Gyeonggi's Top 5 West Coast Getaways

You don't have to travel far for a taste of summer at the sea. Dazzling sunlight on the water, cool sea breezes, and skies that blaze red at sunset — Gyeonggi's west coast offers a colorful range of scenery for savoring summer to the fullest. From harbors piled with fresh seafood to a red lighthouse glowing at night, a beach wrapped in golden sunset, a coastal boardwalk over the sea, and an observatory framing the Seohae Bridge, here are five must-visit spots on Gyeonggi's west coast this summer.

■ 1. A New Summer Coastal Walk: Hwaseong's 'Golden Coast Trail'

For decades hidden behind military barbed wire, Hwaseong's west coast now welcomes visitors along a brand-new coastal walking trail. The city has temporarily opened the 17km 'Golden Coast Trail,' a walking path through a zone once off-limits to civilians. The route runs in three sections from Jebu Marina through Baekmi Port to Gungpyeong Port. Boardwalks offer close-up views of the tidal flats below, while the embankment frames a refreshing scene where salt farms meet the West Sea.

The trail's highlight is Section 3, the 'Gungpyeong Sightseeing Trail.' Gungpyeong Pine Forest, thick with more than 1,000 pine trees over a century old, blends sea air with pine scent for a pleasant walk. At sunset, golden light pours through the pines, and 'Gungpyeong Sunset' — one of Hwaseong's eight scenic wonders — adds a moving finale to the trip.

Offering an up-close view of West Sea scenery once hidden behind military fencing, the Golden Coast Trail has quickly emerged as one of this summer's most exciting destinations.

■ 2. Where Summer Evenings Come Alive: Siheung's 'Oido'

As the sun begins to set, Oido reveals a charm quite different from its daytime self. When the western sky turns crimson, Oido's iconic Red Lighthouse commands attention, and the sunset spreads across the calm sea for an exotic scene. Once night falls completely, lights flicker on around the lighthouse and nearby shops, and Oido's summer evening truly begins.

Built through a fishing-village tourism project, the Red Lighthouse is Siheung's iconic landmark and one of the city's most popular nighttime attractions. From its tiered observation deck, visitors can take in panoramic night views of the Sihwa Industrial Complex, Baegot New City, and Songdo International City. Following the trail to the end of the seawall leads to the 'Tree of Life' observatory, where illuminated waters, gentle waves, and a cool sea breeze combine for a distinctly a peaceful setting for a summer evening.

With both sunset and night views on offer, Oido is a great destination for a slow evening stroll savoring the West Sea atmosphere on a hot summer night.

■ 3. Barefoot at Sunset: Ansan's 'Bangameori Beach'

Driving the Sihwa Seawall toward Daebudo, Lake Sihwa unfolds on the left while the open West Sea stretches out on the right. At the end of the drive lies Bangameori Beach, Ansan's signature beach known for its wide, soft sand. The fine sand feels gentle underfoot, and the beach's size means even weekend crowds don't feel too dense.

Bangameori Beach is most beautiful at sunset. Golden light spreading across the horizon shifts into orange and violet, creating a stunning panorama across both the sky and the sea. At low tide, the exposed mudflat allows for clam- and crab-catching. A pine forest trail beside the beach, along with cafes and restaurants on the nearby food street, round out a full day.

Walking barefoot on the sand while watching the sunset is a summer memory unique to Bangameori Beach.

■ 4. Choosing Fresh Catch: Gimpo's 'Daemyeong Port'

Daemyeong Port is Gimpo's only local fishing port and a leading harbor of northwestern Gyeonggi. When roughly 100 fishing boats return from their catch, the port comes alive with fresh seafood and a bustling fishing-village scene. In the morning as boats come in, freshly caught seafood fills the stalls, and the fishermen's brisk activity adds to the harbor's charm.

Daemyeong Port's fish market is run directly by 42 members of the local fishing cooperative, selling only wild-caught West Sea seafood — no outside seafood is handled. Because fishing families sell their own catch, each stall bears the name of its boat, and price tags sometimes carry warm, personal touches.

In summer, plump flounder and meaty top shells are especially popular. Buying sashimi at the market and pairing it with spicy fish stew at a nearby restaurant is a Daemyeong Port specialty. The market has recently been renovated for a more pleasant visit.

■ 5. A West Sea View from Above: Pyeongtaek's 'Marine Center'

From the observation deck of Pyeongtaek Port Marine Center, visitors get a sweeping view of Pyeongtaek Port, the Seohae Bridge, and the Asan Bay area. Seen from the 14th floor, the massive scale and constant motion of the port come vividly to life. Rows of export vehicles, large vessels, and container cranes in ceaseless motion capture the energy of Pyeongtaek Port, one of Korea's leading trade ports.

Beyond the dynamic industrial scene, the calm West Sea stretches out like a painting. The view combining sea, port, and Seohae Bridge in a single frame is unique to this spot — and admission is free.

Operated by the Gyeonggi Pyeongtaek Port Authority, the Marine Center also houses business facilities and rentable meeting rooms for port users. It's a place to take in both the scenery and the scale of Pyeongtaek Port's role.