North Jeolla Province

How to Walk Along Jeokbyeokgang’s Red Coast and Visit Suseongdang

Jeokbyeokgang in Buan, Jeonbuk, is a coastal attraction featuring peperite formations created by shale layers and rhyolite, red cliffs, and a pebble beach. It is open 24 hours a day free of charge, but you should plan your route from Gyeokpo with the tides and slippery coastal trails in mind.

By the KOTourLive Editorial Team Updated: Sep 2, 2026 14 min 122

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Red Cliffs Stretching About 2 km Along the Gyeokpo-ri Coast

Jeokbyeokgang is located along the coast of Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk State. Red bedrock, cliffs, and pebble beaches continue for about 2 km along the coastline. As it is a geological attraction adjacent to Gyeokpo Beach and Chaeseokgang on the Byeonsan Peninsula coast, it is more efficient to plan a coastal route around the Gyeokpo area rather than visit only one site separately.

The name comes from the similarity of its scenery to China’s Red Cliff, where the literary figure Su Shi composed poetry, and the reddish rock layers are also connected to the name. Jeokbyeokgang and Chaeseokgang were designated Scenic Site No. 13 on November 17, 2004, as the Buan Chaeseokgang–Jeokbyeokgang area.

붉은 암석 절벽과 바다가 만나는 적벽강 해안입니다. — The Jeokbyeokgang coast, where red rocky cliffs meet the sea. — Photo source: jb.go.kr

Peperite Cliffs Created by Shale Layers and Rhyolite

The geology of Jeokbyeokgang is explained as a peperite structure formed when rhyolite intruded into dark shale layers. The combined structure of shale and rhyolite appears along a single coast, and the unusual forms of peperite and columnar joints are also introduced as points of geological observation.

The present rock formations were created through erosion and weathering over a long period. The coast’s reddish-brown bedrock and pebbles, together with cliffs and pebble beaches, form Jeokbyeokgang’s core scenery. The walking experience may therefore differ for visitors expecting a simple sandy beach stroll.

침식과 풍화로 만들어진 적벽강의 층리와 기암괴석입니다. — Strata and unusual rock formations at Jeokbyeokgang, created by erosion and weathering. — Photo source: jb.go.kr

One-Hour Route Extending to Sajarock and Suseongdang

Sajarock, meaning Lion Rock, was named because its shape resembles a lion. It is introduced as one of Jeokbyeokgang’s principal scenic points and its finest viewpoint. Along the coast is a pebble beach that makes a gentle rattling sound whenever waves roll in, allowing visitors to see rocky cliffs and a different coastal landscape along one route.

It takes about 10 minutes to walk from the Jeokbyeokgang Sunset Road to Suseongdang. A Welchon review dated October 24, 2023, stated that it took about one hour to see the Sunset Road, Suseongdang, and the flower fields. Suseongdang is a shrine dedicated to Gaeyang Halmi, the guardian deity of the West Sea. Nearby are the Buan Jukmak-dong archaeological site and the Buan Gyeokpo-ri Machilus thunbergii grove.

적벽강 산책 동선에서 바라본 해안 바위와 바다입니다. — Coastal rocks and the sea viewed from the Jeokbyeokgang walking route. — Photo source: jb.go.kr

Machilus Grove 124 m Away and Suseongdang at No. 54

The Machilus thunbergii grove near Jeokbyeokgang is listed as 124 m away from Jeokbyeokgang. The grove is introduced as Natural Monument No. 123 and provides an opportunity to explore the vegetation and cultural heritage of the Byeonsan Peninsula along with its coastal geological scenery.

Suseongdang’s address is 54 Jeokbyeokgang-gil, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk State. The area around Suseongdang is described as having canola fields spread across 32,000 m² of county-owned land. A review dated October 24, 2023, explained that visitors can see an autumn cosmos flower path and the cultural heritage of Suseongdang together.

