Kayaking in South Korea is both beautiful and worthwhile. Although it doesn't boast the most remote or amazing wilderness that can be found, there is certainly paddling to be had for those willing to check it out.
The first time I paddled in Korea was in August of 2014. I did some online research before going over and discovered this: there is virtually nothing online, and what is online is largely in Korean and extremely difficult to decipher. Even with google translate and maps, I was unable to figure out where to paddle, where I might rent some gear and whom I might paddle with in this foreign land. I haplessly sent emails to anyone I could find hoping for a reply. Lucky me, I got a reply from the amiable Yeo Jung Yeop. Three days later I found myself whitewater kayaking in Korea with him abs friends.
This article and blog aims to guide those looking to do whitewater kayaking in South Korea. This information is only a basic guide your travels, but will hopefully help someone else have more great kayaking experiences in Korea.
Season: The best season for whitewater in Korea is during the summer months, June-early Sept. During this time temperatures are warm, water levels are reasonable, and occasional heavy summer rains bring things up. Apparently the fall is too low, winter is too frozen (small snowpack but very frigid), and spring has low runoff. So that leaves summer...
Getting gear: There are only a few kayaking stores in Korea, but equipment was all new and modern. All of the kayakers I encountered were wearing newer gear, paddling very recent kayaks and were surprised by surprise about what they were paddling.
The kayak store at the Outdoor Center near Inje has been around for many years. They had brand new lineups from Wave Sport, Jackson and Dagger. Also brand new paddles from AT and Galasport. I couldn't believe all of the things they had in this small store in the middle of nowhere.
You can, of course, fly to Korea with all of your things, but I wouldn't travel all the way to Korea just to kayak. There just isn't enough to make it worthwhile. I would bring the gear basics and try to procure a kayak in country. If you were going to bring a kayak, make it a Playboat.
Getting around: Korea is a super easy place to get around in. There are lots of busses, trains, subways and public transportation that works well. You can also rent a car as it is normal left hand drive and all signs are in English and Korean. Very few (basically none) cars in Korea I noticed had roof racks, which could present a problem for kayakers hoping to bring their own kayak.
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