🌊 Kimnyeong Beach – A Peaceful Ocean View Gem on Jeju’s East Coast
If you’re searching for a beach in Jeju that’s both stunning and peaceful—without the overwhelming crowds—I highly recommend Kimnyeong Beach. Located on the island’s eastern coast in Gujwa-eup, this charming seaside spot is still relatively undiscovered compared to more touristy areas like Woljeongri.
🏖️ First Impressions: Clean, Calm, and Surprisingly Beautiful
As soon as I arrived, the first thing that struck me was the color of the water—a breathtaking mix of deep blue and turquoise with soft white waves gently breaking on the shore. It honestly looked like a postcard. The sand was soft, the beach was clean, and the entire area had this laid-back, untouched feel that’s hard to find in more commercialized beach towns.
Even though I have a personal connection to the area (my family name comes from Kimnyeong), I’d still recommend this place to anyone—it’s simply that beautiful.
🅿️ Parking & Facilities
Kimnyeong Beach is also extremely visitor-friendly:
- 🚗 Free parking lot right next to the beach
- 🚻 Restrooms and showers available near the shore
- 🏕️ Camping zones
- ☕ A convenience store at the entrance (recently changed from CU to 7-Eleven—yay for SKT discounts!)
You don’t need to visit in summer to enjoy it either. Even in spring or fall, the beach offers a calm and relaxing spot to simply enjoy the views, go for a light walk, or sit down with a drink and let time slow down.
🌅 Take the Coastal Walk – It’s Worth It
Most people park their car and stop at the beach entrance, but trust me—keep walking.
Head toward the breakwater (marked “A” on the guide map near the beach), and you’ll be treated to:
- A quiet coastal walking path
- A scenic viewpoint overlooking the sea
- A newly opened oceanfront café that’s still a bit of a hidden secret
This area offers a totally different perspective of Kimnyeong. The view from the breakwater is absolutely stunning, and walking along the path lets you fully experience the sea breeze, the sound of waves, and the peacefulness of the area.
📸 Best Photo Spots
To the left side of the beach, there’s a rocky shoreline—a perfect photo zone. In the background, you’ll see white wind turbines, which surprisingly add a modern, almost surreal beauty to the scene. Whether you’re capturing the sea, the rocks, or the horizon, this beach is incredibly photogenic.
🐟 History Meets Nature – Jeju’s Wondam
One interesting feature you’ll notice as you walk toward the breakwater is a “wondam”, a traditional Jeju stone fish trap. These were historically used to catch small fish during low tide, and many locals used them for anchovies. It’s a small but fascinating piece of Jeju’s fishing culture still visible on the shoreline today.
💬 Kimnyeong vs. Woljeongri Beach
People often compare Kimnyeong with Woljeongri Beach, which is nearby. While Woljeongri is more famous, it’s also much more crowded and commercialized, with cafés and restaurants lining the shore.
Kimnyeong, on the other hand, still feels quiet and unspoiled, like a little slice of Jeju that time forgot. If you’re looking for a peaceful escape and a raw ocean view experience, Kimnyeong is hands-down the better choice.
✔️ Final Thoughts & Tips
- 📍 Location: Gujwa-eup, Jeju City
- 🕒 Best time to visit: Late spring to early autumn (but great year-round for views)
- 📷 Bring a camera—you’ll want to capture the colors
- 👟 Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to walk to the breakwater
- 🚶♀️ Don’t just stay by the parking lot—explore the full coastline
💙 Whether you’re here to dip your toes in the water, enjoy a seaside walk, or find a peaceful place to relax, Kimnyeong Beach is a true hidden gem on Jeju Island’s east coast. With clear waters, basalt rocks, ocean winds, and a sense of calm, it’s everything you’d want from a coastal escape—without the crowds.
