Naksan Beach: 3.94 million visitors in 2015, 0.37 million in 2024

Naksan is the best-known beach in Yangyang, on Korea's east coast in Gangwon Province. It opened in 1963, and according to the Korea Tourism Organization it draws more than a million visitors in a typical year. A wide sweep of sand about 4 km long runs in front of a pine forest, and the water is only about 1.5 m deep, which makes it easy for swimming. Naksan Port sits at one end of the beach, with Naksansa Temple on the hill behind it. At the other end, the Namdaecheon River comes down from Seoraksan and forms a lake at its mouth. Cafes, convenience stores and restaurants line the area behind the beach.

It is much quieter than it used to be

Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries figures show 3.94 million visitors in 2015, 3.73 million in 2016, 3.37 million in 2017, 2.80 million in 2018 and 2.64 million in 2019. The count then fell to 0.37 million in 2020 and was still 0.37 million in 2024. That is 14% of the 2019 level. Among the years in the data, 2015 to 2024, 2015 was the busiest. If the beach's reputation makes you expect crowds, the numbers say there is far more room on the sand than there used to be.

Parking: five free car parks within 510 m

Korea's national parking registry lists five car parks within 510 metres of the beach. All five are recorded as free, with opening hours entered as 00:00 to 23:59.

These are registered details and may differ on the day. In busy periods, follow the signs on site.

Is the water clean?

The Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries tested the seawater at Naksan 12 times in 2025, and all 12 results were rated suitable for swimming. Ten toilets are registered near the beach. In an emergency at sea, call the Korea Coast Guard on 122. The nearest coast guard station is Naksan Station, 0.5 km away.

If you need a doctor

The nearest emergency rooms are Onjae Hospital (a regional emergency medical institution, 10.6 km) and Sokcho Medical Center (a regional emergency medical centre, 12.1 km). Both are some distance from the beach, so in a serious case call 119 first. Two pharmacies, Uri Pharmacy and Naksan Pharmacy, are 0.8 km away and both are listed as open on Sundays. Sin Pharmacy is 4.1 km away and is closed on Sundays.

Where to stay

There are 109 licensed places to stay within 3 km of the beach. Residence-style lodgings are the largest group at 76, followed by 19 motels and inns, 8 other lodgings and 6 hotels. Pensions and farm-stay minbak are registered under a different system and are not included in these figures. If you prefer camping, Yangyang Hans Auto Camping is 2.2 km from the beach and Yangyang Camp is 3.1 km away.