🚗 Best Coastal Routes & Travel Tips — Explore Korea’s Ocean Roads
South Korea’s coastline stretches more than 2,400 km — a ribbon of seaside towns, mountain cliffs, and fishing villages waiting to be discovered. From Busan’s urban beaches to Gangneung’s sunrise shores, the country’s East Coast offers one of Asia’s most scenic road trips. Whether by car, train, or bike, these routes reveal the soul of coastal Korea: calm mornings, seafood scents, and endless blue horizons.
1️⃣ East Coast Scenic Drive — From Busan to Gangneung
The East Coast Scenic Drive (Route 7) is Korea’s ultimate ocean journey — a 370 km stretch connecting Busan, Pohang, Yeongdeok, Sokcho, and Gangneung. It passes pine forests, fishing villages, lighthouses, and small harbors glowing at sunset. Drivers can stop at beaches like Haeundae, Homigot, Woljeongri, and Gyeongpo — each offering a unique charm. It’s an unforgettable road for those who crave sea wind and freedom.
| Segment | Distance | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Busan → Pohang | 120 km | Space Walk, Sunrise Plaza |
| Pohang → Samcheok | 140 km | Cliff drives, lighthouses |
| Samcheok → Gangneung | 110 km | Sea caves, beaches, coffee street |
- 🚗 Drive Time: 6–7 hours (without major stops)
- 💡 Tip: Rent a car with GPS + English navigation; rest areas have ocean views
2️⃣ The Sea Train — Korea’s Coastal Railway
For those who prefer slow travel, take the KORAIL Sea Train — a special line running from Gangneung to Samcheok with panoramic windows facing the sea. Seats are arranged sideways for passengers to gaze directly at the horizon. The 80-minute ride feels more like a moving observatory than transportation. During summer, the Sea Train hosts coffee tasting and live music inside its cabin — truly a hidden gem of Korean travel.
- 🚆 Route: Gangneung → Donghae → Samcheok
- 🎟️ Fare: ₩ 12,000 – ₩ 18,000
- 💡 Tip: Book via KORAIL Official Website (Sea Train section)
3️⃣ Coastal Biking & Walking Trails
The East Coast Bicycle Path is a 700 km route following the ocean from Busan to Goseong near the DMZ. Cyclists ride through beaches, fishing towns, and seaside cafés, collecting stamps at checkpoints along the way. For walkers, short eco-trails in Gangneung, Samcheok, and Pohang offer peaceful alternatives — perfect for sunrise strolls or photography. It’s an eco-friendly way to explore Korea’s maritime beauty without rushing.
- 🚴 Trail Type: Paved bike lane (well-marked, safe for beginners)
- 🕓 Duration: 5–7 days full route / 2–3 days short trip
- 💡 Tip: Rent bikes at major beaches or near train stations
4️⃣ Eco-Tourism & Marine Protection Routes
Korea’s coastal tourism increasingly focuses on sustainability. Eco routes such as Wando Marine Park and Namhae Coast Walk combine scenic beauty with conservation. Volunteers join beach cleanup programs and seaweed regeneration projects. Local governments run “Green Stay” guesthouses — solar-powered, oceanfront homes designed for minimal impact. It’s a refreshing trend showing how travel can protect nature rather than consume it.
| Region | Eco Program | Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Namhae | Coastal Walkway | Reforestation & cultural hiking |
| Wando | Marine Clean-Up | Seaweed regeneration project |
| Gangneung | Beach Eco Tour | Guided sustainable travel |
5️⃣ Local Events & Seasonal Travel Tips
Each coastal region hosts its own rhythm of festivals — Pohang Fireworks Festival (July), Gangneung Coffee Festival (October), and Yeosu Night Sea Music Fest (August). Spring brings cherry blossoms across the east coast, while winter offers dramatic sunrise tours at Homigot and Jeongdongjin. For photographers, autumn light (September–November) is the most beautiful season for soft sea hues and calm weather.
- 🎆 Best Festival Season: May–October
- 🌅 Sunrise Viewing: Homigot, Jeongdongjin, Gangneung
- 💡 Tip: Check Visit Korea Events Calendar before your trip
6️⃣ Budget & Transportation Planning
A coastal road trip doesn’t have to be expensive. Local buses connect all major cities for ₩10,000–₩25,000, and gas stations along Route 7 have rest cafés and free ocean viewpoints. Guesthouses range from ₩40,000–₩80,000 per night, while camping spots near beaches are even cheaper. Car rentals start around ₩70,000 per day. For budget travelers, the Korea Rail Pass (KR Pass) allows unlimited Sea Train and KTX rides across the country.
- 🚙 Car Rental: ₩70,000–₩100,000/day (insurance included)
- 🚌 Intercity Bus: ₩10,000–₩25,000 (major cities)
- 💡 Tip: Gas is cheaper in smaller towns — fill up outside Busan or Gangneung
7️⃣ Why Korea’s Coastal Routes Capture the Heart
Driving or riding along Korea’s east coast feels like reading a love letter from the sea. You’ll pass fishermen waving, surfers smiling, and old women selling seaweed by the roadside. Every curve reveals a story — of tradition, resilience, and renewal. Unlike flashy tourist hubs, these routes invite you to travel not just through places, but through moments. It’s where Korea’s gentle soul lives: in the salt wind, in the sunrise, in the quiet kindness of its coastal towns.
- 📸 Suggested Route: Busan → Pohang → Samcheok → Gangneung
- 🏖️ Duration: 5–7 days
- 💡 Tip: Start early — the east coast sunrise is worth every mile
