Yangyang Surfing and Jukdobong Peak Views at Jukdo Beach

Why Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang’s Inguri Is Called Jukdo

Jukdo Beach is a beach in Inguri, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. Because there is an island covered with bamboo in the sea in front of the beach, the beach was named after that island.

Jukdo is described as approximately 1 km in circumference and 53 m high. It was once an island, but it is now connected to the mainland. The terrain, densely covered with pine trees and bamboo throughout the four seasons, has shaped both the beach’s name and its scenic viewpoints.

A 2 km Sandy Beach and Shallow Water: What You Can Actually Do at the Beach

The sandy beach stretches for approximately 2 km, and a dense pine forest stands along the shore. The water is shallow and the slope is gentle, so it is introduced as a place for children to play in the water. However, the latest swimming hours and seasonal safety operating hours were not found in separate reference materials.

There are many large and small rocks nearby, making the area suitable for sea fishing, and visitors can surf at the beach. Nearby surf schools offer equipment rental and lessons, so beginners who did not bring their own equipment can get started through an organized class.

Jukdo’s Surfing Culture, Formed Since 2009

Surf schools began settling at Yangyang’s Jukdo Beach in 2009. Since then, related industries such as accommodation, food, fashion, media, surfing education, and surfing competitions have helped create a surfing culture around the beach.

Yangyang-gun explains that good waves arrive at Jukdo Beach throughout the year, attracting surfers from Korea and abroad, and that the beach is also famous for winter surfing. It is also presented as a good location for beginner surfers who are nervous about the sea because the water is shallow. However, when taking lessons, safety guidelines recommend checking whether the instructor has CPR, first-aid, and lifesaving qualifications and whether insurance coverage is provided.

A Route Overlooking the Beach from Jukdobong and Jukdojeong

Jukdo is connected to the beach by foot, so visitors can walk there as part of their beach visit. From Jukdobong, you can see a panoramic view of the East Sea, while Jukdojeong, introduced as one of the Eight Scenic Views of Yangyang, offers a sweeping view of the beach.

However, no verified information was found on the exact distance and walking time to the summit of Jukdobong or on wheelchair and stroller accessibility along the coastal walking section. Unlike the beach’s low and gently sloping terrain, the Jukdobong trail should not be judged by the same accessibility standards. Visitors using mobility aids should realistically plan the beach section and viewpoint section separately.

From Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal to the Jukdo Beach Stop

By public transportation, take a rural bus bound for Jigyeong-ri from Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal and get off at the Jukdo Beach stop. The beach is approximately 250 m from the stop, so do not assume that the beach will be visible immediately after getting off the bus.

From Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal, the first bus is listed at 07:05, the last bus at 22:30, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours 38 minutes. From Dong Seoul Comprehensive Bus Terminal, the first bus is at 06:30, the last bus at 18:40, and the journey takes approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. The address of Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal is 2700 Donghae-daero, Yangyang-eup, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, and the terminal’s operating hours are 06:00–22:00.

The telephone number for Yangyang Intercity Bus Terminal is 033-672-410. Because the rural bus interval and last departure time are not provided here, you should check the same-day service of buses bound for Jigyeong-ri at the terminal. The Yangyang-gun tourism information customer center operates at 080-850-9486 on weekdays from 09:30–17:30.

Driving from Seoul and Information on Parking and Camping Grounds

Via the Seoul–Yangyang Expressway, the trip from Seoul to Yangyang through Chuncheon is listed as approximately 2 hours 10 minutes. Via the Yeongdong Expressway, the trip from Seoul to Yangyang through Gangneung is listed as approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. The beach address is 28-23 Ingu-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province.

Jukdo Beach Public Parking Lot is described as approximately a 3-minute walk, or about 189 m, from the beach. Its address is 12-3 Sibyeon-ri, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province. The parking fee and current operating status could not be confirmed. In 2018, Yangyang-gun planned a parking area for 40 vehicles in the center of Jukdo Beach and another parking lot on county-owned land with capacity for about 60 vehicles. It also announced plans to create a 3,374 m² park-style parking lot.

Information is also available on a nearby auto campground and the Jukdo Beach camping ground. Registration data dated June 30, 2019, lists 50 camping sites, a site area of 1,100 m², a maximum daily capacity of 200 people, 100 parking spaces, one restroom, one shower room, and a wash station.

The Beach Is Free, but Operating Hours and Fees Should Be Considered Separately

Some materials state that Jukdo Beach is open year-round and that admission is free. However, the latest official fee schedule, beach opening and closing dates, and permitted swimming hours could not be confirmed. Therefore, “entering the beach” and “entering the water during beach safety-management hours” should not be treated as the same thing.

The representative telephone number is listed as 033-670-2397, and the official website is http://jukdo-beach.co.kr/. No beach closure days are provided. The publicly available information also does not confirm photography restrictions, whether any facilities accept cash only, whether English information or an audio guide is available, or when waiting lines are likely to occur.

The camping ground registration data lists the usage period as 12:00 on the designated date until 12:00 the following day, with a fee of 40,000 won. Because these figures are based on information dated June 30, 2019, take care not to confuse them with the current beach admission fee or camping ground fee.

Rules to Follow When Surfing and Considerations for Local Residents

Yangyang-gun advises surfers not to lose hold of their board under any circumstances while surfing. Losing a board can injure other surfers as well as cause an accident. Priority on a wave belongs to the surfer closest to the peak, and once that surfer takes off, other surfers should wait for the next wave.

The surfing area at Jukdo Beach is close to residential neighborhoods, so visitors should refrain from making noise in the evening. When staying late at the beach or camping, keep music and conversations quiet out of consideration for the local living environment.

During the 2023 beach opening period, Jukdo Beach recorded 23,481 visitors, compared with 52,020 in 2019. The combined number of visitors to Ingu and Jukdo beaches was 42,284 in 2023. Thus, in summer, it is more accurate to expect a place where surfing and parking demand may rise together rather than a completely quiet beach.