Discover the Beauty of Korea: 6 Newly Designated "Tourist Roads" for Your Next Road Trip

 

Discover the Beauty of Korea: 6 Newly Designated "Tourist Roads" for Your Next Road Trip

Are you planning a trip to South Korea? Beyond the bustling streets of Seoul and the beaches of Busan, there lies a network of breathtaking scenic drives waiting to be explored.

For the first time ever, the South Korean government has officially designated six specific routes as "Tourist Roads" (Gwangwang Doro). These aren't just ways to get from point A to point B; they are destinations in themselves, curated to showcase the country's stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and unique local culture.

If you love road trips, photography, or simply getting off the beaten path, these six routes need to be on your travel itinerary.








🚗 What is a "Tourist Road"?

On November 13th, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) announced the selection of six outstanding scenic routes. This marks the first official designation since the "Tourist Road" system was implemented in October of last year.

To qualify, a road must meet strict criteria:

  • Excellent Natural Scenery: The drive itself offers panoramic views.

  • Rich Tourism Resources: The surrounding areas are packed with cultural and historical sites.

  • Driver Experience: The road is evaluated by experts for safety, connectivity, and aesthetic value.

This initiative is designed to boost local tourism and revitalize regional economies, meaning travelers can expect upgraded facilities, better signage, and well-maintained rest stops along these routes in the near future.

📍 The 6 Best Scenic Drives in Korea

Selected from 35 candidates by a panel of private experts and the Road Policy Deliberation Committee, here are the six winners that capture the diverse beauty of the Korean peninsula.

1. Jeju Island: Gujwa Sumbi Coastal Road (구좌 숨비해안로)

  • The Vibe: Volcanic coastline meets emerald waters.

  • Why Drive It: Located on the northeastern side of Jeju, this route offers uninterrupted views of the ocean. The name "Sumbi" refers to the sound Jeju’s famous Haenyeo (female divers) make when surfacing for air. Expect to see black basalt rocks contrasting with blue waves, charming cafes, and the true spirit of island life.

2. Gyeongnam: Hamyang Jirisan Scenic Road (함양 지리산 풍경길)

  • The Vibe: Majestic mountain ranges and deep valleys.

  • Why Drive It: Jirisan is one of Korea’s most sacred and massive mountains. This road winds through the slopes, offering dramatic vistas of the peaks. It is particularly stunning in autumn when the foliage turns fiery red and gold.

3. Jeonbuk: Muju Gucheondong Nature Road (무주 구천동 자연품길)

  • The Vibe: Pristine forests and crystal-clear streams.

  • Why Drive It: Muju is famous for its untouched nature. The Gucheondong Valley is legendary for its 33 scenic spots. Driving here feels like moving through a landscape painting, surrounded by dense forests and the sound of flowing water.

4. Chungbuk: Jecheon Cheongpung Scenic Road (제천 청풍경길)

  • The Vibe: Lakeside serenity and cherry blossoms.

  • Why Drive It: Hugging the shores of Cheongpung Lake, this road is a favorite for couples and families. In spring, it becomes a tunnel of cherry blossoms. The reflection of the mountains on the calm lake water creates a mesmerizing driving experience.

5. Jeonnam: Goheung Baekli-Seom-Seom Way (백리섬섬길)

  • The Vibe: Island hopping by car.

  • Why Drive It: The southern coast of Korea is dotted with thousands of islands. The "Baekli-Seom-Seom" road connects these islands via a series of spectacular bridges. It offers the sensation of driving over the ocean, with panoramic views of the archipelago at every turn.

6. Gangwon: Star Cloud Road (강원 별구름길)

  • The Vibe: High-altitude driving near the sky.

  • Why Drive It: Gangwon province is known for its high elevation. This route takes you through mountain passes so high it feels like you can touch the clouds (hence the name). It is perfect for those who enjoy winding roads and cool, crisp mountain air.

🌟 Why This Matters for Travelers

The designation of these roads is a commitment from the Korean government to make road tripping easier and more enjoyable.

