Surfing Korea for First-Timers: Wetsuits, Boards, and Beach Rules

 

I didn't expect to find decent surf in Korea—I thought the coasts were mostly rocky or industrial, and that the waves would be small and unpredictable. But after a friend dragged me to Yangyang one August weekend, I realized I'd been completely wrong. The waves weren't Hawaii-sized, but they were real, consistent, and welcoming enough for someone like me who'd only surfed a handful of times before. What caught me off guard wasn't the surf itself, but all the small things nobody tells you upfront: which wetsuit thickness actually works in Korean water, why rental boards are harder to control than you think, and the unspoken beach etiquette that locals follow but visitors often miss.

Korea's surf scene has grown quickly over the past decade, particularly on the east coast where beaches like Yangyang, Sokcho, and Busan's Songjeong draw both beginners and more experienced surfers. The season runs longer than you'd expect, the rental infrastructure is solid, and the community is generally patient with newcomers. But if you show up without knowing the basics—what to wear, how to pick a board, or where you're actually allowed to surf—you'll waste time, money, and energy sorting it out on the spot.

Table of Contents

• Where to surf in Korea (and when)
• Wetsuits: thickness, rental vs. buying, and seasonal changes
• Choosing a board as a beginner
• Rental shops: what to expect and what to ask
• Beach rules and unspoken etiquette
• Safety basics and what to watch for
• Should you take a lesson?
• Small things that make a difference

Where to surf in Korea (and when)

Korea's best surf is on the east coast, facing the East Sea (Sea of Japan). The most popular spots are Yangyang (particularly Surfyy Beach and Jukdo Beach), Sokcho, and Songjeong Beach in Busan. Yangyang is the most beginner-friendly and has the densest cluster of surf shops, cafes, and rentals, which is why it's often the first stop for people trying surfing in Korea. Sokcho is a bit quieter and tends to attract slightly more experienced surfers, while Songjeong in Busan offers good waves but can get crowded, especially in summer.

The west and south coasts have surf too, but the waves are generally smaller and less consistent. Jeju has a few surf spots, particularly on the southern coast, but the conditions are more variable, and the infrastructure isn't as developed as Yangyang. If you're just starting out, stick to the east coast—it's easier to find reliable waves and support.

As for timing, the surf season in Korea runs roughly from late spring through early fall, with the best waves typically arriving in late summer and early autumn (August through October) when typhoons pass nearby and send swells toward the coast. Winter surfing is possible, but the water is cold, the air is colder, and you'll need a thicker wetsuit and more experience to handle the conditions. If you're trying surfing for the first time, aim for late June through September—the water's warmer, the weather's more forgiving, and the beaches are livelier.

Key takeaway: Yangyang is the easiest starting point for first-timers. The waves are manageable, the rental scene is well-established, and you'll see plenty of other beginners in the water, which makes the whole experience less intimidating.

Wetsuits: thickness, rental vs. buying, and seasonal changes

Wetsuits are essential in Korea, even in summer. The water on the east coast doesn't get as warm as tropical surf destinations, and without a wetsuit, you'll be cold and uncomfortable within 20 minutes. The thickness you need depends on the season and your tolerance for cold water, but as a general guide: 3mm suits work for peak summer (July and August), 4/3mm or 5/4mm suits are better for spring and fall, and if you're surfing in winter, you'll want a 5/4mm or even 6mm suit with boots, gloves, and a hood.

Most rental shops provide wetsuits as part of the package when you rent a board, and the quality is usually decent—clean, functional, and available in a range of sizes. The catch is that rental suits tend to be generic fits, and if you're particularly tall, short, or outside the average build, you might struggle to find one that fits well. A poorly fitting wetsuit lets in water, restricts your movement, and makes the whole experience less enjoyable. If you're planning to surf more than once or twice, buying your own suit might be worth it, especially since you can choose the thickness and fit that works for you.

What surprised me was how much the water temperature changes between seasons. In August, a 3mm suit felt comfortable, but when I went back in late September, the same suit left me shivering after an hour. If you're renting, ask the shop staff what thickness they recommend for that specific week—they'll know the current conditions better than any online guide.

