Surfing Waves

Hi,

I'm planning to visit South Korea next year. I'd like to see temples, experience the busy markets in Myeongdong, and would also want to do surfing, but I don't know if there's a beach in South Korea that is good for surfing. Any recommendations, please? Will be visiting maybe in June.

Here's my unconfirmed itinerary. Please add or suggest to me about the things I should do. Planning to connect with a local guide as well for a smooth travel.

Day 1 - Arrival in Seoul
Day 2 - Seoul - Cultural Exploration
Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Jogyesa Temple, and Insadong
Day 3 - Seoul - Modern Attractions
Namsan Seoul Tower, Itaewon, Gangnam
Day 4 - Day Trip to Suwon
Hwaseong Fortress
Day 5-6 - Busan (Beach and Surfing)
Haeundae Beach or Gwangalli Beach (but not sure yet which one is for surfing.
Day 7 - Busan (Temple Visit)

Enjoy yourself

Thank you! Do you think I should connect to this local guide https://gowithguide.com/korea ? I see they have good reviews and their tours seem legit. I also enjoy their articles on the page.

Since you are treading an out of the way surf path, you might have to take a few guesses.Let us know your results, you could be a pathfinder
Just thought I‘d add to this, often the recommendations are not the websites of any resorts or camps but rather surfers who have been somewhere and really liked it: Genuine word of mouth

I agree I appreciate your adventurous spirit!

Your itinerary looks great! Consider adding Changdeokgung Palace on Day 2 and a visit to Coex Mall on Day 3. In Suwon, try the Korean Folk Village. As for surfing, one of the most popular beaches among surfers is Yangyang in Gangwon-do province. June is a good month to visit, as the weather is warm and sunny. Enjoy your South Korean adventure!

Awesome! Thank you, James!

Haeundae Beach is located in Busan while Daecheon Beach is situated in Boryeong. Both are accessible from Seoul.

June is the tippy tip of typhoon season sometimes. You *might* luck out at Haeundae Beach, but swells are extremely fickle. I'm not sure I could recommend going out of your way, to say Jeju on an additional flight, unless there was high confidence in a storm/typhoon generating swell during your visit.
As you'll find though, more than plenty of stuff to do in the ROK. Judging from your iten, you're going all over hell's half acre in Seoul and will be plenty tired riding the subway and walking around in the increasing heat of June. Take your time and enjoy it, Korea is a wonderful country and those two cities are incredible. Eat as much dak galbi as you can, don't be afraid to venture off the beaten path into side alleys, and if you insist on so-makju careful as it'll sneak up on you. Enjoy

Hi TeeBee89, this is very helpful. I searched about the weather in June and found that it's the spring season in South Korea, but there may be rain for about 9 days, with approximately 133mm. Probably, I move my visit to October. I want to enjoy the beach. Might give a thought about Jeju as well and would try dak galbi for sure. Appreciate your input!


Image Source: https://gowithguide.com/blog/south-korea-tourism-statistics-2023-all-you-need-to-know-5254

No worries! Yes, the monsoon season rains can start in the last two weeks of June, irrespective of what locals think the official start day should be
If you're going in October, this changes everything. You can likely get away with still wearing shorts to mid-October, but the sweltering heat is largely over. This will make touring around easier, from walking to the subway. Day 3 of your itin has you doing the Namsan-Itaewon-Gangnam run. Be mindful this is a lot of time on the subway from Itaewon to get down to Gangnam and that line can get jam packed busy. Likewise for Busan, as the run from Haeundae to Nampo-dong shopping district can take awhile, let alone the airport or Busan Station for the KTX.
Most importantly for surfing: you stand a far better chance of a Japan and/or China tracking typhoon in Sept-Oct generating swell that could make surfing possible in Busan, but especially on Jeju. Be warned: flat conditions can give way to powerful swell pretty quickly depending on the track of the typhoon. Don't underestimate it. Unfortunately, a Korean bound typhoon could complicate your travel plans. Also be mindful there are two public holidays in October, which will make tourist sites more busy and KTX, plane tickets more expensive.
Enjoy eh!!

Thank you once again for the helpful tips! Will keep that in mind.

No problem! Unfortunately, not going to give up all the goods regarding surf spots and tips If you have the time and resources though, I'd recommend Jeju regardless. Surf conditions will always be a gamble in Korea. Be careful with any self styled "surf guides" or group lessons. Many are more than happy to take won from hanguk and foreigner alike, only to administer "lessons" on flat days. Korean surf etiquette is also.. still developing. Lineups can sometimes resemble the worst learner free for alls in Bali, but politeness toward long time local crew goes a long way even if it doesn't seem like that at first. Enjoy!