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Closer to nature: 4 locations for contactless road trips
Heonhwa-ro in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is the closest road to the sea in Korea. / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization
By Jun Ji-hye
By Jun Ji-hye
As an increasing number of people have been looking for safer getaways amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, road trips where travelers use their own cars have been gaining growing popularity as a means of reducing the risks of face-to-face interactions while traveling.
The public health crisis that has lasted for about a year has also brought changes in travel patterns as more people this year opted to visit beaches and rural areas seeking safer travel opportunities in less-crowded destinations, according to a report by Kim Eun-hee, a research specialist at the Korea Tourism Organization.
A road trip offers tourists the perfect opportunity to go off the beaten path, enjoy scenic views and get closer to nature in the privacy and comfort of their cars, all while enjoying the flexibility and freedom this style of travel offers.
Here are four locations perfect for road trips to refresh tired bodies and minds, recommended by Agoda, one of the big-name online travel agencies.
Heonhwa-ro
Heonhwa-ro located in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is the closest road to the sea in Korea and one of the East Sea's best driving courses with incredible coastal views.
It is recommended to experience the spectacular sunrise at Jeongdongjin, a resort town near Gangneung, before coasting along the eight-kilometer road toward Geumjin Beach.
On the road, the two-kilometer section between Geumjin Beach and Simgok Port promises magnificent views of coastal cliffs, white sand beaches and blue water.
Tourists can stop by one of the seaside cafes or rest areas to enjoy the sound of the waves and feel the sea breeze.
National Highway 17
Connecting Gokseong County and Gurye County in South Jeolla Province, National Highway 17 is one of the most scenic routes in Korea. Travelers can drive along the picturesque Seomjin River for about 22 kilometers.
While they're at it, they can also take a short detour from National Highway 17 to downtown Gokseong and drive down a tree-lined road to admire the famed tall dawn redwoods.
Families can take their children on a steam train or railbike at Seomjin Train Village.
Yeongjong Island
Yeongjong Island offers dazzling nighttime views of Incheon. The 47-kilometer route from Ara Gimpo Passenger Terminal to Eurwangni Beach is lined with impressive sights ― from colorful lights that decorate Incheon Bridge and Yeongjong Bridge, to the romantic sunset view at Gyeongin Ara Waterway.
Even Incheon International Airport looks stunning at night. In addition, tourists can also savor delicious grilled clams while enjoying a night sea backdrop at Eurwangni Beach on Yeongjong Island.
Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridges
There are five bridges connecting four small islands in South Gyeongsang Province ―Changseon Island, Neuk Island, Choyang Island and Mogae Island.
The route linked by the bridges, which was named one of Korea's 100 most beautiful roads by the government in 2006, is 3.4 kilometers long and is sometimes called a “bridge museum” because of the distinct shapes of the five bridges.
The night view of Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridges / Courtesy of Agoda
Along the way, nature lovers can marvel at the lush greenery of Hallyeohaesang National Park and the sunset, which colors the South Sea a burning red.
After the sun goes down, the five bridges continue to captivate with their colorful lights.
Travelers can take the Sacheon Ocean Cable Car right next to the Samcheonpo Bridge to get a good view of the bridges.