Korea: Rediscover the country on wheels

[KTOSingapore]

Hi all, 

 

This thread is to recommend some of the undiscovered places in Korea for those who love a little adventure to self-drive or go on a driving holiday to explore Korea.

 

To start off, we would like to share more about what you need when preparing your driving holiday in Korea. 

 

The PASSPORT to driving in Korea: International Driving Permit

 

Korea Driving Tips 

 

Stay tune to this thread as we bring you more information to inspire your driving holiday in Korea!

 

Brought to you by:

Korea Tourism Organization

[KTOSingapore]

Happy Boxing Day to all!

 

Thinking of where to head to in Korea during the New Year? Here we share with you where to head to in Korea for the last sunset and the first sunrise of the year to feel extra-special. Many viewing spots in Korea hold annual celebrations on New Year’s Eve and on the day of the New Year to welcome this once-in-a-year event. Here are some of the good spots to watch the sunrise of the year.

 

However if you are stuck in Singapore on New Year Eve, not to worry the sunrise is still as beautiful if you are planning a driving trip to these spots in Korea in the future for the best instagrammable sunrise pictures!   

 

Jeongdongjin Beach, Gangwon-do

 

Jeongdongjin gets its name from the word jeongdong, which means due east in Korean, as it is exactly due east from Seoul's Gwanghwamun Gate. Its train station is known to be the world's nearest train station to the ocean. Watching the first sunrise of the year from Jeongdongjin will be a unique experience to begin the upcoming year.

 

 

• Address: Jeongdongjin2-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

 

 

Gangneung, Gangwon-do – Korea’s No. 1 sunrise spot, Gyeongpo Beach

 

Gyeongpo Beach in Gangneung is one of the top sunrise viewing spots among Koreans. Every year on January 1, the area around the beach is filled with people enjoying the sunrise festival. The sun rising over the ocean fills the sky, helping to clear one’s mind and focus on positive thoughts for the year ahead.

 

• Address: San 1-1, Anhyeon-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

 

 

Homigot Sunrise Square, Pohang city, Gyeongsangbuk-do

 

Homigot is located at the easternmost end of the Korean peninsula, in what is thought to be the tail of the tiger based on Korean peninsula geography. Following the resources of Korea Astronomy and Space Science Institute, the sunrise time of Homigot is at 7:32 am, making it the earliest sunrise in Korea since January 1, 1999. 

 

Sangsaeng’s Hand, a two-part bronze sculpture shaped like a pair of hands, was constructed in December 1999 after starting the construction work in June. It is a signature symbol of the sunrise festival. The left hand is on the land and the right hand is in the ocean. It was built to give the message that all people are living together by helping one another like Sangsaeng, meaning coexistence in Korean. The base of the platform is an image of the sun and its two round rings refer to harmony. These two hands have memorial sprits of reconciliation and coexistence for celebrating a new millennium.

 

• Address: 20, Haemaji-ro 150beon-gil, Nam-gu, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

 

 

Donghae, Gangwon-do – Snow-covered fishing village, Mukho Port

 

Of the many ports and harbors along Gangwon-do’s coast, Mukho Port is perhaps the prettiest, with its small, charming fishing village. Visitors can’t help but fall in love with the cheerful murals along Nongondam-gil Road, and the coastal sunrise views afforded from Mukho Portside Park and Mukho Lighthouse. If you’re looking to relieve your stress from everyday life in the city, take a trip to Donghae!

 

• Address: Mukho Lighthouse, 289, Haemaji-gil, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

 

Incheon – Sunrise behind windmills of Sorae Ecology Park

 

If you’re looking for more of an exotic sunrise view, head to Incheon’s Sorae Ecology Park. The sun rising behind the windmills in the field will have you feeling as if you travelled to the Netherlands. On winter mornings, the whole park is filled with mist rising off the marsh, providing even more light diffraction for a fantastic sunrise.

