Skip the tourist traps with five offbeat places in Korea for the summer — from quiet Busan islands to seafood harbors — with tips for 2025 travel.
Summer in Korea is such a pleasant experience that you would not like to miss out on anything at any cost. Korea experiences a fiery and bright summer climate. The temperature in the morning sometimes reaches up to 40 degrees Celsius, and at night, it rarely drops below 35 degrees Celsius. So, to all those suckers for summers, this is your chance to experience all that is waiting for you. During summer, you will have cafes, restaurants, beaches, parks, and all the places where the real essence of Korean summer can be experienced. A fun fact is that you can enjoy many enjoyable activities in the South Korean summer.
Korea’s summer hotspots like Busan’s beaches and Jeju’s coastlines get plenty of attention, but if you’re looking for quieter, cooler, and more unique experiences, it’s time to go off the beaten path.
These five places offer fresh mountain air, hidden shorelines, and local summer traditions, without the shoulder-to-shoulder tourist crowds. From cable car rides over sparkling bays to island-hopping adventures and green coastal trails, these five spots promise a quieter, more authentic Korean summer. Perfect for travelers who want to slow down, soak in nature, and discover Korea’s quieter side.
Sacheon – Ocean Cable Car & Harbor Sunsets
Once known mainly for its role in naval history, Sacheon in South Gyeongsang Province gained new fame with the Sacheon Ocean Cable Car, launched in 2018. The ride stops at an observatory on Gaksan Peak, offering panoramic views of the city, harbor, and sea.
Sacheon is located in South Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. Before the Ocean Cable Car, the site was known for its two naval battles in the Seven-Year War. The harbor area of Samcheonpo features well-known raw fish restaurants that are particularly popular during the summer season. You get hold of the delicious, seasonal fish, cooked and ready to be served. Other than that, you can enjoy the sunset at Seaman’s Café, take a walk by the Daepo Port, where you will find a sculpture of a woman’s face, the perfect spot for Instagram pictures. And finally, you can visit Namildae Beach to enjoy the pristine waters of the Southern Ocean.
Why in summer: Seasonal fish dishes shine at Samcheonpo’s raw fish restaurants, best enjoyed after a sunset stroll at Seaman’s Café or along Daepo Port, where you’ll spot the striking women’s face sculpture, a favorite Instagram photo spot.
Don’t miss: Namildae Beach for pristine waters and a laid-back atmosphere.
Getting there: KTX to Jinju + 40 min bus ride.
Gadeokdo – Busan’s Quiet Island
The largest island in Busan is a tranquil alternative to the city’s crowded beaches. Gadeokdo is known for emerald waters and dramatic cliffs. As the tropical sea green-colored water ends, the land takes a sudden elevation, forming a cliff. This island is home to the famous Gadeokdo Lighthouse, which was built in 1909. The lighthouse is also frequently referred to as the ‘Island of History”.
Why in summer: Enjoy peaceful beaches without the bustle of Haeundae, and take coastal cliff walks with uninterrupted sea views.
Don’t miss: Sunset from the lighthouse, and fresh seafood from small harborside restaurants.
Getting there: Bus or car via Gadeok Bridge from Busan city.
Related: Underrated Islands in Korea
Yeongheungdo – Incheon’s Island Escape
Yeongheungdo Island in Incheon features three sandy beaches: Nar-ri on the east coast, Simripo in the northeast, and Janggyeong in the northwest. This island was once a strategic military outpost. This island is located within the narrow borders of the metropolitan city of Incheon. So, residents and visitors travel to this island mostly from Incheon. The population is significantly smaller, and mostly tourists are temporary inhabitants of this perfectly peaceful haven. The waterbody around it is blessed with fish, and the restaurants offer fabulous seafood items, making it one of the best places to visit in Korea during summer.
Why in summer: Warm waters for swimming, laid-back beach cafés, and locally caught fish served in seaside restaurants.
Don’t miss: Simripo Beach at low tide for a family-friendly shoreline walk.
Getting there: Bus from Incheon city to Yeongheung Bridge.
Seonyudo – Linked Islands & Ocean Ziplines
Gusnan’s Seonyudo Island is a hidden treasure in Korea. Seonyudo Island is connected to the nearby Munyeodo, Daejangdo, and Jangjado Island, so you can travel along in one go. This island is a melting pot of natural scenery and seafood that imparts an aroma that will be forever imprinted in your mind. The vicinity can make you really feel like an “escape from harsh reality.”
You can take a boat ride that goes around the island. You can watch the monochrome sky meet the duplicate sea, resulting in the formation of a beautiful picture to be remembered. For adventure seekers, ziplining is the moment of fun that can be found here. Try your hand at the thrilling zip line across the ocean, starting near Myeongsasimni Beach entrance.
Why in summer: Crystal-clear water, relaxed cycling between islands, and a thrilling ocean zipline near Myeongsasimni Beach.
Don’t miss: Sunset boat rides for a panoramic view of the entire island group.
Getting there: KTX to Gunsan + ferry.
Wando – Gateway to Island Hopping
Wando County is a beautiful county in South Jeolla Province, South Korea. It is referred to as Wando Island, and it is the largest island within the country. This Island is famous for its historical past and is one of the best places to visit during the summer in Korea. Cheonghaejin, the former headquarters of Jang Bong (a Korean historical figure), is situated there. The town of Wando is on this Island, in Jeollanam-do.
Wando is connected with the mainland, which is adjacent to Sinji-do, with the help of a high bridge. Between Wando and Jeju Island is the Chuja Archipelago, a group of 42 small rocks. Wando Island is one of those places where you will find great seafood and one of the country’s best arboretums. The land, filled with lush greenery, will definitely make you fall in love with it.
Why in summer: Perfect conditions for ferry trips to nearby islands, plus abundant seasonal seafood.
Don’t miss: The high bridge linking Wando to Sinji-do, offering sweeping ocean views.
Getting there: Bus from Mokpo or Gwangju.
Tips for Enjoying Offbeat Coastal Places in Korea in Summer
- Start early: Beat the midday heat and enjoy quieter mornings on the beach.
- Stay local: Opt for minbak (family-run guesthouses) for home-cooked seafood meals.
- Pack light: Quick-dry clothing, sandals, and a foldable sunhat are musts.
- Festival check: Local summer events are often unadvertised — ask at tourist offices.
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