The Surf Window

Yangyang

Gangwon, South Korea

Beach breakIntermediate

South Korea's East Sea surf capital, Yangyang in Gangwon Province is the country's most dedicated surf destination, with stronger, more consistent waves than Busan and a surf culture that has grown dramatically in recent years.

Typical Conditions

The Surf Window

Swell Window

N
OptimalW (270°)
WindowSSW–NNW (210°–330°)

Wind

W

Offshore

Tide

mid tide

LowMidHigh

Season

September–October

JFMAMJJASOND

The Wave

Type

Both

Bottom

Sand

Shape

Moderate beach break, more powerful than Busan's beaches, with better shape on typhoon groundswells

Length

30–80m

Skill Level

  • •Who it's for: Intermediate
  • •Why: More exposure to East Sea swells than Busan, the wave has real punch on typhoon groundswells.

Hazards

  • •Jellyfish in summer
  • •Cold water October–May (wetsuit required)
  • •Rip currents near river mouths

Local Tips

  • •Yangyang hosts the annual Korea Surf Festival, the country's biggest surf event draws thousands of surfers.
  • •The Seoraksan National Park mountains are visible from the beach, one of Korea's most dramatic mountain-to-sea landscapes.

Location

Map showing the location of Yangyang in Gangwon, South Korea

38.0806, 128.6241