Surfing at Jukdo Beach in Yangyang, Korea
Jukdo Beach in Yangyang, Gangwon State is one of Korea’s best-known surfing areas, with numerous surf shops and lesson facilities located around the beach. From complete beginners stepping onto a surfboard for the first time to experienced surfers bringing their own equipment to chase waves, visitors can enjoy surfing according to their individual skill level.
Jukdo Beach is also a convenient destination for building an entire surf trip around lessons, equipment rentals, cafes, and accommodation. Among the surf shops in the area, Drifter Yangyang provides programs for first-time surfers, returning surfers who want structured training, children, and families.
• One of the best-known surfing areas in Yangyang, Gangwon State
• Multiple surf shops around Jukdo Beach
• Suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers
• Surf lessons and equipment rentals available
• Recommended for travelers looking for a unique beach activity in Korea
What Is Drifter Yangyang?
Drifter Yangyang is a surf shop located at Jukdo Beach, an area widely associated with Korea’s surfing culture. Under the concept “The Last Haven of Drifter,” it is designed for both surfers traveling in search of waves and people taking their first step into the surfing lifestyle.
The shop also provides professional surfing lessons for children and young kids and has around 150 surfboards available. Beginners can learn the basic principles, posture, and techniques step by step, while surfers with previous experience can choose more advanced lesson curricula based on their training stage.
• Surf shop located at Jukdo Beach
• Suitable for beginners and experienced surfers
• Professional lessons for children and young kids
• Approximately 150 surfboards available
• Step-by-step surfing education programs
• Lessons and rentals available in one location
2-Hour Beginner Surf Lessons at Drifter Yangyang
If you are surfing for the first time, understanding the basic principles through theory and land-based training before entering the water can make the experience easier to follow. The beginner lesson at Drifter Yangyang lasts approximately two hours and is structured around theory, land training, and in-water instruction.
The lesson covers fundamentals such as balancing on the board and understanding basic wave movement before participants practice directly in the water. After the lesson, free surfing is included until 6:00 PM, allowing students to continue practicing what they learned.
Surfers with previous lesson experience can also choose second- through fifth-session curricula based on their level, making the program suitable for people who want to develop their skills beyond a one-time experience.
• Surf lesson duration: approximately 2 hours
• Theory lesson included
• Land training included
• In-water training included
• Free surfing available until 6:00 PM after the lesson
• Returning students can choose second- through fifth-session curricula
Surf Lessons for Children and Young Kids
Drifter Yangyang provides surfing lessons not only for adults but also for children and young kids. Since children have different body proportions and concentration levels from adults, a more careful and age-appropriate teaching approach can be important when they first encounter the ocean and a surfboard.
Families visiting Yangyang can arrange a trip where parents enjoy surfing while children participate in a separate beginner lesson. This makes the shop suitable for family summer trips and introductory marine-sports experiences.
• Surf lessons for children
• Lessons available for younger kids
• Suitable for children trying surfing for the first time
• Can be included in a family trip to Yangyang
• Step-by-step beginner education
Private Surf Lessons Are Also Available
Visitors who want more focused instruction can choose private lessons at Drifter Yangyang. Private classes are available for individuals and small groups in 1:1, 2:1, 3:1, and 4:1 formats.
Compared with larger group lessons, private lessons can be useful for surfers who want an instructor to focus more closely on their posture and specific areas for improvement. They are also suitable for friends, couples, and families who want to learn together in a separate session.
Individual payment options are also available, allowing reservations and payment arrangements to be handled according to group size and booking conditions.
• 1:1 private surf lesson
• 2:1 private surf lesson
• 3:1 private surf lesson
• 4:1 private surf lesson
• Suitable for individuals and small groups
• Individual booking and payment options available
Beginner Lesson and Surf Program Prices
Drifter Yangyang offers several options ranging from beginner lessons to repeated training programs. The current booking menu lists a two-hour beginner lesson at KRW 64,000. Other options include an in-water lesson with photography and video review, as well as repeat lesson packages.
A separate on-site surf lesson notice lists a one-person surfing lesson at KRW 80,000, which means displayed prices may vary depending on the booking channel or exact program configuration. Visitors should therefore confirm the final program details and price after selecting their preferred date and lesson type.
• 2-hour beginner lesson: KRW 64,000
• On-site one-person surfing lesson: KRW 80,000
• In-water lesson + photography + video review: KRW 90,000
• One curriculum session + all-day free surfing: KRW 80,000
• Three-session beginner lesson pass: KRW 180,000
• Program content and prices may differ depending on booking method
Capture Your Surfing Experience with Photos and Video
Standing up and riding a wave for the first time can become one of the most memorable moments of a surf trip. Drifter Yangyang offers opportunities to capture photos during lessons, and some programs also include photography and video review.
