
Jeongdongjin Beach
Famous for its New Year's sunrise and a unique ship-shaped hotel, Jeongdongjin Beach offers a serene coastal escape.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
For the iconic sunrise

Jeongdongjin Beach
Best Time
For the iconic sunrise

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Famous for its New Year's sunrise and a unique ship-shaped hotel, Jeongdongjin Beach offers a serene coastal escape.
"A really nice spot, peaceful and clean, perfect for a relaxing walk with interesting art displays."

🌅 Book Sunrise Viewing Early
For New Year's, book accommodations and transport well in advance.
🚆 Train Schedules are Key
Double-check train times, especially for return trips to Seoul, to avoid long waits.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sunrise Spectacle
Jeongdongjin Beach
Witness the iconic first sunrise of the year, a truly magical experience that draws millions.

Ship-Shaped Hotel
Overlooking the beach
Marvel at the unique cruise ship hotel perched above the sand, a distinctive landmark.

Seaside Art Displays
Along the beach
Discover interesting art installations scattered around the beach, adding a creative touch.

Coastal Train Ride
Nearby train station
Experience the scenic beauty by taking a train ride along the coast, offering stunning ocean views.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Getting There: Train vs. Bus
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🌅 Book Sunrise Viewing Early
For New Year's, book accommodations and transport well in advance.
🚆 Train Schedules are Key
Double-check train times, especially for return trips to Seoul, to avoid long waits.
📸 Ship Hotel Photo Op
The ship hotel is a unique backdrop for photos, especially from the beach.
🚶♀️ Relaxing Beach Stroll
Perfect for unwinding with a peaceful walk and enjoying the ocean sounds.
Tips
from all over the internet
🌅 Book Sunrise Viewing Early
For New Year's, book accommodations and transport well in advance.
🚆 Train Schedules are Key
Double-check train times, especially for return trips to Seoul, to avoid long waits.
📸 Ship Hotel Photo Op
The ship hotel is a unique backdrop for photos, especially from the beach.
🚶♀️ Relaxing Beach Stroll
Perfect for unwinding with a peaceful walk and enjoying the ocean sounds.
🚗 Consider Car Rental
Offers more flexibility than public transport for exploring the area.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Jeongdongjin Beach for its peaceful atmosphere, clean sands, and the unique sight of the ship-shaped hotel. It's a great spot for relaxation and enjoying the ocean's beauty. However, some find public transportation inconvenient and note that beyond the scenery, there's limited activity.
"Jeongdongjin Beach is a really nice spot peaceful and clean, perfect for a relaxing walk. There are some interesting art displays around the beach, which add a cool touch. You can also see the famous hotel that looks like a ship, which is super mesmerizing and definitely stands out in the landscape."
Laloena Aacher
"After all the hours of walking and seeing at other sightseeing spots in Korea, naturally, this beach was a breather. For relaxing and unwinding, plus, water playing and taking pictures. Quite a nice place. Otherwise, there's nothing much to do. Maybe, you want to idle your time away by sitting by the beach"
Nava Krishnan
"The landscape is great but not such convenient for public transportation. This place can arrives by public transportation but you might have a long wait between Gangneung station and Jeongdongjin station. If you live in other cities like seoul and planning for one day trip then suggest I you have a look on the train schedule or you might back to seoul in the midnight or even no train back to Seoul."
Yun-Ching Juang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way is by train from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station. Alternatively, you can take a bus to Gangneung and then transfer to a local bus or taxi to the beach. Be sure to check train schedules carefully, as they can be infrequent, especially for return trips.
Public transportation can be a bit challenging with potentially long waits between Gangneung Station and Jeongdongjin. Taxis or renting a car offer more convenience for exploring the area.
You can take a local bus or a taxi between Jeongdongjin and Gangneung. The train is also an option, but again, check the schedule for frequency.
Yes, there are direct trains from Seoul Station to Jeongdongjin Station, which is conveniently located near the beach.
The train journey from Seoul to Jeongdongjin typically takes around 5 to 6 hours, depending on the specific train service.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Jeongdongjin Beach itself is generally free to access. However, some nearby attractions or events might have separate admission fees.
The beach is open 24/7, as it's a public space. However, facilities like restrooms or shops may have specific operating hours.
