Korea has been blessed with a few things – endless mountains immediately spring to mind. But they also have an incredible number of islands and peninsulas scattered along their coast line. Some of these are absolutely stunning! You could almost believe you were on a tropical beach anywhere else in the world. What better way to enjoy them than with some beach camping?
Beach Camping
We had, due to the weather, again, and some prior commitments, missed out on camping on Namyeol beach with a group of friends at the end of summer. After seeing photos from their trip we decided we had to go there. The beach itself is situated near the eastern tip of the Goheung peninsula. Clear blue water, white sandy beach and a backdrop of rice paddies terraced up the hills.
We went there towards the end of September, which is after summer has officially ended in Korea. This means that, even though the weather is still very good (probably better for camping than during the heat of summer) the beaches are almost deserted. Also, what used to be a pay-to-camp stretches of beach are now free. Our best kind of camping! There are still public bathrooms to use as well as a small convenience store to stock up on basics, like ramen and makgeolli. There were showers but they were locked due to the season being over. The outdoor washing up areas had no water. There was, however, a hose outside the bathrooms and some basins in the toilets for basic washing up/brushing teeth etc.
Camping Spots
After a bit of scouting around we settled on a spot under the trees at the edge of the beach. Initially the only other people around were a few groups set up in the parking lot itself, tents pitched on the paving stones. Namyeol Beach is also a popular surf spot in Korea and there were a few surfers around (although the waves were pretty intermittent and small). In the summer there are surfboards and wetsuits available for rent if you’re interested in that!
Afternoon Hikes
As we had gotten there quite early we had the beach almost to ourselves. Later in the afternoon a few other families set up camp just for the day. A large hiking group came to celebrate their hike, but left as soon as it got dark. We spent the day lounging around on our inflatable “sofas”, sipping on local makgeolli and taking dips in the ocean to cool off. This led to us hiking up the side of the small cliff next to the bay to watch the sun go down. Excellent idea as it was an absolutely stunning sunset. The beach is also referred to as sunrise beach – they are quite impressive there. If you’re not to keen on waking up early the sunset is a great alternative…
Campfire Burning
The stunning sunset meant we stayed up there for quite a while drinking in the tranquility (and the makgeolli). We may have spent a bit too long up there, only to realise we hadn’t yet collected firewood for a campfire. Definitely can’t go camping without a campfire! The evening was pleasantly warm and we certainly didn’t need a fire other than for ambiance. A few trips down to beach with torches soon remedied this. Our campfire was soon lit and we were ready for a very lazy dinner of ramen and spam under the stars.
New Friends
The following morning was spent lazing around again and making friends with somebody’s collie dog. He was super friendly and loved fetching pine cones, even ones we hadn’t thrown. I also tried a bit of fishing of the rocks on the far side of the bay but no luck. We packed up just before lunch and started heading back home. The reason we left early was so that I could try a few dams on the way back to see if they held any fish. This led to an entertaining meeting with a local farmer but, unfortunately, no fish.
As a beach camping spot this one is great. There are good facilities, even in the off season. The beach is very nice and the water temperature was bearable. There is lots of space to set up and the beach camping is free in the off season. Camp sites in Korea can get very crowded and camp sites on popular beaches even more so!
Has anyone been to Namyeol during the summer, does it get busy? Or has anyone surfed there? Let us know in the comments.
Nice campsite! You guys went all out to make a cozy little spot. I know that it can be difficult to find good surf in Korea in spite of all the shore line so I'd be curious to learn more about the surfing there. Thanks for sharing!
I haven't tried camping in Korea. It looks so much fun! The landscapes are amazing. I love the sunset the most. I think I'll be fine without trying to surf. I'd love to spend time there in a hammock and read a good book. I can't wait for Spring!
Ah, I just love that shot of the sunset over the rice terraces! Also loved the ones of the collie as well. When I was living in NZ, our hostel had a border collie named Jess who was one of the family. Most spoiled/ lovable pooch in the world.
Memories aside, Namyeol Beach sounds like a great find. I really enjoy sleeping by the beach, with the distant sound of surf and easy spots for a campfire. There are a few beaches close to Pohang which are good for this, but — like you mentioned — they tend to get pretty busy during peak season. Adding this one to the list!
I really enjoyed your side anecdote about the collie who joined your adventure. The photo closeups were great, and they really brought your story alive for me.
This looks like an awesome camping spot! Namyeol Beach looks lovely we will have to try and take a trip there once the weather gets a little warmer, thanks for the recommendation. That sunset is gorgeous too – so pink!
