Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju: 145,721 Visitors in 2024, 42% of 2019

Hyeopjae Beach lies on the west side of Jeju City, next to Hallim Park (한림공원). The Korea Tourism Organization describes a stretch of sand mixed with plenty of crushed shell, the island of Biyangdo (비양도) floating offshore, and a dense pine forest behind the beach. The water is shallow and the slope is gentle, so it suits families. The southwest end joins Geumneung Beach (금릉해수욕장), and locals often treat the two together as Hyeopjae.

It is quieter than before the pandemic

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries figures show the busiest year in 2015 to 2024 was 2016, with 0.96 million visitors. The count was 0.65 million in 2015 and 0.64 million in 2017, then fell to 0.41 million in 2018 and 0.35 million in 2019. It dropped to 0.13 million in 2020 and 0.11 million in 2021, and rose briefly to 0.23 million in 2022. In 2023 there were 0.14 million visitors, and in 2024 the figure was 145,721. That is 42% of the 2019 level, so the sand is far less crowded than it used to be.

Parking: five free car parks within 530 m

Korea's national parking registry lists five car parks within 530 metres of the beach. All five are recorded as free and open from 00:00 to 23:59. The closest is Hyeopjae-ri 2514, 180 metres away.

This is registry data and may differ from conditions on site. Most lots are small, so allow extra time on busy days.

Is the water clean?

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries tested the seawater at Hyeopjae 3 times in 2025, and all 3 results were rated suitable for swimming. The tourism organization says the beach has changing rooms, showers, a rest area, drinking fountains and toilets. One toilet is listed in the public data.

If you need a doctor

The nearest emergency rooms are Jungang Hospital (의료법인중앙의료재단중앙병원), a regional emergency centre 24.1 km away, and Jeju Halla Hospital (제주한라병원), a major regional emergency centre 25.2 km away. That is a long way, so in an emergency call 119 straight away. For accidents at sea, call the Coast Guard on 122. The closest coast guard station is Hallim Police Station (한림파출소), 3.5 km away.

Pharmacies are Saebyeol Pharmacy (새별약국) at 2.8 km, Hallim Bubu Pharmacy (한림부부약국) at 3.0 km and Eunsol Pharmacy (은솔약국) at 3.0 km. Only Eunsol is listed as open on Sundays.

Where to stay

There are 31 licensed lodgings within 3 km of the beach: 11 residences, 8 hotels, 6 condos and resorts, 4 other lodgings and 2 motels or inns. Pensions and farm-stay guesthouses are registered under a different system, so they are not in these numbers.

For camping, the nearest sites are Naholo Camp (나홀로캠프), an auto campsite 9.0 km away, Dain Caravan (다인카라반), an auto campsite 13.5 km away, and Dopang Camping (도프앙 캠핑), a general campsite 14.6 km away. None is beside the beach, so plan for the drive.

What else is nearby

According to the Korea Tourism Organization, Hallim Park, Hyeopjaegul Cave (협재굴), Myeongwoldae (명월대), Hwangryongsa Temple (황룡사) and Yeonggaksa Temple (영각사) are not far away, so you can combine a swim with a short tour. The view of Biyangdo from the shore, and the sunset over it, are also named as highlights.