No advance booking is required for general access to the beach. However, if you plan to visit during peak times like New Year's Day for the sunrise, it's wise to book accommodation and transportation well in advance.
Jeongdongjin is most famous for its New Year's Day sunrise festival, which is a major event. Other smaller events might occur throughout the year.
The ship-shaped hotel is a landmark that can be viewed from the beach. Access to the hotel itself would depend on whether you are a guest or if it has public areas open for visits.
📸 📸 Photography
The beach itself offers great views of the ocean and the unique ship-shaped hotel. The nearby train station and coastal railway also provide picturesque backdrops.
Absolutely! Jeongdongjin is renowned for its spectacular sunrises, making it a prime location for photographers looking to capture the dawn.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and ocean views. A tripod can be useful for sunrise shots to ensure sharp images in low light.
The ship-shaped hotel is a very distinctive subject. You can also capture the trains running along the coast, adding a dynamic element to your photos.
Sunrise is a must for photographers. Golden hour in the late afternoon can also offer beautiful light for beach scenes.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
You'll find a variety of seafood restaurants and local Korean eateries near the beach. The market area also offers street food options.
Yes, being a coastal town, Jeongdongjin offers fresh seafood. Many restaurants serve local specialties.
While seafood is prevalent, you can likely find vegetarian dishes like bibimbap or vegetable side dishes at most Korean restaurants.
Yes, there are several cafes and coffee shops along the coast where you can relax and enjoy a drink with a view.
In the wider Gangneung area, consider trying 'Chodang Sundubu' (soft tofu stew) or fresh seafood dishes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While there isn't a plethora of dedicated children's attractions directly on the beach, the simple joy of playing by the sea, collecting shells, and watching the waves can provide hours of entertainment. Consider packing beach toys and snacks, as facilities might be limited. The nearby train station also offers a fun point of interest for kids who enjoy trains.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
To save on food, explore the local market for affordable street food or pack your own picnic. While the ship hotel is a unique sight, you don't need to stay there to enjoy the beach. Opting for accommodation in Gangneung and taking a local bus can also be a cost-effective strategy.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond sunrise, the beach offers beautiful light during the golden hours. Experiment with different angles to capture the vastness of the East Sea, the textures of the sand, and the distinctive silhouette of the ship hotel. Don't forget to explore the art installations for added visual interest.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Iconic Ship Hotel
While the hotel is a visual highlight, its primary function is accommodation. Visitors can admire its structure from the beach and surrounding areas. The novelty of sleeping on a 'ship' by the sea is a major draw for many travelers seeking a memorable stay.
For those not staying at the resort, it serves as a fascinating visual element to the beach landscape. Its presence adds a quirky charm to Jeongdongjin, making it stand out from more conventional seaside destinations.
Sunrise at Jeongdongjin: A New Year's Tradition
The atmosphere during the New Year's sunrise is electric, with celebrations, music, and a palpable sense of shared anticipation. It's more than just watching the sun come up; it's a cultural experience deeply ingrained in Korean tradition. Many visitors find it a deeply moving and memorable way to start the year.
While New Year's is the peak time, sunrise viewing is a popular activity year-round. For a less crowded experience, consider visiting on a regular morning. The beauty of the dawn breaking over the East Sea is a breathtaking sight any day of the year.
Navigating Jeongdongjin: Transport and Accessibility
However, as noted by travelers, public transportation beyond the train station can be less convenient. Long waits between buses or trains from Gangneung can be a deterrent for day-trippers. If you're relying on public transport, meticulous planning of schedules is crucial to avoid disappointment or lengthy delays.
For those seeking more freedom and ease of movement, renting a car or utilizing taxis is often recommended. This allows for more flexibility in exploring the surrounding Gangneung area and ensures you can stick to your itinerary without being constrained by public transport timetables.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit