Jinha Beach

Jinha Beach is situated in the far south of the Ulsan metropolitan area, away from the main urban centres but close to a number of sprawling, key, heavy industrial sites.

Walking out onto the front for the first time you will be met by a long, but relatively narrow, crescent shaped beach which on the left points out to the small island of Myeongseondo. In summer it sits in the hazy mist like a forgotten treasure island.  It is possible to wade out to it at low tide though you will usually see a number of sea women wading across at high tide too with fish and goods galore. At night it is lit up with a number of Disney-esq yellow, green and purple colours which only add to its mystic aura.

The beach is a mixture of sand and broken shell pieces that are not particularly pleasant on the feet. According to governmental literature the waters at Jinha are among some of the cleanest in Korea. This is not entirely true as it contains much rubbish and driftwood.

There are a number of raw fish restaurants dotted along the front and surrounding back streets but little else in terms of other cuisine. No western chains operate in the area. Beware of the two alpine cabin restaurants along the beachfront, one of which (Kim’s Kitchen) claim to offer western food. It is ‘western styled’ food at very high prices. The cheapest item on the menu, Dongaus, costs W10,000 with salads starting at W14,000 upwards. A medium pizza is W20,000. The food is not good quality and expensive for what you get on the plate.

Despite its run-down, jaded appearance Jinha beach is still one of the best looking beaches and beach areas in the Ulsan metropolitan area. It’s certainly lacking many basic facilities and comforts but still makes for a good day-trip away from the city. Anything longer than this then be advised to spend it elsewhere.

Getting there

From Ulsan City to Jinha in anything other than private transport will be time consuming.Taxi’s cost W13,000 from Mugeodong and W25,000 from the airport, before 12 midnight.

From Ulsan Airport take bus No. 1402 or 412 to Gongeotap and transfer to any of these bus numbers: 1715, 715, 405 to Jinha.

From Ulsan Station take bus numbers 1104, 1114, 1401, 307, 317, 327 to Gongeobtap and transfer to any of these bus numbers: 1715, 715, 405 to Jinha.

From Ulsan Intercity Bus Terminal take bus numbers 1715 or 715 direct to Jinha.