Shinan County has the highest number of islands among local governments in South Korea. With a total of 1,025 islands, it boasts a rich and lush landscape and there are many intriguing stories told about its beaches. There are 500 beaches in Shinan County, but only 14 of these are in operation.
Out of these 14, there are 8 beaches that are especially worth visiting. ▶ Imjado–Daegwang Beach Daegwang Beach, located on the western side of Imjado, is the longest and widest beach in South Korea. The sandy beach stretches over 12 kilometers in length and more than 300 meters in width.
With its gentle slope, warm water temperature, and expansive sandy shore, it is well-equipped with amenities such as a large campground, sports fields, athletic facilities, showers, parking lots, and accommodation options, making it ideal for group camping. Behind the sandy beach, there is a forest with azaleas, pine trees, and acacia trees, where camping with cars is possible. In front of the beach are several large and small inhabited and uninhabited islands where you can enjoy fishing.
The beach has also been certified as a clean beach, meeting 100 criteria for safety, environment, and water quality management. ▶ Jeungdo–Wujeon Beach Located in Wujeon-ri on the southeastern coast of Jeungdo, Wujeon Beach is found after passing through the vast Taepyeong Salt Farm, the largest salt production area in the country. With a 4-kilometer-long and 100-meter-wide sandy beach, Wujeon Beach offers a stunning horizon dotted with over 90 uninhabited islands.
The coastline of Jeungdo mostly consists of mudflats, but the sand is fine and smooth, making it suitable for children to play. You can leisurely walk along the dense red pine forest, and although the parking area is not very large, it does have restrooms, allowing for camping with cars. Jeungdo is home to Taepyeong Salt Farm, the largest salt farm in the country, which was established after the Korean War in 1953 to settle refugees and increase salt production.
▶ Seollemi Beach This small beach, located near Wujeon Beach, is a perfect retreat away from busy spots, ideal for personal relaxation or for couples seeking a quiet place to enjoy. Despite its small size, it boasts stunning views. Nearby, there is a campground with well-equipped facilities such as auto-caravans, auto-camping sites, and fixed pensions (e.
g., Snail House, Jjangttungi House). The Eldorado Resort on one side of the beach provides a panoramic view of the beauty of Jeungdo Beach.
▶ Jeungdo–Jjangttungeo Beach Jjangttungeo Beach on Jeungdo, known for its mudskippers playing in the mudflats, is an exotic beach with fine sand, blue waters, and parasols made from rice straw. This hidden gem of Shinan features a spacious sandy beach. Jjangttungeo Beach is especially popular among camping enthusiasts.
The pine forest along the beach is ideal for leisurely walks. There is ample parking space and well-maintained restrooms and showers. ▶ Heart Beach Originally known as Hanunum Beach, this beach is shaped like a heart.
From a distance, it resembles a heart shape, making it a romantic spot where lovers might want to vow their love. It gained fame as a filming location for the TV drama “Spring Waltz.” There is a local belief that couples who visit Hanunum Beach will remain together forever and love each other eternally.
▶ Bigumdo–Wonpyeong Beach Bigumdo is a large island about 15 times the size of Yeouido, with a coastline stretching 86 kilometers. As a result, beautiful beaches are scattered across the island like jewels. Wonpyeong Beach, the most popular beach among visitors to Bigumdo, features a 10-kilometer stretch of sand, offering a spectacular view.
During the Japanese occupation, it was a bustling fishing port. The sand is fine and soft, and so solid that footsteps do not leave marks. Behind the beach is a dense pine forest, and a marine rail bike runs through it.
▶ Baengnyeongdo–Baengnagimi Beach Baengnagimi Beach on Baengnyeongdo offers a clear, calm sea and a pebble-stone beach. Near the beach, there is a peak with the Jinri Temple (Jinri Village Seonghwangdang), and a short 500-meter hiking trail leads to a sea observation deck. Walking 250 meters brings you to the coastal sea observation deck, surrounded by a dense forest tunnel of camellias, chinquapins, yellow camellias, pines, and magnolias.
The name Baengnagimi originally means “great sea.” ▶ Sindo–Sindo Beach Sindo Beach, selected as one of Korea’s beautiful beaches, features a pristine 800-meter sandy beach behind a lush red pine forest, creating a picturesque scene. Located 43 kilometers from Mokpo, the beach has been well-preserved, offering a clean and tranquil environment.
Accommodations for camping or lodging are available in nearby villages and pine forests..