Wetsuit thickness guide

• July–August: 3mm (or even a shorty if it's very warm)
• June, September: 4/3mm
• May, October: 5/4mm
• Winter (November–March): 5/4mm or 6mm with boots, gloves, hood

Choosing a board as a beginner

If you're renting, you'll usually have a choice between foam boards (often called "soft-tops") and fiberglass boards. For your first few sessions, go with a foam board. They're bigger, thicker, more buoyant, and much more forgiving when you're learning to stand up and balance. Fiberglass boards look cooler and perform better once you have some skill, but they're harder to control, less stable, and more likely to hurt you (or someone else) if you lose control in the waves.

Size matters too. Beginners should aim for a board that's at least 7 to 8 feet long—sometimes called a "mini-mal" or a longboard. The extra length and volume make it easier to catch waves and stay balanced. Some rental shops will try to give you a shorter board if they're running low on stock, but if you're just starting, insist on something longer. A 6-foot shortboard might look sleek, but it'll make your first experience much harder than it needs to be.

I made the mistake of choosing a fiberglass board on my second session because I thought I'd progressed enough. I spent most of the day falling off, getting tired quickly, and catching maybe half the waves I would have caught on a foam board. Ego doesn't help you in the water—stick with the beginner-friendly gear until you're consistently standing up and riding waves all the way in.

Common mistakes

• Choosing a shortboard because it looks better
• Renting a fiberglass board too early
• Not asking for a bigger board when the shop offers a smaller one

Rental shops: what to expect and what to ask

Surf rental shops are all over Yangyang, Sokcho, and Songjeong, and most operate on a similar model: you rent a board and wetsuit for a set period—usually two hours, four hours, or a full day—and you pay upfront. Prices vary, but expect to pay around 20,000 to 30,000 KRW for a two-hour rental, or 40,000 to 60,000 KRW for a full day, depending on the shop and the season. Some shops offer multi-day discounts if you're staying for a weekend.

When you arrive, the shop will usually ask for your shoe size (for wetsuit fitting), your surfing experience level, and whether you want a lesson included. If it's your first time, I'd recommend adding a lesson—it's typically an extra 30,000 to 50,000 KRW for an hour, and it makes a huge difference. The instructor will teach you how to pop up, where to position yourself on the board, and how to read the waves, which saves you from flailing around on your own for half the rental period.

Some shops are more beginner-friendly than others. Look for places that have staff who speak at least some English (common in Yangyang), that offer clear pricing without hidden fees, and that don't rush you through the equipment selection. If a shop tries to push you into a shorter board or a thinner wetsuit than you're comfortable with, it's okay to push back or try a different shop.

What surprised me: Most rental shops are casual and flexible. If you come back early or want to swap your board mid-session, they'll usually accommodate you without a fuss, especially on quieter weekdays.

Beach rules and unspoken etiquette

Korea's surf beaches have both formal rules and informal etiquette, and knowing the difference helps you avoid frustration and conflict. Formally, most beaches have designated swimming and surfing zones, marked by buoys or signs. Surfing is usually restricted to specific areas, and lifeguards will whistle or wave you back if you drift into the swimming zone. This is especially strict in summer when the beaches are crowded with families.

The informal etiquette is similar to surf culture anywhere: don't "drop in" on someone else's wave (that means don't start riding a wave that someone else is already on), wait your turn in the lineup, and be aware of your board—it's your responsibility to control it, and if it hits someone, you're expected to apologize. Korean surfers are generally friendly and forgiving with beginners, but they'll lose patience quickly if you're reckless or ignoring basic courtesy.

One thing that's more specific to Korea: the beaches get very crowded on weekends and holidays, and there's less personal space than you might be used to at surf spots in other countries. It's normal to have 10 or 15 people in the lineup for the same set of waves, and you'll need to be more patient and less aggressive about catching every wave. If you're used to surfing in less crowded places, this can feel frustrating at first, but it's just part of the local dynamic.

