Yangyang Travel: Places to Visit, 1-Night 2-Day Itinerary and City Stories
Yangyang, the land where the sun rises. The name Yangyang was given in 1416. It was borrowed as-is from Yangyang (Xiangyang) on the banks of China's Hanshui River, because this area's terrain and natural beauty resembled it.
The name Yangyang was given in 1416. It was borrowed as-is from Yangyang (Xiangyang) on the banks of China's Hanshui River, because this area's terrain and natural beauty resembled it.
- Good for
- Sea
- Suggested itinerary
- 1-night 2-day · 10 places
- Must-sees
- Naksansa Temple · Hajodae Folk Museum · Hajodae Observatory
- Traveler reviews
- 3 shared with consent
Contents
Why Yangyang
Yangyang, a name given to the side where the sun rises
The name Yangyang was given in 1416. It was borrowed as-is from Yangyang (Xiangyang) on the banks of China's Hanshui River, because this area's terrain and natural beauty resembled it. Break down the characters and yang (襄) means to rise, and yang (陽) means sunlight. Together they mean a warm, bright land where the sun rises.
To the east, the horizon is open all the way, and to the west stands Seoraksan Mountain. The pass over that mountain is the 1,004m-high Osaengnyeong Pass, a rough mountain road Yangyang people had to cross to get to Seoul. The popular song 'Hangyeryeong' carries the joys and sorrows of the people who traveled this road. In Inje it's called Hangyeryeong, and in Yangyang, Osaengnyeong.
A town on the coast where the sun arrives first, with a great mountain standing behind it blocking the way. The story of things that left over that mountain and came back to this sea is the backbone of this city.
Surprisingly, Yangyang's keyword is 'return', as in coming back
The first to come back are the salmon. Fry born in Namdaecheon Stream swim out as far as the North Pacific, then 3–5 years later remember the taste of the water of the river where they were born and return. Over 70% of the salmon that come back to Korea choose this river, and once back they lay their eggs in the gravel beds upstream and end their lives right there. That's why Namdaecheon is called the mother river, the mocheon.
People came back too. In year 11 of King Munmu of Silla, that is, in 671, Great Master Uisang, just back from Tang China, sat in meditation for seven days on a cliff on this coast. Legend has it that a red lotus rose from the sea and the Bodhisattva Gwaneum appeared inside it. The hermitage built on that spot is Hongnyeonam, and the temple built because of it is Naksansa.
These days, it's surfers who come back. North of Hajodae Beach, Surfyy Beach, Korea's first beach just for surfing, opened, and in just a few years a huge number of people have started coming. Of course, Yangyang has picked up a bit of a bad reputation, but it's a city so beautiful that the stigma is a real shame :).
Four by the sea and one in the mountains: Yangyang's areas
From Mulchi Port to Namae Port, all connected by one coastline
Yangyang is easy to get your bearings in if you split it into the long north-south coast and the mountains to the west. At the northern end, Naksan · Yangyang-eup has Naksansa Temple, Naksan Beach, Namdaecheon Stream and the town center, and heading south you'll find the small beaches and prehistoric sites of Sonyang · Dongho.
Naksan: a window in the temple floor where you can see the waves
A temple over 1,300 years old sits on this cliff. Since Great Master Uisang founded it in 671, Naksansa has been counted among the 3 great Gwaneum holy sites, along with Bomunsa on Ganghwa and Boriam in Namhae.
Sonyang and Dongho: the coast where people lived 8,000 years ago
Head south from Naksan and the sea gets quiet. Dongho Beach is a small beach, 500m long and 55m wide.
Hajodae: surfers stand below the cliff where two ministers once lived in hiding
This is where people who come to ride the waves gather. The name Hajodae comes from two people.
Hyeonnam: a hermitage that tells you to rest and rest again, and a bamboo island
This is the southernmost part of Yangyang. There's a hermitage whose name means "rest."
Osaek: mineral springs bubble up in the valley where fake coins were once minted
Turn your back to the sea and head 20km west, and you're at the southern foothills of Seoraksan. Jujeongol has a story behind its name.
