Songjeong Beach (Busan)

Follow the coast east from Haeundae and you reach Songjeong Beach, a gently curving strip of sand about 1.2 km long and around 57 m wide. It is noticeably calmer than Haeundae or Gwangalli, and the shallow water makes it a good choice for families with young children. What really defines it, though, is the surfers waiting for waves with their boards in every season.

Busan's surfing beach

Ask anyone in Busan where to surf and Songjeong comes up first. The waves tend to roll in fairly gently, so beginners can take a lesson here, and surf shops and schools line the road behind the beach. In summer the sand fills with swimmers; in spring, autumn and winter it belongs to surfers in wetsuits. Cafés and raw-fish restaurants along the beach road make it easy to sit and watch the sea.

What to see

• Jukdo Park and Songiljeong: at the eastern end, by the entrance to Songjeong Port, is the small wooded hill of Jukdo Park. A path through evergreen trees leads to Songiljeong, a pavilion at the top with a view over the whole beach. Many people climb it early for the sunrise.
• Harbour lighthouses: next to Jukdo, a red and a white lighthouse face each other at the ends of the breakwaters, which are a favourite spot for anglers.
• Beach Train terminus: the Haeundae Blueline Park Beach Train runs 4.8 km along the old Donghae Nambu railway line from Mipo to Songjeong, ending close to the beach.
• Wedding photos: the open sand and lighthouses make Songjeong a popular backdrop for pre-wedding shoots.

The southern end of the East Sea

Songjeong Beach covers about 62,150 m² and is managed by Haeundae-gu together with the city of Busan. Depending on where you draw the line between the East Sea and the South Sea, it is sometimes described as the southernmost beach on the East Sea. The Beach Train from Haeundae is a battery-powered sightseeing train that runs slowly, at around 15 km/h, with a stop at Cheongsapo on the way. From the windows you see the coast below Dalmaji Hill and the Cheongsapo lighthouses, so the sea views start long before you reach Songjeong.

Tripto tips

• Getting there: Songjeong Station on the Donghae Line is within walking distance of the beach. From Haeundae, the Beach Train is a scenic alternative. Drivers can use the public car parks by the beach, which fill quickly on summer weekends.
• Time needed: around 1 hour for a beach walk and Jukdo Park; half a day if you take a surf lesson.
• When to go: the official swimming season usually runs from late June to late August. Surfing is possible all year, and on good days there are plenty of surfers even in winter.
• Combine with: about 2.5 km north-east along the coast is Haedong Yonggungsa, a temple built on the seaside rocks. Temple in the morning, beach in the afternoon works well.
• Watch out for: surfing and swimming areas are separated, so check the flags before going into the water.
• Surf lessons: surf shops behind the beach rent boards and wetsuits and run lessons. Book ahead for weekends and summer.