Video can be used not only as a travel memory but also as a way to review posture and movement while surfing. It can be especially useful for visitors who want to keep a visual record of their Yangyang surfing experience.
• Surf lesson photography
• Programs including photography and video review
• Opportunity to review surfing posture through video
• A way to preserve memories from a Yangyang surf trip
Surfboard and Wetsuit Rentals
Travelers without their own equipment can rent surfboards and wetsuits at Drifter Yangyang. Since equipment needs differ between summer and winter, seasonal rental packages are available.
The booking menu includes summer and winter full-set rentals combining a board, wetsuit, and shower. Visitors who need only a board or only a wetsuit can also choose separate rental options.
According to the booking menu, a board with shower is KRW 30,000, a 5 mm wetsuit with shower is KRW 20,000, and a 3 mm wetsuit with shower is KRW 15,000. A separate on-site notice lists surfboard rental at KRW 35,000 and wetsuit rental at KRW 15,000, so visitors should confirm the final price according to the specific rental option.
• Summer full set — board + wetsuit + shower: KRW 40,000
• Winter full set — board + wetsuit + shower: KRW 50,000
• Board + shower: KRW 30,000
• 5 mm wetsuit + shower: KRW 20,000
• 3 mm wetsuit + shower: KRW 15,000
• On-site surfboard rental notice: KRW 35,000
• On-site wetsuit rental notice: KRW 15,000
• Shower included with lessons and selected equipment rentals
Surf Equipment for Different Levels and Seasons
Drifter Yangyang provides equipment for both beginners and experienced surfers. Visitors do not need to bring their own board or wetsuit, and Roundhouse boards are used among the available surfboard equipment.
Seasonal equipment is also available, including boots, gloves, and surf hats. Since the water temperature on Korea’s east coast can become cold outside the summer season, choosing appropriate equipment for the time of year is important.
• Surfboard rentals available
• Wetsuit rentals available
• Roundhouse boards used
• Seasonal surfing equipment available
• Boots, gloves, and surf hats available
• Equipment suitable for both beginners and experienced surfers
Shower Facilities After Surfing
After surfing in the ocean, shower facilities are important for washing away seawater from your body and equipment. Drifter Yangyang provides shower facilities for surfers, and shower use is included with lessons and selected equipment rentals.
Visitors can also use the shower separately, making it convenient to clean up after surfing before continuing with the rest of the day.
• Shower facilities available
• Shower-only use: KRW 5,000
• Shower included with surf lessons
• Shower included with selected equipment rentals
• Convenient facilities for cleaning up after surfing
Hotel-Style Showers and Powder Room
Drifter Yangyang offers more than a basic shower area, with several facilities designed to help surfers comfortably get ready after spending time in the ocean.
The shower area includes facial cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash. The changing area includes hot water, air conditioning, heating, an air shower, and plastic bags.
The powder room is equipped with JMW hair dryers, hair straighteners, combs, hairbands, cotton swabs, air conditioning, heating, a spin dryer, and towels. Separate restrooms for men and women are also available.
• Facial cleanser, shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
• Hot-water changing room
• Air conditioning and heating
• Air shower and plastic bags
• JMW hair dryer and hair straightener
• Combs, hairbands, and cotton swabs
• Spin dryer and towels
• Separate men’s and women’s restrooms
Cafe, Photo Zones, and Ocean-View Spaces
Visitors who want to relax before or after surfing can use the cafe and waiting areas inside Drifter Yangyang.
The first floor includes multiple photo zones, an outdoor terrace, a classroom, and a waiting room. The second floor provides an outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean, another lesson room, a waiting area, and a cafe zone.
These spaces are convenient for companions who are not surfing, for students waiting before a lesson, or for anyone who wants to spend more time enjoying the atmosphere of Jukdo Beach.
• First-floor photo zones
• Outdoor terrace
• Dedicated classroom
• Waiting room
• Second-floor ocean-view terrace
• Surf lesson room
• Cafe zone
Cafe Drink Prices
The cafe at Drifter Yangyang serves coffee, lattes, ades, and tea that visitors can enjoy before or after surfing. Guests can relax with a warm drink after spending time in the ocean or choose a cold beverage during the summer.
