Course 1: Scenic Lakeside Drive

Gangwon Nature Road’s first course, dubbed the “Lake Scenic Route,” connects the prestigious lakes of Gangwon-do, including Uiamho, Chuncheonho, Paroho, and Soyangho lakes. Each lake offers a beauty of its own, set in the majestic landscape unique to Gangwon-do. Major tourist attractions consist of places where one can see and experience the region’s cultural arts, such as Gimyujeong Station at Gangchon Rail Park, Chuncheon Jungdo Mullegil, Happy Pasture Ranch, Dutayeon Pool, and Park Soo Keun Museum.

Scenic Lakeside Drive – Good Drive Courses

The three most recommended driving courses in the Lake Scenic Route are Chuncheon Scenic Lakeside Drive, Haesallyeong Scenic Drive, and Soyang Scenic Lakeside Drive. The first course, Chuncheon Scenic Lakeside Drive, boasts a magnificent view of Chuncheonho Lake that stretches along the road. The second course is the Haesallyeong Scenic Drive, a tricky road to drive due to several curves, but it is where you can view Korea’s earliest fall foliage. Lastly, Soyang Scenic Lakeside Drive offers the wide open view of Soyangho Lake along with the rice field with every turn.

Scenic Lakeside Drive – View Points

Some of the best view points of Lake Scenic Route are the Soyanggang Skywalk, which boasts beautiful cozy nightscape; Bungeoseom Resort, where one can enjoy scenic landscape, fishing, and water sports; and Kkeomeok Bridge, a painful reminder of the Korean War.

Other excellent view points include the Haesan Overlook, where you can take in the panoramic view of fall foliage and the sailing clouds from 1,194 meters above ground, as well as Peace Dam Skywalk that offers a refreshing scenic view.

Course 2: Seoraksan Scenic Drive

Seoraksan Scenic Drive covers the northernmost roads in South Korea, passing through Seoraksan Mountain and making a turn to run along the East Coast. This route reveals the beauty of both mountains and the sea, offering much to see and admire.

Seoraksan Scenic Drive – Good Drive Courses

There are three recommended Good Drive Courses in the Seoraksan Scenic Drive: Hangyeryeong Scenic Drive, Jinburyeong Scenic Drive, and Hwajinpo Scenic Drive. Hangyeryeong Scenic Drive takes the driver through lush forests and clean waters that change their colors by season. The second recommended course, Jinburyeong Scenic Drive, is a beautiful path that was selected as one of the “52 Scenic Roads in Korea.” Lastly, Hwajinpo Scenic Drive is where you can look forward to seeing the raging waves of the East Sea and the tranquil sunset at Hwajinpo Lake.

Seoraksan Scenic Drive – View Points

One of the best view points at Seoraksan Scenic Drive is along the walking trail of Soyangho Lake; with some luck, one can even catch a glimpse of a flock of swans making a stopover at the lake. Other recommended view points are Hangyeryeong Service Area, where you can appreciate the picturesque beauty of Seoraksan Mountain, and Jinbryeong Observatory that overlooks the meandering roads running along the mountain valleys and the sea.

If you don’t mind making more stops along the way, there are other view points that are worth your time: Baekseom Marine Observatory, towering 25 meters above Goseong’s ocean waters; Songjiho Birding Tower, where one can observe a 360-degree view of the tower’s surroundings and migratory birds that fly by Songjiho Lake; and the Cheongganjeong Pavilion sitting on the coastal cliff, offering an unobstructed view of the East Sea.

Course 3: High Hill Scenic Drive

The High Hill Scenic Drive is situated in the middle of a vast and rich natural environment, perfect for a relaxing drive. Follow the road hidden in between the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range and its majestic forest paths while appreciating nature’s tranquility.

High Hill Scenic Drive – Good Drive Courses

High Hill Scenic Drive’s major Good Drive Courses are the Unduryeong Scenic Drive and Guryongnyeong Scenic Drive. The Unduryeong Drive passes through the highest national freeway in Korea along Unduryeong Pass, while the Guryongnyeong Scenic Drive rewards the driver with scenic views at every corner with its series of hairpin turns.

High Hill Scenic Drive – View Points

The major view points of High Hill Scenic Drives can be found at Unduryeong Pass, situated 1,098 meters above sea level, and at Guryongnyeong Pass, where one can see Seoraksan Mountain and Daecheongbong Peak at a glance. Other noteworthy view points include Jeongam Beach and Hongnyeonam Hermitage. Although both view points face the ocean, Jeongam Beach is noted for the rolling waves that crash against the pebbled shore, while Hongnyeonam Hermitage is a popular spot for watching the earliest sunrise from the East Sea.

Course 4: Winding Scenic Drive

The Winding Scenic Drive follows along the meandering stream, unfolding pastoral scenery right in front of your eyes. In addition to the highland landscape, the route offers breathtaking views of diverse land formations.

