10 Best Things to Do in Yangyang

Hajodae Beach is a 1.5-km stretch of sand that’s a popular spot for surfing, beach picnics and camping. The beach is open for swimming during the summer months of July and August. It hosts several festivals and events year-round. Beachgoers could also check out the nearby Hajodae Pavilion and skywalk observatory to take in some panoramic sea views.

At the north end of Hajodae Beach lies the private Surfyy Beach, open only for surfing and paddle-boarding with board rentals and lessons available. From May through October, Surfyy Beach becomes something of an after-beach party hub, with surfers and non-surfers gathering at beach bars and restaurants in the evening.

The Hyuhyuam Hermitage is a shrine set in a scenic seafront location in Yangyang. Also known as Huhuam Temple, it has halls of intricately carved statues and murals dedicated to such sacred deities as Gwanseeum-bosal (The Bodhisattva of Compassion) and Yongwang (The Dragon King). 

The hermitage is set near a large rock near the sea named Yeonhwadae, which resembles a lotus flower in bloom. Other interesting rock formations nearby include one that looks like a turtle and some that resemble toes and feet. Just beyond the halls of the hermitage is the temple’s jong-ru (bell pavilion), a brightly painted space with a large golden bell where you can also enjoy superb sea views.

The Micheongol Natural Recreation Forest is a protected area in Yangyang at the foot of Guryongnyeong Pass. Featuring thick forests, waterfalls and mountain springs, it's great for hikes or mountain bike rides along scenic trails. You can even stay overnight in the campground or simple park accommodation.

The park is also home to the 3-storey stone pagoda known as Seollimwon Temple, an ancient Zen Buddhist temple complex from the Silla period (57 BC–AD 935). Admission fees apply for the Micheongol Recreational Forest most months, except December through March, when entry is free.

The Osan-ri Prehistoric Museum offers a vivid peek into Yangyang's Neolithic era. It displays a series of dioramas and artefacts over 2 floors. Dioramas in the first exhibition hall show how people in dugout huts, as well as their cooking, hunting, and fishing techniques. Some 320 relics found in the area, including earthenware and tools, are exhibited in the second hall.

Next to the museum building is a 470-metre trail that extends over a reed habitat. You can enjoy a short and photogenic nature walk through lush greenery.

The Seoraksan National Park is a protected area of mountains and pine forests in South Korea. Covering nearly 400 sq km, it’s divided into different zones, including the Oeseorak (outer) area in Yangyang. The park’s Seoraksan Mountain has more than 30 peaks, including the main peak Daecheongbong. It's also home to some 2,000 animal species such as Korean musk deer and Siberian flying squirrels, as well as 1,400 varieties of plants.

Hike the trails of Seoraksan National Park to find scenic lookout points and natural landmarks like Biryongpokpo Falls, Ulsan Peak, and Geumganggul Cave. You can ride a cable car near Seoraksan Small Park as an easier way to reach the summit.

Naksan Beach is a 4-km stretch of sand between Sokcho and Yangyang Beach. It has quite shallow waters, making it a great swimming spot for families. While most beachgoers head there in the summer, it’s actually a popular place to visit year-round. Several events take place on the beach, even in winter.  

You can wander the streets of the lowkey Naksan Village or sample fresh seafood at one of the restaurants lining the shore. If you're staying in this area, make sure to hit the coast at dawn for a spectacular sunrise over the sea.

Naksansa Temple is a 1,300-year-old Buddhist temple in Yangyang. It sits majestically atop Obongsan Mountain, overlooking the East Sea and Naksan Beach. This sacred site is one of 3 important temples in South Korea dedicated to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, representing compassion and mercy.

The most striking sight at the temple is the 16-metre-tall statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva – it’s believed to bring good luck to those who rub the back of a stone frog below the statue. The temple’s elaborate Uisangdae pavilion at the edge of a steep cliff offers a fantastic vantage point for panoramic views any time of the day. 

Jukdo Beach offers a scenic setting for surfers, with its pine forest surrounds and 2 km of white sand. It’s an easy escape for city dwellers in Seoul, who can ride a local bus to the beach within just a few hours. Jukdo Beach is a lively place, especially in summer, when visitors arrive to take surf lessons or ride the waves. You can also explore the area’s many cafes, pubs, and markets.

Near Jukdo Beach, Ingu Beach is an exposed stretch that also offers good surfing and a fun beachy vibe. Seaside restaurants, shops, and bars line the sandy expanse. Both beaches are separated by a small hill, but connecting roads make it easy to get around by foot. 

The Osaek Carbonated Hot Spring is a therapeutic spa that helps you restore your body and mind with a soak in steaming-hot mineral waters. Its carbonated hot spring and alkaline hot spring feature the natural waters of the Osaek hot spring at 2 different temperatures. You can also find several saunas, a cafe, and a meditation room.

The Osaek Carbonated Hot Spring is part of the Osaek Green Yard Hotel – those not staying in the hotel can pay an entry fee for access to the hot spring spa. It’s about 20 km west of Yangyang on the way to Seoraksan Mountain, making it a great place to stop after a day of hiking in the hills.

Namaehang Port is one of Yangyang's trading centres for fish and seafood products. Surrounded by a lush mountain landscape, the wharf is a scenic place to explore. Colourful fishing boats bob in the harbour, while the Namaehang Skywalk Observatory has an elevated glass walkway offering breathtaking views of the sea.

There’s also a chance to join a fishing village experience at Namaehang Port. You can join a fishing trip or stay inland and try rock crab fishing. When you’re feeling peckish, the pier has many restaurants serving the freshest catch of the day.