Catch waves and soak up the sun at Waikiki Surf Yangyang! This top-rated surf school on Dongho Beach offers lessons and rentals, just a quick 5-minute drive from Sol Beach. Perfect for all skill levels, even first-timers.
Welcome to our review of Waikiki Surf, perfectly situated on Dongho Beach, just about a 5-minute drive from Sol Beach Yangyang. If you're looking for an unforgettable surfing experience in South Korea, this spot is a must-visit!
During our family vacation to the Gangneung area in July 2026, we booked the 9:30 AM slot on our second day and headed over with the kids. It was the perfect way to kick off a day of adventure!
Waikiki Surf Yangyang
Address: Waikiki Surf, 316-18 Seonsayujeok-ro, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
Hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 PM
Phone: +82-507-1312-4461
📍 Waikiki Surf 316-18 Seonsayujeok-ro, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
📍 Sol Beach Yangyang 678 Seonsayujeok-ro, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea
3:1 Small Group Lesson (Total for 3 people, Rental + Photos Included): ~$166
Bacon Cheeseburger: ~$5
Cheeseburger: ~$5
Waikiki Surf offers a comprehensive experience, including surfing lessons, equipment rentals, and hot showers. Everything you need for a fantastic day on the waves!
Inside Waikiki Surf
Even early in the morning, Waikiki Surf was bustling with guests ready to hit the waves. There were plenty of tables and chairs for parents or companions to relax while waiting for their group or children.
The shop proudly displays numerous certificates and trophies from instructors who have won surfing competitions, showcasing their expertise and passion for the sport.
Lessons, coffee, and drink orders are all handled at the counter. They even have multiple chargers available for your phone, which is a thoughtful touch!
Showers & Changing Rooms
The shower facilities are super important at any surf shop, and Waikiki Surf doesn't disappoint. They're well-equipped with all the necessary toiletries. First up, grabbing your wetsuit!
Head to the back of the building to get fitted for a wetsuit that's just right for your size. You really don't need to prepare much; just show up, and they'll take care of you!
Wetsuit rentals and returns are also handled conveniently at the back of the building.
After slipping into our wetsuits, we were ready to go! My kids shared a clever tip: wetting the wetsuit slightly in the shower beforehand makes it much easier to put on.
Here's a thoughtful service we hadn't seen elsewhere: they provide ice chests filled with ice! You can put your water or drinks in them to keep cool and enjoy them later while surfing on the beach.
Together with our lesson group, we made our way to Dongho Beach.
Exclusive Beach Access
One of the best perks of Waikiki Surf Yangyang is their exclusive use of a section of Dongho Beach for lessons. This means fewer crowds and more focused instruction from the coaches. Even in the morning, there was a good number of people eager to learn!
After a quick theoretical lesson, and because the weather was quite warm, we quickly moved to practice and then straight into the water to cool off!
We each picked out a board and headed straight into the water to enjoy some surfing. While I can't embed the video here, imagine the excitement!
We had a blast with our lesson and enjoyed the surfing. Unfortunately, the waves weren't very strong that day, so the instructors were incredibly helpful, pushing us into the waves to ensure we still caught some rides!
The water was incredibly clear and clean, so after our surfing lesson, the kids spent a good amount of time just playing in the water.
They even managed to gather a handful of clams while splashing around!
Here's a view of Dongho Beach from Waikiki Surf. Having a CU convenience store right next door was super convenient for grabbing snacks or drinks.
Overall Verdict
We had an awesome surfing experience with the kids in Yangyang, known as a mecca for surfing in Korea. Although the waves weren't huge, we thoroughly enjoyed our Dongho Beach surfing adventure at Waikiki Surf. The exclusive beach access was a huge plus, allowing us to receive focused instruction from the coaches without distractions. If you're staying at Sol Beach Yangyang, Waikiki Surf is incredibly close, making it an ideal choice for your surfing fun. I'd definitely love to visit again if I get the chance!
How long does it take for guests staying at Sol Beach Yangyang to get to Waikiki Surf, and what are the transportation options?
Waikiki Surf is located on Dongho Beach, approximately a 5-minute drive from Sol Beach Yangyang. Guests can easily travel by private car, and its proximity to the accommodation offers excellent accessibility.
What are the prices for surfing lessons and rental products offered at Waikiki Surf?
Beginner lessons (board/wetsuit + unlimited free surfing) and Level 2 introductory lessons (rental + unlimited free surfing) are each ~$31. Board + wetsuit rental (full-day pass) or SUP + wetsuit rental (full-day pass) can be used for ~$24.
What special services are provided for the convenience of visitors using Waikiki Surf?
Waikiki Surf provides an icebox with ice so you can store water or drinks and retrieve them on the beach. Additionally, we use an exclusive beach, allowing you to focus on your lessons with the instructors.
What are Waikiki Surf's operating hours and what amenities are available besides surfing?
Waikiki Surf operates from 9 AM to 10 PM. In addition to surfing lessons and equipment rental, hot shower facilities, mobile phone chargers, and a counter where you can order coffee and drinks are available.