Geoje Island,
paradise of Namhae
Geoje
Island, located at the center of southern coast of South Gyeongsang
Province, is often called the “paradise of Namhae”
because it offers 13 beautiful beaches as well as many historical tourist sites
and museums.
The country’s second-largest island, after Jeju,
has beaches in both northern and southern parts of the island.
In general, visitors to southern beaches outnumber those visiting northern
beaches, while all of the 13 beaches are open from July 1 to Aug. 21.
In the northern part, Deokpo
Beach is worth visiting. The beach is 450 meters long, offering fine sand,
clear water, gentle slope and old sea pine trees along the coast. There are two
bathrooms, two shower buildings, one water-drinking area and a parking lot.
The most popular activity at the beach is “Zip-Wire,” linking the
two edges of the beaches with a cable. Users can hold on to the cable and slide
above the sea water. The activity coasts 13,000 won per person for one-way, and 18,000 won for round trip.
Nongso Mongdol Beach,
located near Geoga Bridge, is the island’s
longest beach stretching for 2 kilometers. Instead of sand, small and round
stones called “mongdol” cover the beach,
which is good for a hot stone bath.
Heungnam Beach is known for its fine sand, whereas a
small Hwangpo Beach is almost like a quiet lake.
In the southern part of the island, the most popular beach is the 510 meter
long Wahyeon Sand Forest Beach with many convenient
facilities fully equipped. You can enjoy diverse water activities such as
“Flying Fish” and “Banana Boat.” Another beach near by is called Gujora Beach.
Past the Gujora Beach to the south, you will see Hakdong Black Pearl Mongdol Beach
and Hakdong Camellia Forest. The sound of the waves,
hitting the small pebbles, will give you an unusual memory, especially at
night. During day time, the small stones shine like black pearls.
Meanwhile, those who want to enjoy camping in the interior of the island can
visit Geoje Sadeung Auto
Camping Area in Sadeung-ni in Sadeung-myeon.
Open in 2009, the camping park can accommodate 300 tents in four sections.
There is a 20,000 won fee per night. Shower facilities are offered for free and
spa is priced at 3,000 won. Those who do not have a tent can rent a room at a
pension or a trailer.
You can check out a beautiful garden, Geoje Sanbangsan Biwon, after a
10-minute drive to the right of Geoje Bridge, where
the trace of Emperor Uijong of Goryeo
Dynasty still vividly remains.
Sitting on Mount Sanbang foothill on more than
30,000-pyeong (24-acre) of land, Sanbangsan Biwon looks like it came from another planet. The garden
boasts more than 1,000 species of wild flowers, trees, shrubs and rare plant
species.
The Source: The Korea Herald