Endless Waves... The Diverse and Contemporary Sea

By Yongjun Cho The Most Contemporary Ways to Travel the Sea of Ten Thousand Miles

Good times are always short. Spring in Korea has always been that way. The warmth that arrives like a gift, finally pushing away the seemingly unyielding harsh winter, is all too brief. As I watch spring quietly preparing to say goodbye, I can't help but feel a sense of urgency. I can't just let it slip away like this. Where can you go to fully embrace the last of spring's energy? The Korea Tourism Organization has published "Yojum Travel," a content series that goes beyond simply introducing destinations, capturing what travelers feel and how they experience their journeys. "Yojum Travel" features the diverse charms and colors of domestic travel that, while not yet mainstream, are gaining attention among savvy travelers and are likely to become future trends. The first theme of "Yojum Travel" is marine tourism. In Korea, a country surrounded by the sea on three sides, the ocean has always been a precious foundation of livelihood alongside the land. While the land has been the basis for agriculture, the sea has served as a major stage for life since millions of years before farming began. Reflecting this, the organization has curated five marine tourism experiences with a contemporary twist. According to the Korea Tourism Data Lab, all of the top 10 nature tourism destinations searched are beaches and swimming areas, indicating high interest and demand for marine tourism. Why not follow the recommended content from the organization and discover the most modern ways to travel the sea?

Comforted by the Breeze...

Tourists enjoying beach horseback riding after low tide at Gochang Myeongsasimni Beach

Excited by the Waves...

A tourist participating in the Jeju haenyeo experience is showing off a caught octopus.

Five Contemporary Charms of the Sea

Ultimate Healing by the Sea: SUP Yoga at Gwangalli Beach, Busan

Whether on the beach or at sea, experiencing yoga while balancing on a paddleboard offers a unique healing experience.

If you're looking for a trendy experience to enjoy at the sea right now, SUP yoga?combining stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with yoga?is the answer. At the SUP Zone on Gwangalli Beach, a leading SUP destination in Korea, SUP yoga programs are held starting in May. There are separate yoga programs on the beach and on the water, so everyone from beginners to advanced participants can join according to their skill level. Whether on the beach or at sea, balancing on a paddleboard while practicing yoga offers a unique healing experience. The program also includes time to learn and experience SUP itself. SUP, a water sport where you stand on a board and paddle, is easy for anyone to pick up. The SUP yoga program runs only on weekends from May 3 to November 16, with beach SUP yoga starting at 9:00 a.m. and water SUP yoga at 11:00 a.m. In addition, there are various experience packages available, including a three-hour program for unlimited SUP enjoyment and programs that add the romance of sunrise or sunset to SUP.

A tourist is experiencing yoga.

Gwangalli Beach and the SUP Zone have been selected by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization as part of the "2025-2026 Korea Tourism 100 Must-Visit Destinations." Several other selected sites are nearby, including Haeundae Beach, Busan X the Sky, Haeundae Green Railway, and Songjeong Beach, making it a great area to explore together.

Gochang’s Hidden Gem: Beach Horseback Riding at Myeongsasimni

Tourists enjoying horseback riding in the pine forest of Gochang

On the western side of Sangha-myeon, Gochang-gun, North Jeolla Province, lies a vast stretch of white sand known locally as Myeongsasimni Beach. Here, anyone can easily learn horseback riding and experience programs that let you ride through both forest and along the beach. The "Hygge Farm Gochang Beach Horseback Riding Club" offers these experiences. In addition to basic horseback riding lessons, the club features trail riding programs through pine forests and along the beach.

There are a variety of programs for everyone, from beginners to enthusiasts. You can feed the horses or ride in a circular paddock to get a feel for horseback riding. However, the highlight here is the beach trail ride, where you can gallop across the wide sands of Myeongsasimni on horseback. If you visit at sunset, you'll be treated to the stunning sight of the west coast bathed in golden light.

Riding a horse, strolling along Myeongsasimni Beach

Not far from Hygge Farm Gochang Beach Horseback Riding Club are Sangha Farm, Seonunsa Temple, and Hagwon Farm. Operated by Maeil Dairies, Sangha Farm is a "rural theme village" that brings together a petting zoo, workshops, farmers market, and accommodations. Seonunsa, located in Dosolcheon Valley within Seonunsan Provincial Park, is a temple with a 1,500-year history and numerous national heritage treasures. Hagwon Farm, featured in the drama "Pokssak Sokassuda," is famous for its beautiful waves of young barley every spring.

