Water Sports in Korea to Cool Down Your Summer
- zone tp
- Jul 22
- 4 min read
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The scorching summer that drains you even when you're doing nothing.
But there's something you just have to enjoy during this season.
It’s the perfect time to dive into the water and enjoy a variety of water sports!
Let me introduce some activities you can enjoy alongside Korea's diverse natural landscapes!
Let's begin😎
Surfing is a marine leisure sport where you ride a surfboard along the sloping face of a wave, letting your body move with the rhythm of the sea. While Korea’s waves are relatively gentle, this actually makes them ideal for beginners and for intermediate surfers looking to refine their techniques. In particular, Caramel Surf Haus in Gangneung offers safe and detailed lessons that help you properly read and ride waves. Operated by a 9-year veteran surfer who is a professional shortboard athlete in Korea, the lessons guarantee both safety and fun. Located at Geumjin Beach, this spot is spacious and peaceful compared to crowded surfing areas, providing the perfect setting to enjoy and learn surfing at your own pace. The surf shop itself, remodeled from a red clay sauna, offers a cozy, warm atmosphere, and is equipped with clean showers and a guesthouse for a comfortable stay until the end of your trip!
Address: 92 Geumjindwit-gil Okgye-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
Work: Mon–Fri 11AM–6PM
Sat, Sun 10AM–7PM
Canoeing is a water sport where you paddle a long, narrow boat across calm lakes or flowing rivers. Compared to kayaks, canoes are generally suited for calm waters, making it easy for beginners to relax and enjoy. The Chuncheon Jungdo Mulle-gil Canoe Program offers a variety of fun experiences on the beautiful Uiam Lake. One of the highlights is the Survival Canoe Game, a unique program first introduced here, where teams ride canoes and use paddles and water guns to splash and battle each other in a refreshing water survival match. There’s also the Party Canoe, which includes a scenic canoe tour along the Mulle-gil, complete with cake, wine, and flowers—perfect for couples looking to make romantic memories. If you're already a canoe enthusiast, you can even join a wooden canoe-making class, where you’ll craft your own canoe over the course of five weeks!
Address: 95 Sports town-gil 223beon-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
Work: 9AM–6PM
Snorkeling is a popular activity that allows you to swim while breathing underwater using simple gear like a snorkel and fins. It lets you stay in the water longer to observe marine life, making it a favorite for many. One of Korea’s top snorkeling spots is Yoondol Island in Geoje—a quiet island known for its crystal-clear waters. You can rent a kayak, paddleboard, or jet ski from Gujora Beach to reach the island. Though the trip takes only about 20 minutes by kayak, it offers a unique and memorable experience. The island is famous for its exotic rock formations, especially a sea cave nicknamed the “Nostril Cave.” While the water around the cave is deep and the current can be strong—so caution is advised—many visitors take on the challenge for a photo-worthy moment. You’ll also spot a variety of marine life, including schools of fish and sea urchins.
Address: San72 Gujora-ri, Irun-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Wakeboarding is a thrilling water sport where you perform jumps and spins using waves created by a motorboat. While it may seem similar to water skiing, wakeboarding focuses more on tricks, while water skiing emphasizes speed. Dalbit Water Leisure in Namyangju is a wakeboarding academy that offers personalized lessons, making the sport both safe and fun for all skill levels. You can speed through the clear Bukhangang River on a wakeboard, attracting many visitors from early summer. Since you go out on a yacht with your group, you can capture plenty of photos of both your successful cool moves and funny fails! The second-floor rooftop offers a comfortable space to relax while enjoying views of the Bukhangang River, making it perfect for unwinding after lessons. There's even a ramen machine on-site—perfect for warming up with a hot bowl after your ride!
Address: 1132-32 Bukhangang-ro Hwado-eup, Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Work: 6AM–8PM
Rafting originally meant riding on rafts, but nowadays it usually refers to a water sport where you ride a boat down rapids. It’s a popular summer activity loved for the unpredictable thrills of fast-moving waters. Inje Naerincheon River is one of South Korea’s top rafting spots, famous for its exciting rapids and the mysterious beauty of its clear valley waters. This stunning location is internationally recognized; in fact, the World Rafting Championships were held here in 2007. Rafting is a team sport where you paddle together with others in the boat, working as a team to navigate the water’s flow. At Naerincheon, you can enjoy a variety of sections—from calm stretches perfect for sightseeing to wild rapids full of swirling currents. Experience the rewarding feeling of successfully navigating through the rapids and rocks!
Address: 6211 Naerincheon-ro Inje-eup, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
Windsurfing is different from regular surfing, which rides waves, as it uses a board with a sail to move forward powered by the wind. Unlike traditional masts fixed vertically, this sport is unique because you steer by moving the sail yourself to change direction. While often associated with the sea, you can also learn windsurfing on the Hangang River. You can learn thrilling windsurfing against the backdrop of a beautiful city. Experience thrilling windsurfing at Jeon Jong-geun Windsurfing 31, led by a windsurfing champion with over 30 years of water sports teaching experience! The Ttukseom area on the Hangang River, where this is located, is just outside the drinking water protection zone, meaning the water quality is very clean and safe. This place offers not only windsurfing but also wing foiling, paddleboarding, and kayaking on the Han River.
Address: 2326 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
Work: 10AM–6PM (Closing times may vary depending on the sunset)
