Seoul's nearby drive courses, visiting just these places will do! :: The top 5
Seoul's nearby drive courses, visiting just these places will do! :: The top 5 options for relaxation and culture.
Seoul is surrounded by beautiful landscapes such as the sea, mountains, rivers, and lakes, offering various scenic drives near the city. Today, I will introduce the top 5 best drive courses near Seoul where you can enjoy both healing and culture.
1. Paju Imjingak
Paju Imjingak, located near the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), is a place where pain and peace coexist. You can ring the bell of peace, see the windmill at the Peace Nuri Park, and observe the DMZ. The nearby Heyri Art Village and the Publishing City offer plenty of cultural attractions. Paju Imjingak is a perfect place where history, nature, and culture come together, making it an ideal destination for a family or friends' drive.
[Paju Imjingak Drive Course]
- Imjingak Peace Nuri Park: A peaceful space where you can ring the bell of peace, see the windmill, and overlook the DMZ.
- Heyri Art Village: An artistic city where you can appreciate the works and lifestyles of artists. It features various art galleries, cafes, restaurants, and more.
- Publishing City: A mecca of Korean publishing culture where you can experience the country's publishing history. It includes bookstores, the Publishing Culture Park, and the Publishing Museum.
2. Namyangju Palgakjeon
Namyangju Palgakjeon, located at the starting point of the Han River, offers a serene landscape with forests and a lake. You can take a boat ride or enjoy a walk at the Palgakho Lake Park. Palgak Dam is conveniently close to Seoul, making it a great destination for a day trip. There are also cultural attractions like Namyangju Arboretum, Namyangju Art Village, and Palgak Art Valley nearby, so make sure to visit them together.
[Namyangju Palgakjeon Drive Course]
- Palgakho Lake Park: A beautiful park overlooking Palgak Lake. It offers facilities such as a boat rental, bicycle rental, and camping grounds.
- Namyangju Arboretum: A botanical garden filled with over 100 species of trees and flowers. It features experiential learning facilities, a wildlife exhibition hall, and a plant exhibition hall.
- Namyangju Art Village: An artistic space with artists' studios and exhibition halls. It hosts various experiential programs and cultural events.
3. Yangpyeong Dumulmeori
Yangpyeong Dumulmeori is where the Bukhan River and Namhan River meet, with the impressive Hwangpo Ferry and over 400-year-old Zelkova trees floating above the rivers. You can also enjoy activities like hot dogs and electric bikes. Dumulmeori is famous for its beautiful sunrises and sunsets, so plan your visit accordingly. There are various cafes, pensions, and camping sites around Dumulmeori for those who want to stay longer than a day.
[Yangpyeong Dumulmeori Drive Course]
- Dumulmeori: A point where the Bukhan River and Namhan River converge, known for the Hwangpo Ferry and Zelkova trees. You can enjoy hot dogs and ride electric bikes.
- Yangpyeong Rail Bike: An exciting experience starting from Guseok-ri Station. You can ride a rail bike for 7.2km from Guseok-ri Station to Yongmun Station.
- Yangsuri Seokhojeong: A traditional tea house built in a Hanok (Korean traditional house) style. It offers a great view by the river and various traditional teas and desserts.
4. Bukak Skyway
Known as the closest road to the sky, Bukak Skyway is the ultimate observatory where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Seoul's cityscape. Spanning 7.7 kilometers, it connects Mount Inwang and Mount Bukak, offering a scenic drive with glimpses of Seoul's landmarks along the way. Bukak Skyway features several observation decks such as Palgakjeong, Okhwa Observation Deck, and Baekundae Observation Deck, where you can park your car, take photos, and admire the breathtaking views. Visiting at night allows you to marvel at Seoul's sparkling city lights.
[Bukak Skyway Drive Course]
- Palgakjeong: An observation deck located midway along Bukak Skyway. From here, you can see Seoul's landmarks such as Seoul City Hall, the National Assembly Building, and the 63 Building.
- Okhwa Observation Deck: Situated at the end of Bukak Skyway, this observation deck offers views of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Dongdaemun during the day. At night, you can see the LED roses of Dongdaemun Design Plaza.
- Baekundae Observation Deck: After descending from Bukak Skyway, you can hike along the Inwangsan Mountain trail to reach this observation deck. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of Namsan Mountain, Namdaemun Market, and Lotte World Tower. There is also a cafe where you can savor coffee or beer while admiring Seoul's night skyline.
5. Gwangju Namhansanseong in Gyeonggi Province
Gwangju Namhansanseong is a fortress built during the Joseon Dynasty, offering beautiful scenery throughout the four seasons. Inside the fortress, you can find cultural heritage sites and historical relics. The Suspension Bridge at Gwangju Namhansanseong provides thrilling experiences and stunning views. Around Gwangju Namhansanseong, there are various tourist attractions such as Gwangju Lake Park, Gwangju Lake Museum, and Gwangju Lake Art Village, where you can enjoy walks and cultural experiences.
[Gwangju Namhansanseong Drive Course]
- Suspension Bridge at Gwangju Namhansanseong: This 200-meter-long suspension bridge connects the northern and western gates of Gwangju Namhansanseong. From the bridge, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Gwangju Namhansanseong and Gwangju Lake.
- Gwangju Lake Park: A spacious park centered around Gwangju Lake. It features a boat dock, bicycle rental station, swimming pool, and camping grounds.
- Gwangju Lake Museum: A museum that introduces the history and culture of Gwangju Lake. It offers various exhibitions and experiential programs.
These are some of the recommended drive courses in and around Seoul. It's amazing to have so many drive courses near Seoul where you can experience healing and immerse yourself in culture. Take the opportunity to enjoy a relaxing and safe journey in your car while exploring these nearby drive courses.