10 Best Beaches in Incheon

Hanagae Beach on Muuido Island, which provides greatly increased accessibility since the completion of a bridge in 2019, attracts many tourists with its coastal trail lined with rocks in unusual shapes, fine sand, and tidal flats that are always open, unlike other tidelands on the west coast. As if welcoming vacationers from afar, shops are lined up on either side of the beach, packed with a variety food and souvenirs that add to the holiday mood. The media centre located deeper inside the beach displays images of Korean TV drama scenes that you might have liked, bringing back the memories about those days. Crossing the beach on a zipline, which makes you dizzy just by looking at it, you may feel as if you are actually flying in the sky.

Walking along the coastal trail, you can discover the charms unique to this beach that is differentiated from other west coastal beaches in the capital area. Stroll along this trail in the cool breeze for about an hour until you reach the starting point of Horyonggoksan Trail, and appreciate the scenic views created by the surrounding rocks that have unique shapes. At the end of the walk, you may be impressed by the scale of the trail that covers a much larger area than you thought. You can also dip your feet in the clear sea water under the trail decks and catch scallops and small crabs with your children. It will make an unforgettable memory for your family.

Kongdol Beach on Baengnyeongdo Island, where round pebbles cover the 800-metre-long beach with a width of 30 metres, is a precious natural attraction designated as Natural Monument No. 392 of Korea. Pieces of stone that fell from huge rocks on the shore were washed up on the shore and eroded by the waves over a long period of time, to turn into these small, round pebbles. Baengnyeongdo Island, which preserves this natural wonder, is also a mystical island that is open to anyone but remains as a most rarely visited location in Korea.

When you step on the island through the old waterway, the gem-like pristine nature of this island wakes up your five senses. Listening to the sound of the fresh pebbles rolling in the waves, you will understand why there are so many people who try to find peace of mind with ASMR content. On a clear night, you can see the Milky Way that is hard to observe in Korea from the beach, and this rare experience will overwhelm you with indescribable feelings of bliss. Since the pebbles on the beach are natural monuments, you will be fined if you take them outside of the island. Please help preserve the beauty of this island.

Simnipo Beach on Yeongheungdo Island, which can be easily accessed by residents of the capital area, is a simple beach with a sandy field and a coastal trail. During the day, you can catch conches and clams on the tidal flat, and at night, you can enjoy the sparkling skyline of Incheon from the beach. Simnipo is the nation's only seaside area featuring many strangely shaped trees, and you can observe these unusual trees while walking along the coastal trail.

The beach is crowded with sea bathers in summer, and it is also gaining popularity as an all-year-round camping destination with campers. As it offers a broader choice of accommodations compared to other beaches, it is an ideal destination for group gatherings. Of course, the beach is also a nice place to spend some quality time with your family or lover. Make happy memories with your loved ones at this wide-open beach.

Handeul Beach, which has shallow water and fine sand, remains as a secluded getaway visited by only a few tourists, relatively less well known than other beaches on the west coast. Although you must pay an entrance fee to use this private beach, in return, you can have some serene time for yourself. To get to this beach, travel 30 minutes by car ferry from Sammok Quay on Yeongjongdo Island to Jangbongdo Island, and then drive a little more.

If you pitch your tent under the shade of lush pine trees, you're almost ready to enjoy camping at the beach. After sea bathing and tidal flat experiences during the day, you can have a barbecue party at the camping site in the evening, and show off your cooking. The sound of crackling firewood and the buzz of conversation and laughter will always come to your mind when you recall your trip to this beach. As the beach is located in a secluded area with few shops, don't forget to bring enough food and water.

Geojampo Beach can be easily reached by subway or maglev train without having to cross the Yeongjongdaegyo or Incheondaegyo Bridges by car. It is one of the representative places in Seoul where you can experience the beautiful West Sea. As a beach loved by people in the capital area, it has many restaurants nearby to satisfy foodies' needs.

Holly’s Coffee is a three-storey building located right in front of the beach. Its terrace with parasols makes it a popular photo spot. Taking a picture against the background of the sunset glow makes a perfect ending for your trip. Geojampo is also photographers' favourite beach as it presents beautiful sunset and sunrise views. Don't forget to check the shooting mode of your camera or smartphone before your departure. Opportunities to take the best photos don't always wait for you.

Silmido Beach, leading to Silmido Island, is popular not only as a sea bathing spot, but also as a forest bathing and camping destination thanks to its flattened floor and a dense pine forest nearby. Located on the west coast that has many tidal flats, Silmido Beach is a place where you can enjoy sea bathing at high tide and experience mud flats at low tide. The beach charges an entrance fee, but the amount is rather reasonable considering that you can enjoy car camping at the beach as well.

When the sea water drains twice a day, a wide road appears on the surface of the sea. You can catch clams walking along this road and reach Silmido Island seen across the beach. At night, you can even catch large conches. Silmido Island has witnessed the tragic contemporary history of Korea, but the traces of the past are hard to find on the island today; however, as the sea water is clearer on the shore of the island, you can appreciate a more beautiful seascape here. It is important to check tidal times when visiting the West Sea. Otherwise, you may be trapped in a rising tide, as the road you took becomes submerged again.

Eurwangni Beach, which is the closest and most famous beach in the capital area, is a perfect spot to enjoy your youth, bathe in the sea, enjoy marine activities, and savour delicacies in the nearby restaurants. In summer, the beach is crowded with vacationers from Seoul and nearby regions, while it also constantly attracts people who want to spend a serene time by the wide open sea throughout the year. Unlike other beaches on the West Coast that are relatively secluded, Eurwangni has an advanced infrastructure, allowing tourists to find dining places, accommodations, attractions, and activities in one place.

Many tourists are attracted to a variety of marine activities such as banana boating, bandwagon riding, speed boating, and jet skiing that can be enjoyed at this beach. Eurwangni Beach, which can be easily reached by public transportation from the Incheon International Airport, is a very popular destination for foreigners that it is included in the top 100 tourist destinations in Korea selected by the Korea Tourism Organization. Feel the energy of the sea with your whole body and recharge your vitality in this beach less than an hour away from Seoul.