South Korea Road Trip Itinerary
Experience a captivating journey through South Korea on the South Korea Road Trip! Starting in Incheon, this 10-day route covers approximately 1564km of stunning scenery, cultural heritage sites, and serene landscapes. The best time of year to drive is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the scenery is at its most vibrant.
The first stop on the trip is Suwon, a city renowned for its grand palace and the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Next, you will travel to Buan, a charming town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and valleys. Continue your journey to Jeonju, a city known for its traditional Korean culture and architecture.
From there, the route takes you to Mokpo, a coastal city filled with majestic mountains, stunning beaches, and an abundance of seafood. Suncheon is next, a city of tranquil wetlands, lush fields, and picturesque gardens. The last stop is Wonju-si, a city of vibrant culture and rich history.
Throughout the trip, you will have the pleasure of driving through excellent roads, with smooth surfaces and well-maintained roadways. This trip is suitable for every driver, however, it can be managed with high budget only. Enjoy the journey and make sure to take plenty of photos along the way!
10
number of days
1,560 km
route length
high
budget
family
good for
on the left
traffic direction
moderate
accident level
START
Seoul
Distance 1,560 km
Driving time 23.0 h
Pace: fast
468.1 kWh
Airports
ICN
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Incheon is the perfect starting point for the South Korea Road Trip. Located just west of Seoul, Incheon is home to some of the country's most stunning attractions. Not to be missed is the Incheon Grand Park, a sprawling green space with plenty of trails and ponds to explore. The park also contains the Incheon Metropolitan Art Museum, a must-see for art and culture lovers.
For history buffs, the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall is an important site that commemorates the Korean War. Here you can learn about the battle from the perspective of both Korean and American forces.
For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is the Incheon International Airport (ICN), which is well connected to the rest of the world. Car rentals are available at the airport, so you can start your journey right away.
From Incheon, you can explore the many cities and towns of South Korea, such as Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder that Incheon is the perfect starting point for the South Korea Road Trip.
1
Seoul
- Suwon
Distance 70 km
Driving time 1.0 h
Pace: fast
20.9 kWh
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Itinerary
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Welcome to the Incheon to Suwon Road Trip Stage! This 70 km journey will take you less than an hour to complete, so make sure to make the most of it!
Start your adventure in Incheon, the second-largest city in South Korea. Here, you can visit the Incheon Bridge, the longest bridge in South Korea, or the Chinatown of Incheon, the largest in the country.
The next stop is Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province. Here, you can explore the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or the Suwon Hwaseong Museum, which provides a great insight into the fortress’s history.
You can also visit the Korean Folk Village, a living museum of Korean culture and traditions, or the Suwon World Cup Stadium, where the FIFA World Cup was held in 2002.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage.
We hope you enjoy this Incheon to Suwon road trip stage!
Suwon - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - www.flickr.com
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2
Suwon
- Buan
Distance 325 km
Driving time 4.9 h
Pace: fast
97.4 kWh
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Are you ready for an incredible road trip from Suwon to Buan? This journey is only 314km long and can be completed in less than 5 hours. On your way, you will have the chance to visit some of the most interesting places in South Korea.
Start your adventure in Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province. Don’t miss the chance to visit the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After that, you can explore the Korean Folk Village and the Suwon Hwaseong Museum.
Continue your journey to Buan, a city located in North Jeolla Province. Here, you can visit the Buan Art Valley, a place where you can appreciate the beauty of nature and admire the amazing art installations. You should also visit the Buan Traditional Craft Village, where you can find a variety of traditional Korean crafts, like pottery and bamboo art.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Buan - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - www.kunsan.af.mil
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3
Buan
- Jeonju
Distance 41 km
Driving time 0.8 h
Pace: modest
10.6 kWh
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Embark on a road trip from Buan to Jeonju, a journey of only 41 km and a driving time of less than an hour! This is one of the stages of a larger tour, so you can explore the most interesting places in the area.
Start your journey in Buan, where you can visit the Buan-gun Cultural Center, a great place to learn about the area's history, culture and art. Then, drive to the nearby Buan-gun Traditional Market, where you can purchase local products and souvenirs.
Continue your road trip to Jeonju and visit the Jeonju Hanok Village, a traditional Korean village with over 800 traditional houses and a variety of attractions such as the Jeonju National Museum and the Jeonju Traditional Crafts Experience Center. After that, don't miss the Jeonju Zoo, where you can see a variety of animals from around the world.
Finally, make sure to visit the Jeonju Hanok Living Museum, where you can learn about traditional Korean architecture and culture.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Jeonju - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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4
Jeonju
- Mokpo
Distance 168 km
Driving time 2.5 h
Pace: fast
50.4 kWh
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Welcome, road-trippers! This stage of your journey takes you from Jeonju to Mokpo, a 170km drive that will take you fewer than 3 hours.
Start your trip in Jeonju, a city known for its traditional Korean culture and cuisine. Visit the Jeonju Hanok Village, a collection of traditional Korean houses, and the Gyeonggijeon Shrine, a 600-year-old Confucian shrine that houses a portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty.
