10 Best Outdoor Adventures in and Around Yangyang

Naksan Beach is one of South Korea's quieter beaches. You can get there by bus from Yangyang's main town. The 4-km-long beach also has its own small village if you'd like to spend a night at the seaside. Feeling adventurous? Rent a tent and camp on the sands instead.

The mountains of Seoraksan National Park provide a stunning backdrop. If you’re an early bird, you can catch one of Yangyang’s famous sunrises. A must-see at Naksan Beach is Naksansa Temple, which overlooks the beach at the top of a small hike.

The Seoraksan National Park is the centre point and adventure hub of Yangyang. Located close to Sokcho, the national park is named after South Korea’s third-biggest mountain, Seoraksan. At over 1,700 metres high, it is the tallest ridge in the Taebaek Mountain Range.

Climbing Seoraksan isn’t for the faint-hearted, so you can opt for a cable car ride to take you most of the way. Views from the summit are amazing, with monumental crags standing proudly above the forests and lakes. There are plenty of hiking trails around the Taebaek Range, so pick up a map before you go.

Stand-up paddleboarding at Surfyy Beach is a great option for your first foray into sea sports. The beach is a stretch of Hajodae Beach that’s dedicated solely to surfers and paddleboarders in Yangyang.

Paddleboarding is excellent if you’re tight on time or if you’re after a more relaxing adventure than surfing. After a few minutes on a paddleboard, even beginners will get the hang of the technique. You can go pretty far out and enjoy views of Surfyy Beach, which gives way to the pinewood forests under Seoraksan Mountain. 

Mountain biking down the coast is something virtually anyone can do for a bit of adventure in Yangyang County. The terrain is relatively smooth, and views are spectacular the entire way. With the Sea of Japan to the east and Seoraksan National Park to the west, you’re always surrounded by natural beauty.

With over 20 km of coast to explore, you can take it at a leisurely pace, enjoying various spots along the way. A popular route is from the clifftop Naksansa Temple in the north to Hyuhyuam Temple in the south. 

Surfing on Jukdo Beach is one of the best ways to spend an active day in Yangyang. Located a short drive from the main town, the beach is the epicentre of South Korea’s surfing scene. Both pros and beginners can take to the water, with rental shops offering classes and gear year-round.

Jukdo is great for surfing thanks to its shallow seas and decent waves in all seasons. The waves are biggest during winter, when they can reach up to 3 metres. Views from the sea are incredible, with the white sands giving way to vast pinewood forests. You can even camp overnight in the woods for a real adventure.

The Dinosaur Ridge, also known as Gongnyong Ridge, is the spine of the Seoraksan National Park. It's named due to its resemblance to a dinosaur’s back. The ridge splits Seoraksan Mountain from east to west. 

Hiking the Dinosaur Ridge is no easy feat, and should only be attempted by committed and experienced hikers. The geography of the area makes it a special place, with mist forming off the Sea of Japan in the east. At 5.1 km, it’s a short hike but takes about 13 hours to complete as you'll have to pass numerous peaks, with very few flat areas along the way.

The Hajodae Dulle-gil Walking Trail is a path that takes you from Hajodae Observatory to Hajodae Military Rest, offering a relatively easy hike for all abilities. It's a great way to stay active during your trip and provides inexperienced hikers with a taste of Yangyang's natural beauty.

The walk itself isn’t very challenging, but it offers great views of the sea to the east and Seoraksan Mountain to the west. The Hajodae Observatory sits atop a rocky outcrop, with a glass-bottomed walkway overlooking the sea crashing against the rocks. The trailhead opens 30 minutes before sunset and closes after sunrise, so you can time both nicely with a day at the beach.

Deep-sea fishing is a unique adventure you can take in Yangyang County. You can find many tour operators in Hajodae Village, with boats departing from Naksan or Hajodae.

Yangyang County is particularly famous for salmon, but you might be able to catch anchovies, sea bream and mackerel during your trip. Each tour usually includes a group of 10, an English-speaking guide, and all the fishing equipment you'd need.

Osaek Jujeongol Valley is a canyon cutting through the Seoraksan National Park. It's named after the 5-coloured rocks in the area, which is one of the many reasons why this valley has such spectacular views. A 3.1-km trail with wooden decks makes it easy to see the rising rocks and visit landmarks like Seongguksa Temple, Seonnyeotang, and the Yongso Falls Information Center.

It still gives that feeling that you're away from it all, with views of Seoraksan Mountain and cascading waterfalls. Autumn is a great time to visit Osaek Jujeongol Valley – you'll enjoy mild weather and colourful foliage. 

An evening bonfire on Ingu Beach is a great way to spend the night in Yangyang. This beach is just south of Jukdo, with a small hill separating the two. Both beaches are popular with surfers during the day, and lit up by bonfires at night.

Thanks to Yangyang's surfing scene, Ingu has plenty of coffee shops, restaurants and bars. After dark, you can grab bonfire supplies from a nearby shop and help light up the skies. The sight is spectacular, with fires dotting the beach like beacons.