On an island famous for its pretty beach resorts, Hyeopjae Beach stands out as one of Jeju’s finest. Fragments of crushed seashells blend with soft sand to create a brilliant white-hued, curving bay. Crystalline waters lap at the shore, inviting you to cool off from the summer sunshine. Spend a day or two here to enjoy coastal walks and a laidback ambiance.
This is a favorite destination for locals and tourists alike so you’ll want to arrive early during the summer months to find a good spot. Bamboo mats and umbrellas are available to rent. The azure-colored water contrasts beautifully with the area’s surrounding forests. Join the other beachgoers that swim, splash around in the waves and play on inflatable toys.
Gaze out toward Biyangdo Island, which appears to be only a short walk away at low tide. Tidal pools form in the lava rocks as the tide goes out. Have fun searching for crabs, mollusks and fish. Sunsets are impressive here when the sun drops behind the island, sparkles in the pools and turns the sky into an array of warm colors.
Everything from authentic Korean cuisine to burgers and pizzas is available at the beachfront bars and restaurants. Enjoy the views while sipping on a makgeolli, a milky and lightly gasified rice wine. Nearby there’s a colorful container yard home to casual dining options, shops and vacation rentals.
Stretch your legs by walking along the promenade that travels north from the beach. Carvings of the dolharubang (grandfather rock) decorate the promenade’s seawall. Walk to the south at low tide through shallow water, alongside dunes and over lava rocks to the quieter Geumreung Beach. Statues of the dolharubang and haenyeo (female divers from Jeju) line the waterfront road.
Reach Hyeopjae Beach by taking public buses from Jeju City and Seogwipo. There’s a car park and bike parking facilities at the northern end of the beach. Camping is possible at Geumreung Beach.