A view of the beautiful blue water (yes it really looks like that!)
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Jeongdongjin Beach

4.2
·4k reviews·Gangneung, South Korea

Famous for its New Year's sunrise and a unique ship-shaped hotel, Jeongdongjin Beach offers a serene coastal escape.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Early morning

For the iconic sunrise

CrowdHigh
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A view of the beautiful blue water (yes it really looks like that!)

Jeongdongjin Beach

Best Time

Early morning

For the iconic sunrise

CrowdHigh
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Famous for its New Year's sunrise and a unique ship-shaped hotel, Jeongdongjin Beach offers a serene coastal escape.

4.2
(4k reviews)

"A really nice spot, peaceful and clean, perfect for a relaxing walk with interesting art displays."

Vertical photo
TIP

🌅 Book Sunrise Viewing Early

For New Year's, book accommodations and transport well in advance.

🚆 Train Schedules are Key

Double-check train times, especially for return trips to Seoul, to avoid long waits.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunrise Spectacle

Sunrise Spectacle

Jeongdongjin Beach

Witness the iconic first sunrise of the year, a truly magical experience that draws millions.

Ship-Shaped Hotel

Ship-Shaped Hotel

Overlooking the beach

Marvel at the unique cruise ship hotel perched above the sand, a distinctive landmark.

Seaside Art Displays

Seaside Art Displays

Along the beach

Discover interesting art installations scattered around the beach, adding a creative touch.

Coastal Train Ride

Coastal Train Ride

Nearby train station

Experience the scenic beauty by taking a train ride along the coast, offering stunning ocean views.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

Jeongdongjin Beach is famous for its sunrise, especially on New Year's Day. If you're not there for a special event, consider visiting during the shoulder seasons for fewer crowds and pleasant weather. Weekdays are generally less busy than weekends.

Getting There: Train vs. Bus

While public transport is available, it can involve long waits between Gangneung Station and Jeongdongjin. If planning a day trip from Seoul, meticulously check train schedules to avoid late-night or missed returns. Renting a car or using taxis might offer more flexibility.

Best Times

When
Early morning
Why
For the iconic sunrise
Crowd
High
When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Crowd
Low
When
Spring/Autumn
Why
Pleasant weather, fewer tourists
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#Vacation #jeongdongjinbeach 🫢😎🌞🇰🇷
rabi_na19
56 likes • 759 views

🌅 Book Sunrise Viewing Early

For New Year's, book accommodations and transport well in advance. Reddit

🚆 Train Schedules are Key

Double-check train times, especially for return trips to Seoul, to avoid long waits. Reddit

A trip down memory lane through the photo album is also beautiful🎞️♥️ 📍Jeongdongjin Beach, Korea #korea #gangwondo #jeongdongjin #girlswhotravel #travelphotography #travelgram #travelblogger #traveling #vacation #touroftheworld #oceanphotography #oceanview #oceanlover
kelly_diary_
0 likes • 456 views
Otro vlog para que nos acompañen en nuestro viaje 🇰🇷🙋🏼‍♀️🫂 Al final lo hago hablar a @charly_benedetti que le encanta la cámara jaja 🤭 #gangneung #travel #coreadelsur #jeongdongjinbeach
catinasif
55 likes • 890 views

📸 Ship Hotel Photo Op

The ship hotel is a unique backdrop for photos, especially from the beach. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Relaxing Beach Stroll

Perfect for unwinding with a peaceful walk and enjoying the ocean sounds. Reddit

Small beach trapped between railway and sea. The seaside architecture is nothing special. The beach is overseen by a cruise ship hotel (unique architecture). Okay to see, would not recommend to spend all day here (few hours are enough). ⛱️Jeongdongjin Bathing Resort 정동진 해변 📍Jeongdongjin-ri Gangdong-myeon Gangneung-si Gangwon-do
brilliantikafusi
9 likes • 327 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🌅 Book Sunrise Viewing Early