Places to visit in Yangyang
Naksansa Temple
A historic temple that's one of the Eight Scenic Views of Gwandong, perched on a cliff overlooking the East Sea and home to historic treasures like Uisangdae Pavilion and Hongnyeonam Hermitage
Hajodae Folk Museum
A museum made up of nostalgic items and a hands-on space where you can try on old-fashioned school uniforms
Hajodae Observatory
An observatory built on rugged cliffs, where you can look down at the clear sea spreading out beneath your feet and take in the stunning Hajodae coastline at a glance
Namdaecheon Salmon Eco Park
An eco park along Namdaecheon Stream, the salmon's home river, where in fall you can watch salmon swimming upstream and take a nice walk through the reed fields
Jujeongol Valley
A trekking spot in Seoraksan's Osaek area, known for stunning scenery of unusual rock formations and clear valley streams, and an easy walk for all ages
Restaurants & cafes in Yangyang
Dudu
A tofu specialty restaurant that gives neat, clean-tasting tofu dishes a modern twist, so people of all ages can enjoy a healthy meal
Kinship
A water-gazing cafe with a dreamy interior where light reflects off the water, and a unique sculptural design that makes it feel like you can see Yangyang's sea beyond the ceiling
Dongho Beach Seopguk
A haejangguk (hangover soup) specialist that makes a spicy, refreshing soup with seop, Yangyang's local wild mussels
Yeoyeojeong
A meat restaurant recommended by locals, popular for its reasonably priced lunch specials
Yangyang 1-night 2-day itinerary
This is the basic itinerary from the Randomtrip city guide. Places with closing days that overlap are noted in the table.
| Day | When | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Lunch | Dudu | Restaurant · Closed Tuesdays |
| Day 1 | Afternoon | Kinship | Cafe |
| Day 1 | Afternoon | Naksansa Temple | Sightseeing |
| Day 1 | Afternoon | Hajodae Folk Museum | Sightseeing |
| Day 1 | Afternoon | Hajodae Observatory | Sightseeing |
| Day 1 | Dinner | Dongho Beach Seopguk | Restaurant · Closed Mondays |
| Day 2 | Morning | Namdaecheon Salmon Eco Park | Sightseeing |
| Day 2 | Lunch | Yeoyeojeong | Restaurant · Closed Sundays |
| Day 2 | Afternoon | Jujeongol Valley | Sightseeing |
| Day 2 | Afternoon | Osaek Carbonated Hot Spring | Experience |
What's new in Yangyang
- 2026 Yangyang Pine Mushroom & Salmon Festival · 2026.10.16 – 10.18 · Try pine mushroom hunting and catching salmon with your bare hands
- Digital Tourist Resident Card · Get one instantly on your phone and get discounts at partner attractions
For a more detailed schedule, see This month's festival schedule. For benefits, see the Half-Price Travel roundup.
Stories from travelers who've been
“I found it by chance and had a great trip with my friends. We always travel together at least once a year, and the freshness that comes with randomness made waiting for the trip date so exciting and wonderful. We also enjoyed the recommended course and restaurants, which were fun and delicious. Thank you.”
Mun*ye · With friends · 2026.05 · Traveled with Randomtrip“- The accommodation was very clean and the staff were friendly, so I could rest comfortably during the trip - It was convenient that you guided us on the travel course along with nearby restaurants and attractions”
An*yeong · With friends · 2026.05 · Traveled with Randomtrip“We're all busy office workers with no time, so choosing a destination and accommodation was a big stress, and I was grateful you planned it in such a fun way. And the accommodation was really satisfying. The owner was attentive, the place was clean, and the soundproofing was good. We made precious memories. Thank you.”
Yu* · With friends · 2026.05 · Traveled with RandomtripFAQ
How should I plan a 1-night 2-day trip to Yangyang?
We recommend this order. Day 1: Dudu → Kinship → Naksansa Temple → Hajodae Folk Museum → Hajodae Observatory → Dongho Beach Seopguk. Day 2: Namdaecheon Salmon Eco Park → Yeoyeojeong → Jujeongol Valley → Osaek Carbonated Hot Spring.
Are there any places in Yangyang with closing days to watch out for?
Watch out for Dudu (closed Tuesdays), Dongho Beach Seopguk (closed Mondays), and Yeoyeojeong (closed Sundays). Check the days of the week first.
What kind of trip is Yangyang good for?
It's a great city for sea trips.
- Randomtrip city guide · Yangyang text, places & itinerary · Checked 2026.10.01
- 3 Randomtrip traveler reviews (shared with consent, names partially hidden)
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The story of Yangyang's Osaek Mineral Spring: the valley where fake coins were minted
Turn your back to the sea and head 20km west, and you're at the southern foothills of Seoraksan. Jujeongol has a story behind its name. In the Joseon era, thieves disguised as monks made counterfeit coins in this remote, deep valley, which is how it got the name Jujeongol.
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