Winding Scenic Drive – Good Drive Courses

The Good Drive Courses of Winding Scenic Drives are Jucheongang Scenic Drive and Donggang Scenic Drive. As its name suggests, Jucheongang Scenic Drive stretches along the Jucheongang River and offers pleasant pastoral views of the country side. As for the Donggang Scenic Drive, this road follows the Donggang River side by side and is known to be one of the most beautiful riverside driving roads in Korea.

Winding Scenic Drive – View Points

The recommended view points of Winding Scenic Drive offer a spectacular variety of things to see. At the Korean Peninsula Overlook, you can observe a landmark of Yeongwol that is shaped like the Korean peninsula. You can also take in the scenic view of Seondol Rock while stopping by at Seondol Tourist Area, or get a glance of the stunning harmony of the Donggang River and the mountains in the backdrop of Gasuri Village. Lastly, prepare yourself for excitement at the Arii Hills Resort Skywalk Observatory, where not only can you can see the surrounding vista from a 22-meter skywalk, but also enjoy a thrilling zip wire ride.

Course 5: Deep Mountain Scenic Drive

Deep Mountain Scenic Drive takes the drivers to the deep mountain valleys for an exhilarating experience. Drive through the dense mountain forest and steep cliffs to reach a striking vista of the East Sea.

Deep Mountain Scenic Drive – Good Drive Courses

The Good Drive Courses of Deep Mountain Scenic Drive are Sogeumgang Scenic Drive, Manhangjae Scenic Drive, Donghwalgyegok Scenic Drive, and Saecheonnyeon Coastal Road Scenic Drive. The Sogeumgang Scenic Drive presents a pleasant drive along Dongdaecheon Stream while Manhangjae Scenic Drive offers attractive views of the mountain valleys. Donghwalgyegok Drive stretches along Gagokcheon Stream in between the mountain cliffs and the Saecheonnyeon Coastal Road Scenic Drive is the perfect road to be on if you’re seeking to catch the sunrise.

Deep Mountain Scenic Drive - View Points

Deep Mountain Scenic Drive has several view points thanks to its geographical features that include both mountains and the sea. The most representative view point is Munchijae Overlook, reaching 1,098 meters above sea level, for its view of the curvy valley roads; it is also one of Korea’s most famous landscape photo spots. Other view points include Imwon Rest Area, where you can take in the view of Seoraksan Mountain’s Daecheongbong Peak; Janghohang Observatory, where you can see peculiar rocks scattered across the blue ocean water; and Malgupjae Pass, a photogenic sunrise spot.

Course 6: Sea Scenic Drive

Sea Scenic Drive is Korea’s representative coastal road. The road stretches along the coastline of the East Sea, allowing you to enjoy the blue waters up close as you drive. Other attractive features of this course include the pine forest, ports with restaurants that serve fresh seafood, and the distinctive atmosphere you can only feel in a coastal city.

Significant view points along Sea Scenic Drive consist of Heonhwa-ro Scenic Drive, the most beautiful coastal road by the East Sea; Gangneung Black Pine Grove Scenic Drive, lined with various cafés and pine groves; and Jingogae Scenic Drive, where the mountain landscapes transform with the change of seasons.

Sea Scenic Drive - View Points

The view points of the Sea Scenic Drive are all located by the coast, allowing you to feel refreshed just by looking out into the ocean. Gangneung Marine Park Observatory is not only known for its impressive design, but a symbol for its underwater haven among scuba divers. Gangneung’s major landmark Gyeongpodae Pavilion is another view point due to its breathtaking view of the wide open sea.

Other view points are Dojjaebigol Sky Valley (Haerang Observatory) and Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock. Dojjaebigol Sky Valley has a glass flooring that offers a thrilling sensation of walking in air. Last but not least, Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock view point is already a well-known attraction for its sight of the candle-shaped rock that stands straight and tall among the other oddly shaped rocks in the middle of the ocean.

Course 7: Countryside Scenic Drive

The Countryside Scenic Drive offers a relaxing drive in the countryside with scenic surroundings like serene forests, clear lakes, and peaceful villages. The environment here preserves its natural form and your time on the road will be full of pleasant surprises.

Countryside Scenic Drive – Good Drive Courses

The Good Drive Courses of Countryside Scenic Drive are Hongcheongang Scenic Drive, a delightful road with twist and turns along with the Hongcheongang River; Hoengseong Lake Scenic Drive by Hoengseong Lake that mirrors the sky; and Taegisan Scenic Drive that crosses the mountain ridges of Taegisan Mountain.

Countryside Scenic Drive - View Points

The highlight of the Countryside Scenic Drive is the view from Geumhaksan Mountain. From the summit, you can see the Honcheongang River down below with its gentle curves that form the shape of a reversed S. In Korea, this shape is referred to as taegeuk, the symbol at the center of the Korean flag. Other view points include the peaceful and quiet Hoengseonhosu-gil Trail, and Taegisan Wind Farm and Observatory, a rural mountain attraction with wind turbines and beautiful summer wildflowers.

* This column was last updated in December 2021, and therefore information may differ from what is presented here. We advise you to check the details before visiting.