Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach, a 3.8 km sandy shore and beach by Sinjidaegyo Bridge

Why the 3,800 m white-sand beach became known as ‘Myeongsasipri’

Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach is located at 85-105 Myeongsasipri-gil, Sinji-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Integrated Special City. According to official information, the white-sand beach is 3,800 m long and 150 m wide, while other tourism guides describe it as approximately 4 km long and 150 m wide.

The name comes from the explanation that the sound of the sand crying can be heard as far as ten ri away. It was therefore called ‘Ulmorae’ or ‘Myeongsasipri,’ and even today the beach’s name itself reflects the local description of its broad sands and the sound of the sand.

The beach’s practical layout shaped by gentle waters and pine woods

The white-sand beach is described as having a gentle slope, and Japanese tourism information also explains that its gradually deepening waters make swimming possible for visitors with children. However, the availability of swimming and the operating hours of safety personnel by season have not been separately confirmed.

Behind the white sand is a broad, dense pine forest, and nearby amenities include a parking lot, showers, changing rooms, and walking trails. There is also a sunrise observatory behind the beach, allowing visitors to explore the area behind the shore rather than only enjoy the water.

An island beach accessible by car since the opening of Sinjidae Bridge in 2005

Sinjidae Bridge, which connects Wando-eup and Sinji-myeon, opened on December 14, 2005. Since the bridge connected Sinji Island to the mainland, it is easiest for visitors from outside the area to arrive in Wando-eup, cross Sinjidae Bridge, and continue to the address at 85-105 Myeongsasipri-gil.

The official recommended route lists the drive from Jeongdori Gugaedeung to Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach as 22 minutes and 15.8 km. The drive from the beach to Wando Tower is listed as 20 minutes and 13.4 km, making it possible to combine a Wando-eup itinerary with a beach visit.

Operating information to know even with year-round access and free admission

As of 2026, tourism information lists the hours as ‘open at all times’ and the closing days as ‘open year-round.’ Admission is also free according to Wando-gun information, so there is no ticket booth or admission ticket required to enter the beach itself.

The main contact number is 061-550-5427, and the official tourism website is https://www.wando.go.kr/tour. Separate information on the beach opening and closing period, seasonal safety personnel hours, and the fees and operating hours for showers, campsites, and Mongolian tents was not found.

• Hours: Open at all times
• Closing days: Open year-round
• Admission: Free
• Contact: 061-550-5427

Parking is marked as free, but the number of spaces is listed as ‘0’

Wando-gun’s official detailed information states that parking facilities are available and that the parking fee is 0 won. At the same time, the number of parking spaces is also listed as 0, so this should not be interpreted as a guarantee of extensive free parking.

An accessible parking lot is listed, along with information about a 50% fee discount. The actual size and location of general parking areas and the number of available spaces have not been confirmed, so drivers are advised to enter the address, arrive at the site, and follow the on-site parking guidance.

Conditions to consider when planning camping and rocky-shore fishing together

Nearby facilities available for use include an auto campground, camping grounds, and Mongolian tents. There are also a futsal field and a jokgu court, while a children’s playground, air pool, campfire area, and showers are included in the facility list.

The nearby rocky shore is used as a fishing spot, with sea bream, sea bass, and flounder mentioned. However, the usage fees and operating hours for the campground, Mongolian tents, showers, and air pool, as well as whether reservations are required, have not been confirmed. Visitors planning to stay overnight or use equipment should contact 061-550-5427 in advance.

What foreign visitors and wheelchair users can expect on site

Sinji Myeongsasipri Beach was selected as an Open Tourism Site in 2020. Ramps are installed to the main entrance, eight accessible restrooms are listed, and tactile and audio information boards are available.

Restrooms are available, and Korean-language information services are offered, but foreign-language information services are listed as unavailable. Whether English information or an audio guide is provided has not been confirmed. There is also no separate information on photography restrictions or cash-only facilities, so foreign visitors are advised to prepare a translation app and suitable payment methods.

• Accessible parking: Available; 50% fee discount indicated
• Main entrance: Ramp installed
• Accessible restrooms: 8
• Information service: Korean available; foreign languages unavailable
• Tactile and audio information boards: Available

When to see the coastal streetlights and the sunrise observatory

Tourism streetlights are installed along the coast and are said to create a night view together with the lighting on Sinjidae Bridge. Since the sunrise observatory is behind the white-sand beach, visitors can combine a beach walk and observatory visit in one route.

The beach is open at all times, but no recommended viewing duration has been provided. To see the 3,800 m white-sand beach, pine-forest trail, sunrise observatory, and night view, visitors should allow more time than they would for swimming alone. The seasonal operating status of nearby facilities can be confirmed through the main contact number, 061-550-5427.