As the weather gets hotter, there’s nothing like a quick beach getaway close to home. Fortunately, Pyeongtaek is a short drive from Korea’s west coast with several beaches to enjoy.

Before heading out, check the tide schedules since the western coast has large tidal ranges and wide mud flats. Due to the location, the water on this side of the peninsula tends to be a little muddy compared to the clear blue waters on the East and South Coasts. However, the West Coast mud flats boast a diverse marine life. At high tide, enjoy water activities, and when the tide recedes, explore the shore for crabs, clams and other sea creatures.

Here are seven great beaches to explore with your family near Camp Humphreys and Osan Air Base!

Jebudo Beach (제부도 해수욕장)

Jebudo Beach is a popular choice for beach trips among locals from Seoul and Gyeonggi-do due to its proximity and a variety of facilities including accommodations, restaurants and various recreational activity options. The beach features a unique tidal road that opens twice a day, allowing visitors to witness the “Miracles of Moses.” Check the tide schedule before visiting, as entering the island is only possible via the West Sea Cable Car when the water comes back to close the road. Visitors can explore diverse marine life on mud flats, enjoy swimming, and numerous water sports such as fishing, surfing, kayaking and jet skiing.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 60 km - 1 hour by car, Naver Map

Gungpyeong-ri Beach (궁평리 해수욕장)

Similar to Jebudo, Gungpyeong-ri Beach offers visitors the opportunity to explore tidal flats and enjoy fishing during low tide, while high tide is ideal for swimming. It’s closer to Pyeongtaek and more peaceful compared to Jebudo. The beach is also popular for camping and car picnics, allowing visitors to stay overnight in their cars or tents. Designated camping areas charge about 10,000 won and there are also free spots available for camping. As there are limited facilities close to the beach, it’s recommended to bring your own food or visit Gungpyeong Port nearby for stores, ocean-view cafés, and rentals for fishing and mud flat experiences.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 50 km – 1 hour by car, Naver Map

Waemok Village Beach (왜목마을 해수욕장)

Waemok Village Beach, located at the northern tip of the Taean Peninsula in Dangjin City, offers stunning skies including sunsets, sunrises and moonrises. The beautiful beach is ideal for swimming, rock fishing, and exploring tidal flats. Camping is allowed, and nearby facilities provide convenient access to accommodations, fishing gear rentals, restaurants, stores and changing rooms.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 67 km - 70 minutes by car, Naver Map

Manripo Beach (만리포 해수욕장)

Manripo Beach, located on the western side of Taean Peninsula, is known as one of the three major beaches on the west coast along with Daecheon Beach and Byeonsan Beach. It offers great opportunities for swimming, surfing and sand play, as well as diverse water sports. During low tide, visitors can explore the muddy sand to discover clams and other sea creatures. Manripo features a variety of convenient facilities, accommodations and recreational options, making it a fun destination for family vacations.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 120 km - 1 hour and 40 minutes by car, Naver Map

Padori Beach (파도리 해수욕장)

Padori Beach takes its name from the Korean word “pado” which means wave in English. The charming pebble beach is renowned for clear, shallow waters and beautiful waves that make soothing sounds over the small stones. Padori is truly a quiet retreat. The water is very clear and beautiful, making swimming very enjoyable. However, the beach can be rocky, so it’s wise to bring water shoes. Also, it’s a great spot for catching crabs and other sea creatures during low tide.

There is a stunning sea cave, famous as one of Taean’s best photography spots. Accessible only during low tide, it’s recommended to check the tide schedule. Due to its proximity to Manripo Beach, one of Taean’s most famous beaches, many visitors to Manripo also stop by Padori to capture photos of the sea cave.

Do note that this beach belongs to the Taean Coastal National Park, so collecting pebbles and bringing pets are prohibited.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 120 km – nearly two hours by car, Naver Map

Kkotji Beach (꽃지 해수욕장)

Kkotji Beach is the largest beach on Anmyeondo in Taean, and is known for captivating sunsets over Grandma Rock and Grandpa Rock, iconic natural symbols in Taean Peninsula. Stroll along the soft sandy beach, view the beautiful scenery and enjoy playing in the sand and water. The beach is also famous for crabbing, clam digging and collecting various shellfish in the tidal flats. The beach features many convenient facilities, including accommodations, restaurants, stores and recreational facilities. Close to Kkotji Beach, there is Kkotji Coastal Park, a free theme park open year-round with seasonal gardens, picnic areas, camping grounds and cooking facilities.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 130 km – nearly two hours by car

Naver Map

Mongsanpo Beach (몽산포 해수욕장)

Mongsanpo Beach in Taean is a family favorite known for plenty of opportunities to collect sea creatures. During low tide, the beach becomes a natural playground where anyone can easily dig for clams and a variety of sea creatures. Mongsanpo’s soft sands make it easy and safe to explore and enjoy swimming with gentle waves. It’s also a famous camping spot with many campgrounds around. Campers can enjoy BBQ right by the water or relax under the pine trees. Just don’t forget to bring your own gear and supplies as there are no large markets around. Within a 10 minute drive, visitors can also stop by Mongdae Port for a small seafood market and explore Cheongsan Arboretum, a beloved fall destination for seasonal blooms.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 110 km - 1 hour and 30 minutes

Naver Map

Daecheon Beach (대천 해수욕장)

Daecheon Beach is one of the most famous beaches on the West Coast. Known for its wide, blue sea and fine sand, it’s perfect for swimming and sand play with children as there are no tide flats. The beach is popular for families and young adults. This is where the famous annual Boryeong Mud Festival is held for two weeks in late July to early August.