For New Year's, book accommodations and transport well in advance. Reddit

🚆 Train Schedules are Key

Double-check train times, especially for return trips to Seoul, to avoid long waits. Reddit

📸 Ship Hotel Photo Op

The ship hotel is a unique backdrop for photos, especially from the beach. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Relaxing Beach Stroll

Perfect for unwinding with a peaceful walk and enjoying the ocean sounds. Reddit

🚗 Consider Car Rental

Offers more flexibility than public transport for exploring the area. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(4k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Jeongdongjin Beach for its peaceful atmosphere, clean sands, and the unique sight of the ship-shaped hotel. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the ocean's beauty. However, some find public transportation inconvenient and note that beyond the scenery, there's limited activity.

"Jeongdongjin Beach is a really nice spot peaceful and clean, perfect for a relaxing walk. There are some interesting art displays around the beach, which add a cool touch. You can also see the famous hotel that looks like a ship, which is super mesmerizing and definitely stands out in the landscape."

Laloena Aacher

"After all the hours of walking and seeing at other sightseeing spots in Korea, naturally, this beach was a breather. For relaxing and unwinding, plus, water playing and taking pictures. Quite a nice place. Otherwise, there's nothing much to do. Maybe, you want to idle your time away by sitting by the beach"

Nava Krishnan

"The landscape is great but not such convenient for public transportation. This place can arrives by public transportation but you might have a long wait between Gangneung station and Jeongdongjin station. If you live in other cities like seoul and planning for one day trip then suggest I you have a look on the train schedule or you might back to seoul in the midnight or even no train back to Seoul."

Yun-Ching Juang

What People Like

Peaceful and clean beach
Unique ship hotel view
Beautiful ocean scenery

What People Dislike

Inconvenient public transport
Limited activities beyond scenery

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The most scenic way is by train from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Gangneung and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to the beach. Be sure to check train schedules carefully, as they can be infrequent, especially for return trips. Reddit

Public transportation can be a bit challenging with potentially long waits between Gangneung Station and Jeongdongjin. Taxis or renting a car offer more convenience for exploring the area. Reddit

You can take a local bus or a taxi between Jeongdongjin and Gangneung. The train is also an option, but again, check the schedule for frequency. Reddit

Yes, there are direct trains from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station, which is conveniently located near the beach. Reddit

The train journey from Seoul to Jeongdongjin typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the specific train service. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Jeongdongjin Beach itself is generally free to access. However, some nearby attractions or events might have separate admission fees. Reddit

The beach is open 24/7, as it's a public space. However, facilities like restrooms or shops may have specific operating hours. Reddit

No advance booking is required for general access to the beach. However, if you plan to visit during peak times like New Year's Day for the sunrise, it's wise to book accommodation and transportation well in advance. Reddit

Jeongdongjin is most famous for its New Year's Day sunrise festival, which is a major event. Other smaller events might occur throughout the year. Instagram

The ship-shaped hotel is a landmark that can be viewed from the beach. Access to the hotel itself would depend on whether you are a guest or if it has public areas open for visits. Instagram

📸 📸 Photography

The beach itself offers great views of the ocean and the unique ship-shaped hotel. The nearby train station and coastal railway also provide picturesque backdrops. Instagram+1

Absolutely! Jeongdongjin is renowned for its spectacular sunrises, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture the dawn. Instagram+1

A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A tripod can be useful for sunrise shots to ensure sharp images in low light. Instagram

The ship-shaped hotel is a very distinctive subject. You can also capture the trains running along the coast, adding a dynamic element to your photos. Instagram

Sunrise is a must for photographers. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer beautiful light for beach scenes. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

You'll find a variety of seafood restaurants and local Korean eateries near the beach. The market area also offers street food options. Reddit

Yes, being a coastal town, Jeongdongjin offers fresh seafood. Many restaurants serve local specialties. Reddit

While seafood is prevalent, you can likely find vegetarian dishes like bibimbap or vegetable side dishes at most Korean restaurants. Reddit

Yes, there are several cafes and coffee shops along the coast where you can relax and enjoy a drink with a view. Instagram

