Kimnyoung Beach dazzles with its sugar-white sand and jet-black volcanic lava stones. Holidaymakers flock to bask on the sand and swim in the turquoise water. Lifeguards patrol the beach and make it popular with families. Hire a mask and snorkel to see colourful fish darting through the crystalline water. If you’re lucky, you might spot dolphins splashing in the shallows.
From the beach, you’ll get fantastic views of the enormous wind turbines spinning in the distance. They generate electricity used on Jeju Island. Walk to the lighthouse at the western end of the beach for another great photo op.
It’s walking distance from several cafes where you can enjoy popular South Korean drinks like iced coffee and banana-flavoured milk. Snack on “samgyeopsal” pork strips and fill up on tasty local dishes like “japchae” stir-fried noodles and Korean-style fried chicken.
Head inland to visit the otherworldly Manjanggul Lava Tube. At more than seven kilometres long, the natural attraction is one of the largest and most impressive lava caves in the world.
Getting around Kimnyoung Beach
Kimnyoung Beach is on the northern side of Jeju Island, a 30-minute drive from Jeju City. Taxis are a fast and affordable way to travel to Kimnyoung Beach. Local buses also run between Jeju City and Kimnyoung Beach.