Yangyang travel info

Yangyang is where the Seoraksan range runs closest to the sea on Gangwon's east coast. The ridges slide east and stop just short of the sand, and in the narrow strip between them sit a temple, surf beaches and a mineral-spring valley. Naksansa Temple was founded in 671, and sunrise from the pines at Uisangdae pavilion has been its famous view for centuries. Naksan Beach lays a 4 km sweep of sand in front of a pine grove.

The beaches each have their own character. Around Jukdo, Ingu and Surfyy Beach, people carrying boards are queuing from early morning. Hajodae has a pavilion on a rock cliff and shallow, clear water that draws snorkellers. Inland are Osaek mineral spring and Jujeongol valley, and the Osaek route is the shortest way up Seoraksan. Autumn brings pine-mushroom season.

From Seoul it is a little over two hours by express bus; the KTX only goes as far as Gangneung. Yangyang town and the beaches are some distance apart, so many people base themselves at Naksan and use taxis and buses. Yangyang International Airport currently has no scheduled flights.

From Seoul (BUS)

• Express bus (Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Yangyang): About 2h20 · ₩16,700 standard / ₩21,700 premium / ₩28,200 first class
• KTX Gyeonggang line (Seoul to Gangneung) then bus or taxi: About 2h on the KTX plus the transfer from Gangneung · Standard class from the mid-₩20,000s
• Car or rental car (Seoul–Yangyang Expressway): About 2h10 · Plus tolls and fuel

From Gangneung, Sokcho and nearby (BUS)

• Intercity bus (Gangneung or Sokcho to Yangyang): ·
• Taxi (Yangyang terminal to Naksan Beach): About 5 minutes · Around ₩8,000

Yangyang International Airport (YNY)

• Free shuttle from Gangneung KTX Station to the airport: · Free

• From Seoul: Express bus ~2h20
• Best time to go: Sea in Jul–Aug; pine mushrooms in Oct
• Transit card & payment: Cards mostly fine; cash at markets
• SIM & Wi-Fi: 5G in towns; weak in valleys
• Emergency: 119 · 112 · tourist line 1330
• Budget: Naksansa ₩4,000; surf lesson ~₩50,000
• Tourist info: Info desks at terminal and sights; 1330