Continue your journey to Mokpo, a port city located on the southwestern tip of South Korea. Visit the Mokpo Natural History Museum and the Mokpo Maritime Museum to learn about the city’s history and culture. For a relaxing experience, take a stroll along the Mokpo Grand Park and enjoy its beautiful gardens.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a safe and enjoyable journey!
Mokpo - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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5
Mokpo
- Suncheon
Distance 205 km
Driving time 2.6 h
Pace: fast
61.5 kWh
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Take a road trip from Mokpo to Suncheon, a 203 km journey that will take you fewer than 3 hours! This is one of the stages of a longer tour, so make sure to take your time and enjoy the sights along the way.
Start your journey in Mokpo, a harbor city located on the southwestern tip of South Korea. Take a stroll around the Mokpo Maritime Park and enjoy the view of the harbor. Don’t forget to visit the Mokpo Modern History Museum and the Mokpo Natural History Museum.
Continue your journey to Suncheon, a coastal city known for its picturesque wetlands. Visit the Suncheon Bay National Garden, a sprawling park with beautiful gardens, lush wetlands, and a variety of wildlife. Take a stroll around the Suncheon Bay Ecological Park and marvel at the stunning view of the bay.
For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!
Suncheon - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Suncheon - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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6
Suncheon
- Busan
Distance 179 km
Driving time 3.4 h
Pace: modest
46.5 kWh
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Are you ready for a memorable road trip from Suncheon to Busan? This 189 km journey will take you fewer than 4 hours, and you will be able to explore some of the most interesting places in South Korea.
Start your journey in Suncheon, where you can visit the Suncheon Bay Ecological Park, a wetland and an important habitat for migratory birds. Afterwards, you can explore the Suncheon Bay Garden, a botanical garden with a variety of plants, flowers and trees.
Continue your journey to the beautiful city of Gwangyang, where you can explore the Milyang Arboretum, a popular tourist attraction. Here, you can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Milyang River and the surrounding mountains.
Your next stop is the city of Jinju, home to the Jinju National Museum and the Jinju Fortress, two of the most important historical sites in South Korea.
Finally, your journey will end in the vibrant city of Busan. Here, you can explore the popular Haeundae Beach, the largest beach in South Korea, as well as the Gamcheon Cultural Village, a colorful hillside village.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Busan - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
Busan - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - Wikimedia Commons
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7
Busan
- Gyeongju
Distance 92 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
27.5 kWh
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Embark on a memorable road trip from Busan to Gyeongju! This 91km journey will take you less than 2 hours to complete and will be one of the most enjoyable parts of your journey.
In Busan, you can visit the Busan Tower, a 120 meter tall structure that offers a stunning view of the city from the observation deck. You can also explore the beautiful Haeundae Beach, the largest beach in South Korea.
Gyeongju is the next destination on your road trip. Here, you can visit the Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the Seokguram Grotto, a Buddhist temple with a giant Buddha statue. You can also explore the historical Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.
This short road trip will be a great opportunity to explore the beauty of South Korea. More information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, plan your journey and have a great time exploring the amazing cities of Busan and Gyeongju!
Gyeongju - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - commons.wikimedia.org
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8
Gyeongju
- Yeongju
Distance 180 km
Driving time 2.1 h
Pace: fast
54.0 kWh
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Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Gyeongju to Yeongju-si? This 180 km journey will take you less than two hours and you will be amazed by the places you will see along the way.
First, you will start your trip in Gyeongju, a city with a rich cultural heritage. Here you can visit the iconic Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, as well as the Cheomseongdae Observatory, the oldest existing astronomical observatory in East Asia.
Afterwards, you will drive to Gyeongju National Park, where you can find the majestic Seokguram Grotto, a hermitage and part of the Bulguksa Temple complex. You can also take a walk around the Anapji Pond, a beautiful artificial lake from the Silla Kingdom era.
Finally, you will arrive at Yeongju-si, a city with a beautiful landscape and lots of historical sites. Don't miss the Bomun Lake, a great place for a picnic or a boat ride, and the Seonbichon Village, a traditional Korean village.
We hope this short road trip from Gyeongju to Yeongju-si will be a memorable experience for you. For more information regarding attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage.
Yeongju - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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9
Yeongju
- Wonju
Distance 104 km
Driving time 1.3 h
Pace: fast
31.1 kWh
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Welcome to the Yeongju-Wonju road trip stage! This stage is part of a longer tour, and it's one of the most interesting ones. You will cover a distance of 104 km in a driving time of fewer than 2 hours.
Starting in Yeongju-si, you will be able to visit the Bomun Lake Complex, which offers a variety of cultural and leisure activities, including a lake cruise and the Gyeongju National Museum. After that, you can head to Anapji Pond, which is a beautiful artificial lake surrounded by pavilions and gardens.
Continuing your journey, you will reach Wonju-si, where you can explore the Wonju Folk Village Museum and the Wonju Art Center. You will also find many restaurants and cafes, as well as a variety of accommodation options.
For more information on attractions, accommodation, restaurants, and campsites along the route, please consult the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your journey!