Love it that you guys are so active on the camping thing! I bought a tent last year and have yet to use it (haha). I was recently thinking if attempting to camp this year is worth including in my Korea bucket list for my last year here. I'm still a bit hesitant. But your pics definitely sway me in the yes direction!
What a piece of heaven! It's crazy how popular camping is in Korea and trying to find a people-free area for yourself is like trying to find a large dog at Korean puppy shops. Your inflatable sofas look so inviting and your entire camping set up is very cozy! Wish my hubby was more into camping and sleeping outdoors.
Nice find- that beach looks absolutely stunning! I absolutely love your tent as well, it looks so cosy. It's funny how on the 1st September, summer just completely stops in Korea. Like, even if it's 30 degrees outside. Good for us though! Haha thanks for sharing!
Ah if you have a tent you have to give it a go! Korean convenience store food just makes it so easy too! Camping has probably been one of our best experiences in Korea!
Hahah great analogy!! actually our inflatable sofas got pine needles stuck right through them at this spot 🙁 so sad! Mark never used to be a fan of camping back in South Africa but somehow Korea changed him!
Thanks! That tent was amazing. Pretty spacious for the two of us too! I was sad to sell it! And yes – grateful that people stopped camping on the 1st September so we got to enjoy some quiet camping! We went to namhae in August and it was actually just TOO hot to camp!!
Any idea on how to bus there? We are trying to do a group trip but only have one car.
Hi Rachel. Apologies for the late reply but we’ve been offline for a while. It’s a very small town so would be tough to find an intercity bus that goes there. If you have Kakao Maps on your phone punch in the location. The app is English as well if you change it in the settings and it will give you all the transport options. Good luck!
Nice campsite! You guys went all out to make a cozy little spot. I know that it can be difficult to find good surf in Korea in spite of all the shore line so I'd be curious to learn more about the surfing there. Thanks for sharing!
I haven't tried camping in Korea. It looks so much fun! The landscapes are amazing. I love the sunset the most. I think I'll be fine without trying to surf. I'd love to spend time there in a hammock and read a good book. I can't wait for Spring!
Ah, I just love that shot of the sunset over the rice terraces! Also loved the ones of the collie as well. When I was living in NZ, our hostel had a border collie named Jess who was one of the family. Most spoiled/ lovable pooch in the world.
Memories aside, Namyeol Beach sounds like a great find. I really enjoy sleeping by the beach, with the distant sound of surf and easy spots for a campfire. There are a few beaches close to Pohang which are good for this, but — like you mentioned — they tend to get pretty busy during peak season. Adding this one to the list!
I really enjoyed your side anecdote about the collie who joined your adventure. The photo closeups were great, and they really brought your story alive for me.
This looks like an awesome camping spot! Namyeol Beach looks lovely we will have to try and take a trip there once the weather gets a little warmer, thanks for the recommendation. That sunset is gorgeous too – so pink!
Love it that you guys are so active on the camping thing! I bought a tent last year and have yet to use it (haha). I was recently thinking if attempting to camp this year is worth including in my Korea bucket list for my last year here. I'm still a bit hesitant. But your pics definitely sway me in the yes direction!
What a piece of heaven! It's crazy how popular camping is in Korea and trying to find a people-free area for yourself is like trying to find a large dog at Korean puppy shops. Your inflatable sofas look so inviting and your entire camping set up is very cozy! Wish my hubby was more into camping and sleeping outdoors.
Nice find- that beach looks absolutely stunning! I absolutely love your tent as well, it looks so cosy. It's funny how on the 1st September, summer just completely stops in Korea. Like, even if it's 30 degrees outside. Good for us though! Haha thanks for sharing!
Ah if you have a tent you have to give it a go! Korean convenience store food just makes it so easy too! Camping has probably been one of our best experiences in Korea!
Hahah great analogy!! actually our inflatable sofas got pine needles stuck right through them at this spot 🙁 so sad! Mark never used to be a fan of camping back in South Africa but somehow Korea changed him!
Thanks! That tent was amazing. Pretty spacious for the two of us too! I was sad to sell it! And yes – grateful that people stopped camping on the 1st September so we got to enjoy some quiet camping! We went to namhae in August and it was actually just TOO hot to camp!!
Any idea on how to bus there? We are trying to do a group trip but only have one car.
Hi Rachel. Apologies for the late reply but we’ve been offline for a while. It’s a very small town so would be tough to find an intercity bus that goes there. If you have Kakao Maps on your phone punch in the location. The app is English as well if you change it in the settings and it will give you all the transport options. Good luck!
Thanks! We decided to rent a car. 🙂