In the wider Gangneung area, consider trying 'Chodang Sundubu' (soft tofu stew) or fresh seafood dishes. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Jeongdongjin Beach offers a relatively calm and safe environment for families. The gentle waves are suitable for younger children to play in, and the wide sandy expanse is perfect for building sandcastles. The novelty of the ship-shaped hotel can also spark children's imaginations. Instagram

While there isn't a plethora of dedicated children's attractions directly on the beach, the simple joy of playing by the sea, collecting shells, and watching the waves can provide hours of entertainment. Consider packing beach toys and snacks, as facilities might be limited. The nearby train station also offers a fun point of interest for kids who enjoy trains. Reddit

🚶‍♀️ Budget Travelers

Jeongdongjin Beach is a great option for budget-conscious travelers as access to the beach itself is free. The main costs will likely be transportation and food. Taking the train from Seoul, while a longer journey, can be more economical than other modes of transport if booked in advance. Reddit

To save on food, explore the local market for affordable street food or pack your own picnic. While the ship hotel is a unique sight, you don't need to stay there to enjoy the beach. Opting for accommodation in Gangneung and taking a local bus can also be a cost-effective strategy. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Jeongdongjin Beach is a dream destination, especially for sunrise shots. The unique ship-shaped hotel provides a striking architectural element against the natural seascape. The coastal train line also offers opportunities for capturing dynamic train photography with the ocean as a backdrop. Instagram+1

Beyond sunrise, the beach offers beautiful light during the golden hours. Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of the East Sea, the textures of the sand, and the distinctive silhouette of the ship hotel. Don't forget to explore the art installations for added visual interest. Instagram

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Iconic Ship Hotel

The Sun Cruise Resort & Yacht is an unmistakable landmark overlooking Jeongdongjin Beach. This unique hotel is designed to resemble a cruise ship, offering guests a novel accommodation experience with ocean views. Its distinctive architecture makes it a popular subject for photographs and a symbol of the beach itself. Instagram

While the hotel is a visual highlight, its primary function is accommodation. Visitors can admire its structure from the beach and surrounding areas. The novelty of sleeping on a 'ship' by the sea is a major draw for many travelers seeking a memorable stay. Instagram

For those not staying at the resort, it serves as a fascinating visual element to the beach landscape. Its presence adds a quirky charm to Jeongdongjin, making it stand out from more conventional seaside destinations. Instagram

Sunrise at Jeongdongjin: A New Year's Tradition

Jeongdongjin Beach is world-renowned for being one of the best places in South Korea to witness the first sunrise of the New Year. Millions of people flock to the beach on New Year's Eve and Day to experience this significant event. The beach's eastern orientation makes it perfectly positioned for this spectacular natural phenomenon. InstagramReddit

The atmosphere during the New Year's sunrise is electric, with celebrations, music, and a palpable sense of shared anticipation. It's more than just watching the sun come up; it's a cultural experience deeply ingrained in Korean tradition. Many visitors find it a deeply moving and memorable way to start the year. InstagramReddit

While New Year's is the peak time, sunrise viewing is a popular activity year-round. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting on a regular morning. The beauty of the dawn breaking over the East Sea is a breathtaking sight any day of the year. Instagram+1

Navigating Jeongdongjin: Transport and Accessibility

Getting to Jeongdongjin can be an adventure in itself. The Jeongdongjin Train Station is famously located right on the beach, making it one of the closest train stations to the sea in the world. This offers a unique arrival experience for travelers coming by rail. Reddit

However, as noted by travelers, public transportation beyond the train station can be less convenient. Long waits between buses or trains from Gangneung can be a deterrent for day-trippers. If you're relying on public transport, meticulous planning of schedules is crucial to avoid disappointment or lengthy delays. Reddit

For those seeking more freedom and ease of movement, renting a car or utilizing taxis is often recommended. This allows for more flexibility in exploring the surrounding Gangneung area and ensures you can stick to your itinerary without being constrained by public transport timetables. Reddit

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