 

•Address: 77, Sorae-ro 154beon-gil, Namdong-gu, Incheon

 

Seongsan Sunrise Peak, Jeju-do

 

Seongsan Sunrise Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village.  As its name suggested, it is definitely one of the most beautiful place on Jeju island to capture the sunrise!

 

• Address: 284-12, Ilchul-ro, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

 

Jeju-do – Special sunrise over Akkeundarangswi Oreum

 

Akkeundarangswi Oreum is a volcanic cone located in Sehwa-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju. The name comes from attaching the Jeju dialect for small, “akkeun,” to the name of the larger Darangswi Oreum to the southeast. This previously rather hidden gem has become quite popular in recent years. The small volcanic cone is easy to hike up, making it a great sunrise viewing location for people looking to surround themselves with nature.

 

• Address: 2593, Sehwa-ri, Gujwa-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

 

Hope the above recommendations gave you some inspirations on where you can hunt for the best sunrise locations in Korea. Do stay tune as we bring you more information about your driving holiday in Korea. 

 

Brought to you by:

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

[KTOSingapore]

Happy Lunar New Year to all! 

 

Similar to Singaporeans, Korean also celebrate the Lunar New Year and it is known as Seollal. Seollal is one of the most celebrated national holidays in Korea. While many observe Sinjeong (Solar New Year; January 1 of the Gregorian/Western calendar), Koreans also celebrate Seollal, which usually lasts for three days (the day of, the day before, and the day after). 

 

More than just a holiday to mark the beginning of a new year, Seollal is truly a special occasion for Korean people. Not only is it a time for paying respect to ancestors, but it is also an opportunity to catch up with family members. During Seollal, Koreans usually perform ancestral rites, play folk games, eat traditional foods, listen to stories and talk well into the night.

 

After Seollal, Korea will very soon be welcoming spring with flowers blooming all across the country. It is also not too late to plan for the driving routes in Korea if you are heading over to check out the spring flowers coming April. Here are some recommended routes to take:

 

PS: We know it is tempting and you can’t take your eyes off these beautiful cherry blossoms, do take care when driving. Safety first!

 

 

Road around Gyeongpodae Pavilion, Gangneung city, Gangwon province

Credits to Gangneung City Hall

 

Gyeongpodae Pavilion is famous for the view of the moon on the 15th day of the first lunar month. It is a large, tall pavilion, and its architectural feature of a paljak (eight-point) roof, is the most common form used in Korean buildings. During spring, the 4.3km road around the Gyeongpodae Pavilion is lighten up with beautiful cherry blossoms. Drive along this road up to the pavilion for a stop to capture the beautiful pavilion along with these cherry blossoms.

 

☞ Address: 365, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

 

 

Yesan Cherry Blossom Road, Yesan county, Chungcheongnam Province

https://youtu.be/qzuaARVRBGw

Video Credits to 아빠심쿵이

 

Chungcheongnam-do is mostly composed of plains and is a vital transportation hub connecting Seoul with the southern region by both rail and road. Located in the center of northwestern region of Chungcheongnam-do Province, Yesan county serves as the transportation hub in the region.  A stretch of almost 6km road from Ganyang junction to Jugyo-ogori is lined up with rows of cherry blossom. If you are planning to travel around Korea, drive through Yesan county to check out the cherry blossom and try out the Yesan apples (famous in Korea).

 

☞ Address: Botggot-ro, Yesan-eum, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

 

Simni (10ri) Cherry Blossom Road In Hadong county, Gyeongsangnam Province

 

The Simni (10ri) Cherry Blossom Road is a 6 kilometer road that stretches from Hwagae Market to Ssanggyesa Temple in Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. The road is often called the "wedding path," because it is said that couples who walk along the road on a spring day when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom will fall deeply in love with each other. In addition, the annual Hwagae Cherry Blossoms Festival takes place around April when the cherry trees are in bloom, offering more attractions for people walking the path connecting Hadong Hwagae Market and Ssanggyesa Temple. 