"We plan to continue selecting diverse roads that capture the beauty of our land, history, and culture. We will thoroughly maintain the scenery and facilities around these Tourist Roads to cultivate them into premium routes that people will want to visit again and again."

— Lee Woo-je, Director of the Road Bureau, MOLIT

For international travelers, this means you can expect better infrastructure, such as parking lots, observation decks, and restrooms, making it less intimidating to rent a car and explore the Korean countryside.

📝 Travel Tips for Driving in Korea

  • Navigation: Google Maps works but has limited driving functions in Korea. Download Naver Map or KakaoMap for accurate navigation (both support English).

  • Rentals: An International Driving Permit (IDP) is mandatory to rent a car in South Korea.

  • Etiquette: Koreans drive on the right side of the road. Speed cameras are frequent, so stick to the limits!

Ready to hit the road?

Korea is so much more than just its cities. These six "Tourist Roads" offer a gateway to the soul of the country—its mountains, seas, and valleys. Whether you are driving along the volcanic coasts of Jeju or the high passes of Gangwon, a memorable adventure awaits.

Would you like me to help you find a specific itinerary or rental car information for any of these 6 locations?

Popular posts from this blog

Korean Government Announces Results of the First Round of the 2025 Grade 7 Civil Service Examination

Image
💡 Key Message : A total of 4,383 candidates passed the first round of Korea’s 2025 Grade 7 Civil Service Examination, with the second test scheduled for September 20. The Korean government has officially announced the results of the 2025 Grade 7 Open Competitive Civil Service Examination first round. According to the Ministry of Personnel Management, 4,383 candidates successfully passed the initial Public Service Aptitude Test (PSAT) held on July 19, 2025. This milestone marks the beginning of a competitive journey for aspiring civil servants across the nation. 🔍 Breakdown of Successful Candidates Among the 4,383 candidates who passed: 1,184 candidates were from science and technology fields. 3,199 candidates were from administrative fields. The highest cut-off score for the science and technology category was 93.33 points in chemical engineering , followed by electrical engineering (92.00) and data science (89.33). In the administrative category, the diplomatic...
Read more »

Life Insurance Payout Liquidity, Turning Death Benefits Into Retirement Income at 55

Image
💡 Key Insight : With the new life insurance payout liquidity system, policyholders can convert death benefits into retirement income at 55 , helping to bridge income gaps before pension begins. Starting October 2025, South Korea’s major life insurers, including Samsung Life, Hanwha Life, KB Life, Shinhan Life, and Kyobo Life, will introduce a groundbreaking product: life insurance payout liquidity . This innovative financial system allows policyholders to access their death benefits during their lifetime, beginning as early as age 55 . Instead of being restricted to a posthumous payout, individuals can now receive benefits as an annuity, creating a powerful solution to fill retirement income gaps . 📌 What Is Life Insurance Payout Liquidity? Traditionally, life insurance policies provide payouts only after the policyholder’s death. However, the new death benefit conversion system transforms these policies into a form of living retirement asset . Policyholders who have ...
Read more »

foreigners buying homes in Korea / Seoul housing regulation / residency requirement

Image
Foreigners Banned from Buying Homes in Seoul and Capital Region Without Residency – Effective August 26 💡 Key Message : Starting August 26, 2025 , foreigners will not be able to purchase homes in Seoul, Incheon, and most of Gyeonggi Province unless they intend to live in them. To stabilize the housing market and curb speculation, the Korean government has designated Seoul (all districts) , 7 districts in Incheon , and 23 cities/counties in Gyeonggi Province as land transaction permit zones for foreigners . This designation will remain in effect from August 26, 2025 to August 25, 2026 and may be extended depending on market conditions. 📌 Key Regulations Foreigners must obtain prior approval before purchasing property in designated areas. Within 4 months of purchase approval, buyers must move in and maintain 2 years of residency . Violations will result in enforcement fines up to 10% of the property value . Foreign buyers must report funding sources and vi...
Read more »