Daecheon has plenty of accommodations, cafes, restaurants and leisure activities like ziplining and sky rail bikes. The beach is also pet-friendly.

More importantly, the beach is easily accessible by train, making it convenient for travelers without a car. Daecheon Station can be reached in less than two hours from Pyeongtaek Station via the Mugunghwa or Saemaeul trains. From Daecheon Station, Daecheon Beach is a 30-minute bus ride or a 10-minute taxi ride away. From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 130 km - 1 hour and 50 minutes by car, Naver Map

Sinduri Beach (신두리 해수욕장)

For those seeking both beach fun and a quiet escape, Sinduri Beach is a hidden gem. It features soft sand, clean water and marine life in mudflats, perfect for families with young kids. This beach is less crowded than others and many visit to enjoy peaceful sunset views. Nearby camping areas make it a great spot for overnight stays. What makes this beach truly unique is the Sinduri Coastal Sand Dune, Korea’s only sand dune formed after the Ice Age. The sand dunes are a protected area, but visitors can enjoy beautiful trails and stunning views.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 120 km - 1 hour and 50 minutes

Naver Map

Hakampo Beach (학암포 해수욕장)

If you’re looking for clean water, sunset views, fewer crowds and fishing, you’ll love Hakampo Beach. Hakampo’s water is surprisingly clear, often compared to the East Sea. Visitors enjoy swimming, fishing and even snorkeling and during low tide, it’s great for spotting marine life. Just make sure to bring your aqua shoes since the beach is rocky. This beach is also popular for glamping, sleepovers at rental camping cars, offering beautiful ocean views.

From bases in Pyeongtaek: About 120 km - 1 hour and 50 minutes

Naver Map

Beach tips

• Shopping tip: Daiso is great for purchasing affordable vacation items such as beach towels, mats, swimming goggles and camping gear.

• What to bring: Bring a small shovel, hoe or basket for collecting clams, or get creative! I usually bring a butterfly net for shrimp, gloves and kitchen tongs to catch crabs. A headlamp is essential if you’re exploring at night since many sea creatures are nocturnal. Be sure to track the tide times and avoid venturing too far as the water returns quickly.

• What to catch: Clams are easy to find year-round while crabs, octopuses and other marine creatures appear depending on the season. The best time for mud flat exploration is between May and September. Note that some beaches may have seasonal restrictions on catching live creatures, so check for signage at the site.

• Check tide times: The website offers tide times but make sure to use the Chrome browser for English translation.

• Picnic rules: Regulations at the beach can vary depending on location and season. Some beaches may allow picnics with prepared food but prohibit cooking. Picnic mats are permitted, and tents are usually allowed during the day but may need to be removed at night.

• Camping rules: While many beaches allow daytime tent pitching, overnight camping rules can vary. Look for designated camping zones near the beach that permit cooking and tent setup, which may require a fee. Some open fields allow car camping and cooking without fees, but some restrictions may apply such as only allowing cooking and sleeping in vehicles without tents.

• Pet rules: Unless specifically prohibited, accompanying pets are usually not a big issue at most beaches. However, during peak season (July-Aug.), there may be restrictions on dogs swimming. Note that national parks in Korea don’t allow pets, and Taean Peninsula on the West Coast has a designated coastal national park, so most beaches at Taean ban pet entry only except Manripo, Kkotji, Galeumi and Kkujinamugol beaches.

TIDE TIMES

Vocabulary

• Summer: Yeoreum (여름)

• Vacation: Hyuga (휴가) / Banghak(방학)

• Sea/Ocean/Beach: Bada (바다)

• Beach: Haesuyokjang (해수욕장) / Haebyeon (해변)

• West Sea: Seo-haean (서해안)

• East Sea: Dong-haean (동해안)

• South Sea: Nam-haean (남해안)

• Mudflats: Gaet-beol (갯벌)

• Wave: Pado (파도)

• Swimming: Suyeong (수영)

• Hot (weather): Deowo-yo (더워요)

• Cool: Siwon-haeyo (시원해요)

Phrases

“When is your summer vacation?” = 여름휴가가 언제예요? (Yeoreum hyuga-ga eonjeyeyo?)

“Summer in Korea is very hot.” = 한국의 여름은 너무 더워요 (Hanguk-ui yeoreum-eun neomu deoweoyo)

“I want to go to the beach.” = 바다에 가고 싶어요 (Bada-e gago sipeoyo)

“The sound of the waves is beautiful.” = 파도 소리가 아름다워요 (Pado sori-ga areumdawoyo)

“How can I go to Daecheon Beach from Pyeongtaek?” = 평택에서 대천 해수욕장에 어떻게 갈 수 있어요? (Pyeongtaek-eseo Daecheon haesuyokjang-e eotteoke gal su isseoyo?)

Osan Air Base

Camp Humphreys

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