Korean Job Discussion Forums

Tiger Beer · Joined: 07 Feb 2003

Just curious.. one of my co-teachers who lived in Taiwan for awhile.. was telling me they had beaches.. but they really really sucked in Taiwan (with the exception of one in Kaotung - i think was the name).

True?

captain kirk · Joined: 29 Jan 2003

Maybe she meant Kaoisung, pronounced Cowshung. Kaoisung is a very big, industrial port city in the south. It would be a nice beach like Pusan's Haendae is a nice beach. By nice meaning lots of people go there from the nearby big city and it's a happening place.

Somebody complained in a post down the road about Taiwan's beaches/coasts as being gross. Corpses of dead dogs and litter washed up. Whatever. Yes there are lots of stray dogs in Taiwan, lots. And they die and somehow one might end up washed up on the beach. Nobody cares about them alive or dead, like. But, being Buddhist, they won't kill them. Weird, eh?

Taiwan's coasts have coral reef. Some of it's beach and some of it rocky coast. The rocky bit is good for snorkling off. The climate is warmer and the fish are more tropical/colorful to view snorkling. More of a climate for being in the sea swimming.

joe_doufu · Joined: 09 May 2005 Location: Elsewhere

The southern tip of Taiwan has a town called Kenting which is a famous beach resort. The international music festival Spring Scream is held there every year. It's a fantastic group of beaches. There's also a nuclear reactor there, and a rock that looks like Richard Nixon.

I've only been to one other beach in Taiwan, it was also in Pingtung county, and we were there to dig crabs, not to go swimming. It wasn't as clean as Zuma but was reasonably clean.

I think the beach is not a big hobby for Taiwanese, I don't recall *ever* being invited except once to look at crabs. Most Taiwanese can't swim. They have a famous lake (sun-moon lake) which they love to visit but not to actually get wet!

Zark · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:09 pm Post subject:

Kenting (on the southern tip of Taiwan) is probably the best known "tourist" type beach on Taiwan. It is an okay to quite nice beach. Better than anything in Korea (including - dear God - Haeundae Beach - or anything on Jeju).

But, Kenting is not the best on Taiwan. The entire east coast of Taiwan is literally full of small beautiful unknown unused beaches. The east side of Taiwan is mountainous and literally drops into the sea - but every now and then - you'll find beautiful little canyons with waterfalls dropping into the sea or onto a deserted beach. No tourism services there though - and few people who speak English - but if you want lovely - tis the place to go. I always thought they could build several Club Meds along there. Virtually unknown. You'll need to rent a car to get to this area - or a bike would be okay (but a bit of a long ride). Great place to take a girlfriend for a little - ummm - deserted beach fun Wink

.

Someone mentioned that Taiwanese don't tend to hang on the beaches. Generally true - as with most Asians they don't want a tan. And they are quite modest people - you'll typically see them fully dressed - playing in the water. You might see fifty people and only one or two would have a swimming suit on.

I lived there - in Taipei - for two years - and loved the place.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 6:51 pm Post subject:

Korea has great beaches (along the southern coast).

Perhaps try them next time instead.

Zark · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 7:04 pm Post subject:

Just my opinion - but I have yet to see any "great" beaches in Korea. I lived in Pusan for 2.5 years and drove up and down the coast in both directions during that time (driving around is my hobby).

Don't get me wrong - the sea in some areas - BEAUTIFUL - but not the beaches.

But then - I live on Phuket.

PS: not trying to start a "pissing contest" - I just think there are other, far better alternatives. And the Korea beach of choice may well be there - I just haven't seen it.

VanIslander · Posted: Sun Jul 31, 2005 9:41 pm Post subject:

Freezer Burn · Joined: 11 Apr 2005 Location: Busan

The second beach looks nice, but the others the air looks lke Asia, when you think of a beautiful beach you want the air to be beautiful as well, something that Asia has trouble with in most places.

KiteOperations · Joined: 09 Jul 2005

i've never been to Taiwan but i guess their beaches would be tropical and exotic, compared to Korean ones.
anyway, mongsanpo to kotji, there are many ok beaches along the west coast in Korea.
one of my favorite Korean beaches would be Gomseom beach. amazingly soft sands, calm and peaceful environment, no touristy stores and restaurants. you can get away from all the crowds.

Zark · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 1:34 am Post subject:

Very nice photos all.

My argument would be that Korea lacks color.

I'll try to post a couple photos, but haven't done it before so here goes:

Nai Thon Beach, Phuket:

Chalong:

Laem Singh:

Mai Khao:

Thai Muang:

Bang Tao:

But hey - to each his own!

VanIslander · Posted: Mon Aug 01, 2005 4:03 am Post subject:

Zark, despite your assurances to the contrary, your last post shows you do want to get into a pissing contest!

You admitted that the coast of Korea can be beautiful but that it had no good beaches. I assumed you meant places to swim, suntan and have fun.

Of course the beaches in Thailand have more colour, eye candy of all kinds.

buddy bradley · Joined: 24 Aug 2003 Location: The Beyond

Listen, I lived in Koahsiung for over two years - those "beaches" look like a nuclear wasteland.

Gray volcanic sand, trash EVERYWHERE and lifeguards with an attitude.

The east coast is pretty, but then again I was so drunk that I even found the farmer at the cow farm pretty, so I'm not too sure actually.