Hyeopjae Beach

Hyeopjae Beach sits at Hyeopjae-ri in Hallim on Jeju's west coast, where white sand, shallow clear water and the small island of Biyangdo just offshore all fit into one view. The water is shallow and the seabed slopes gently, which makes it easy for families with children, and a pine grove behind the sand offers shade. It slots easily into any day along Jeju's western coast.

The beach

The beach is about 1,100 m long and 30–90 m wide. The sand contains a lot of crushed shell, which makes it unusually white, and black basalt breaks through it here and there. On clear days the cobalt water stands out against the white sand. To the southwest the beach runs into Geumneung Beach, and locals sometimes call the two together Hyeopjae Beach.

What to see

• Biyangdo: a small volcanic island right in front of the beach, visible from everywhere on the sand; the sunsets over it are lovely.
• The basalt shore: at low tide, rock pools appear among the black rocks, and small stone cairns stacked by visitors dot the rocks.
• Pine grove and lawns: the woods behind the beach give welcome shade from the summer sun, and with palm trees and lawns nearby, many people come to stroll or camp.
• Hallim Park: a botanical garden right next to the beach, where you can also see the Hyeopjaegul and Ssangyonggul lava caves, part of the Hallim Lava Tube Area natural monument.

Walking the shore

From Hyeopjae, follow the sand and rocks southwest and you reach Geumneung Beach. Both beaches face Biyangdo, so the island's outline shifts gradually as you walk. Abalone and turban shells are plentiful in these waters, and nearby restaurants serve local seafood. On windy days the waves build up, so stay off the outer edges of the rocks.

History

Hyeopjae was developed as a swimming beach in the 1980s under Jeju's comprehensive tourism development plan. At first there were few facilities; today it has changing rooms, showers, toilets, drinking fountains, a rest area and a convenience store, and is one of the main beaches in western Jeju.

Tripto tips

• Swimming season: the beach is open year round and free. Swimming is safest during the official summer season; in 2026 it ran from 24 June to 6 September. During the peak period from 15 July to 15 August the beach was floodlit and also open in the evening. Dates change every year, so check that year's announcement.
• Best time: the water looks brightest at midday on a sunny day; for the sunset over Biyangdo, come in the late afternoon.
• Time needed: about an hour for a walk and photos, half a day if you plan to swim.
• Camping: many people camp in the pine grove; follow the on-site signs for permitted areas and periods.
• Take care: basalt is slippery and sharp, so water shoes help on the rocks.
• Nearby: Geumneung Beach and Hallim Park are within walking distance, and boats to Biyangdo leave from Hallim port.