Located along Korea’s scenic east coast, Yangyang is a rising hotspot for summer activities, known for its laid-back atmosphere, stunning beaches, and vibrant surfing scene. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or a longer getaway, Yangyang is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy the best of Korea in summer.
With easy access from Seoul, here are the top things to do, see, and eat in Yangyang this season!
How To Get To Yangyang
The easiest way to get to Yangyang is the intercity bus from Seoul. It’s a direct journey and takes about 2 hours with a rest stop in between.
Tickets can be bought at the Seoul Express Bus Terminal or online, with prices starting from S$15.
The alternative is the KTX, but there is no direct route. You would need to travel to Gangneung before transferring to a bus, so we recommend just taking the bus instead.
The easiest way to navigate Yangyang is by car or taxi, as there is little public transport. You can rent one or use KakaoTaxi.
Where To Stay In Yangyang
Given the distance from Seoul, it’s best to enjoy Yangyang for at least 2 days! Here are two beachside accommodation options to spend the night.
Chill Drive In
Chill Drive In presents a unique American drive-in theme, with retro decor and bright colours. True to the name, it’s located off the side of a highway and about a 10-minute drive from Surfyy Beach.
The rooms are reminiscent of a beach house, boasting a light, all-white and wood aesthetic. There are also amenities including a mini fridge, hairdryer and more.
The space also houses a burger restaurant, vintage clothing store and rooftop cafe, which makes for perfect pictures!
Check out our full review here and book a stay at Chill Drive In here.
Chill Drive In (7드라이브인)
강원 양양군 손양면 동해대로 1750 104호
1750, Donghae-daero, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, Korea
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Usmeer
If you’re looking for one even closer to the ocean, usmeer is the perfect choice.
Located right by the water and only 5-minute walk away from the popular Ingu Beach, this private accommodation is a quiet getaway.
The highlight of this stay is the direct oceanside view! The living room has full glass windows for you to admire the waves, perfect with a cup of coffee in hand.
It’s also equipped with a quaint front yard, rooftop seating area and an indoor bathtub, designed to help you relax and unwind.
Check out our full review here and book a stay at usmeer here.
Usmeer (어스미어)
강원 양양군 현남면 광진1길 25 어스미어
25, Gwangjin 1-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Things To Do In Yangyang
Visit The Beaches In Yangyang
Yangyang is popular as a surf town, with enthusiasts flocking down to ride the waves. Even if you’re just there to enjoy the water, here are three beaches in Yangyang to visit!
Surfyy Beach
The most well-known destination is Surfyy Beach. It’s designed for surfing, so visitors are not allowed to swim in the surf-dedicated sections.
You can sign up for surfing classes and water sports experiences too! Brands like Hedex and O’Neill have their own areas, but they charge separate entry fees.
However, it’s free to walk and explore the rest of the beach. There are beach bars and restaurants available (more on that later)!
Surfyy Beach (서피비치, 서핑(양양))
119 Hajodaehaean-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 119
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Hajodae Beach
Hajodae Beach is connected to Surfyy Beach, only 5-minutes walk down the same sand bed. Unlike the other beaches, Hajodae Beach has warmer waters and unique natural rock formations. Campers can pay to pitch a tent on the sand or the nearby pine forest.
Amenities like shower booths, water fountains and restrooms make this a suitable camping spot as well; alongside plenty of restaurants and cafes!
Hajodae Beach (하조대해수욕장)
35 Hajodaehaean-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 양양군 현북면 하조대해안길 35
Open 24 hours
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Ingu Beach
Ingu Beach is another scenic spot by Jukdo Island. Its shallow waters and white beach make it a good candidate for campers and novice surfers, alongside other scenic spots like Jukdojeong Observatory and Ingu Port.
There is also another beach – Jukdo Beach – on the opposite side for an equally good alternative!
Ingu Beach (인구 해수욕장)
12, Inguhang-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
강원특별자치도 양양군 현남면 인구항길 12
Open daily 24hrs, July-Aug (9am-6pm)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Eat Dinner By The Beach
Once you’ve had your fun at the Yangyang beaches, you can eat your fill at nearby restaurants! Here are two restaurants to shortlist for your post-beach meal.
Singlefin Aleworks
Housed in a two-storey motor garage-inspired space, Singefin Aleworks brings loaded Chicago-style pizzas and on-tap beers.
It’s located along Hajodae Beach and presents a good view of the coastline while you munch.
Items to try include the Peperoni Chicago Pizza (28,500 won) stuffed with cheese and pepperoni slices, and the Deep Fried Sweet Corn (9,500 won). These morsels were sweet, crunchy and incredibly addictive!
Wash everything down with one of their 9 on-tap ales, like the Sunshine Golden Ale (from 6,500 won for 300 ml) or Real Strawberry Ale (from 7,000 won for 300ml).
Singlefin Aleworks (싱글핀 에일웍스)
강원 양양군 현북면 하조대2길 48-42
48-42, Hajodae 2-gil, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Open daily, 11am-3pm, 5pm-10pm
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Try Korean Sashimi A.K.A Hwae
It’s a must to eat seafood by the sea, and we recommend trying hwae (회) or Korean sashimi!
We tried a set menu at 삼팔횟집 (Sampil Hwaejib), which started with over 15 bites of seafood ranging from shrimp to oysters and even uni.
The main dish was the hwae platter, which featured three types of fish. It usually features flounder and rockfish! The fish had a chewy texture and a refreshing taste; it was best enjoyed dipped in ssamjang and with perilla leaf.
This preparation differs from its Japanese counterpart, offering a distinctive way to savour Korean fish!
Sampil Hwaejib (삼팔횟집)
강원 양양군 현북면 기사문길 56
56, Gisamun-gil, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Open daily, 9am-9pm (Break 3pm-5pm)
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Visit Seaside Cafes
There are plenty of seaside cafes in Yangyang with ocean views for coffee, desserts or idle chit chat.
favorite
Located right in front of Ingu beach, favorite (페이보릿) offers gelato and croffles. The flavours range from Hazelnut Pisatchio, Sweet Corn and Salt Butter at 6,000 won for a scoop.
Their Gelato Croffle (8,500 won) is topped with Ricotta Cheese gelato and a shaving of brown cheese. Sounds unique but worked really well!
favorite (페이보릿)
강원 양양군 현남면 인구길 38 1층
1st floor, 38 Inum-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Mon-Wed: 11am-7pm, Thur-Fri: 11am-8pm, Sat & Sun: 11am-9pm
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Koh Garage
Koh Garage is a spacious, automobile garage-turned-café about 25 minutes from Hajodae beach.
With high ceilings, mid-century modern furniture and a merchandise corner, Koh Garage is the perfect pit stop on your summer journey.
It also houses a hotel, with a rooftop pool and cozy rooms! Check out their website for more details.
They have a small coffee and bakes menu, alongside a pizza menu.
Koh Garage (코게러지)
강원 양양군 현북면 동해대로 1269-7
1269-7 Donghae-daero, Hyeonbuk-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
Open daily, 11am-8pm
Naver Maps | Kakao Maps
Things To Do In Korea During July & August
Yangyang offers the perfect mix for anyone spending summer in Korea. With many ways to explore and relax, it’s no wonder it’s a favourite getaway spot. Keep this guide handy for the ultimate Yangyang summer trip!
Check out more things to do for Korea summer:
- Ultimate Korea Summer Guide: Fun Things To Do In Korea For Summer
- 11 Korean Summer Foods To Help Beat The Heat: Naengmyeon, Bingsu and More
- I Think I Found The Best Kongguksu in Korea, And It’s Located in Jeju Island
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