Geumneung BeachNext to Hyeopjae, a Quiet West-Coast Stop

The sand and the water

You come down to the sand from a stone-paved plaza. Parasols stand in rows, and in the summer open season a roped-off area in the shallows holds tubes and inflatable water toys. Black basalt sits here and there in the water, which is shallow and calm.

Biyangdo island floats offshore. Wind turbines stand at the far end of the coastline.

What it looks like

Under a cloudy sky, low and wide clouds spread overhead, and the ground is a broad access path paved with stone blocks. At its end stands a beach information board, and beyond it you can see the sand and blue parasols. The sea is a pale turquoise with white waves rising out in the distance. On the left are buildings and palm trees lined along the coast, with children and adults standing around the sand.

The quiet side of the beach it shares with Hyeopjae

A beach on Jeju's west coast, right next to Hyeopjae Beach. It shares one stretch of white sand with Hyeopjae, and the crowds gather on the Hyeopjae side. The Geumneung end is that much calmer and more relaxed.

Jeju has filled up with visitors, Korean and foreign alike. So if you want a quiet beach, this kind of spot is the one to pick. You don't come here to do anything in particular — it's a place where time passes slowly.

For visitors

• It's a free public beach. You can only go in the water during the summer open season; the rest of the year it's for walking and photos.
• It's joined to Hyeopjae Beach. Hyeopjae is the better-known, busier side; Geumneung is the quieter side — same water.
• A rental car helps. It's 30–40 minutes west of Jeju Airport, and Hallim Park is close by.
• The water is shallow and calm, so it's good with children — but watch your footing around the black basalt rocks.

Who it's for

• ✅ Anyone after a quiet, low-key beach on a crowded Jeju
• ✅ Anyone who wants to rest slowly rather than do things
• ✅ Anyone with plans on Jeju's west coast (Hallim, Hyeopjae)
• ✅ Anyone needing somewhere shallow for children to play
• ⚠️ Anyone here to swim outside summer — the water is only open in season
• ⚠️ Anyone moving by public transport only — it's on the west coast and awkward without a car
• ⚠️ Anyone expecting a wide, bustling beach — this is the small side

Before you go

• Getting there — Geumneung-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju City, right next to Hyeopjae Beach. Check the map before you set off.
• Route — 30–40 minutes west of Jeju Airport. Pair it with Hallim Park and Hyeopjae Beach for a half-day.
• Season — swimming only in the summer open season. Otherwise it's walking, photos and cafes.
• Facilities — car park, parasol rental, and cafes and restaurants nearby.
• A meal — if your day takes you into central Jeju City, Mipung Haejangguk is worth setting aside a bowl for.