by Han Jun-guPosted : June 1, 2026, 18:05Updated : June 1, 2026, 18:06
Hanagae Beach in Incheon is seen, in this photo taken on May 30, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
SEOUL, June 1 (AJP) - At the far end of Muuido Island, a beach appears framed by rock formations. Where the tide has pulled back, vast tidal flats stretch out and barefoot visitors walk slowly across them. The official opening is June 20 — but Hanagae Beach has already ushered in summer.
Visitors rest at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Visitors walk barefoot across tidal flats at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
This summer's heat arrived earlier than usual. Incheon plans to open three beaches — Eurwangni, Wangsan, and Hanagae — simultaneously on June 20. Yet on June 1, Hanagae was already full, with families, couples, and solo travelers wading in.
Some stood ankle-deep; others soaked their clothes to beat the heat.
Visitors take pictures at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Visitors have fun at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
West Sea beaches are nothing like the East Coast. Here, the tidal flats come before the waves. The cool, yielding sensation underfoot is entirely different from the sandy shores of Gangwon.
Children hunt for crabs; adults simply walk. The West Sea flats rank among the five greatest tidal systems in the world, and at Hanagae, that scale is felt through the feet.
Hanagae Beach in Incheon is seen, in this photo taken on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Visitors walk along boardwalk at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
Running alongside the beach is a 550-meter marine boardwalk. On one side, rock formations including the Lion Rock; on the other, the open Yellow Sea. At high tide, waves crash against the cliffs; at low tide, rocks emerge from the mudflat. The landscape composes itself.
Shoes are seen at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026.
Hanagae officially opens June 20. From Seoul Station: ninety minutes by car, two hours by transit. It will fill up fast. A little planning goes a long way.
The sea is already here. It is only the opening date that is waiting.
Visitors walk along boardwalk at Hanagae Beach in Incheon on June 1, 2026. AJP Han Jun-gu
