Geumneung Beach: This Quiet, Right Next to Hyeopjae

Talk long enough about Jeju's west coast and one name keeps coming up alongside Hyeopjae Beach: Geumneung Beach. Located in the same Hallim-eup, it's said to be the beach whose sand stretches on directly from Hyeopjae's, right next door. The two beaches reportedly sit so close together, with no clear line between them, that walking along the shore it's easy to lose track of where Hyeopjae ends and Geumneung begins. Because Hyeopjae's name is so widely known, Geumneung is often introduced as the quieter counterpart, though plenty of accounts say its water and sand are every bit as good as Hyeopjae's. Today GYULI is laying out the parts of the Geumneung story that didn't fit into the Hyeopjae piece. If you're planning to visit both together, it's worth reading through to the end.

The Sand That Continues From Hyeopjae, Practically One Beach

The simple reason Geumneung keeps getting mentioned alongside Hyeopjae is that the two beaches are said to share one continuous stretch of sand. Travelers who've walked between the two often say that without a fence or a sign, it's hard to tell exactly where Geumneung starts. The administrative boundary and management may be separate, but for anyone on foot, many accounts describe it as feeling like one long beach rather than two. Because of this, some visitors reportedly plan a route that starts at Hyeopjae and simply keeps walking into Geumneung. The texture of the sand and the color of the water are said to be much the same as Hyeopjae's, so the same emerald-toned sea people associate with Hyeopjae is often described as showing up at Geumneung too. That said, exactly where the two beaches divide, and which side the facilities and management office sit on, is best checked against the signage on site.

Why It's Said to Be Quieter Than Hyeopjae

The phrase that comes up without fail about Geumneung is that it's quieter than Hyeopjae. Even though the two beaches sit right beside each other, Geumneung is reportedly the calmer side largely because Hyeopjae's name is so widely known as one of Jeju's signature beaches that visitors tend to head there first, and in greater numbers. Some accounts describe tour buses and group visitors clustering on the Hyeopjae side while Geumneung, sharing the same sand, stays comparatively easy to find a spot on. Biyang Island is also said to be visible from Geumneung at a similar angle as from Hyeopjae, so for anyone hoping to take in the view without the crowds, Geumneung is sometimes recommended as the better spot. That said, Geumneung can reportedly get busy too during peak season, so if you're counting on it being quiet, it's worth factoring in the timing of your visit.

Enjoying Geumneung, and a Few Travel Tips

Beyond swimming and walking, Geumneung Beach is said to be a name that comes up among travelers looking to camp. There's reportedly space near the beach for camping or car camping, though the exact operating details and reservation process can vary by season, so it's worth checking the latest information before you go. Accommodations are also said to be scattered through the stretch between Hyeopjae and Geumneung, and some visitors reportedly choose this area specifically to spend a night right by the water. Around sunset, much like at Hyeopjae, the silhouette of Biyang Island is said to blend with the evening colors when viewed from Geumneung too, and with fewer people around, some reviews say it's the better side for taking in the sunset quietly. Water depth, waves, and facility operations can shift with the season and tide just as they do at Hyeopjae, so if you're visiting with children, be sure to check the day's conditions with lifeguards or posted notices.

In the end, many accounts suggest Geumneung Beach simply lives in Hyeopjae's shadow, when it comes to the sand and the water alone, it's said to hold its own. If you'd like a similar emerald sea and view of Biyang Island in a quieter setting, walking a bit further past Hyeopjae into Geumneung could be a good call. Exact details on facilities and camping can vary day to day, so check on site and enjoy the visit at ease.

🍊 Real Photos, via GYULI