intercity buses are your best friend. They’re cheap, comfortable, and will get you anywhere.
2. Learn Three Key Phrases:
– “Jal meokgesseumnida” (I will eat well) – say this before meal.
– “Eolma eyo?” (How much is it?) – for market bargaining
– “Mashisseoyo!” (It’s delicious!) – will earn you extra side dishes
3. Pack for Everything: Coastal weather changes fast. Bring layers, sunscreen, and a rain jacket.
4. Cash is King: Many family-run places don’t take cards.
5. Talk to Locals: The best recommendations come from ajummas at markets and guesthouse owners.
The Real Korean Dream
While Seoul will always have its glittering appeal, there’s something magical about falling asleep to the sound of waves instead of traffic, waking up to seagulls instead of alarms, and spending your days exploring where the land meets the sea.
So, next time you plan a trip to Korea, skip the usual suspects. Your perfect Korean escape isn’t in a guidebook—it’s at the end of a country road, in a village where someone’s grandmother is probably frying up the best haemul pajeon you’ll ever taste.
Written by Trisha Deka
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