Kkotji Beach (꽃지해수욕장) is a long, flat sand beach on Anmyeondo, the island off the west coast of Chungcheongnam-do, known for the two rock islands offshore called Halmi-Halabi Rocks. We stopped there on the afternoon of May 4, 2026, on our way home from a Children’s Day camping weekend, because our daughter asked if we could see the sea before going home. This post covers Kkotji Beach with kids: what our two did on the sand, the free foot-wash taps, the rocks, and how it fits into an Anmyeondo day.
- Name: Kkotji Beach (꽃지해수욕장)
- Where: Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (Naver Map)
- Visited: Monday, May 4, 2026, early afternoon
- Admission: free
- Facilities: outdoor foot-wash taps (씻는 곳) near the entrance
- Age fit: our two elementary-school kids; wide, flat sand suits younger children too
- Info checked: September 2026
Why we stopped
We had spent the long weekend at Naepo Camping Square in Hongseong, packed up that morning, and driven to Anmyeondo for a grilled clam lunch at Pungnyeon Hwesenta. The plan was to head home after that. Our daughter asked if we could see the sea first, and Kkotji was close by on the island, so we went.
Halmi-Halabi Rocks
The two rock islands off the beach are called Halmi-Halabi Rocks (할미할아비바위), the “grandmother and grandfather rocks”. They are the reason Kkotji is famous, especially at sunset, when the sun goes down behind them. We were there in the early afternoon rather than at sunset, which was easier with kids who still had a long drive home. Even in daylight, the rocks give the flat horizon something to look at, and the kids asked about the names.
What our kids did on the beach
Our daughter spent most of her time collecting shells along the sand, crouching down, picking them up one at a time and deciding which ones were worth keeping. Our son was more interested in jumping. He jumped off small rises in the sand and over the lines of foam left by the waves, and the two of them ended up jumping over each other’s shadows in the bright sun.
We took the usual jumping photos too: the four of us, then the two kids, all in the air at once, which works well on a beach this wide and flat. We also lined up our four pairs of Crocs on the sand for a photo, which the kids found very funny.
The foot-wash taps
Near the beach entrance there are outdoor taps under a yellow sign that says 씻는 곳 (ssinneun got, “place to wash”). We used them to rinse the sand off feet and shoes before getting back in the car. After a Samcheok beach where we could not find a rinse station, having taps right at the entrance made a real difference.
Kkotji, Pungnyeon Hwesenta and the Taean expo in one day
Our May 4 ended up being a full Anmyeondo day. After lunch at Pungnyeon Hwesenta and the beach, we saw banners for the 2026 Taean International Horticultural Therapy Expo, which was being held right next to Kkotji Beach, and went in for the last two hours before it closed. Kkotji on its own does not need much time; it works well as one stop in a day on the island.
Kkotji with kids: sand, waves and tides
The beach is wide and flat, with soft sand, and the waves on the afternoon we were there were gentle. The west coast of Korea has large tides, so the water line can be far out or close in depending on the time of day. If your kids want to play at the water’s edge, check a tide table before you go. Kkotji is a good beach for running around and collecting shells even when the water is far out.
What we would pack for Kkotji
- Sandals or Crocs: the kids went in and out of the wet sand all afternoon.
- A spare set of clothes: hems and sleeves got wet even without swimming.
- A small bag or container: for the shells that come home.
- Sunscreen and hats: there is little shade on the open sand.
- A towel: the foot-wash taps get the sand off, but you still need to dry off.
None of this is special gear. Kkotji is the kind of beach where you stop for an hour or two on the way somewhere else, so keep a small beach bag in the car and you are set.
Korean words that help
- 꽃지 (Kkotji): the beach and village name
- 해수욕장 (haesuyokjang): swimming beach
- 할미할아비바위 (Halmi-Halabi-bawi): Grandmother and Grandfather Rocks
- 씻는 곳 (ssinneun got): place to wash
- 조개껍데기 (jogae kkeopdegi): seashell
- 물때표 (multtaepyo): tide table
Questions parents ask
Is there a place to wash off sand at Kkotji Beach?
Yes. There are outdoor foot-wash taps under a 씻는 곳 sign near the entrance.
Is Kkotji Beach good for young kids?
The wide, flat sand is easy for young children. Keep an eye on the tide if they play at the water’s edge.
When is the best time to see Halmi-Halabi Rocks?
Sunset is the famous time. We went in the early afternoon, which was easier with kids.
Tips for Kkotji Beach with kids
- Bring a bag for shells: our daughter filled her pockets.
- Use the foot-wash taps: they are right by the entrance.
- Wear sandals or Crocs: easy to rinse and carry.
- Check the tide: the west coast tides are large.
- Pair it with lunch on Anmyeondo: the beach works well as one stop in a day.
Would we go back?
Yes. It was an unplanned stop, and it turned into one of the easiest parts of the weekend: wide sand, shells, jumping photos and taps to wash off before the drive. Our rating: 4.4 / 5.