On the waves and at the dinner table｜Surfing and food tour in Yangyang, South Korea🇰🇷
If Seoul is the soul of South Korea, then Yangyang is its free soul facing the East China Sea. On this trip, I and a few friends who love surfing decided to escape the city and head to this coastal town that has gradually attracted the attention of the surfing circle because of its waves and sea.
Day 1: From the city to the waves
It takes about two and a half hours to reach Yangyang by express bus from Seoul. Along the way, the scenery changes from high-rise buildings to open mountains and sea, and your mood also relaxes. After arriving, we headed straight to Jukdo Beach, where there are many surf shops and seaside cafes. The waves are gentle but stable, which is most suitable for our combination of "passionate surfers + healing travelers".
After putting on wetsuits, tying up leg ropes, and standing in front of the waves, everyone's eyes lit up. The waves in Xiangyang are not as strong as those in Bali, nor as picky as those in Okinawa. They push you gently, like a perfect hug. That afternoon, we laughed, fell, and stood up on the waves until the sunset dyed the sea surface into golden orange.
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Day 2: Morning at the beach + Xiangyang local food tour
We woke up early in the morning and had breakfast at a cute surf cafe by the sea. We had simple American coffee with Korean sandwiches, and the sound of white waves crashing on the shore could be heard outside the window. We got on the surfboards again and enjoyed the morning rhythm without the interference of city signals.
After surfing, the most important thing is to eat!
Our Xiangyang food list:
1. 닭강정 (Spicy fried chicken)｜물치닭강정
• Crispy fried chicken coated in salty, sweet and spicy sauce, paired with an ice-cold beer, so refreshing!
• Located near Xiangyang Market, this is a time-honored brand recommended by locals.
2. Live Octopus Soup Rice (산낙지탕밥)
• Freshly blanched octopus served with hot soup and rice, slightly spicy and sweet, instantly replenishes your energy.
• The small restaurant next to the local fishing port is the most authentic. It has no sign but is full of gourmets.
3. Korean Grilled Eel (장어구이)
• The eel is grilled to a crispy texture, crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. It is wrapped in basil leaves and tastes delicious when eaten in one bite.
4. Dinner: Seafood Hot Pot + Soju
• We found a small restaurant by the sea, ordered a table full of shellfish seafood hotpot, and replayed today’s surfing moments while eating.
• Enjoying the sea breeze, drinking soju, and laughing louder than the waves.
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This journey gave me a memory of "waves and tastes"
In Xiangyang, surfing during the day and eating seafood at night, every day seems like a rare moment of relaxation in life. There is no over-commercialization here, but it has just the right amount of enthusiasm and originality. What’s even better is to step on the waves with good friends and put the memories into your taste buds.
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If you also like the sea, like food, want to surf but don't want to go too far, Xiangyang will be your best choice.