Korean Movie Beach Locations: 4 Real Coastlines to Visit

Standing on the sea wall at Jumunjin with a cold coastal wind biting at your face, you immediately understand why Korean filmmakers travel hours away from Seoul just to frame a single ocean shot. The Korean Peninsula is surrounded by three distinct seas—the shallow mudflats of the West Coast, the southern island-studded archipelago, and the deep blue expanse of the East Sea. Each coast carries its own distinct mood on screen.

Whether it is the melancholy mist of Park Chan-wook’s Decision to Leave or the whimsical romanticism of Goblin, coastal scenes anchor some of the most memorable moments in Korean cinema and television. For international fans planning a trip, visiting these shorelines offers a double reward: you step right into scenes you have rewatched dozens of times, and you discover coastal towns that most standard Seoul-centric itineraries completely miss.

Jumunjin Breakwater in Gangneung

This is where Kim Shin unexpectedly appears in front of Ji Eun-tak after she makes her birthday wish holding a red scarf and a bouquet of buckwheat flowers in Goblin (Guardian: The Lonely and Great God). The sight of the crashing waves breaking against the dark stone pier created one of the most recognizable visuals in modern Korean drama history.

In real life, Jumunjin Breakwater (주문진 방파제) is a series of concrete barriers built to protect the coastline from strong East Sea surges near Jumunjin Port in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. The city has embraced its cinematic fame over the years, setting up subtle photo signs nearby. During peak weekends, you will often find fans lining up patiently to recreate the signature pose. The surrounding area remains an active fishing harbor where local boats bring in fresh squid and red snow crab early every morning.

How to get there

Take the KTX-Eum high-speed train from Seoul Station or Cheongnyangni Station directly to Gangneung Station (about 2 hours). From Gangneung Station, walk to the nearby bus stop and catch City Bus No. 300 or 302 heading north toward Jumunjin. Get off at the “Jumunjin Beach” or “Jumunjin Port” stop after approximately 40 minutes. Walk along the coastal street toward the shoreline to spot the concrete breakwaters jutting out into the ocean.

Sambong Beach in Taean

This wide West Coast shore serves as the dramatic setting for the unforgettable tide-facing climax in director Park Chan-wook’s acclaimed thriller film Decision to Leave. The vast, low-tide sands and misty horizon create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that mirrors the emotional depths of the story’s main characters.

Sambong Beach (삼봉해수욕장) is located on Anmyeondo Island within Taean National Maritime Park, south of Seoul along Korea’s West Coast. Unlike the deep water beaches of the east, Sambong features massive sandbanks, pine forests directly backing the shore, and dramatic tidal fluctuations. At low tide, the ocean retreats hundreds of meters, exposing expansive damp sand bars lined with natural sea caves and scattered pine trees along the cliffs.

How to get there

From Seoul Central City Bus Terminal (at Express Bus Terminal Station), take an intercity bus to Anmyeon-eup Bus Terminal (roughly 2.5 to 3 hours). From Anmyeon Terminal, take a local yellow feeder bus heading toward Sambong Beach or take a short 10-minute taxi ride directly to the Sambong Beach entrance. Always check local West Coast tide schedules online before heading down to the damp sand flat areas.

Wolpo Beach & Sabang Park Coast in Pohang

In the beloved drama Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha and coastal film productions like Our Season, this rugged Southeast coastline represents the fictional seaside town of Gongjin where characters run along the waves and build lives away from Seoul’s rush.

Located in Pohang along the North Gyeongsang coast, Wolpo Beach (월포해수욕장) offers soft sand, gentle rolling waves, and clear turquoise waters popular among local surfers. Just a few minutes north lies Sabang Memorial Park (사방기념공원), a hilltop coastal reserve overlooking the sea where the show’s iconic hilltop boat prop was placed. The combination of elevated cliff viewpoints and wide sandy shores gives this region a relaxed, rural charm completely different from urban Busan.

How to get there

Take the KTX from Seoul Station to Pohang Station (approx. 2 hours 30 minutes). From Pohang Station, you can hop directly onto the local Donghae Line commuter train to Wolpo Station (1 stop, under 10 minutes). From Wolpo Station, the beach is a simple 5-minute walk. To reach Sabang Memorial Park nearby, take local Bus No. 500 or a 10-minute taxi ride north along Route 20.