• Signature Cream Latte: KRW 7,000
• Americano: KRW 5,000
• Cafe Latte: KRW 5,500
• Vanilla Bean Latte: KRW 6,000
• Dolce Condensed Milk Latte: KRW 6,000
• Royal Milk Tea: KRW 6,500
• Chocolate Latte: KRW 6,000
• Strawberry Latte: KRW 6,500
• Grapefruit Ade: KRW 6,500
• Lemon Ade: KRW 6,500
• Grapefruit Tea: KRW 6,500
• Lemon Tea: KRW 6,500
• Earl Grey Tea: KRW 6,000
Surfing and Accommodation Packages
If you are traveling all the way to Yangyang, you can plan an overnight surf trip instead of returning immediately after a single lesson. Drifter Yangyang offers packages that connect surf lessons with pensions, hotels, and resorts.
Options include newly built pension packages, hotel packages, and resort packages with pet-friendly rooms. Since accommodation prices vary depending on the date and property, visitors should confirm available rooms and package details for their preferred travel dates.
• Surf lesson + pension package
• Surf lesson + hotel package
• Surf lesson + resort package
• Pet-friendly accommodation options available
• Suitable for planning a complete surf trip
• Package prices may vary by date and room type
Can You Visit with a Pet?
Drifter Yangyang is listed as a pet-friendly location. Travelers planning a trip to Yangyang with a dog can consider this when arranging both surfing and accommodation.
Some resort packages also include pet-friendly rooms, providing another option for travelers who want to enjoy a surf trip without leaving their pet behind.
• Pets allowed
• Pet-friendly accommodation packages available
• Suitable for Yangyang trips with a dog
• Confirm pet-related conditions when booking
Surfing Career of Drifter Yangyang Director Choi Jung-hoon
Drifter Yangyang is operated by Director Choi Jung-hoon, a former longboard competitor with 17 years of surfing experience and a record of participation and awards in numerous domestic and international surfing competitions.
His competition history includes second place at the 2011 Jeju International Surfing Competition, wins at the Busan International Surfing Festival and Busan Mayor’s Cup International Surfing Competition, and placements at the Yangyang County Governor’s Surfing Festival and Jeju Open International Surfing Competition.
In 2015, he participated in the DEUS Single Fin Invitational in Bali, Indonesia, and an international competition in the Philippines. In 2017, he competed in international events including the Bali and Philippines Asia Tour Cups.
His 2017 results included second place at the Jeju International Surfing Competition, third place at the Busan International Surfing Competition, second place at the Jeju Soesokkak Surfing Competition, second place at the Jeju Typhoon Master Competition, and second place at the Gangwon International Surfing Competition. He also received a Best award at the Single Fin Longboard Festival. In 2018, he placed third at the Jeju International Surfing Competition, and in 2024 he won the Grand Master division at the Yangyang International Surfing Competition.
• Former longboard competitor with 17 years of surfing experience
• 2nd place, 2011 Jeju International Surfing Competition
• Winner, 2012 Busan International Surfing Festival
• Final winner, 2013 Busan Mayor’s Cup International Surfing Competition
• Final winner, 2013 Busan International Surfing Festival
• Winner, 2014 Busan International Surfing Festival, completing three consecutive championships
• Participant, 2015 DEUS Single Fin Invitational in Bali
• Participant, 2015 international competition in the Philippines
• Multiple domestic and international competition results in 2017
• 3rd place, 2018 Jeju International Surfing Competition
• Grand Master winner, 2024 Yangyang International Surfing Competition
Professional Qualifications and Water Rescue Experience
Surf instruction involves more than learning how to stand on a board. Understanding ocean conditions and responding safely in the water are also important. Director Choi Jung-hoon has experience as an ISA international judge and in ISA international coaching, along with water lifesaving activities.
His experience includes serving as the leader of the Gangneung Coast Guard Surf Rescue Team, participating in marine rescue activities, serving as a Gangwon surfing head judge, and working on surf rescue boards and lifesaving activities.
He has also appeared as a model for a surfing textbook and as a surfing lesson video model for Naver Sports Knowledge Encyclopedia. His other activities include serving as captain of the K-Way surfing team, involvement with Outdoor Magazine, and founding Busan Surfholic.
• ISA international judge
• ISA international coaching
• Water lifesaving activities
• Former leader of the Gangneung Coast Guard Surf Rescue Team
• Gangwon surfing head judge
• Surf rescue board production and lifesaving experience
• Surfing textbook model
• Naver Sports surfing lesson video model
• Captain of the K-Way surfing team
• Founder of Busan Surfholic
• Current representative of Drifter Yangyang
14 Years of Surf Shop Operating Experience
Drifter Yangyang provides level-based instruction for both beginners and experienced surfers based on many years of experience in surf education and surf shop operations.
Instead of limiting lessons to a single trial session, the shop provides curricula that allow surfers to continue into later training stages according to their experience. A dedicated lesson room is also available for visitors who want to learn surfing in a more structured way.
