The Romance of Jeju: A Record of Jungmun Saekdal Beach (Jungmun Saekdal Haesuyokjang), Where Black, White, Red, and Gray Sands Ripple

The Texture of Four-Colored Sand Beneath My Feet, A Record of Jinmosal

As soon as I entered Saekdal-dong, Seogwipo, the salty scent of the sea brushed against my nose. I arrived at Jungmun Saekdal Beach (Jungmun Saekdal Haesuyokjang), kicked off my shoes, and took my first steps onto the white sand. They say this place has long been called 'Jinmosal.' Just as the name implies a 'long sandy beach,' the 560-meter coastline that curves softly like a bow captivates the eyes.

What fascinated me most was the color of the sand. Looking closely, I could see black, gray, red, and white mysteriously mixed together. Depending on the angle of the sunlight, the entire beach would sparkle like the Milky Way or take on a deep black hue, blending with the heavy volcanic rocks. I thought that this landscape, where Jeju’s rough volcanic stones meet soft sand, might be the true aesthetic of nature.

The Energy of Surfers Waiting for Waves, and the Pristine Sea

Jungmun Saekdal Beach has relatively higher and more frequent waves compared to other beaches. Thanks to this, it is a kind of mecca for surfers. Watching the silhouettes of people waiting for waves on the sea, I felt a sense of overwhelming excitement myself. It is no wonder that the largest international surfing competition in Korea is held here every June.

I could hear the laughter of those enjoying jet boats and scuba diving, as well as surfing, carried on the breeze. Seeing the sea so clear that one could see right through to the bottom, I nodded in agreement as to why this place was once named the best pristine beach. Even without going into the water, just sitting there with the sound of the waves as background music was a healing experience.

The Longest Day in Jeju Faced at Shiri Hill (Shiri-ui Eondeok)

After thoroughly enjoying the sea, I headed to the edge of the beach, to 'Shiri Hill' (Shiri-ui Eondeok), famous for the final scene of the movie Shiri (Swiri). As I climbed the steep path and caught my breath, I turned back to see an unbelievable landscape unfolding. The Saekdal Beach (Saekdal Haesuyokjang) viewed from above boasted an elegance different from the place I had just walked through.

Sitting on a bench on the hill, I quietly watched the sunlight seeping into the far horizon. Jeju's sunsets seem particularly intense and long-lasting. Before the sun set completely and darkness descended, standing under a sky mixed with orange and purple, I didn't have a single thought on my mind. They say this is a prime spot to see both sunrise and sunset, so I make a resolution to be a bit more diligent next time to face the morning sea.

Tips for Practical Travelers

Jungmun Saekdal Beach is located in the heart of the Jungmun Tourist Complex (Jungmun Gwangwang Danji), making it perfect for planning a course along with Cheonjeyeon Falls (Cheonjeyeon Pokpo) or Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff (Daepo Jusangjeolli). While it is easily accessible by public transport or rental car, the parking lot tends to get quite busy on weekends or during peak season, so I recommend arriving a little early. As the waves are often strong, please be sure to follow the safety guards' instructions if you plan to swim, and those who want to enjoy surfing should check the lesson programs in advance before visiting. It shows different expressions in all four seasons, but if you want to capture the colors of the beach most clearly, I recommend around noon on a sunny day.