Exploring the Scenic Saemangeum Drive Course
Saemangeum Drive Course
A Great Place to Stop By
During my trip planning to Gunsan, I stumbled upon this place. I was pleasantly surprised that there was no entrance or parking fee. Initially, I thought I would just drive along the embankment and call it a day.
As soon as I saw the towering structure in the middle of the square, I had to stop the car. To put it simply, it's free, and with views like this, it's definitely worth it. I completely understand why people come here specifically for photos after visiting myself.
Saemangeum Shinji Plaza
- Address: 1559 Saemangeum-ro, Gunsan, Jeonbuk
- Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
- Parking: Use the square parking lot
- Entrance Fee: Free
It’s best to visit by car rather than public transport. As you drive along the Saemangeum embankment towards Sinji Island, the entrance to the square will naturally come into view. You can simply set your navigation to either Sinji Plaza or the Saemangeum Rest Area.
With no entrance or parking fees, the square is conveniently located right by the road, making it easy to stop for a quick visit or take a leisurely stroll.
Upon entering the square, the first thing that catches your eye is the impressive structure in the center. It was much grander than I expected, and I was initially taken aback. The scale makes people appear small, which creates a striking background for portraits. Even without any editing, the photos turn out beautifully, making it a must-visit for photography enthusiasts.
Taking photos from below the structure looking up yields much more dramatic results than shooting from the front. On clear days, the combination of the structure and the sky enhances the atmosphere. I recommend taking multiple shots at different times of the day as the light changes, and I spent over ten minutes adjusting my angles.
Getting up close to the grand structure reveals intricately crafted sculptures, exceeding my expectations with the number of artworks available for viewing.
The walking path around the structure is well-maintained, making it easy for seniors and children to stroll comfortably. The flat terrain is stroller-friendly, allowing for a leisurely walk ranging from ten to thirty minutes, depending on your schedule.
As you follow the walking path, you'll come across sections where the Saemangeum embankment stretches out beautifully. Observing the endless straight embankment, it's hard to believe it was built by human hands. The ability to appreciate the dam up close from the plaza's walking path is one of this location's biggest attractions.
When you shift your gaze beyond the embankment, the West Sea unfolds before you. It's a rare sight in urban areas, and seeing the horizon instantly fills you with awe. On clear days, the boundary between the sea and sky is clearly defined, making it perfect for photography.
While it's lovely during the day, I want to visit again around sunset. The west side opens up to the sea, allowing for stunning scenes of the sky and sea turning red at sunset. I plan to time my next visit to catch the sunset.
Since most of the plaza is open space, there aren't many facilities to provide shade apart from resting areas. If you visit in summer, I recommend bringing an umbrella, a hat, and water. There are also areas with strong winds, so packing an outer layer is advisable.
This place feels relatively less known for a tourist spot in Gunsan, which I appreciated as it wasn’t crowded, allowing for a relaxed visit. After exploring, I felt that both the photos and the scenery were well worth it. If you have half a day to spare during your trip to Gunsan, I highly recommend adding this to your itinerary.
Tips for Visiting Saemangeum Shinji Plaza
1. Photos taken from below the structure looking up are much more impressive.
2. Early morning or sunset is the best time to visit for good lighting and fewer people.
3. Bring an umbrella, hat, and water during summer as shade is limited.
4. If you have extra time, consider continuing to the Sinji Island 199 Beacon viewpoint.
5. You can see the embankment that you’ve only read about in books right in front of you.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224356509314
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