I did a year in solitary in a rural county, and there were some definite plusses. Very lonely at times, but how many Americans can say they've lived in rural South Korea? In hindsight I wish I would have done more exploring, maybe even bought a scooter.
I'd like to head to Goheung this fall and see Sorok-do and the space center. Next spring and summer you should have plenty of chances to try out the beaches. Are there many other English teachers there?