Although mountainous and relatively small in landmass, Korea has highly developed national highways that connect every corner of the country. Listed below are great roads for leisurely taking in the beautiful landscapes of Korea, as opposed to sticking to the highways, which while a little faster can become quite monotonous. There's nothing wrong with sticking to a meticulous travel plan, but sometimes it's nice to take a breath and take a scenic route to your destination. You'll thank yourself later for taking the time to create some wonderful new memories.

  • 1

    Heonhwa-ro, Gangneung

    A coastal road where you can almost reach out and touch the water

    Heonhwa-ro, Gangneung
    • Adventure
    • Couples

    There are many roads that run along the East Sea, but we recommend Heonhwa-ro in Gangneung if you're looking for something nearby. The road was built in consideration of the surrounding scenery, and the height of the railing was even deliberately set to let drivers and passengers look over at the ocean while passing by. Winding along the dizzying coastline and sheer cliffs will make you feel like the main character in a hip car commercial.

    Location: Simgok-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

    Map
  • 2

    Baeksu Coastal Road

    Sometimes I want to stop and walk on Baeksu Coast Road

    Baeksu Coastal Road
    • Adventure
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Most people think of Jeju Island or the East Sea when thinking about scenic coastal roads, but there are roads on the west coast that are just as beautiful. One such road is Baeksu Coastal Road, and it features several trails where you can park your car on the side of the road and go for a walk to enjoy the sea breeze. The best part is that you can enjoy the drive at your own pace. If you're looking for a leisurely drive, get to Baeksu Coastal Road in time for the sunset.

    Location: Gusu-ri, Baeksu-eup, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, South Korea

    Map
  • 3

    Bugak Skyway

    A favourite date spot among busy Seoul urbanites

    Bugak Skyway
    • Couples
    • Nightlife

    Bugak Skyway is a well-known destination among couples in Seoul because it's a beautiful spot where you can overlook the entire city of Seoul. During the day, Palgakjeong Pavilion and the wildflower garden are popular with families looking for a taste of Korean charm, but at night, the place is popular with couples in search of a quiet drive and tranquility away from the hustle and bustle of the city. There's no better way to finish off a date night than driving away from the bustle of the city to Bugak Skyway and enjoying the splendid nightscapes of Seoul.

    Location: San 6-94, Pyeongchang-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

    Map

    photo by travel oriented (CC BY-SA 2.0) modified

  • 4

    Route 36, Chungju Lake

    A road draped over mountains surrounding a lake

    Route 36, Chungju Lake
    • Families
    • Food

    If you want to enjoy the four seasons of Korea from the comfort of your own car, we recommend Route 36 around Chungju Lake. Cherry blossoms greet you in spring, and colourful autumn leaves fall gently down in autumn. Looking out the window of your car, you'll feel as if you're admiring a landscape painting at a gallery. The tranquillity of Chungju Lake surrounded by Mt. Worak is fantastic enough on its own, but the drive along Route 36 to Danyang, which is famous among food lovers, is a must-have experience for anyone looking for a scenic drive in Korea.

    Location: Samcheong-ri, Judeok-eup, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea

    Map
  • 5

    Sinchang Coastal Road

    The open sea and white wind turbines paint the landscape

    Sinchang Coastal Road
    • Couples
    • Photo

    Everyone knows that Jeju Island is full of scenic roads, and Shinchang Coastal Road is one of the most popular roads among them. Just the sight of the blue water and sky adorned with white wind turbines is enough to make you feel completely refreshed. Sinchang Coastal Road has been featured many times on television and even has an easily accessible walking path if you want to park your car and feel the ground at your feet. The wonderful scenery here is perfect for taking pictures.

    Location: 1322-1 Sinchang-ri, Hangyeong-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, South Korea

    Map
  • 6

    Incheon Bridge

    Get drenched in the splendid lights of future city Songdo

    Incheon Bridge
    • Couples
    • Nightlife
    • Photo

    The nightscape of the new city of Songdo is like being treated to a glimpse of the future. And Incheon Bridge adds an extra layer of flair to the gorgeous scenery. During the day, you can visit Incheon International Airport, which is so well-furnished that it almost feels like a major shopping centre, or Yeongjongdo (island), which is a famous tourist destination on the outskirts of Seoul. At night, bask in the lights of Incheon Bridge and Songdo. It'll be a getaway to remember.

    Location: Incheon Bridge Operations Office, 3 Incheon Bridge Expressway, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea

    Map
  • 7

    Yangpyeong Dumulmeori (Confluence)

    Where the Han River begins

    Yangpyeong Dumulmeori (Confluence)
    • Families

    There are many places around Seoul that are famous for day trips and scenic drives, and Yangpyeong Dumulmeori is one of the best. Most driving roads seem to be date-oriented for couples, but this place offers many attractions geared toward the whole family, such as Semiwon Garden, a natural garden popular with people young and old. In the mornings when misty air rises where the Bukhan River and Namhan River meet, you might see photographers gather to capture the ethereal scenery on camera.

    Location: Yangsu-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea

    Map
  • 8

    Route 7, Donghae Coastal Road

    Draped along the scenic eastern coastline

    Route 7, Donghae Coastal Road
    • Adventure
    • Families

    Route 7 of Donghae Coastal Road, which starts in Busan and runs along the east coast to Goseong, is highly recommended for those who want to enjoy a full-fledged road trip. It passes through all the famous tourist attractions along the east coast such as Busan, Pohang, Uljin and Gangneung. Because there is so much to see, we recommend doing a bit of planning if you want to enjoy this coastal road to the fullest. However, that doesn't mean that you can't just jump in your car and go to enjoy the beautiful scenery.

    Location: Chogok-ri, Geundeok-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do

    Map