The Best Coastal Drives That Define South Korea’s Beauty
You’ve navigated the Seoul subway and mastered the KTX, but to truly appreciate the scenic beauty of South Korea, you need to hit the open road. Korea’s coastline is a dramatic masterpiece, offering everything from volcanic black sand beaches to sheer, towering cliffs and emerald-green seas.
Driving the coast is where you’ll find the quiet seaside towns, the freshest seafood, and the most breathtaking views. Forget the crowded city buses—it’s time for a proper Korean road trip!
As a local, I’m here to give you the ultimate guide to the Best Coastal Drives in South Korea—the routes that are guaranteed to fill your camera roll and your soul.
1. The East Coast Classic: Gangneung to Sokcho (The Samcheok Stretch)
The Vibe: Dramatic, rugged cliffs meeting the deep blue of the East Sea (Donghae). This is the quintessential Korean coastal drive.
The Route Focus: Starting around Gangneung and heading north towards Sokcho offers the most concentrated beauty. The nearby Jeongdongjin (정동진) Road is iconic for being near the spot recognized as the “closest place to the ocean” from a railway station.
Must-Stop: Hae-rung-i Coastal Road in Samcheok. This road runs alongside stunning rock formations and turquoise coves.
The Reward: The freshest seafood (especially crabs and squids) and the cleanest air. The East Sea coast is renowned for its clarity.
2. The Volcanic Wonder: Jeju Island’s Coastal Road (Olle Route 1-1)
The Vibe: Unique volcanic geography, black lava fields, and emerald-green water.
The Route Focus: Driving the perimeter of Jeju offers constant, changing beauty. The Aewol Coastal Road (애월해안도로) in the northwest is particularly famous for its trendy cafés built directly along the cliffs.
Must-Stop: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) for a spectacular view of the volcanic crater and the surrounding ocean. Also, the unique black sand beaches.
The Reward: The feeling of driving through a tropical island with a distinctly Korean, ancient history. Renting a convertible here is a popular bucket list item!
3. The Southern Archipelago: Yeosu Coastal Drive (The Multi-Island View)
The Vibe: Peaceful, relaxed, and characterized by thousands of small, green islands (the Dadohaehaesang National Park).
The Route Focus: Yeosu (여수) is famous for its stunning coastal views and bridges connecting small islands. The drive around the Dolsan Bridge area and the connecting smaller roads provides breathtaking vistas of the archipelago.
Must-Stop: The Hyangiram Hermitage, perched dramatically on the edge of a cliff overlooking the sea. Yeosu’s night view of the city and its brightly lit bridges is also legendary.
The Reward: Experience the warm, generous hospitality of the Southern provinces and some of the best fresh seafood Hanjeongsik (set course meals).
4. The West Coast Sunset: Taean Peninsula (The Mudflat Magic)
The Vibe: Calmer waters, famous mudflats (Gaetbeol), and epic sunsets.
The Route Focus: The drive along the Taean Coast in Chungcheongnam-do offers a different kind of beauty. It’s less dramatic than the East Coast but features long, sandy beaches and beautiful views over the Yellow Sea (West Sea).
Must-Stop: Kkotji Beach (꽃지해수욕장) is famous for its sunset view between the two “Grandma and Grandpa Rocks” (Halmi Halabi Bawi).
The Reward: Witnessing a classic Korean West Coast sunset, often over the unique, vast expanse of the mudflats.