Introduction
This is a small secondary beach featuring a 600-meter stretch of white sand covering approximately 24,000㎡. Namhangjin is a harbor located where Seomseokcheon Stream meets the sea at the estuary of the Namdaecheon River, on the eastern side of Gangneung. The name originates from its historical meaning as a ferry crossing located on the southern route from Songjeong to Hansongsa Temple. Around the beach, there are many raw fish restaurants, and the spacious parking areas nearby make it convenient for visitors to park.
Tourist Guide
Namhangjin Beach is renowned for its clear and emerald-blue waters. Though modest in size, it boasts a beautiful sea, making it a favorite destination among ocean enthusiasts. The surrounding area features dense pine forests and well-maintained guesthouses, making it an ideal place to relax quietly for a few days.
Travel Tips
It takes about 15 minutes by car from downtown Gangneung to reach Namhangjin Beach. If you search for quiet beaches in Gangwon State online, Namhangjin Beach is often listed as one of the hidden gems—known mostly to those who are familiar with the area. Locals in Gangneung tend to prefer Gangmun, Namhangjin, or Anmok Beach over Gyeongpo Beach.
Namhangjin Beach is located near the entrance of Gangneung Airport and features a sandy shore approximately 1.5 km in length. The nearby dense pine forest adds to its cozy atmosphere. Its proximity to the city also makes it convenient to visit nearby attractions such as Ojukheon House, the Local History Museum, Gyeongpodae Pavilion, the Charmsori Gramophone & Edison Science Museum, and the Daegwallyeong Eoheulli Museum, making it an excellent vacation destination.
Visitors can also enjoy the “Aranabi” zipline experience at Namhangjin Beach. “Ara” is a pure Korean word meaning “sea,” and the name reflects the idea of flying freely like a butterfly over the ocean. Aranabi is an activity open to all ages, allowing participants to glide through the sky and look down over the sea. It operates year-round, not just during summer. From a distance, the facility resembles a lighthouse, but up close, visitors can easily spot the Aranabi sign. At the entrance, there are instructions on how to wear and remove the equipment, which should be carefully reviewed before participation. The experience begins after crossing Solbaram Bridge to the opposite side.
The zipline stretches approximately 560 meters across the sea, supported by wires that carry participants over the blue waters. Operating hours are from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. At the moment of departure, many visitors instinctively scream, but as they reach the middle and gain the courage to look down at the sea, those screams often turn into expressions of awe and admiration.
The beach also features swings installed for visitors to relax. These swings have become a popular photo spot for travelers. Around the beach, there are numerous dining options, including raw fish restaurants, makguksu (buckwheat noodles), and flounder set menus. The wide parking areas also make it convenient for visitors arriving by car.
With the growing popularity of camping, a pine forest camping area has recently been established in Namhangjin. It is located next to Gangneung Port—famous for its coffee street—separated only by a breakwater. At night, the nearby airport’s guiding lights illuminate the sea, creating a particularly beautiful night view. From Solbaram Bridge, located where the Namdaecheon River meets the sea, visitors can enjoy scenic views of the river.
When visiting Namhangjin Beach, be sure to try Gangneung’s famous makguksu. Recently, the area has also gained attention as a popular venue for house weddings and hotel-class convention halls, further establishing itself as a notable destination.