4 scenic drives for summer vacation

By Jun Ji-hye

It has become harder to enjoy outdoor activities freely this summer vacation, as the country is facing yet another public health crisis due to the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections led by the highly contagious Delta variant.

But how about taking a road trip to enjoy magnificent views from your own car?

Here are four domestic travel destinations you can enjoy while driving, and nearby hotels recommended by HotelsCombined, a global hotel search platform.

Baeksu Coastal Road

Yeonggwang County in South Jeolla Province offers panoramic views and beautiful sunsets from the west coast of the country.

Baeksu Coastal Road there, which was selected as one of the 10 most beautiful routes in South Korea, is a representative driving course of the west coast.

There are parking lots and observation decks installed all along the road, so you can just stop and park your car anywhere you like and enjoy a beautiful sunset.

Another specialty of the Baeksu Coastal Road is a promenade deck located below the coastal road where you can walk while admiring the sea.

Heonhwa-ro

Heonhwa-ro located on the east coast in Gangneung, Gangwon Province, is a nice driving course, starting from Geumjin Beach and continuing through Simgok Port to Jeongdongjin.

Heonhwa-ro is also known as the road closest to the sea in South Korea. There are no major obstacles between the road and the water, so you can fully enjoy the superb sea views.

Just by driving along the road, you can enjoy the feeling of traveling, thus it is a perfect place to visit these days when activities are restricted.

The two-kilometer section between Geumjin Beach and Simgok Port is the highlight of Heonhwa-ro, boasting a picturesque landscape with magnificent coastal cliffs and blue skies.

Gangneung Tops 10 Hotel, located along the drive, has a hot spring, so it is suitable for relieving fatigue after a long drive.

Pyeonginilju-ro

Pyeonginilju-ro, located in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province, has become more popular recently.

It is a coastal road about 4.1 kilometers long, and there are wide sidewalks and bicycle paths along the road. Observatories there offer the chance to enjoy the fresh sea breeze.

You can stop for a while and enjoy the scenery of Hallyeosudo, a group of islands and waterways off the southern coast.

At small cafes along the coastline, you can take the best pictures of your life as well.

Stanford Hotel Resort Tongyeong, located close to the road, is recommended for family stays. All rooms have nice views of the water and present beautiful sunset views.

Metasequoia Road

Metasequoia Road in Gokseong County, South Jeolla Province, is located on the section of National Highway 17 that connects Gokseong and Gurye through the Seomjin River.

The road is a kilometer-long driving course located near the entrance to Gokseong County.

Although it is a relatively short road, metasequoia trees are planted along the roadside, creating a cool and magnificent landscape.

The road is also known as the filming location of “The Wailing,” a 2016 South Korean horror film directed by Na Hong-jin starring Kwak Do-won, Hwang Jung-min and Chun Woo-hee.

There are many tourist destinations near the Seomjin River, such as the Seomjin River Fish Ecology Center, Great Forest Road, the Healing Ecological Trail and Train Village.

The Suite Hotel Namwon, located near Mount Jiri, is recommended, as it has private villas and a swimming pool, and is fully equipped to provide for a relaxing vacation.