About 1.109 million visitors came to 21 beaches across Yangyang-gun during this year's summer vacation season from July 10 to Aug. 23, drawn in part by Naksan Beach — a favorite of BTS member V — and the surfing haven of Namae Beach.
The figure represents a 29% increase from the same period last year, signaling a revival of Yangyang's reputation as a seaside destination after a period clouded by controversy. Most other beaches along the Donghae coast posted declines as extreme heat kept visitors away.
Newly appointed County Chief Kim Jeong-jung moved swiftly upon taking office, issuing a public apology on behalf of Yangyang — regardless of how the misunderstandings arose — and pledging to redouble efforts to restore the county's image. He then launched a sweeping cleanup campaign and pushed to expand visitor amenities.
County officials attributed the overall increase largely to a surge in visitors at Naksan Beach, which they said drove growth across all 21 beaches. The beach gained wide recognition after BTS member V praised it as a travel destination.
The county also pointed to a significant expansion of tourism infrastructure around Naksan Beach — including new large-scale accommodation facilities and improvements to roads and transport links — as a factor that helped attract visitors who stayed longer.
This year also marked the first time Naksan Beach opened for nighttime hours, giving beachgoers a chance to enjoy the sea after dark.
Cultural programming added further appeal, with the introduction of Iron Beach and a special exhibition by artist Philip Colbert, along with evening operations at Yangyang Market — drawing visitors of all generations, county officials said.
Yangyang-gun said it hopes the growth in visitors and longer stays centered on Naksan Beach will not only energize nearby commercial districts but also spread tourism demand to other beaches and attractions across the county.
Even after the official beach season ends, the county expects visitors to continue arriving during lingering late-summer heat and said it will maintain safety management without interruption. It plans to station 38 safety officers — one or two at each beach — through Sept. 13, and will put up 45 information banners at beaches to ensure visitors are clearly aware that the official season has closed and to urge extra caution when swimming after the closure.
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