In summer, many tourists come to Busan’s beaches to enjoy their vacation because as the largest maritime city, Busan has many beautiful beaches and offers a variety of things to enjoy and see. However, famous destinations such as Haeundae, Gwangalii, and Dadaepo are visited by many tourists in anticipation of relaxation, but they are often not able to “healing” because of the crowds.

How about visiting hidden spots if you come to Busan to rest at the beautiful and quiet sea? For those who want to enjoy a summer vacation in a quiet and relaxed atmosphere, here are Illgwang Beach and Imrang Beach, which the reporter visited in August.

■ Illgwang Beach, the beauty of moderation

Illgwang Beach, located in Samseong-ri, Illgwang-myeon, Gijang-gun, boasts a variety of scenery, although it is quiet because not many tourists gather there. According to Gijang-gun, Busan, 212,990 tourists visited Illgwang Beach from July 1st to August 17th. Compared to Haeundae Beach, which is visited by an average of 210,000 tourists per day during peak season every year, it is much more secluded and relaxed.

With a small white sand beach of 19,031m² and an average depth of 1.2 meters, it is suitable for walking or playing in the water. In particular, at the low cost of 20,000 won, you can use parasols, tables and chairs all day long, so it is good to spend a long time. There is also a separate space for tent installation, but cooking is prohibited.

You can also see colorful caravans which are small mobile homes on the white sandy beach. That is an attractive accommodation where you can stay overnight with a sea view. It can be used for 90,000 won per night during peak season (From July to August), and barbecue grills and charcoal can be used for 25,000 won.

At the end of the white sandy beach is a deck path where you can walk over the sea. If you walk along this path, you can feel the beauty of the vast sea and the sea pines that surround the beach in Gijang-gun. Jo Han-Seo (Geumjeong-gu, 24) said, “The beautiful scenery I could see while walking on the deck path seemed to comfort me in the city.” Park Jae-Myung (Geumjeong-gu, 25) said, “I always went to Gwangalli or Haeundae to see the sea, but I didn’t know there were such beautiful beaches in Gijang.”

Various leisure sports can also be enjoyed. Various experiences such as duck boat, banana boat, jet ski and parasailing are possible. The price per person is 7,500 won for duck boat, 15,000 won for banana boat, 30,000 won for jet ski, and 70,000 won for parasailing.

■Imrang Beach, Small but colorful

Imrang Beach is a small beach with an area of 16,000 m²and an average depth of 1.3 meters. It is easy to arrive from Illgwang Beach by taking bus No.188 for about 20 minutes to get there. The number of visitors is also increasing through word of mouth saying that the forest around the white sand beach is beautiful and the water is clear. Kim Ji-Seong (Busan Jin-gu, 25) said, “I visit this place frequently because the relaxing atmosphere is always impressive.”

The “best” fun at Imrang Beach is surfing. Compared to the famous beach where many tourists gather, you can learn to surf safely. Also, a rental shop is nearby, so you can easily experience it without equipment.

Since there is a free parking lot, many vacationers come for a “Car camping,” which means staying overnight in the car. Ahn Chan-Yong (Official, the Maritime Affairs and Fisheries Division of Gijang-gun) said, “We are allowing “Car camping” in the free parking lot until August 31st, the opening period of the beach. After September, regulations about this are under review.”

■Cafe where you can enjoy “Ocean View”

On the beach road connecting Ilgwang Beach and Imrang Beach, there are many large cafes where you can enjoy the scenery of the sea. Tourists keep coming thanks to the distinctive desserts, drinks, and ocean view.

"Chilam Sagye" is a new cafe opened in August last year by Lee Heung-Yong (Bakery master of Korea), the founder of "Iheungyong Bakery," which is nearby the main gate of Pusan National University Busan campus. You can see the beautiful sea from the inside of the cafe, as well as feel the cool breeze and sea air from the rooftop. In particular, to taste the signature menu “Salt Bread” is so popular that you must register and wait.

"A'De Choi" is a cafe that exudes a lively atmosphere with flower pots where you can see various plants. It is famous for its luxurious image, decorated with colorful walls and chandeliers. "Millefeuille," made of thin and crispy pastries and cream, has become a hot topic on various social media such as Instagram, and tourists have been visiting constantly.

Reporter Seo Hae-Seong

Translated by Seo Hae-Seong