 

☞ Address: 15, Ssanggye-ro, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

 

 

Anmin Road, Changwon city, Gyeongsangnam Province

 

Every year around early April, visitors flock to Jinhae in Changwon, Gyeongsangnam-do to enjoy the spectacular cherry blossoms that blanket the whole town at Korea's largest cherry blossom festival, Jinhae Gunhangje Festival.

 

Anmin Hill is the gateway to Jinhae from Changwon. The road up the hill features a 6 kilometer stretch of beautiful cherry blossoms on both sides. Near the hill top are azalea fields in full bloom, combining with the cherry blossoms for a beautiful scene. The area is usually free of traffic, and it is an excellent place to take a walk under the shades of the cherry blossom trees. The top of Anmin Hill at night offers splendid views of Jinhae City where street lights illuminate the cherry blossom trees.

 

☞ Address: Anmingogae-gil, Seongsan-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

 

Gyeongju city, Gyeongsangbuk Province

 

There is no place like Gyeongju, where you can trace the full history of a dynasty. As the capital city of the Silla Dynasty, which lasted about 1,000 years from 57BC to 935AD, Gyeongju is a unique city with all the traces of a long history and culture.

 

Rows of cherry blossom awaiting along Bomun-ro road

 

Unlike other cities or towns where cherry trees are only found in certain areas, Gyeongju is packed with cherry blossoms. When spring arrives, the whole cityscape turns pink with the beautiful blossoms. The combination of the stunning trees reflected in the waters of Bomunho Lake and the trees of Bulguksa Park gracefully adorning the nearby temple make for particularly stunning sights. When the light breeze blows, cherry blossoms gentle flutter down like satin snow flakes.

 

☞ Address: Sinpyeong-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

 

More cherry blossoms along road towards Daereungwon Park

Drive along the road towards Daereungwon Park and you will be welcomed with rows of beautiful cherry blossoms along your way. Daereungwon Park is where the Cheonmachong Tomb (Ancient Tomb No. 155) is. A visit to this tomb to understand the history of the Silla period whose capital was Gyeongju city. This tomb was excavated in 1973 along with a total of 11,526 artifacts, including Cheonmado, an artwork considered to be highly valuable as it is Korea's first artwork to be excavated from an ancient tomb.

 

 ☞ Address: 9, Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

 

100ri cherry blossom road in Yeongam county, Jeollanam Province

 

The district of Jeollanam-do is located on the western coast. Its county office is in Dongmu-ri, Yeongam-eup. The 100 (baek-ri) ri cherry blossom road covering almost 40km road lined up with cherry blossom in Yeongam county. Every April along with the full blossom of the cherry blossom, visitors joined in the Yeongam Wangin Culture Festival to commemorate the achievement of Korea’s Dr. Wangin, who traveled to Japan over 1,600 years ago to spread Korean knowledge, culture, and arts.

 

☞ Address: Yeongam-ro, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam Province

 

Sea of yellow canola along Noksan-ro Road, Seogwi-po, Jeju Island

 

If there’s one especially colorful, cherished memory you could take with you from Jeju Island, it might be a trip to Noksan-ro, where small yellow canola and pink cherry blossoms line the road. The road extends about 10 kilometers and is considered to be one of the top 100 most beautiful roads in Korea. Images of this place are certainly representative of Jeju in the spring, and as such attract visitors and locals alike.

 

☞ Address: Noksan-ro, Pyeonseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

 

Check out this thread as we bring you more information and ideas for your next driving holiday in Korea!

 

If you are keen to explore Korea on wheels but still appreciate safety with group travelling? You can try out AA Singapore (Automobile Association of Singapore)'s Korea Fly-Drive holidays where you will be driving in a car convoy. They are planning for a spring drive this year April to Jeju island, for more information please refer here.

 

 

Brought to you by:

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

 

 

 

 

 

Edited February 7, 2019 by KTOSingapore

[Wind30]

Is there a flower forecast for 2019 for korea?

 

Going to visit Korea late March and wondering if the flowers will bloom early like Japan. 

