Ilgwang Beach loved by the people of Busan.
Ilgwang Beach, considered one of the Eight Sights of Gijang, used to have the old pine forest along the coastline. It was one of the magnificent sights viewed by famous people, including Jeong Mong-ju, since the Goryeo period.

Ilgwang Beach is located in Samseong-ri, Ilgwang-myeon. The name of Samseong-ri originated from Samseongdae, which comes from the old word “saemseokdae,” a combination of the words “mineral spring” and “the place where ships are docked.” Today, the middle mound of the sandy beach is referred to as the “samseongdae.”

Ilgwang Beach is a symbolic place that represents a seaside village of Busan that also served as the setting for O Yeong-su’s short novel Gaenmaeul (The Seaside Village) published in 1953 and the filming location for the Director Kim-Soo-yong’s 1965 film based on the novel. In the novel, Haesun, the daughter of a diver who was born and raised in the coastal village, is the protagonist. The work portrays the turbulent life of a woman who leaves the town for its hardships, yet ends up returning to the seaside village during the Japanese occupation.

The novel Gaenmaeul and its movie left meaningful traces in the town, turning the place into the site of the coastal festival since 1995. The “Gijang Village of an Estuary Performance Festival,” based on the novel and the movie, is held each summer. This is the only sea culture festival in the nation that centers on the theme of women divers. During the festival, visitors may also experience the trot concert, women diver training, and traditional dragnet training.

Ilgwang Beach is shallow and less wavy than other beaches, and therefore, popular among groups with children. Unlike other beaches, it still has a low-bench culture and allows hosting barbeque parties on the sandy beach.

The unique charm of Ilgwang Beach, however, goes one step forward. It is receiving great attention as a new maritime leisure sports hub that is comparable to Songjeong Beach, which has risen as a hot place of maritime leisure. Jet Ski, fly-fish, banana boat, wakeboard, and disco boat are prepared for young visitors.

Ilgwang Beach is a place where you can experience both the old and the trendy Busan. Check out the old village town, and enjoy new marine leisure sports. The charm of Ilgwang Beach, where the past and future of Busan Sea coexist, can be witnessed all year round.