• Approximately 14 years of surf shop operating experience
• Experience founding Busan Surfholic
• Step-by-step education for beginners
• Session-based curriculum for experienced surfers
• Dedicated surf lesson room
Featured in Broadcasts and Various Content Productions
Drifter Yangyang has been used not only for surfing lessons but also as a location for broadcasts and various types of media content.
It has appeared in content including SBS’s “My Little Old Boy,” KTV’s “Scent of Travel,” YouTube productions, and tvN’s “The Idol Ramyeonators.” Independent films, music videos, and various brand shoots have also taken place at the location.
• SBS “My Little Old Boy”
• KTV “Scent of Travel”
• YouTube content productions
• tvN “The Idol Ramyeonators”
• Independent film shoots
• Music video productions
• Various brand content shoots
Drifter Yangyang Opening Hours
The listed opening hours for Drifter Yangyang are from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM every day. However, surfing is directly affected by ocean and weather conditions, so opening hours may change depending on the season, and the shop may close when weather or wave conditions are unsuitable.
If you are planning a surfing lesson on a specific date, it is recommended to confirm lesson availability and weather conditions before departure.
• Monday: 09:00–18:00
• Tuesday: 09:00–18:00
• Wednesday: 09:00–18:00
• Thursday: 09:00–18:00
• Friday: 09:00–18:00
• Saturday: 09:00–18:00
• Sunday: 09:00–18:00
• Opening hours may vary by season
• Closure may occur depending on weather conditions
Drifter Yangyang Location and Transportation
Drifter Yangyang is located at 89 Ingujungang-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon State, South Korea, with convenient access to both Jukdo Beach and Ingu Beach.
If you are traveling by car, search for Drifter Yangyang or enter the address into your navigation app and follow the route toward Jukdo Beach. If you are using public transportation, plan your route toward the Jukdo Beach and Ingu Beach area and continue on foot from there.
• Address: 89 Ingujungang-gil, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon State
• Near Jukdo Beach
• Accessible from the Ingu Beach area
• Navigation app recommended when traveling by car
• Convenient to combine with a Jukdo Beach itinerary
Google Map(Click)
Free Parking Available
Parking is an important consideration for travelers visiting Yangyang by car. Free parking is available around Jukdo Beach and Ingu Beach, with designated parking lines in several areas.
Parking spaces are also available around the Ingu public parking lot. Visitors can use available designated spaces, although weekends and peak surfing seasons may be busier, so arriving with extra time is recommended.
• Parking available
• Free parking available
• Designated parking around Jukdo Beach
• Parking available near Ingu Beach
• Ingu public parking lot available
• Arrive early during peak season
Facilities and Services at Drifter Yangyang
Drifter Yangyang provides multiple facilities for visitors who want to spend several hours learning, surfing, and relaxing.
Reservations and wireless internet are available, along with separate men’s and women’s restrooms and waiting areas. Group visits are also possible, and takeout service is available, making the location useful for individual travelers as well as groups planning a surf outing.
• Reservations available
• Group visits available
• Wireless internet available
• Separate men’s and women’s restrooms
• Waiting area
• Takeout available
• Pet-friendly
Who Should Visit Drifter Yangyang?
For visitors trying surfing in Korea for the first time, Drifter Yangyang offers the convenience of structured beginner lessons, equipment rentals, and shower facilities in one place.
Surfers with previous experience can choose session-based curricula or free-surfing programs. Families with children can consider kids lessons and private instruction, while travelers planning an overnight surf trip can explore pension, hotel, and resort packages.
• First-time surfers in Korea
• Travelers who want to surf at Jukdo Beach
• Surfers looking for structured repeat lessons
• Families planning a surf trip with children
• Individuals and small groups interested in private lessons
• Travelers visiting Yangyang without their own equipment
• Visitors who want to combine surfing with accommodation
Experience a New Surfing Lifestyle at Jukdo Beach
The appeal of Drifter Yangyang goes beyond simply renting a board and entering the water. Visitors can choose from lessons combining theory, land training, and in-water instruction, as well as free surfing, repeat curricula, children’s lessons, and private education according to their skill level.
After surfing, guests can use the showers and powder room before relaxing at the cafe or terrace and enjoying the Jukdo Beach atmosphere. Travelers without boards or wetsuits can rent equipment on-site, making it easier to prepare for a first surf trip to Yangyang.
• Lessons and free surfing available in one location
• Step-by-step programs for beginners and experienced surfers
• Surf equipment rentals available
• Shower and powder room facilities
• Cafe and ocean-view terrace
• Suitable for a complete Jukdo Beach surfing itinerary
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