Yeongjin Beach

Yeongjin Beach — The 'Goblin Breakwater' on Gangneung’s Coast

Located just north of Gangneung and right below Jumunjin, Yeongjin Beach is the iconic filming location where Kim Shin (Gong Yoo) and Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun) stood face-to-face on a wave-swept breakwater in the hit K-drama Goblin. Forever remembered for its red scarf and bouquet of buckwheat flowers, this modest shoreline has become a global K-drama pilgrimage destination. There is no admission fee, and visitors can walk all the way out to the edge of the pier. Even today, weekend queues regularly form as travelers wait to recreate the famous scene.

At a Glance

How the Scene Came to Be

In Goblin (tvN, 2016–2017), this breakwater served as the pivotal setting where the bond between the two leads first came into focus. A simple concrete jetty jutting out into the ocean, set against nothing but the clean horizon of the East Sea, made the visual unforgettable. As fans flocked here after the series aired, the local area gradually added parking spaces, shelters, and public restrooms. Inside the restrooms, you will even find murals honoring the drama.

Several similar breakwaters run along the beach, which often confuses first-time visitors. The exact filming site is the second breakwater from the south, easily identified by an information board and a photo frame. Because it is an aging structure, Gangwon State reinforced the coastal revetment as part of a 2025 waterfront harbor improvement project.

Tips for Recreating the 'Goblin' Shot

• Camera Angle: Standing midway along the breakwater with your back to the sea yields an angle closest to the original scene. Having one person pose on the jetty while the photographer shoots upward from a lower vantage point on the sand keeps the horizon level and uncluttered.
• Props: Many fans bring along buckwheat flowers (often faux bouquets depending on the season) and a bright red scarf. Rather than counting on local street vendors, it is safer to pack your own ahead of time.
• Winter is Prime Season: Because the drama is steeped in a chilly winter aesthetic, photos taken bundled up in an overcoat and scarf from December through February best match the original mood. Keep in mind that coastal winds can be biting.
• Sunrise: Watching the East Sea sunrise over the breakwater is worth the early wake-up call even if you are not a drama fan. Better yet, there are virtually no crowds at dawn.
• Watch the Waves: On windy days, high swells can wash over the top of the jetty. Wet concrete is slippery, so never risk walking out to the very edge during rough seas.

Getting There

• By Car: About a 20-minute drive north from downtown Gangneung along the coastal road. Enter "1609 Haean-ro, Jumunjin-eup" or "Goblin Filming Location" into your navigation app. Park at the Goblin Shelter Public Parking Lot; it fills quickly on weekend mornings, so arriving early is best.
• By Taxi: Around 20 minutes from Gangneung Station.
• By City Bus: From Gangneung Station or downtown, take a bus heading toward Jumunjin (300-series routes) and get off near Yeongjin. Bus routes in Gangneung are frequently updated, so check route numbers and stops in a navigation app right before leaving.
• On Foot: Course 40 of the Haeparang Trail crosses Yeongjin Bridge, passes Yeongjin Port, and heads toward Jumunjin. You can also take a scenic walk south along the shore starting from Jumunjin Port.

A Half-Day Itinerary Up to Jumunjin

Because exploring Yeongjin Beach takes only about 30 minutes, pairing it with nearby sights creates a well-rounded half-day itinerary. Heading northward is the most natural flow:

1. Yeongjin Beach Breakwater — Arrive early to snap your photos without waiting in line.
2. Yeongjin Port & Jumunjin Port — (~2 km). Savor lunch at local raw fish centers and explore the dried seafood market.
3. Sodol Adeulbawi Rock Park — (~3 km). A compact seaside park showcasing wind- and wave-carved rock formations.
4. Jumunjin Lighthouse & Jumunjin Beach — Enjoy harbor vistas from the historic lighthouse, then stroll along the expansive sandy shoreline.
5. Hyangho Beach BTS Bus Stop — If time permits, continue a little further north. Located roughly 6 km from Yeongjin Beach, this is another must-visit pop-culture landmark.

For a broader look at beaches including Gyeongpo and Anmok to the south, check out our guide to Gangneung East Coast. If you are looking to surf, Yangyang Surfing is just a short drive up the coast.

Beach Vibe and Seasonal Tips

Compact in size with gently sloping, shallow waters, Yeongjin Beach is well-suited for travelers seeking a quieter patch of sea. The coastal road runs right behind the sand for effortless access, and walking north leads into the humble, everyday rhythm of an authentic fishing village. Across the road, ocean-facing cafes line the pavement.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Which breakwater is the exact filming site? Four similar breakwaters sit along the shoreline; the second one from the south is the official location. You will recognize it immediately by the informational sign and photo frame.
• Is there an admission fee or reservation required? No. The breakwater is open to the public free of charge.
• When is the best time to visit? Early morning or right after sunrise is ideal to beat the crowds. Long queues tend to form around midday on weekends.
• Are props provided on-site? There is an informational sign and a photo frame, but you must bring your own red scarf and bouquet of flowers.
• Where should I park? Use the Goblin Shelter Public Parking Lot. Keep in mind that it fills quickly on weekend mornings.
• Can I go swimming here? Yes, during the summer beach season. However, because the swimming area is modest, nearby Jumunjin or Gyeongpo are better alternatives if beach swimming is your primary goal.

Related Guides

K-Drama Filming Spots · Gangneung East Coast · Gangwon State

Recommended Search Keywords for International Travelers: Goblin filming location Korea, Yeongjin Beach Gangneung, Goblin breakwater, K-drama pilgrimage Gangneung