Bada 바다 │ Seaside Coasts

Part 1 of Hottest Days Of Summer is titled Bada (바다), which means sea in Korean. 

Especially in Summer, people flock to coastal regions and beaches for a cooling retreat away from the city. In South Korea, perhaps the most popular coastal city is Busan, especially famous for Haeundae and Gwangalli Beach. Other than Busan, there are many lesser-known yet beautiful coastal cities. After all, South Korea is a peninsula surrounded by water. 

Thought we'd introduce 3 of our favourite coastal cities which inspired the theme of Sea in Part 1 of this launch. Perhaps one day you too will visit one of these seaside cities for a little respite.

Let's start with the most popular coastal destination preferred by locals these days. In recent years, rather than Busan, many South Koreans prefer to visit the Donghae (동해; 동쪽의 바다), also known as the East Coast (not to be mistaken with the city called Donghae-si). And one of the most popular destinations on the East Coast is none other than Gangneung. 

1. Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do 

Gangneung is situated at the north-eastern coast of South Korea, just 1 hour 45 mins away from Seoul by KTX speed rail train, making it a very convenient getaway for people in the city. 

There are many popular beaches in Gangneung - Anmok Beach for laid-back beachfront cafes, and Jumunjin Beach for that iconic breakwater from the Korean drama "Goblin" and of course, the famous BTS bus stop. 

The entire sandy stretch runs for miles, where you can walk facing open blue waters and feel the sea breeze for hours. 

2. Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

With its neighbour Gangneung gaining popularity with locals and foreigners alike, Goseong-gun is a much quieter, secluded coastal city situated just a little up north of Gangneung. Getting to Goseong-gun is more challenging without a direct KTX train, so you'll have to try your hand at the local buses from Seoul.

The beaches here are significantly less populated and have a slow countryside vibe we love. Another beauty of Goseong is that not only will you see the sea, you'll also get to see rolling mountains.

Majestic Seorak Mountain graces the coastal city's background, making for a picturesque yet calming experience by the coast. 

3. Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do 

Pohang is actually situated in the southern Gyeongsang region of South Korea, near Busan. While it's just up north of Busan along the same coast, it is completely different from the bustle of Busan.

Pohang is well-known for steel-making and robot technology, thus there's a strong industrial vibe to the city.

However, there's plenty of beautiful untouched beaches in Pohang, with Homigot Sunrise Square perhaps being the most famous. Located at the easternmost end of the Korean peninsula, Homigot is what many would consider to be the tail of South Korea, if you think of the Korean peninsula as resembling the shape of a tiger. The Homigot hand in the sea makes for a mystical addition to the sea view of rolling waves.

For Korean drama lovers, Pohang is famous for being the set of "Hometown Cha Cha Cha" and "When The Camellia Blooms". You'll feel like you're walking right into the drama. 

Whether it's Gangneung, Goseong or Pohang, all three have beautiful, endless views of the sea and spectacular sunrises. In fact, as part of tradition, many South Koreans travel to the East Coast to catch the first sunrise of the year, but we'll leave that story for another time. 

In Part 1: Bada, the signature dress embodying the breeziness of the sea is none other than the Baram Midi Dress in Aquamarine. Baram (바람), in Korean, means wind.

The soft flowy rayon fabric in light aquamarine reminds us of a Summer experience by the cooling sea.

During these hottest days of Summer, we hope you'll find ways to enjoy the breeze as it comes, by the coast or anywhere else.