Wonju - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - pixabay
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10
Wonju
- Seoul
Distance 198 km
Driving time 3.1 h
Pace: fast
59.5 kWh
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Welcome road-trippers! The stage of your tour that starts in Wonju-si, South Korea and ends in Incheon is a 202 km long journey that will take you less than 4 hours.
A great place to start your journey is the Wonju Hanji Theme Park, where you can explore the world of traditional Korean paper, hanji. You can also visit the Wonju Skywalk, a glass suspension bridge that overlooks the city.
On your way to Incheon, you can stop at the Gapyeong Rail Park, where you can take a ride on the old train line. You can also visit the Gapyeong Nami Island, a beautiful island that was featured in the Korean drama "Winter Sonata".
In Incheon, you can visit the Chinatown, the largest Chinatown in Korea, and the Incheon Grand Park, which is a great place for a picnic. The Incheon Bridge is also worth a visit, as it is the longest bridge in South Korea.
For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Have a great journey!
Seoul - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - Pixabay
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Seoul
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The last stop of the famous “South Korea Road Trip” is the vibrant city of Seoul. As the largest and most populous city in South Korea, it is a great place to finish off a road trip. The city is known for its rich culture, modern architecture and delicious cuisine.
One of the top attractions in Seoul is Gyeongbokgung Palace. This impressive palace is the largest of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. It is an incredible sight to behold and visitors are able to explore the palace grounds and learn about the history of the dynasty.
For more modern sights, visitors can explore the vibrant area of Myeongdong. Here, visitors will find shopping malls, street food vendors and endless entertainment. It is the perfect place to explore and find unique souvenirs.
If you are looking for an unforgettable view of Seoul, head to the top of the N Seoul Tower. It is one of the most iconic attractions in the city and the observation deck offers a stunning panoramic view of the city.
Finally, if you are traveling to Seoul by air, the closest international airport is Incheon International Airport (IATA: ICN). There are plenty of transportation options to get to the city center from the airport.
So, don’t miss out on the chance to explore Seoul and end your “South Korea Road Trip” in style.
Seoul - South Korea - Asia - Road Trip - www.wallpaperflare.com
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South Korea Road Trip at a glance
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Start:
Seoul
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End:
Seoul
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Distance:
1,560 km
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Stay:
10 days
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Getting there:
Incheon International Airport (ICN)
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When to drive:
May, June, July, August, September, October
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More info:
More info you can find in the "Itinerary" section at each stage.
Before you set off
Embark on an immersive 10-day, 1,564-kilometer Road Trip through South Korea, starting from the bustling city of Incheon and culminating in the culturally vibrant Wonju-si. This journey is a perfect blend of breathtaking natural scenery, from coastal vistas to mountain ranges, and deep dives into the country's rich cultural heritage. Experience the best of South Korea with this meticulously planned itinerary.
Key Destinations and Top Sights:
- Incheon: Begin your journey by exploring Incheon's modern marvels and historical sites, such as Chinatown and the Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall, commemorating an important moment in Korean War history.
- Suwon: Discover the majestic Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its impressive architecture and the annual Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival.
- Buan: Experience the serenity of Byeonsanbando National Park, which offers a unique combination of mountainous landscapes and coastal views, including stunning waterfalls and valleys.
- Jeonju: Step back in time in Jeonju Hanok Village, a well-preserved area featuring traditional Korean houses, and indulge in the city's famous culinary delicacies like bibimbap.
- Mokpo: Delight in the coastal charm of Mokpo, where you can hike up Yudalsan Mountain for panoramic views, enjoy pristine beaches, and savor fresh seafood at the local markets.
- Suncheon: Immerse yourself in nature at the Suncheon Bay National Garden and Wetland Reserve, home to rare bird species and ecological treasures.
- Wonju-si: Conclude your journey in Wonju-si, where you can explore the rich local culture and history, including the Chiaksan National Park and the Museum SAN, known for its unique architecture and art exhibitions.
Best Time to Go:
The optimal seasons for a Road Trip in South Korea are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). During these times, you'll enjoy mild weather and the country's landscapes are especially vibrant, with cherry blossoms in spring and colorful foliage in the fall.
Potential Risks:
While South Korea is known for its excellent Road conditions and safety, costs can be on the higher side. It's advisable to budget accordingly and book accommodations in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Interesting Facts for Roadtrippers:
- South Korea has an extensive network of expressways, and its efficient toll system makes intercity travel convenient.
- The country's rest stops (Hyugeso) are renowned for offering a variety of delicious local foods and clean facilities, enhancing the Road Trip experience.
- South Korea is densely packed with cultural experiences, such as temple stays and traditional markets, providing an authentic glimpse into Korean lifestyle.
A good choice for:
A South Korea Road Trip promises an unforgettable adventure that seamlessly intertwines the grandeur of natural landscapes with the allure of centuries-old traditions. As you journey through each destination, capture memories with photos and embrace the diverse offerings that make this Road Trip a feast for the senses and a testament to South Korea's captivating blend of the old and the new.
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