Rediscover domestic tourism: contactless travel by car

Road trips to domestic destinations are on the rise as a means of non-face-to-face travel amid the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic. / Courtesy of Expedia

By Jun Ji-hye

People here are exploring new domestic destinations to visit as they have been unable to travel overseas this year due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic has also led to growing popularity of road trips where travelers use their own car instead of public transportation, as a means of non-face-to-face travel.

A road trip is unique in the sense that the journey is the destination itself.

Tourists may take a wrong turn but end up somewhere with beautiful scenery. Unexpected events on the road can add to the fun and vitality of the trip.

Global online agency Expedia introduced three national highway road trip courses great for an escape from the mundane daily routine, while keeping distance from crowds.

Tourists can enrich the experience by adding a music playlist to drive to, pulling over to the side of the road where possible to take a snapshot of the scenery or stopping by an eatery to get a taste of local food.

Taking a road trip will open the way to the upcoming fall season in every corner of the country.

Enjoy ocean breeze on National Highway 7

National Highway 7 runs along the wonderful scenery of the country's east coast.

Travelers are invited to start their journey from Cheongganjeong Pavilion in Goseong County of Gangwon Province that overlooks the East Sea.

Those who want to take a long break at the beach can stop by Jangyo Beach in Yangyang. Free parking is available, so it's possible spend a few hours enjoying the sea.

Planning on staying nearby Hotel November is recommended, according to Expedia. About half an hour's drive from Jangyo Beach, the mansion-like hotel has an exotic atmosphere and well-prepared breakfast.

A three-day two-night trip is recommended to fully enjoy National Highway 7 with a total length of over 500 kilometers.

On the morning of the second day, it is recommended to head over to Samsa Marine Park in Yeongdeok.

Tourists can walk along the beach promenade or stuff themselves with the famous local snow crab, a specialty near Ganggu Port.

Tourists are also invited to visit Donggung Palace and Wolji Temple in Gyeongju of North Gyeongsang Province at sunset, as these spots are listed in the top 100 night spots this year by the Korea Tourism Organization and boast a beautiful night view.

Donggung Palace and Wolji Temple in Gyeongju, North Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Expedia

Wiyeonjae Hanok Stay, a traditional Korean home-style accommodation near Gyeongju Station, is a perfect place to relax and watch the stars from a traditional wooden porch.

On the third day, it is recommended to have lunch at Taehwagang National Garden in Ulsan and get refreshed with a walk through the bamboo forest.

At Busan, the end of the national highway, the Lavalse Hotel is known for its panoramic ocean view.

Follow horizon on National Highway 29

National Highway 29 is a road that links Seosan of South Chungcheong Province to Boseong of South Jeolla Province.

It is recommended to start the tour at Haemieupseong Fortress in Seosan, with a picturesque view of the stone walls.

Haemihyanggyo, a three-minute drive away, is famous for its beautiful fall foliage.

Starting from Seosan and driving along the highway, tourists will arrive at Byeokgolje in Gimje, where they can see the horizon. At sunset, the wide plains and beautiful crimson sky are breathtaking.

At the close of day, it is recommended to head to downtown Jeongeup, about 30 minutes by car from Byeokgolje. Hotel Royal with high guest ratings and reviews for cleanliness will make a great place to stay.

On the second day, hiking lovers are invited to visit Mount Naejang in Jeongeup to immerse themselves in the autumn atmosphere. They can head up to Naejang Temple, a two-hour nature walk away.

Mount Naejang in Jeongeup, North Jeolla Province / Courtesy of Expedia

National Highway 29 that winds around high and low mountains provides a pleasant natural panorama.

Next stop is Damyang, where tourists can fill their stomachs with specialties of tteokgalbi (Korean meatballs) and bamboo shoot dishes.

Travel back in time on National Highway 48

National Highway 48 is a two-hour driving course from Gwanghwamun in Seoul to Ganghwa Island in Incheon. It is easy for beginner drivers.

Attractions to stop by include a dolmen site near the highway and a century-old hanok called Yeongseobjae where visitors can refresh themselves over a lazy cup of tea on the wooden floor.

Tourists can also cross Gyodong Bridge, which is located at the end of the national highway.

Gyodong Island is in very close proximity to North Korea. It is a civilian access control zone, so visitors must obtain a pass before entering.

The island has a unique atmosphere, with a look and feel of the 1970s. Visiting points include Daeryong Market, which has been around for half a century, Gyodong Tea House famous for Sssanghwa Tea and Gyodonghyanggyo, Korea's first hyanggyo, a type of Confucian academy.

If a day trip does not suffice, it is recommended to stay the night at Healing 11th Street Pension on the south side of Ganghwa Island.

Only a 30-minute drive from the end of the national highway, the pension is located by the sea and has a splendid room view of the sunset. Guests can have a barbecue on the private terrace, making it suitable for contactless travel.

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