[KTOSingapore]

Is there a flower forecast for 2019 for korea?

 

Going to visit Korea late March and wondering if the flowers will bloom early like Japan. 

 

Hi Wind30,

 

The flower forecast for 2019 is not out yet but judging from the current temperature (which is warmer compared to last year) it is likely going to be early this year.

 

Nevertheless, once the flower forecast is out we will published it here too so do stay tune!

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

[James2009]

Is there a flower forecast for 2019 for korea?

 

Going to visit Korea late March and wondering if the flowers will bloom early like Japan. 

If you are looking forward kind of cherry blossom, it's a bit hard to forecast exact time. It is because every year whether condition vary and cherry blossom period is quite short like a week. It could be even worse if there is rain as flower will drop. So it is quite depends on luck.  

[KTOSingapore]

Hi all,

 

As promised, we are here to share the cherry blossom forecast for 2019!

 

Credits to Kweather

 

As predicted cherry blossoms start blooming 4 - 7 days earlier than average. According to Kweather, Jeju-do will see the first cherry blossoms around March 21. Cherry blossoms will bloom in Busan, Gwangju, Jeonju, Daegu and other southern regions around March 22 - 31, and reach Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon and other central regions around March 31 – April 7. 

 

For those visiting around the period, enjoy and good luck to your cherry blossom chasing in Korea! 

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

 

[Spurman]

Hi all,

 

As promised, we are here to share the cherry blossom forecast for 2019!

 

2590674_image_1.jpg

Credits to Kweather

 

As predicted cherry blossoms start blooming 4 - 7 days earlier than average. According to Kweather, Jeju-do will see the first cherry blossoms around March 21. Cherry blossoms will bloom in Busan, Gwangju, Jeonju, Daegu and other southern regions around March 22 - 31, and reach Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon and other central regions around March 31 â April 7.

 

For those visiting around the period, enjoy and good luck to your cherry blossom chasing in Korea!

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

 

Your driving holiday in Korea (640by80).jpeg

Oh. This yr bloom earlier

[denser]

Hi, any recommend car rental company for Jeju Island?

[KTOSingapore]

Hi, any recommend car rental company for Jeju Island?

 

Hi,

 

Yes, you may refer to http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRP/TP_ENG_8_3.jsp on the instructions on renting and driving car in Korea. There are a couple of rental companies you can refer to at the bottom of the page. 

 

Otherwise, you may also refer to Jeju Tourism Organization's website for more of the list of car rental companies in Jeju (however they do not have any website you can refer to and you have to contact them via their hotline).

 

Hope the information helps. 

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

[Sdf4786k]

Will be there next week. Any tips on whats the cheapest option for data plan. Get in sg or buy in korea?

[KTOSingapore]

Will be there next week. Any tips on whats the cheapest option for data plan. Get in sg or buy in korea?

 

Hi,

 

Actually cheapest doesn't necessary means the most suitable for your usage. Hence you are the best person to compare what you need in order to get the best cost-effective option. 

 

In case, you have no idea where to check for a data plan in Korea, you may refer to http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/TRV/TV_ENG_1_4.jsp (under Mobile Phone Rentals and Roaming Service or Sim Card Purchase (Korea SIM Card). From the provided links, you can then find out the available options you have in Korea and compare it to the ones available in Singapore. 

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

[Wind30]

Hi all,

 

As promised, we are here to share the cherry blossom forecast for 2019!

 

2590674_image_1.jpg

Credits to Kweather

 

As predicted cherry blossoms start blooming 4 - 7 days earlier than average. According to Kweather, Jeju-do will see the first cherry blossoms around March 21. Cherry blossoms will bloom in Busan, Gwangju, Jeonju, Daegu and other southern regions around March 22 - 31, and reach Seoul, Incheon, Daejeon and other central regions around March 31 – April 7.

 

For those visiting around the period, enjoy and good luck to your cherry blossom chasing in Korea!

