Gimnyeong Beach (Gimnyeong Seongsegi Beach)

Gimnyeong Beach in Gujwa, on Jeju's northeast coast, formed where white sand piled up on top of flat black lava rock. The shallow water glows a clear turquoise, and a line of wind turbines turns along the horizon. With lava tubes such as Manjanggul close by, it pairs easily with a cave visit on the same day.

What the names mean

The beach is also called Gimnyeong Seongsegi Beach; "seongsegi" is said to refer to a small fort built to fend off invaders. Local lore says the village name comes from the way the area, seen from above, resembles the Chinese character 平.

Beneath the beach lies a broad sheet of lava bedrock, with white sand piled on top. That is why black basalt pokes through the sand here and there, and rock pools appear when the tide goes out.

What to see

• Shallow turquoise water: the white sand bottom makes the sea unusually bright, and on calm days you can see the rocks below the surface.
• Gimnyeong wind turbines: the turbines along the shore are a reminder of Jeju's famous wind, and a favourite silhouette at sunset.
• Geotrail: Gimnyeong has a geotrail linked to Jeju's UNESCO Global Geopark, leading through village lanes and stone-walled fields built on lava.
• Jeju Olle Route 20: the trail from Gimnyeong to Hado passes along this beach.
• Rock fishing spots: the rocky shore beside the beach is well known to anglers.

Good to know

• Several lava tubes lie near the beach, including Yongcheon Cave, Dangcheomul Cave and Manjanggul, formed by lava that flowed from Geomunoreum all the way to the sea.
• Facilities include toilets, showers, changing rooms, a convenience store and a public car park.
• Manjanggul, Gimnyeonggul, Yongcheon Cave and Dangcheomul Cave belong to the Geomunoreum Lava Tube System, part of the "Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes" UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site inscribed in 2007. The Gimnyeong shore is where that lava finally met the sea.
• The rocks beside the beach are a well-known spot for catching local reef fish, and at low tide the rock pools hold small fish and crabs.
• Gimnyeong is the starting village of Jeju Olle Route 20 to Hado, so from the beach you can follow the trail markers on into the village.
• The beach has a smoking area, drinking fountain and information signs; there is no pushchair rental. Enquiries: +82 64-728-3988.

Tripto tips

• Hours and fees: open all year, free of charge. The official swimming season and lifeguard period are set by Jeju City each year, so check before a summer swim.
• Time needed: 30 minutes to an hour for a walk and photos, half a day if you swim.
• Watch out: lava rock is sharp and slippery; water shoes are useful.
• Nearby: combine it with Manjanggul, about 3 km away, or drive the coastal road towards Woljeong-ri.