"2025 Summer Vacation Perfect Guide! Top 5 Must-Visit Beaches for the Perfect Shot"

Finally, summer is here! 🌊

Ah, I really feel like this summer is going to be even hotter... I'm already worried about where to go! Even when talking with friends, all we say is "Where should we go..." so I decided to do some research myself haha.

After checking the 2025 beach opening schedules, I found out that some places are already opening in June! But it's not easy to decide where to go, right? So I compiled a TOP 5 list based on places I've visited + the hottest spots right now!

🏆 1st Place: Haeundae Beach in Busan

Opening Period: 2025.6.21 ~ 9.14 (The longest opening period in the country!)

Features: As expected, Haeundae is Haeundae. The downside is the crowd, but the facilities and convenience are top-notch.

I went with friends last month and it was amazing! You can play all day on the 1.5km wide sandy beach, and there are so many restaurants and cafes nearby that there's no time to get bored. Especially, I heard they're hosting the '2025 Haeundae Festa' this year!

📍 Location

264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

🚗 Transportation

15-minute walk from Exit 5 of Haeundae Station on Subway Line 2

💰 Cost

Free admission, parasol rental 20,000 KRW/day

⏰ Hours

9 AM ~ 6 PM (Lifeguard working hours)

2nd Place: Hyeopjae Beach in Jeju

Opening Period: 2025.6.24 ~ 8.31 (Night opening: 7.15~8.15, until 9 PM!)

Features: I thought I was going abroad... I didn't know the emerald sea could be this beautiful!

Hyeopjae is truly legendary. It looked pretty in photos, but seeing it in person left me speechless. The water is shallow, so it's safe for kids and non-swimmers. But the best part was the sunset. Watching the sunset with a cup of coffee at a cafe was pure healing...

📍 Location

329-10, Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province

🚗 Transportation

About 30 minutes by car from Jeju Airport, Bus 202 available

💰 Cost

Free admission, free parking

3rd Place: Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung

Opening Period: 2025.6.28 ~ 8.20 (Night opening: 7.26~8.9)

Features: The largest on the East Coast! There are so many types of water leisure activities.

There are so many things to do at Gyeongpo. There are various water leisure activities like banana boats and speedboats, and Gyeongpodae is nearby, so there's a lot to see. Especially because of Gangneung's coffee culture, there are many cafes around, so it's really nice to have coffee while looking at the sea!

📍 Location

San 1-1, Gangmun-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

🚗 Transportation

About 20 minutes by Bus 202 from Gangneung Station

🎯 Activities

Banana boat for 2 people 50,000 KRW, speedboat 50,000 KRW~100,000 KRW

4th Place: Naksan Beach in Yangyang

Opening Period: 2025.7.11 ~ 8.31

Features: The mecca of surfing! It's also famous as a BTS filming location.

Yangyang is highly recommended for those who want to learn surfing! The waves are just right, and there are many surf shops, so it's good for renting equipment or taking lessons. And the BTS bus stop photo zone at Hyangho Beach is a must-visit course haha.

📍 Location

100, Naksansa-ro, Ganghyeon-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

🚗 Transportation

15 minutes by car from Yangyang IC, bus available from Dong Seoul Terminal

🏄‍♀️ Surfing Lessons

Beginner package 30,000~50,000 KRW (equipment included)

5th Place: Songjeong Beach in Busan

Opening Period: 2025.6.21 ~ 8.31

Features: A quieter place than Haeundae, but great for surfing!

Songjeong is really a great alternative when Haeundae is too crowded. There are fewer people than Haeundae, and there are many surfers, so it's fun to watch. Especially, I highly recommend taking the beach train from Haeundae to Songjeong!

📍 Location

Songjeong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan

🚗 Transportation

10-minute walk from Songjeong Station on the Donghae Line, beach train from Haeundae

🏄‍♂️ Surfing

Surfboard rental 20,000 KRW/day, lessons 50,000 KRW~

Have you decided where to go?

Personally, I recommend Jeju Hyeopjae the most this summer! There's night opening, the sunset is beautiful... it's really great for taking amazing photos.

But if you want to learn surfing, I recommend Yangyang or Songjeong, and if you want various activities, I recommend Haeundae or Gyeongpo. Each place has its own charm, so honestly, I want to visit them all haha.

This summer, make sure to relax at the beach and let's have a great second half of the year! Enjoy your time in the water safely and take lots of amazing photos~ 🏖️