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

 

Your driving holiday in Korea (640by80).jpeg

I am in Jeju now. My guide say the cherry blossoms are not blooming yet... hopefully a few will pop up

[Wildfaye29]

Hi all, 

 

This thread is to recommend some of the undiscovered places in Korea for those who love a little adventure to self-drive or go on a driving holiday to explore Korea.

 

To start off, we would like to share more about what you need when preparing your driving holiday in Korea. 

 

The PASSPORT to driving in Korea: International Driving Permit

Korean idp.jpg

 

Korea Driving Tips 

korean idp_aug15_1-01.jpg

 

Stay tune to this thread as we bring you more information to inspire your driving holiday in Korea!

 

Brought to you by:

Korea Tourism Organization

Your driving holiday in Korea (640by80).jpeg

 

Hi, I'm planning a 2 week trip in late Nov - Dec 2019.

 

Intend to enter and exit via Busan, make a round trip to the Pyeongchang Ski region, Seoul and back to Busan.

 

Any suggested itinerary and by car?

 

Will snowfall be heavy and difficult to drive?

 

Will be skipping Jeju as we had driven there before.

 

Thank you!

Edited March 24, 2019 by Wildfaye29

[KTOSingapore]

I am in Jeju now. My guide say the cherry blossoms are not blooming yet... hopefully a few will pop up

 

Thanks for the live updates! The forecast is usually plus minus 3 -4 days. Will pray that you get to see the cherry blossom. 

 

Nevertheless, do enjoy your trip in Jeju. 

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

[KTOSingapore]

Hi, I'm planning a 2 week trip in late Nov - Dec 2019.

 

Intend to enter and exit via Busan, make a round trip to the Pyeongchang Ski region, Seoul and back to Busan.

 

Any suggested itinerary and by car?

 

Will snowfall be heavy and difficult to drive?

 

Will be skipping Jeju as we had driven there before.

 

Thank you!

 

Hi Wildfaye29,

 

Great to hear that you are travelling to Korea this year! 

 

Do stay tune as we will be sharing the recommended scenic coastal routes in Korea which you may then incorporate into your 2 weeks driving holiday. 

 

Nov - Dec is the start of winter and you are unlikely to encounter heavy snow for the southern part of Korea. Perhaps in Dec, you probably will experience some snow (likely) up north, around the mountainous area and in Gangwon, in particular Pyeongchang area, as they see the highest snowfall in Korea. 

 

Whether if it is difficult to drive in snow? It depends on whether you have experience driving in snow and of course you have to be extra careful. Here are some tips for driving in snow which you might want to take note:

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

[Wildfaye29]

Hi Wildfaye29,

 

Great to hear that you are travelling to Korea this year! 

 

Do stay tune as we will be sharing the recommended scenic coastal routes in Korea which you may then incorporate into your 2 weeks driving holiday. 

 

Nov - Dec is the start of winter and you are unlikely to encounter heavy snow for the southern part of Korea. Perhaps in Dec, you probably will experience some snow (likely) up north, around the mountainous area and in Gangwon, in particular Pyeongchang area, as they see the highest snowfall in Korea. 

 

Whether if it is difficult to drive in snow? It depends on whether you have experience driving in snow and of course you have to be extra careful. Here are some tips for driving in snow which you might want to take note:

Driving in snow.jpg

 

Best regards,

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore

Your driving holiday in Korea (640by80).jpeg

 

Thank you very much

 

Looking forward to your sharing to incorporate into my 2 week trip this year!

[KTOSingapore]

Hi all,

 

TGIF!! We are back to share more insights of Korea. 

 

Korean peninsula is surrounded by the ocean on three sides, giving Korea its unique geographical feature and also the advantages of driving along these coastal routes to enjoy the sceneries of the sea/ocean. 

 

Here are some roads/attractions you may want to consider for your driving holiday to enjoy the beautiful sceneries. 

