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There are great many things to do in South Korea, and so are in Yangyang.
Embrace the spirit of adventure as you venture into the captivating town of Yangyang, where every step promises a new opportunity to discover unexpected wonders.
With its picturesque landscapes and endless possibilities for exploration, Yangyang beckons to the adventurous soul, inviting you to embark on a journey of a lifetime and create unforgettable memories at every turn.
Without further ado listed below are some of the most fun things to do in Yangyang:
1. Naksansa Temple
A beautiful seaside Buddhist temple located in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, South Korea.
What to see or do: Explore the temple grounds and enjoy panoramic views of the ocean and mountains. Admire the stunning architecture of the main hall, Daeungjeon, which is decorated with intricate carvings and paintings.
Take a stroll through the peaceful gardens, which feature a pond with lotus flowers and a pagoda.
Don’t miss: The large seated Buddha statue, which stands at 18 meters tall and overlooks the East Sea. It is one of the tallest seated Buddha statues in Asia and is a striking sight to behold.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds and catch a gorgeous sunrise or sunset. Take a hike on nearby Seoraksan Mountain for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Be sure to bring a camera to capture the temple’s beauty.
2. Hajodae Beach
Hajodae Beach is a picturesque beach located in Yangyang, South Korea, known for its crystal-clear water and stunning rock formations.
What to see or do: Swim, sunbathe or take a walk along the shoreline, marvel at the towering rock formations and see the unique geological formations.
Don’t miss: Climb up the nearby rock formations, where you’ll have amazing views of the beach and the sea.
Insider travel tips: Visit early in the day to avoid the crowds, bring your own food and drinks as there are limited options nearby and make sure to wear comfortable shoes for climbing the rocks.
If there is a lot of wind, be careful and watch out for strong waves.
3. Seorak-san National Park
A stunning national park in the east of South Korea, known for its peaks, waterfalls, and temples.
What to see or do: Take a hike up to one of the peaks for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Visit the Sinheungsa Temple, built in the 7th century and home to a bronze Buddha statue.
Admire the splendor of the Biryong Falls, a cascading waterfall that drops from a 60-meter cliff. Take a cable car ride up to the Gwongeumseong Fortress, where you can enjoy panoramic views of the park.
Don’t miss: The sunrise over the park’s highest peak, Daecheongbong, is a truly unforgettable experience. The nearby fishing town of Sokcho is also worth a visit, especially for its fresh seafood.
Insider travel tips: Visit during the autumn months (September to November) for the best fall foliage views. Bring comfortable walking shoes and dress in layers, as the temperature can change quickly in the park.
Avoid visiting on weekends and holidays, as it can get very crowded.
4. Daepo Port
A bustling port located in the east coast of South Korea.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning sunrise over the ocean, explore the bustling fish market, dine on fresh seafood, and take a walk along the harbor.
Don’t miss: The Daepohang Fish Market, where you can sample a variety of freshly caught seafood or even purchase some to bring back with you.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the morning to see the sunrise and avoid the crowds. Bring cash as some vendors may not accept credit cards.
Be adventurous and try some of the local delicacies like seafood pancakes or grilled squid.
5. Seorak Waterpia
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Insider travel tips: Purchase tickets online in advance for cheaper prices and bring your own towels and swimwear to avoid rental fees. Weekdays are less busy compared to weekends.
6. Yangyang International Airport
Yangyang International Airport is a small airport located on the east coast of South Korea.
What to see or do: There isn’t much to see or do within the airport itself as it’s mainly used as a hub for domestic flights.
Don’t miss: If you have time, head outside the airport to explore the nearby area. The Sokcho Beach and Seoraksan National Park are both popular destinations that are easily accessible from Yangyang International Airport.
Insider travel tips: As it’s a small airport, there may be limited food and shopping options within the terminal. Be sure to bring snacks and other supplies with you if necessary.
Additionally, if you’re traveling during the winter months, prepare for potentially harsh weather conditions.
7. Gyeongpodae Pavilion
A historic pavilion located on the east coast of South Korea.
What to see or do: Admire the stunning views of the East Sea from the top of the pavilion. Take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Gyeongpo Beach and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea.
Don’t miss: The annual Gyeongpodae Sunrise Festival held on New Year’s Day where visitors can witness the first sunrise of the year and participate in a variety of cultural events.
Insider travel tips: – Visit during autumn when the pavilion is surrounded by a beautiful display of fall foliage.
8. Osaek Hot Springs
Osaek Hot Springs is a popular hot spring resort located in Yangyang, South Korea. It is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests, making it a great escape from the bustling city.
What to see or do: At Osaek Hot Springs, visitors can enjoy the natural geothermal pools, which are said to have healing properties. There are both indoor and outdoor pools, as well as private baths available for rent.
