Jinha Beach

In Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun, Jinha Beach opened in 1974 as Ulsan's first public swimming beach. About 1 km of wide sand is backed by pine woods, and just offshore floats the uninhabited islet of Myeongseondo. After dark the islet's woods light up with illuminations and media art, giving you a night-time scene quite unlike the beach by day.

Where river meets sea

Jinha has shallow water and gentle waves, ideal for swimming, and because it lies close to the South Sea the water is relatively warm. At the northern end, the Hoeyagang River, flowing down from Munsusan, enters the sea, so you can bathe in both salt and fresh water. With Ilsan Beach it ranks as Ulsan's best-known beach, and in summer it hosts water sports competitions and a beach festival.

Jinha is also known as the beach where the lead characters of the K-drama "See You in My 19th Life" walk side by side. The swimming season varies slightly each year; in 2025 it ran from 27 June to 31 August. During the season the Ulju Marine Leisure Sports Festival, the Jinha Beach Festival and the Ulsan Summer Festival follow one another, and the beach is at its busiest.

Myeongseondo and the night view

• Myeongseondo: a small rocky islet 330 m round and about 6,744 m² in area. It was once written with characters meaning "island of singing cicadas"; today's name means "island where immortals played".
• Getting onto the islet: depending on the tide, a temporary floating walkway lets you walk across. On the islet you must stay on the marked path.
• Night illuminations: since 2022 the islet's trees and rocks have been lit with light and media art, including projections of tigers and waterfalls, making it a popular evening walk.
• Myeongseongyo Bridge: a pedestrian bridge across the mouth of the Hoeyagang. From the bridge you see Jinha Beach and Myeongseondo together.

The waters around Myeongseondo are a village fishing ground, so fishing and gathering shellfish are prohibited. Some parts of the islet are dark at night, so watch your step.

Tripto tips

• Myeongseondo night opening: March, April and September 19:00–22:00; May–August 19:30–23:00; October–February 18:00–22:00. Last entry is 30 minutes before closing. Entry is free; closed on Mondays. Access may be impossible on some days because of tides or weather, so check before you go.
• Swimming season: the beach usually opens officially from late June to the end of August. During the season showers, changing rooms and a shop operate, and rubber rings, life jackets and parasols may be lent free of charge.
• Parking: there is no parking at Myeongseondo itself; use the car parks around the beach.
• Getting there: take the Donghae Line commuter train to Seosaeng Station, then a bus or taxi. The address is Jinha-ri, Seosaeng-myeon, Ulju-gun.
• Time needed: 1 hour for the beach and bridge, 2–3 hours if you stay for the evening illuminations.
• Combine with: the "Ganjeolgot Somang-gil" coastal path runs about 3 km south to Ganjeolgot Cape, starting at the northern end of Myeongseongyo Bridge.