수성당 주변 산책길과 적벽강 해안 풍경을 함께 담은 모습입니다. — A view showing the walking path around Suseongdang together with the coastal scenery of Jeokbyeokgang. — Photo source: jb.go.kr

Sunset from 18:30–19:30 in Summer and 17:00–18:00 in Winter

Jeokbyeokgang can be visited in all four seasons, but clear spring and autumn days are recommended. It is introduced as a notable sunset-viewing spot on the west coast. The recommended viewing time is 18:30–19:30 in summer and 17:00–18:00 in winter.

However, the coastal scenery changes with the tidal range, so the visible extent of the rocks and pebble beach may vary even at the same location. Even if you arrive in time for sunset, the coastal trail may be slippery, so watch your footing when descending close to the bedrock.

From Buan Terminal to Gyeokpo on Routes 213 and 214

Visitors from outside the area can travel toward Gyeokpo Port Terminal by taking rural buses 213 or 214 departing from Buan Terminal. The Gyeokpo stop, which is close to Jeokbyeokgang, is 1.3 km away and has stop number 3190686. The Banwol Village stop is 1.4 km away and has stop number 3190697.

The exact walking distance and slope from the stops to Jeokbyeokgang, as well as the operating intervals of Routes 213 and 214, have not been confirmed. After getting off the bus, visitors can walk via the Byeonsan Beach Masil-gil trail. Jeokbyeokgang and Chaeseokgang are also connected by a coastal walking path, so combining Gyeokpo Beach and Chaeseokgang into the same itinerary is natural.

Jukmak-gil 20-4 Parking Lot and On-Site Preparation

Jeokbyeokgang’s address is 20-4 Jukmak-gil, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk State, and the postal code is 56338. Parking facilities are available nearby for visitors arriving by car, but parking fees and the number of spaces have not been confirmed.

As of 2026, Jeokbyeokgang is listed as open 24 hours a day, year-round, and admission is free. Whether there is a separate ticket office, whether reservations are required, whether payment is cash-only, whether photography is prohibited, and whether English information or an audio guide is available have not been confirmed. Specific on-site information about wheelchair and stroller access to the coastal bedrock sections is also unavailable. Since the coastal trail may be slippery, visitors planning to walk across rocky sections should take precautions against slipping.

Free Admission, Open 24 Hours; Inquiries: 063-582-7808

As this is an outdoor coastal attraction with free admission, there is no need to plan a visit around buying tickets at a ticket office. As of 2026, it is open 24 hours a day, year-round, and the inquiry phone number is 063-582-7808. Official tourism information is available on the Buan County Culture and Tourism website.

Jeokbyeokgang is one of six geological attractions in Buan County within the Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark. The Jeonbuk West Coast National Geopark was certified on September 13, 2017. Attractions in Buan County include Jikso Falls, Jeokbyeokgang, Chaeseokgang, Solseom, Mohang, and Wido.

Before You Go

Address: 20-4 Jukmak-gil, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk State (Postal code 56338)
Hours: Listed as open 24 hours a day, year-round
Closed: Open year-round
Admission: Free
Phone: 063-582-7808
Official site: https://www.buan.go.kr/tour/board/view.buan?boardId=BBS_0000241&menuCd=DOM_000000208001000000&orderBy=REGISTER_DATE%20ASC&paging=ok&startPage=1&dataSid=245887&&cpath=%2Ftour
Transport: Gyeokpo stop: 1.3 km, stop no. 3190686; Banwol Village stop: 1.4 km, stop no. 3190697; rural buses 213 and 214 between Buan Terminal and Gyeokpo Port Terminal
Parking: Parking facilities available. Parking fees and the number of spaces were not confirmed
Time needed: About 1 hour based on reviews (including the Sunset Road, Suseongdang, and flower fields)
Accessibility: The coastal trail may be slippery, so caution is required. Specific on-site information about wheelchair and stroller accessibility was not confirmed

The information above is current as of the time of writing. Check the official information again before visiting.

Jeokbyeokgang Suseongdang Buan travel coastal walk West Coast sunset national geopark

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