In addition to the hot springs, visitors can also explore the surrounding nature by hiking or taking a scenic cable car ride.
Don’t miss: One of the highlights of Osaek Hot Springs is the stunning view of the mountains and valleys. Be sure to bring a camera to capture the beautiful scenery.
Another must-do is trying the local cuisine, which features fresh seafood and traditional Korean dishes.
Insider travel tips: – Weekdays are usually less crowded than weekends, so try to visit during the week if possible.
9. Jeongdongjin Beach
Jeongdongjin Beach is a picturesque sandy beach located in Yangyang County of Gangwon Province, South Korea. It is famous for having one of the best sunrise views in the country.
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Insider travel tips: – It is recommended to visit the beach during the off-season when there are fewer crowds.
10. Seorak Cinerama
A movie theater located in the Sokcho area of Seoraksan National Park in South Korea.
What to see or do: Watch movies on a massive, curved screen that offers an immersive viewing experience. The theater also offers a 4D experience with moving seats, wind, and special lighting effects.
Don’t miss: The breathtaking views of Seoraksan National Park from the theater’s observation deck. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Insider travel tips: It’s best to check the theater’s schedule ahead of time as movies offered can vary day by day.
Also, be prepared for a steep climb to reach the theater at the top of the hill, but the views are well worth it.
11. Baekdamsa Temple
Baekdamsa Temple is a Korean Buddhist temple located in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, built in the 7th century.
What to see or do: Visitors can expect to see picturesque and peaceful surroundings, temples, and shrines. The temple is beautiful during autumn with vibrant leaves.
Don’t miss: One of the most significant symbols of the temple is the stone stairway lined with lanterns leading up to the Muryangsujeon Hall.
Make sure to climb the stairs and witness the view from the top.
Insider travel tips: If you visit in the early morning, you can witness the morning prayers and ceremonies. Additionally, make sure to try the temple food which is cooked by Buddhist nuns, using simple and vegetarian ingredients.
12. Yongso Falls
Yongso Falls is a picturesque waterfall located in Yangyang county in Gangwon Province, South Korea.
What to see or do: The waterfall cascades down a 30-meter cliff and creates a magnificent sight in the lush green surroundings. Visitors can hike up the trail that leads to the waterfall to enjoy the views.
Don’t miss: Don’t miss the chance to take a refreshing dip in the natural pool at the base of the waterfall. This is a great spot to cool off and relax amidst the scenic beauty.
Insider travel tips: – Wear comfortable shoes as the trail can be slippery in some parts.
13. Namae Port
A charming seaport located in Yangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: Take a stroll along the picturesque harbor and enjoy the scenic views of the sea and surrounding mountains. Sample fresh seafood at local restaurants and cafes.
Watch fishing boats come in and out of the port.
Don’t miss: Visit Namae Port Fish Market, where you can buy a variety of seafood caught by local fishermen. The market also has a selection of dried fish, squid, and other marine products.
Insider travel tips: Go early in the morning to see the fishing boats unload their catch of the day. If you’re lucky, you may even be able to purchase fresh seafood straight from the fishermen.
Parking can be limited on weekends and holidays, so consider taking public transportation.
14. Ilchul Land
Amusement park located in Yangyang, South Korea.
What to see or do: Ilchul Land offers a variety of thrilling rides, including roller coasters, a giant Ferris wheel, and a Viking ship. There are also many kid-friendly rides and attractions, such as a playground and a petting zoo.
Additionally, there are several shops and restaurants within the park.
Don’t miss: The park’s main attraction is the iconic “Eagle Fortress” roller coaster, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape as it loops and twists through the park.
Visitors should also check out the “Space Tour” attraction and the park’s nightly fountain show.
Insider travel tips: Arrive early in the day to beat the crowds and make sure to wear comfortable shoes.
Visitors can save money by purchasing tickets online in advance or by opting for a multi-day pass if they plan to visit the park multiple times.
15. Gondeoksan Mountain
Gondeoksan Mountain is a popular hiking spot located in Yangyang, Gangwon Province, South Korea.
What to see or do: Hiking is the main attraction at Gondeoksan Mountain, with various trails leading up to the summit. The routes range from easy to moderate difficulty, making it a great spot for beginners and seasoned hikers alike.
Along the way, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Don’t miss: The summit of Gondeoksan offers panoramic views of the East Sea and surrounding landscape, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the area.
The picturesque Jeongnyeong Peak is also a highlight, featuring a towering rock formation that looks like a pagoda.
Insider travel tips: – The best time to visit Gondeoksan Mountain is in the autumn months, when the leaves change color and the weather is mild.