 

Towards the east of Korea, east sea (Donghae) → Gangwon Province & Gyeongsangbuk Province

 

Heonhwaro, Gangwon Province

 

 

Heonhwaro is a road connecting Jeongdongjin (in the north) to Okgye beach (in the south). It is also known as the nearest road to the sea in Korea. The changing landscape of the east sea along this curved coast road unfolds as one drives along the Heonhwaro. As you drive along this road, the serene white sand unfolds along with the majestic rocks. You may even spot some people moving wildly on a surfboard along the beach, while others fishing among the rocks.

 

☞ Address: Gangwon-do, Gangneung-si, Gangdong-myeon Simgok-ri

 

Yeongdeok Daegye Road, Gyeongsangduk Province

 

Located on the coast of the East Sea, Yeongdeok Crab Village is famous for its classical scholars, and its wonderful scenery, where the mountains meet the eastern sea. The traditional fishing village is the home of Yeongdeok snow crab that was well-known, there is also a huge street just for snow crabs, packed with around 100 shops selling crabs along the Gangguan Port. When the season for snow crabs arrives in November, lasting through May, the village is crowded with visitors from all over the world eager to try Yeongdeok snow crabs. Why not check out Yeongdeok for a feast of snow crabs as well as drive along Yeongdeok Daegye Road to enjoy the scenery too. 

 

 

☞Address: Yeongdeokdaege-ro, Yeongdeok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

 

Towards the west of Korea → Jeollabuk Province

 

Located on the south-west of Korea, Jeollabuk-do is bountiful in traditional cultural heritages and historical sites. It is the setting of the famous pansori “Chunhyangjeon,” and a city famous for its hanok village and bibimbap. Gunsan city and Buan county in Jeollabuk-do are located along the west coast of Korea which provide a scenic view of the west sea. 

 

Saemangeum, connecting Gunsan , Buan and the surrounding islands

 

 

Cluster of islands (Sinsido, Seonyudo, Jangjado, Munyeodo, etc.) makes for a breathtaking scene that it is affectionately known as the ‘Star Above the Lake.’ Sinsido, one of the most beautiful islands in the cluster, is located at the center of the Saemangeum Sea Wall connecting Gunsan and Buan. The sea wall itself is also a point of interest as it is the longest (33.9km) of its kind worldwide.

 

☞Address: Jeollabuk-do, Gunsan-si, Okdomyeon bi-andori

 

Drive into Byeonsanbando National Park to Chaeseokgang

Credits to EcoRail Cafe

 

Once into Buan, you may drive along Byeonsan haebyeon (beach) road towards Chaeseokgang and Jeokbyeokgang Cliffs.  Located in the Byeonsanbando National Park’s shore area, this road allows the drive view of the greenery of the National Park and glimpse of the west sea as you drive closer to the coast towards Chaeseokgang. 

 

 

Chaeseokgang refers to a rocky cliff and the sea around it, situated in the Gyeokpohang and Dakibong areas on the Byeonsan Peninsula. Chaeseokgang was created from many layers of rocks stratified by the sea, and the blue sea and the rock cliffs together create quite a lovely picture. It is nature’s masterpiece of stratification, and you can see interesting structures and shapes here that are not seen elsewhere.

 

☞ Address: Jeollabuk-do, Busan-gun, Byeonsanmyeon Byeonsanhaebyeon-ro

 

To the south of Korea  →Tongyeong, Geoje & Jeollanam Province

 

Frequently referred to as the Naples of Korea, Tongyeong in Gyeongsangnam-do and Geoje, a large island surrounded by  many smaller islands, offer fantastic scenic views and are ranked as one of the must-go travel destinations of Namhae. Evergreen trees surrounded by emerald seas and complemented by the clear blue skies, this is definitely the perfect destination for those seeking a relaxing and laidback travel. So take a tranquil seaside escape to the southern end of the Korean peninsula today!

 

Geoga Grand Bridge

Image credit to GK Fixed Link Corporation

 

Connecting Busan with Geoje, Geoga Grand Bridge not only shorten the distance between the two places from 140km to 60km but also provide a scenic view of road across the beautiful sea in the southern part of Korea. The Geoga Grand Bridge is connected to the Geogadaero which includes a 3.7km tunnel underground tunnel hence one will be greeted by the welcoming sight of the beautiful sea scenery as they exit the tunnel onto the 4.5km bridge.