Living a Day as a Haenyeo: Haenyeo Diving Experience at Hado Fishing Village

In Korea, a country surrounded by the sea on three sides, the ocean has always been a precious foundation of livelihood along with the land. While the land has been the basis for agriculture, the sea has served as a major stage for hunting and gathering since millions of years before farming began. Among those who have made their living from the sea, "haenyeo" (female divers) are indispensable. Haenyeo are found not only in Jeju but also along the coasts of Busan, Namhae, and the East Sea, as well as in Japan, Southeast Asia, and Russia. In Jeju, the largest population of active haenyeo is in Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup. According to a survey by the Jeju Provincial Government’s Haenyeo Cultural Heritage and Policy Team, as of the end of 2024, there are 2,623 haenyeo in Jeju, with 186 (7%) residing in Hado-ri. The "Hado Fishing Village Haenyeo Diving Experience" is a hands-on program where you can dive with active haenyeo, wearing the same equipment, collecting seafood, and tasting your catch together.

This experience runs twice daily (at 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.) from April to October, lasting about two hours, with a participation fee of 40,000 won per person. All necessary gear?wetsuit, goggles, fins, taewak, mangsari, bitchang, and kkakkuri?is provided for rent. Spending a day experiencing the life of a haenyeo offers a chance to restore and remember the globally significant cultural heritage of these divers. If you combine this with a visit to the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, established in 2006 to preserve the value of haenyeo culture through diverse materials and literature, or "Haenyeoui Bueok," a restaurant that pairs performances telling the stories of haenyeo with meals crafted with their dedication, your haenyeo-themed trip will be even richer.

Barefoot Youth! Taean Gijipo Beach, a Super Earthing Sanctuary

'Earthing' is a compound word of 'Earth' and the progressive form 'ing,' referring to the act of receiving the Earth's energy by making direct contact with the ground barefoot.

When you leave your footprints, the waves come and wash them away. Sometimes, if you press hard enough, the wind gently fills them with sand. "Earthing" is a compound word of "Earth" and the progressive form "ing," referring to the act of making direct contact with the ground barefoot to absorb the Earth's energy, with barefoot walking being the representative method. The idea is to discharge static electricity from your body into the ground and absorb the earth’s negative ions. Walking on sandy beaches is said to maximize the earthing effect, which is why it’s called "super earthing."

Taean is a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, with a coastline approximately 559 km long. Along this stretch, seven courses have been created, including Padogil, Solmoratgil, Noeulgil, Saetbyeolgil, and Baramgil, each featuring paths along the beach.

While you can enjoy super earthing anywhere by simply taking off your socks, Taean Gijipo Visitor Center enhances the experience with foot-washing stations and shoe lockers for convenience. The super earthing section is 1.89 km long, divided into two courses from the visitor center: Course 1 (1.09 km) to Sambong Beach, and Course 2 (0.8 km) to Changjeonggyo Bridge toward Kkotji Beach. It’s a light walking route that can be completed in about two hours round trip. Not only do you walk through Korea’s only coastal national park, but this section also includes "Noeulgil," considered the highlight of Taean Beach Trail’s 170.3 km. Taean is a peninsula surrounded by the sea on three sides, with a coastline approximately 559 km long. Along this stretch, seven courses have been created?Padogil, Solmoratgil, Noeulgil, Saetbyeolgil, Baramgil, and more?each featuring paths along the beach. You can start and finish your walk at Gijipo Beach, enjoying super earthing as much as you like. The scent of the sea with every step is just the prelude; the wide, exotic sand dunes will leave you in awe. With Kkotji Beach, selected for the "Korea Tourism 100 Must-Visit Destinations" seven times in a row, the floral scents of the Taean World Tulip Festival, and the nourishing taste of rockfish soup made from dried rockfish, this is the perfect course to recharge your health. Head to Taean and experience it for yourself.

Riding Through Art and Nature: Sindo, Sido, and Modo

Modo Baemikkumi Sculpture Park

Sindo, an island just ten minutes by boat from Sammok Ferry Terminal in Incheon, is located between Yongyu Island and Ganghwa Island. Sindo, Sido, and Modo are connected by bridges, making it possible to tour all three by foot, bicycle, or motorbike. Rental shops for bicycles and bikes are conveniently located near Sindo Ferry Terminal. Due to the hilly terrain of the islands, you should choose your mode of transportation carefully. For first-time riders, the rental shop owner will provide instructions on how to operate the bikes.

Shortly after setting off, you’ll find yourself on Sindo’s cherry blossom road, which turns a fresh green in May. Sido is home to Bukdo-myeon Office, the post office, and other administrative facilities. On Modo, you’ll find Baemikkumi Sculpture Park, where you can enjoy a variety of sculptures alongside sea views.

The journey ends with a peaceful walk at Sugi Beach and Sindo Catholic Church. With its blend of nature, art, and relaxation, this is an ideal nearby getaway that lets you experience it all in a single day.