Namhangjin works as a short shoreline stop or one part of Gangneung Baugil Section 5. The 16 km figure describes the full course, not a beach loop; choose your walking section and return point before setting out.
Set a manageable Section 5 distance
Korea Tourism lists Gangneung Baugil Section 5 as a 16 km coastal course that includes Namhangjin Beach, Gyeongpo Lake and other shoreline stops. That is the full route distance, not a short loop at the beach. Choose one section and decide how you will return before starting.
Use the Check the Section 5 listing and Gangneung’s live bus information system to plan the end point. Search the exact stop and direction for your date; the route’s named places should not be treated as one continuous beachside path.
Check swim access separately from the walk
If swimming is the reason for visiting, check current beach operation and safety notices first. Before walking, identify the public entrance, check that the path is firm, and decide where you will turn back. You can keep Namhangjin as a short stop without covering the entire 16 km course.