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The West Coast promises a truly special summer filled with memorable camping, exciting
The West Coast of Korea is a treasure trove offering an unforgettable combination of camping, unique mudflat experiences (Hae-Rujil), and breathtaking sunsets. This guide provides all the essential information to help you plan an extraordinary summer vacation exploring the hidden charms of Korea's West Coast.
The Ultimate Camping Destination: Korea's West Coast
Korea's West Coast boasts a diverse array of campsites, making it a prime destination for camping enthusiasts. Most West Coast campsites are situated right by the sea, offering stunning ocean views and ample opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. A significant advantage is the chance to combine camping with various activities like mudflat experiences and swimming.
For instance, Mongsanpo Auto Camping Site in Taean is renowned for its beautiful scenery, a harmonious blend of pine forests and vast sandy beaches. This site provides various camping options, including auto-camping, glamping, and caravan pitches, ensuring a comfortable stay for all. During low tide, visitors can enjoy clam digging in the mudflats, making it an excellent choice for families with children.
Gosapo Campground, located within Byeonsanbando National Park, is another iconic West Coast camping spot. Here, you can camp beneath a dense forest of Korean Red Pine trees, with Gosapo Beach right at your doorstep for swimming and mudflat exploration. When planning your West Coast camping trip, it's crucial to thoroughly check each campground's features and facilities to select the best fit for your preferences.
Hae-Rujil: An Unforgettable Mudflat Experience
The West Coast's vast mudflats offer ideal conditions for enjoying Hae-Rujil, a unique activity where you can gather seafood directly from the mudflats or shallow waters. During specific low tides, the West Coast allows you to catch clams, ark shells, and various other shellfish.
Gijipo Beach in Anmyeondo is a prime location for Hae-Rujil. Characterized by its gentle slope and expansive mudflats, it's easy to find Manila clams and razor clams here when the tide recedes. Many operators offer equipment rentals and guided programs, making it convenient for even first-timers to enjoy Hae-Rujil.
Muchangpo Beach is also famous for its Hae-Rujil opportunities. This beach is well-known for its "Moses Miracle" phenomenon, where a sea path mysteriously opens during low tide. During this time, you can engage in Hae-Rujil to find sea cucumbers, octopuses, and conches. It is essential to accurately understand the tide times for Hae-Rujil, and for safety, it's advisable to bring a bright light and non-slip boots.
Chasing the Sun: Best Sunset Viewing Spots
The West Coast's sunsets offer a different kind of magic compared to the East Coast's sunrises. The harmonious blend of the sky and sea, bathed in a fiery red glow, creates an unforgettable spectacle that moves many who witness it. The West Coast is dotted with numerous stunning locations for sunset viewing.
The most iconic sunset spot is Kkotji Beach in Taean. The sight of the sun dipping between Halmibawi (Grandma Rock) and Harabibawi (Grandpa Rock) is virtually synonymous with West Coast sunsets. During high tide, when the rocks appear as isolated islands, the scenery becomes even more mystical. A visit to Kkotji Beach at dusk promises breathtaking photos against the backdrop of the fiery sky.
Chaeseokgang in Naebyeonsan, Byeonsanbando, is another must-see sunset point. Located near Gyeokpo Port, Chaeseokgang boasts unique coastal cliffs formed by layers of sedimentary rock. As the setting sun illuminates these ancient formations, it creates a majestic beauty. Beyond these, there are many other hidden sunset gems along the West Coast, including Eulwangri Beach on Yeongjongdo Island and Jebudo Island. When planning your West Coast trip, consider allocating time to witness these spectacular natural light shows.
Experience the Magic: Your West Coast Summer Adventure
The West Coast of Korea is a truly special destination where you can enjoy camping, unique Hae-Rujil experiences, and awe-inspiring sunsets all in one trip. Catching seafood with your own hands, camping by the ocean, and witnessing the sky ablaze with the setting sun are unique experiences only the West Coast can offer. This summer, we highly recommend creating unforgettable memories along Korea's stunning West Coast.