Quick etiquette checklist

• Stay in the designated surf zone
• Don't drop in on someone else's wave
• Apologize if your board hits someone (even if it was an accident)
• Wait your turn—don't paddle aggressively for every wave
• Keep your board under control when coming back through the break

Safety basics and what to watch for

Surfing is relatively safe if you're aware of the risks and take basic precautions. The most common injuries for beginners are cuts and bruises from the board (either your own or someone else's), followed by exhaustion from fighting the waves for too long without a break. The beaches in Korea are generally sandy with gentle slopes, so you're unlikely to hit rocks or reefs, but the waves can still pack a punch if you're not prepared.

Rip currents are the biggest safety concern. A rip current is a narrow channel of water moving quickly away from shore, and if you get caught in one, it can pull you out faster than you can paddle back. The key is not to panic—don't try to swim directly against the current. Instead, swim parallel to the shore until you're out of the current, then paddle back in at an angle. Lifeguards are usually on duty during peak season, and they'll spot rip currents and warn surfers, but it's your responsibility to know what to do if you end up in one.

Another thing to watch for is other people. On crowded days, the water is full of surfers, swimmers, and people just floating around, and it's easy to collide with someone if you're not paying attention. Keep your head up when you're paddling back out, and always look around before you start riding a wave in—there might be someone directly in your path.

In my experience: The first time I got caught in a small rip, I panicked and tried to paddle straight back to shore, which exhausted me and got me nowhere. Once I remembered to swim sideways, I was out of it in less than a minute. It's worth practicing that mental plan before you ever need it.

Should you take a lesson?

If you've never surfed before, yes—take a lesson. I skipped one on my first attempt because I thought I could figure it out by watching other people, and I spent two hours exhausting myself, catching maybe two waves, and doing everything slightly wrong. When I finally took a lesson on my second trip, the instructor corrected my stance, showed me how to position myself on the board, and explained how to time the paddle, and suddenly everything clicked.

Most surf shops in Yangyang and Songjeong offer beginner lessons, either one-on-one or in small groups. The standard lesson is about an hour and covers the basics: paddling technique, how to pop up, balance, and wave selection. It's not enough to make you an expert, but it gives you a foundation that would take hours to figure out on your own. Group lessons are cheaper (usually around 30,000 to 40,000 KRW), while private lessons cost more (50,000 to 70,000 KRW) but give you more personalized attention.

Even if you've surfed a few times before, a lesson can still be useful if it's been a while or if you're trying a new type of board. The cost is low relative to the time you'll save, and the confidence boost is worth it, especially if you're surfing in a new country where the conditions and culture are unfamiliar.

Small things that make a difference

There are a few small details that aren't obvious until you've surfed a few times. First, bring a towel and a change of clothes, and ideally a small bag to keep them in while you're in the water. Most rental shops have showers and changing rooms, but they're basic—cold water, minimal privacy, and often no lockers. Some beaches have coin-operated showers that cost 500 or 1,000 KRW, which is a small price for warm water after a cold session.

Second, protect your valuables. Most people leave their bags on the beach or in a locker at the rental shop, but theft is rare. Still, don't bring anything you can't afford to lose—leave expensive jewelry, your laptop, and large amounts of cash back at your accommodation.

Third, bring reef-safe sunscreen. The sun is strong, especially in summer, and you'll be exposed for hours. Regular sunscreen can damage coral reefs and marine life, and while Korea's east coast isn't a major reef area, it's a good habit to use reef-safe products. Apply it generously before you put on your wetsuit, because once you're suited up, it's hard to reapply.

Quick checklist: what to bring

• Towel and change of clothes
• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Small waterproof bag for phone/keys (or leave them at the shop)
• Water and snacks—you'll be hungrier and thirstier than you expect
• Cash for rentals and showers (some places don't take cards)

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional instruction, safety advice, or a substitute for proper surf lessons. Ocean conditions, beach rules, and rental shop policies may change over time. Please verify key information through official sources, follow lifeguard instructions, and assess your own skill level and comfort with water sports before surfing. Always prioritize your personal safety and the safety of others.