Top 4 Winter Driving Routes in Korea
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The winter season is a time where romance and tranquility coexist. Although the wind is cold, it brings forth emotional landscapes that inspire a desire to travel. In particular, a drive in January allows you to fully experience the beauty of winter nature, calming the mind and evoking emotions throughout the journey.
In Korea, there are exceptional roads perfect for enjoying winter drives. Following various routes that blend the sea, lakes, mountains, and islands, you can feel the thrill of travel even from your car. Especially, the roads from the suburbs of Seoul to the southern and eastern coasts offer unique charms, turning the journey itself into an adventure.
Today, we will explore the top 4 winter driving destinations in Korea.
1. Siheung-Bangdojae Road
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The Siheung-Bangdojae Road in winter is a path that embraces warm romance even amidst the cold winds. This approximately 11km straight road from Oido to Daebudo along the coast of Ansan, Gyeonggi-do, is popular among driving enthusiasts. Here, you can enjoy two entirely different views at once: the calm waters of Siheung Lake on one side and the vast horizon of the West Sea on the other.
Especially in January, the Siheung-Bangdojae Road is optimized for sunset viewing due to the shorter days. If you visit in the late afternoon, you will be greeted by the slowly fading crimson sunset filling the view beyond the car window, creating a cinematic scene with the clear winter sky. There are many great spots to stop and enjoy the scenery, making it perfect for slowing down and focusing on the landscape.
A must-visit point here is the 'Siheung Narae Rest Area.' Particularly, the 'Moon Observatory' offers a panoramic view of Siheung Lake and the vast West Sea, ensuring high satisfaction. In winter, the clear air enhances visibility, making the view from the observatory feel like a scene from a painting. It's an excellent place to end your drive on an emotional note.
2. Cheongpyeong Lakeside Road
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The Cheongpyeong Lakeside Road in winter is a driving course that truly captures the aesthetics of calmness and silence. Located in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do, this approximately 21.2km stretch from Samhwa-ri to Goseong-ri offers a different scenery while being close to Seoul. Escaping the hustle of the city, opening the window to breathe in the lake's cold air brings a refreshing clarity to the mind.
The charm of this road lies in its curving path along Cheongpyeong Lake. In winter, the calm lake and surrounding hills resemble a traditional Eastern painting, sometimes enveloped in a light mist that adds a mysterious atmosphere. Particularly in the morning, the frost lightly settled on the road sparkles in the sunlight, creating a brilliant winter driving landscape.
Nearby, there are many pensions and cafes boasting river views, making it suitable for relaxation after your drive. In winter, the relatively quiet atmosphere allows for leisurely time, making it recommendable for couples or families. If you stop to gaze at Jarasum Island, you will experience the best healing that a winter drive can offer.
3. Jarangmaru Road
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Jarangmaru Road is a representative driving course in Goseong that allows you to appreciate the winter sea of the South Coast up close. Stretching 9.7km from Deokmyeong-ri in Haean-myeon to Hakrim-ri, this road features a winding route along the coast. The unique island scenery of the South Coast unfolds outside your window, with constantly changing scenes that enhance the joy of travel.
One of the main attractions of this road is the dinosaur footprint fossil site near Sangjokam National Park. Open for exploration even in winter, you can step out of your car and walk along the beach trail to witness Goseong's geological heritage. The landscape of sea caves and coastal cliffs harmonizes beautifully with the starkness of winter, making it an unforgettable experience that combines history and nature.
Additionally, Jarangmaru Road offers several viewpoints to admire the winter scenery of Jarangdo Island. Recognized as one of the '15 Coastal Scenic Roads of the South Coast' by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport, the beauty of the scenery is well-known. The serene winter atmosphere complements the coastal views, providing a deeper and more tranquil driving experience than any other season.
4. Heonhwa Road
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Heonhwa Road in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, is a coastal road where you can fully experience the fierce beauty of the winter East Sea. Stretching about 6km from Geumjin Beach to Jeongdongjin Port, this road, known as the closest road to the sea, brings you face to face with the crashing waves of the East Sea throughout your drive. You can vividly witness the white foam of the waves from inside the car, feeling a thrilling sensation as if you are racing across the ocean.
The charm of Heonhwa Road in winter lies in the dramatic views of the cliffside road accompanied by the cold sea breeze. There is also a walking path along the coastal cliffs, allowing you to stop and appreciate the sea up close. Walking while listening to the sound of waves crashing against the cliffs evokes the emotions of midwinter, making you feel completely immersed in nature.
This place is also famous for being the filming location of the final scene of the drama 'Signal.' Once you visit, you will understand why. The grandeur and tranquility of Heonhwa Road, despite its short distance, leave a lasting impression, making it the perfect final driving course for a winter trip to Gangneung. Especially at sunset, the red glow of the East Sea colors the entire road, providing an unforgettable view.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/tour_toctoc/224166007952
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