Hanagae Beach on Muui Island in Incheon

Hanagae Beach hosted iconic beachside sets for classic hallyu productions like Stairway to Heaven and cinematic romances like The Classic, where protagonists walked along the wide tidal flats during dramatic sunsets.

Hanagae Beach (하나개해수욕장) translates to “One Big Tidal Flat Beach,” situated on Muui Island (Muuido) right off the coast of Incheon International Airport. It features a stunning sea-sight boardwalk built directly over the ocean waters, allowing visitors to walk right alongside coastal cliffs during high tide. At low tide, the beach transforms into a vast mudflat stretch where locals dig for clam species and sea life.

How to get there

Take the AREX Airport Railroad train to Incheon International Airport Terminal 1. Head to Bus Stop 2F or 13B on the 1st floor and take Bus No. 222 or 111 to the Muui Bridge entrance (or cross via local feeder Bus Muui 1). The bus drops off right near the Hanagae Beach entrance in under 45 minutes from the airport terminals.

Make a Day of It

Visiting these coastal locations gives you the perfect excuse to dive into regional Korean food culture and nearby scenic attractions. Here is how to plan your day around each spot:

Beach Location	Must-Try Local Food	Nearby Sightseeing
Gangneung (Jumunjin)	Sundubu Gelato & Fresh Squid	Anmok Coffee Street & BTS Bus Stop
Taean (Sambong)	Kkotgetang (Crab Soup) & Grilled Clams	Anmyeondo Natural Recreation Forest
Pohang (Wolpo)	Pohang Mulhoe (Cold Raw Fish)	Space Walk at Hwanho Park
Incheon (Hanagae)	Seafood Kalguksu (Noodle Soup)	Muuido Marine Boardwalk

In Gangneung, walk down to Anmok Beach after your photo session at Jumunjin to explore famous seaside roasteries. Try soft tofu gelato made in Chodang Tofu Village nearby. If you head to Pohang, make sure to visit Jukdo Market for fresh cold raw fish soup (mulhoe), then walk the thrilling Pohang Space Walk structure for elevated coast views. In Taean, taste local Blue Crab soup (Kkotgetang) after hiking through ancient pine trails.

Photo Tips for Coastal Filming Spots

To capture photos that look like cinematic movie stills, timing and composition are everything along Korea’s coasts:

• Match the Tides: West Coast spots like Sambong and Hanagae look drastically different depending on the water level. Check Korean tide tables online before visiting. High tide brings ocean waves right up to the boardwalks, while low tide opens expansive mudflat reflection shots.
• The Jumunjin Angle: Stand back on the sandy shoreline and shoot toward the breakwater at a slightly low angle. Position the subject on the edge of the pier, leaving two-thirds of the frame filled with blue sky and breaking waves. Early mornings (before 10:00 AM) are best to avoid long queues.
• Golden Hour Lighting: The East Sea (Gangneung & Pohang) offers gorgeous morning light, while the West Sea (Taean & Incheon) produces iconic golden sunsets over the water. Plan West Coast trips around late afternoon for dramatic horizon silhouettes.
• Cinematic Props: A simple red scarf or a neutral trench coat helps anchor color tones in cold ocean environments, echoing classic Korean cinema aesthetics without needing elaborate costumes.

FAQ

Are these Korean movie beach locations open year-round to the public?

Yes, all beaches listed are public natural areas accessible 24 hours a day throughout the year. However, local tourist booths, nearby set recreations, and convenience facilities usually operate between 9:00 AM and 6:00 PM. Swimming is typically permitted only during designated summer months from July through August.

Do I need to pay an admission fee to visit these filming spots?

No, there are no admission fees to walk on the beaches or visit concrete breakwaters like Jumunjin. Some locations on island reserves (like Muuido or Hanagae) may charge a small municipal facility fee or parking fee ranging from 1,000 to 3,000 KRW, but public foot access to the shore is free.

Can I visit these beaches as a day trip from Seoul?

Gangneung (via KTX in 2 hours) and Incheon Hanagae Beach (via Airport line in 1.5 hours) are very manageable day trips from Seoul. Pohang is reachable via high-speed KTX, though an overnight stay lets you enjoy the evening atmosphere comfortably. Taean is best reached early by express bus or private rental car.

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