 

☞ Address: Gyeongsangnam-do, Geoje-si, Jangmokmyeon Yuho-ri

 

Yeosu city, a southern exploration

 

The city of Yeosu, situated at the southern end of the Korean peninsula, is surrounded by many islets and coastal beauties that draw in visitors all year round. Offering both natural and manmade attractions, the region has been dubbed one of the most beautiful ports in the nation, where multitudes of tourists and residents go for enjoyable holidays and short weekend trips. The surrounding archipelago of the vast Namhae Sea is comprised of over 300 islands, most of which are uninhabited.

 

 

Yeosu also has a great nightscape of lights reflecting off the pitch-black sea. The lights from Dolsandaegyo Bridge and the neighbouring lighthouse make for a striking scene, which is why it’s not surprising to find couples hand in hand walking along the beach side. In addition to the night’s gleaming marine lights, the Namhae Sea gives off a tranquil charm and maintains a warmer temperature than that of inland areas, giving all the more reason for you to visit and discover more.

 

☞ Address: Jeollanam-do, Yeosu-si, Dolsan-eup, Dolsan-ro

 

Jeju Island, Samdado

 

Did you know that Jeju island is also known as Samdado?  Samdado (三多島) literally means an island with three things in abundance: wind, stones and women. If you have been to Jeju Island, you probably will agree to that as the island is very windy with plentiful of stones and her active disposition of Jeju’s women –the haenyeo (Jeju’s women divers).  

 

Aewol Coastal Road

Credits to Jeju Tourism Organization, Photographer: Lim Jongho

 

Aewol Coastal Road is lined with strangely shaped black volcanic stones that appear to have been sculpted and dizzyingly large and small cliffs. This refreshing and dramatic spectacle promises an eye-opening drive with white waves crashing against the vertical cliffs and black volcanic stones. The jade-colored ocean also makes a beautiful scene on Aewol Coastal Road, which is one of the most commonly and easily navigated driving courses for self-driving visitors. Driving along the winding route and admiring the curves of the beach is an unconventional driving experience with a charm on its own. Going around the corner of the coastal road’s entrance will lead to a refreshing bird’s-eye view of the unfolding beach, and beautiful restaurants, cafes, and lodgings can be found along the road. It is also an ideal place to stop and enjoy a spot of tea while appreciating the view. 

 

Image credits to Jeju Tourism Organization, Photographer: 오창현

 

☞ Address: Aewolhaean-ro, Aewol-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

 

 

Shinchang Windmill Coastal Road

 

Wind is abundant on Jeju and located on the island’s northwest coast, Shinchang Windmill Coastal Road is a famous place for its prevailing winds and has resulted in windswept landscape of wind turbines both on shore and offshore! This road is sometime known as Jeju’s Middelgrunden (Demark’s offshore wind farm).  Drive along Shinchang Windmill Coastal Road and you will be greeted with rows and rows of wind turbines. Aside from the gigantic wind turbines, drive along the road and try spotting the lighthouse and a 16m long stainless steel status of a Sawedged Perch or dageumbari, Jeju’s most expensive fish priced at 200,000 won per kilogram (approximately S$244).

 

Image credit to Jeju Tourism Organization

 

☞ Address: Jeju-do, Jeju-si, Hangyeon-myeon, Shinchang-ri

 

 

Hope the above recommended routes can help you in planning for your driving holidays in Korea.

 

For those who are keen on exploring Korea through self-driving and afraid of doing it alone for your 1st time? We have good news, AA Singapore (Automobile Association of Singapore) and Lian He Wan Bao are joining hands once again to bring Singaporeans to Korea this June holidays on AA Singapore's signature autoventure holidays. 

 

For more information, please refer to here. 

 

Brought to you by:

Korea Tourism Organization Singapore