What are the general adult admission fee and basic operating hours for Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil (Coastal Fan Path)?

The general adult admission fee for Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil is ~$3. The basic operating hours are from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and visitors can exit until 5:50 PM.

Where should I park when visiting Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil, and are there any precautions?

You should use the free parking lot in front of the marine observatory, located below Sun Cruise Resort. Please note that parking at the Sun Cruise Resort's own parking lot is strictly prohibited.

What is the total duration of the Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil course, and what is the recommended route for summer visits?

The one-way distance from Jeongdong Ticket Office to Simgok Ticket Office is approximately 3.01 km, taking about 60 minutes one-way, and approximately 2 hours round-trip. During summer, it is recommended to walk for about 30-40 minutes one-way without overexertion and then return.

Is there any information on convenience facilities, such as umbrella rental or restroom access, when exploring Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchae-gil?

Sun umbrellas and regular umbrellas for sun protection can be borrowed for free behind the ticket office. The only restroom along the walking path is located near the entrance, so it is advisable to use it before starting your journey.

Jeongdong-Simgok Coastal Path: Gangneung's Scenic Gem 2026

Jeongdong-Simgok Coastal Path: Gangneung's Scenic Gem 2026 | TRVLOGUE

Must-Visit Spots in Gangneung, Gangwon Province 💖

Jeongdongjin Badabuchaegil: All You Need to Know ✨

@ Photos & Text by Jjeong-yi

As summer arrives, doesn't the sight of the shimmering blue sea just call to you?

Many of you are probably planning a trip to Gangneung, Gangwon Province, aren't you?

Today, I want to introduce a place that captivates visitors of all ages,

a truly breathtaking natural wonder!

We're talking about a definite must-visit in Gangneung, Gangwon Province:

Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil.

This incredible spot, once exclusively a military patrol path, has since opened its gates to the public,

offering you the chance to witness coastal cliffs that have preserved their geological formations for an astounding 2.3 million years, right before your very eyes!

I'll be sharing my honest review of the course from my mid-summer visit,

along with detailed tips on parking and the latest admission fees!

1. Must-Visit Spots in Gangneung

Essential Information Before Visiting Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil

Category	Information
Operating Hours	09:00 AM ~ 05:00 PM / Last Exit: by 05:50 PM ※ However, from April 4th to October 31st, early opening on Saturdays/Sundays, and night opening on Saturdays. - Early Opening Hours: 08:00 AM ~ 05:30 PM (Ticket sales close 04:30 PM) - Night Opening Hours: 05:30 PM ~ 09:00 PM (Ticket sales close 09:30 PM)
Admission Fee	General (Adult): ~$3 Youth, Military (Enlisted): ~$3 Seniors, Children: ~$2
Time Required	Jeongdong Ticket Office ↔ Simgok Ticket Office: Approx. 3.01km one-way One-way: 60 minutes / Round-trip: Approx. 2 hours
Summer Route Tip	Due to the extreme heat, it's recommended not to attempt the entire path; instead, enjoy half of it and return.
Parking	Free parking available in front of the Marine Observatory, below Sun Cruise Resort. Absolutely no parking in the resort's own parking lot.

※ Special discount for residents of partner cities: Gangseo-gu & Seocho-gu in Seoul; Seo-gu in Daejeon; Buk-gu in Daegu; Bucheon & Paju in Gyeonggi-do; Andong in Gyeongbuk; Haeundae in Busan; Boryeong in Chungnam – Valid ID card (Minjeung) required.

⚠️ Check the Weather Before Visiting ⚠️

In case of severe weather (strong winds, rogue waves, heavy rain, etc.),

entry may be restricted for your safety. So, if the weather looks unfavorable,

we highly recommend checking the Gangneung City Hall website

to confirm the trail's opening status before you visit.

🚘How to Find the Parking Lot and Ticket Office Entrance🚘

If you're heading to Badabuchaegil from Jeongdongjin Beach,

make sure to come to the coastal entrance located below the Sun Cruise Hotel, not its main entrance.

After parking in the free parking lot in front of the marine observatory,

walk for about 5 minutes in the direction of Sun Cruise Hotel,

and you'll find the Jeongdong Ticket Office.

2. My Personal Review of the Badabuchaegil Trail Exploration

For those of you planning a visit during the peak of summer,

be aware that walking the trail under the scorching sun can be a bit challenging.

Good news! Behind the ticket office, sun parasols and umbrellas

are available for free rental.

So, if you didn't bring your own, make sure to grab one to protect yourself from the sun as you walk...!

Once you pass the ticket office and step inside, an expansive wooden deck path, stretching over 3 kilometers, unfolds before you, offering stunning views of the open East Sea!

In the initial section, you'll be treated to a panoramic view of the magnificent

Sun Cruise Hotel, standing majestically atop the cliff – it's quite a spectacle.

As you stroll along, you'll notice a restroom near the start of the trail.

This is the ONLY restroom along the entire path, so

Before you set off, I highly recommend making a stop here.

Past the restrooms, you'll find safety helmets available.

They're provided due to potential rockfall in certain areas,

but wearing them isn't mandatory.

However, it's safer to wear one the day after rain or on windy days. 😊

While the entire course is well-equipped with decks,

the round trip from Jeongdong Ticket Office to Simgok Ticket Office is

about 6km (approx. 2 hours), and walking the whole thing can be quite strenuous in the peak of summer.

Don't push yourselves too hard like my family did;

just enjoy about 30-40 minutes one way and then turn back!

Even just 30 minutes in, you'll find yourself exclaiming, 'Such breathtaking scenery!'

Also, pay attention to your shoe choice.

While it starts with wooden decks,

around the halfway point,

the path turns into a steel mesh deck with holes,

which can be uncomfortable for those wearing dress shoes.

I recommend comfortable sneakers or sandals.

As you walk along the coastal path, you'll see the emerald green sea,

refreshing crashing waves,

and beautiful cliffs,

making you instinctively feel that this is one of the best coastal trails ever.

Besides the sea views, there are many unique rocks to discover, such as the natural habitat of wild chive flowers,

Helmet Rock (Tugubawi), and Fan Rock (Buchaebawi),

adding to the fun of exploring.

3. Overall Review: A Hidden Gem You Must Visit If You Go to Gangneung

The Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuche-gil (Coastal Fan Path), where the blue East Sea, massive coastal cliffs,

and majestic waves come together,

was undoubtedly one of Korea's best coastal trails, perfect for a refreshing walk amid pristine nature!

It's especially great if you go with parents who love nature.

I visited with my parents, and even though they kept saying it was hot, the beautiful scenery

kept us pushing forward. 😊👍

It was just as impressive as the Ulleungdo coastal trail my parents raved about!

If you want to create wonderful memories with your family this summer vacation, definitely add Badabuche-gil

in Gangneung to your itinerary. 😖👍

📍 Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuche-gil (Coastal Fan Path)
50-13 Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

📍 Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuche-gil Jeongdong Ticket Office
Jeongdong Ticket Office (Jeongdong Port), 50-13 Jeongdongjin-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province

📍 Simgok Ticket Office, Jeongdong-Simgok Coastal Fan Path
114-3 Simgok-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Simgok Ticket Office)