Things To Do
in Haeryong
Haeryong is a small coastal town on the eastern edge of South Korea, framed by rolling green hills and the blue East Sea. Its harbor buzzes with daily fishing activity and its markets offer fresh seafood, hyangga snacks, and comforting soups. Temples tucked into the hillside provide quiet viewpoints and a chance to glimpse local rituals.
Just a short journey from Busan, Haeryong feels like a genuine seaside retreat with easy access to urban amenities when you want them.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Haeryong and settle into your accommodation. Take some time to explore your surroundings and grab a delightful breakfast at a local café. Immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere as you prepare for your adventure ahead.
Visit the Haeryong Cultural Center to learn about the local traditions and history. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring traditional dishes that define the region. Stroll through the quaint streets, admiring the charming architecture and vibrant street art.
As night falls, join a guided walking tour to experience Haeryong’s nightlife. Dine at a popular local eatery, sampling some of the best seafood in the area. Wind down at a cozy pub, enjoying the lively ambiance and possibly catching a live music performance.
Start your day with a morning hike at the nearby Guryong Mountain, where breathtaking views await. After the hike, enjoy a picnic breakfast in the scenic park area. The fresh air and stunning scenery will energize you for the day ahead.
Head to Haeryong Beach, which offers beautiful sands and calming waves. Relax under the sun or engage in water activities like paddleboarding or beach volleyball. Enjoy a light lunch at a beachside café, taking in the views of the ocean.
Catch the sunset at Haeryong Beach, where the sky transforms into a canvas of colors. After the sun sets, partake in a beachfront barbecue, trying your hand at grilling local seafood. Stroll along the shore as the nighttime sounds of the waves provide a soothing backdrop.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $6-12 |
| ☕Coffee | $2-4 |
| 🚆Local transit day pass | $3-6 |
| 🏨Mid-range hotel per night | $60-120 |
| 🎟️Museum or attraction ticket | $5-20 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Beautiful coastal scenery with easy access from Busan
- Fresh seafood and traditional markets
- Calm, walkable town with cultural sights
- Limited nightlife compared to bigger cities
- Smaller selection of international dining
- Seasonal weather can impact outdoor plans
- "안녕하세요" - Hello
- "감사합니다" - Thank you
- "실례지만 어디예요?" - Excuse me, where is...?
- "화장실 어디예요?" - Where is the bathroom?
- "얼마에요?" - How much is this?
Places to Visit in Haeryong
Visit one of these nice places.
Iconic coastal lighthouse with panoramic sea views and dramatic sunsets over the East Sea.
Early-morning light over aging fishing boats and nets creates soft, warm tones for harbor portraits.
Peaks above the coast offer sweeping views of cliffs meeting the sea and a natural place for golden-hour photography.
Quiet temple grounds with terraced roofs and cloud-soft backdrops for contemplative shots.
Food in Haeryong
Haeryong Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Fresh slices of raw fish served with spicy gochujang and vinegar, best at the morning market stalls.
Must-Try!
Pork soup with rice, a hearty regional staple often found in haunts near the harbor.
Spicy stir-fried squid with vegetables and a garlicky gochujang sauce.
Soy-marinated raw crab, a delicate, briny dish enjoyed fresh at seaside eateries.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
Morning stalls selling freshly caught fish, shellfish, and ready-to-eat sashimi portions.
A string of street-food stalls offering tteokbokki, hotteok, skewered fish cakes, and seasonal snacks.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove hats, speak softly, and remove shoes where required. Ask permission before taking photos of worshippers.
Offer with both hands when handing over items; a small bow accompanies respectful exchanges.
Keep voices down on public transit and in residential areas; queue patiently and avoid blocking entrances.
Safety
Tipping in Haeryong
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not customary in most Korean establishments; if service charge is included, no extra tip is needed.
Cash is useful at markets; credit/debit cards are widely accepted in restaurants and larger shops. Mobile payments like KakaoPay, Naver Pay, and Samsung Pay are common in stores and apps. carry some KRW for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Mild days with blooming cherry blossoms; a great time for coastal walks and temple visits before the humidity rises.
Hot and humid with a chance of typhoons; hydrate, wear sun protection, and enjoy sunrise or evening activities along the coast.
Comfortable temperatures and clear skies; ideal for hiking, photography, and open-air markets.
Cool to cold with brisk sea air; storms can roll in from the East Sea. Layered clothing helps and coastal walks are often invigorating.
Haeryong at Night
Hiking in Haeryong
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A scenic route along cliffs and beaches with several vantage points for photography.
Moderate climb with rewarding city and sea views from the summit.
Airports
How to reach Haeryong by plane.
Primary international gateway for the Busan region; connected by rail and road to Haeryong for easy day trips.
Regional hub with domestic and limited international flights; accessible by high-speed rail or bus in about 1.5 hours.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Longstanding families and multi-generational households are common, contributing to a strong sense of community.
Nearby schools and study spots attract local students and occasional visiting scholars.
A notable senior population with active community groups and accessible public spaces.
Visitors come for coastal scenery, seafood markets, and cultural experiences; some expatriates settle in nearby Busan areas.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
A foundational Korean martial art practiced in schools and clubs across the region.
Popular among youth and adults; local teams and pickup leagues run on weekends.
Played during warmer months along the harbor beaches and coastal parks.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Haeryong.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Korean cooking often centers on seafood and broth-based dishes. Look for vegetable bibimbap without meat, tofu stews, and namul (seasoned vegetables). When ordering, ask for no fish stock and request clear broths or tofu-based dishes.