5 Best Road Trips near Goseong

Seoraksan National Park is one of South Korea’s most iconic wilderness regions and a must for nature buffs visiting the country's northeast. Although the sprawling 163-sq-km park resides outside Goseong county, it’s well worth the drive. Hiking is the most popular pastime – a vast network of scenic trails crisscrosses the mountainous terrain.

For lofty views, scale the summit of Seoraksan Mountain, passing gushing waterfalls and cragged escarpments along the way. If you don’t want to work up a sweat, a aerial cableway can whisk you to the peak. Other highlights include the sacred Buddhist site of Geumganggul Cave and Ulsanbawi Rock, a jagged outcrop with awe-inspiring views.

The Goseong DMZ is one of 2 tourist-friendly sections of the infamous North-South border. But don’t come expecting a theme park-style resort. As the most heavily guarded international border on earth, the 250-km demilitarized zone is the scar of a serious, ongoing conflict.

Unlike the western section (near the Freedom Bridge), the Goseong DMZ welcomes independent travelers, including road-trippers. You’ll need to fill out some paperwork and pay close attention to the signs. But otherwise, you’re free to roam on your own. Check out the DMZ Museum for insight into the war and the Unification Tower for the best DPNK views. Not done with North Korea yet? Stop by Hwajinpo Lake on the way back to see the summer residence of Kim Il-sung.

Hit the high hill scenic drive of Pyeongchang to explore the region’s undulating, thickly-forested terrain. Stretching from Jeongam Beach in the north down to Unduryeong Pass in the south, the epic route takes in magnificent hilly views. And it’s an easy day trip. The 35-km high hill scenic drive should only take about 45 minutes (driving non-stop).

Pencil in a pitstop at Guryongnyeong Pass, where a wooden staircase leads to a lookout with sweeping valley views. Another worthy stop is Hongnyeongam Hermitage, where you’ll find a beautiful Buddhist temple overlooking the sea.

The Samcheok scenic coastal drive lets you take in the top sites of Korea’s east coast in one quick automobile trip. Stretching from Surfyy Beach down to Chotdaebawi Rock, this action-packed strip has plenty to explore. Large swathes of the road straddle the clear blue sea, and you’ll find ample pine-studded forests to stretch your legs.

Gangneung Marine Park Observatory is a hit among divers and marine life enthusiasts, while the Gyeongpodae Pavilion offers some of the best ocean views in the area. Other worthy stops include the glass-floored Dojjaebigol Sky Valley and the candle-shaped Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock. Allow at least one hour of drive time each way.

Hajodae is a pretty coastal peak and an easy drive for travelers who don’t want to venture too far from Goseong. Located south of Sokcho, this spectacular rocky outcrop has traditional Korean pagodas accessible via a wooden walkway. A charming old lighthouse and spellbinding coastal views await at the end of a scenic hiking trail.

You’ll find a plethora of worthy attractions en route. Stop off at the Younggeumjeong Pavilion, an immaculate seaside lookout in northern Sokcho. If you’re feeling peckish, pop into Abai Village for traditional Korean-style street food. Further south, Naksansa is a gorgeous millennia-ol temple with stunning sea views.