National Route 17: Driving Through the Four Seasons Along the Seomjingang River!

Along National Route 17, the driving course stretching from Gokseong to Gurye in Jeonnam Gwangju Integrated Special City is a section where you can take in the scenic views of both forests and the river at once. The magnificent metasequoia path stretching about 800 meters from the entrance to Gokseong-eup town turns lush green in summer and golden yellow in autumn. Leaving this road behind, you will enjoy a refreshing drive to Gurye alongside the beautiful Seomjingang River. In particular, the Gokseong-Amnok section around the midpoint is a sight to behold in spring with its pink royal azaleas, and you can also enjoy the thrilling pleasure of driving alongside a train resembling a steam locomotive that departs from the Train Village.

Along the way

1. 1

   Gokseong Station

   곡성역

   The wonderful route of National Route 17 begins at Gokseong Station. It is an impressive station and the only KTX station where passengers cross the railway tracks directly without an overpass or underpass. It serves as the starting point for a drive along the Seomjingang River.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Gokseong Seomjingang Train Village

   곡성섬진강기차마을

   This is Korea's only train theme park, created by utilizing the old Gokseong Station and a section of the decommissioned Jeolla Line. As a fantasy space connecting the unknown world with reality, it offers a variety of things to see and enjoy. Its highlight is serving as the departure point for a nostalgic train journey along the Seomjingang River and National Route 17 aboard a steam locomotive.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Seomjingang Chimsil Wetland

   섬진강침실습지

   This is a tourist attraction where pristine nature is well preserved, making it a great spot to take a short break while driving. As an animal habitat, lucky visitors may spot endangered species such as otters and leopard cats. Its ever-changing scenery, including early morning river mist, sunrise, and sunset, is exceptional.MoreLess

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4. 4
   Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory

   곡성섬진강천문대

   Located on the banks of the Seomjingang River, Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory serves as the starting point of the Seomjingang Simni Cherry Blossom Road in spring and offers quite beautiful scenery. It is also a great place for stargazing. The observatory features a main observation room with a 600 mm Ritchey-Chrétien reflecting telescope built with domestic technology, an auxiliary observation room equipped with various telescopes, a planetarium with an 8-meter dome screen, and an exhibition room showcasing models of the eight planets of the solar system, stellar life cycles, and celestial bodies.MoreLess

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5. 5

   Amnok Amusement Park

   압록유원지

   This naturally formed recreation area is located at the mystical point where the Seomjingang River and Boseonggang River meet. A vast white sand beach spanning about 99,000 square meters unfolds into a spectacular view. In summer, it attracts many tourists and campers. The side-by-side view of the Banwolgyo Bridge and the railway bridge crossing the river is particularly charming.MoreLess

   

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6. 6

   Guryegu Station

   구례구역

   Located across the Seomjingang River, this station is frequently used by travelers. Inside the station, you can find the Gurye-gun Tourist Information Center to obtain useful travel information. It is a great place to enjoy a retro and nostalgic atmosphere, and many people visit as it was recently featured as a filming location for the variety show Youn's Stay.MoreLess

   

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