Naksan Beach

Naksan Beach stretches along Yangyang's coast as one of the East Sea's longest fine-sand beaches, with the headland temple Naksansa rising dramatically at its northern end. The water here is famously clear, the sand near-white, and the beach broad enough that even peak summer feels less crowded than Sokcho's in-town beaches. A pine forest behind the dunes provides shade, and a row of beachfront pension and seafood streets handles overnight stays and meals. Surfing has grown rapidly in recent years, with rental and lesson shops clustered at the south end. Pair with Naksansa Temple's cliffside Uisangdae Pavilion for the perfect sunrise-to-evening East Coast day.