A Scenic Road Trip Course Featuring the Best Driving Routes in Northern Gangwon

Without a doubt, this course is a prime driving spot offering scenery that is satisfying even without getting out of the car. However, if you do step outside for a moment, it is also a place where you can capture some of the best photos of your life.

Along the way

1. 1
   Cheorwon Korean Workers' Party Headquarters

   철원 노동당사

   Located in Gwanjeon-ri, Cheorwon-eup, Gangwon-do, the Korean Workers' Party Headquarters (勞動黨舍) is a three-story building completed in 1946. It was used as the North Korean Workers' Party headquarters until the outbreak of the Korean War (6.25전쟁 / 六二五戰爭). Currently, the building shows severe damage from the Korean War, with the entire structure blackened by burns and densely covered in bullet and shrapnel marks. However, because this appearance evokes memories of the Korean War and the reality of Korea's division, it has been used as a filming location for popular music videos and renowned concerts. Currently, Cheorwon-gun operates the Cheorwon Korean Workers' Party Headquarters as part of a security tourism course, attracting many tourists. It has been under government protection since being designated as a Modern Cultural Heritage in February 2001.MoreLess

   

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2. 2
   Goseokjeong Flower Field

   고석정 꽃밭

   This flower field was created near Goseokjeong Pavilion, a representative tourist attraction in Cheorwon. Colorful flowers in shades of red, yellow, and purple—such as cockscombs, sunflowers, kochia (burning bush), Siberian chrysanthemums, buckwheat flowers, common zinnias, and globe amaranths—showcase their respective beauty. No matter where you take photos, you can capture clear and beautiful pictures.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Haesan Observatory

   해산전망대

   Haesan Mountain, meaning 'the mountain where the sun rises,' is a beautiful mountain standing at an altitude of 1,194 meters above sea level. It is also called Ilsan (日山) or Horang-isan (Tiger Mountain). Because it was located within the Civilian Control Zone, access for travelers was once restricted, but now anyone can visit. From the Haesan Observatory on Haesan Mountain, you can take in a panoramic view of the nearby Paroho Lake all at once.MoreLess

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4. 4

   Peace Dam (Hwacheon)

   평화의댐(화천)

   Construction began in 1986 funded by public donations to prepare for potential water attacks and natural disasters following North Korea's construction of the Mount Geumgang Dam, with Phase 1 completed in 1989. The project was carried out with a total budget of 166.6 billion KRW, including 63.9 billion KRW in public donations, but construction was halted after reports suggested that the threat posed by the Mount Geumgang Dam had been exaggerated. Later in 2002, secondary construction began to increase the dam's height, and the expansion project was completed in October 2005. Around the Peace Dam, there are attractions such as the Water Culture Center, the World Peace Bell Park, the Bimok Park and Security Exhibition Hall, and a permanent outdoor performance stage. * Height: 125 m / Total Length: 601 m / Maximum Storage Capacity: 2.63 billion tonsMoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Inje Speedium Resort Circuit

   인제스피디움리조트 서킷

   Embodying the dreams of all racers who love speed, this 3.908 km circuit is a space where not only international competitions take place, but ordinary people can also enjoy racing safely. The circuit at Inje Speedium is operated in compliance with the highest safety standards in Korea. Set against the mountainous terrain of Inje, Gangwon-do rather than flat land, dynamic uphill and downhill racing sections utilizing elevation differences offer diverse thrills. Korea's first "Circuit Kart" enjoyed on the Inje Speedium track! You can drive on the circuit even without a circuit license! Discard the prejudice that only sports cars must run on the circuit! If you want to experience the driving skills of a professional driver or if you are intimidated by driving on the circuit yourself, try the "Circuit Taxi" or enjoy "Circuit Safari." "Sports Driving" in your own vehicle is also possible.MoreLess

   

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6. 6

   Baekdamsa Temple

   백담사

   Baekdamsa Temple is a representative temple in Naeseorak (Inner Seorak), located above Baekdam Valley where clear waters flowing from Gayadong Valley and Gugokdam merge, serving as a guide for ascending Naeseorak. It was founded by Master Jajang in the first year of Queen Jindeok's reign (647) during the Silla Dynasty and was initially called Hangyesa Temple; later, it was named Baekdamsa Temple because there are 100 pools from Daecheongbong Peak down to the temple. It is a temple with a turbulent history, having been burnt down about a dozen times before being rebuilt in 1957 after the Korean War to reach its current state. Relics include Master Jajang's small bronze throne and a seven-story small jade pagoda bestowed upon Master Seoljeong during the reign of King Injo, while its associated hermitages include Yeongsiam, Oseam, and Bongjeongam. In addition, Baekdamsa Temple is famous as the place where Manhae Han Yong-un (1879–1944) had his head shaved and practiced asceticism. While Monk Manhae endured the labor pains of reviving the national spirit for the nation and its people as he wrote here, former President Chun Doo-hwan and his wife are said to have lived in exile and repented here. On one side of the stream in front of Baekdamsa Temple, there are countless stone towers built by visitors wishing for their dreams to come true.MoreLess

   

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7. 7

   Ayajin Beach

   아야진해변

   Located 6 km north of Sokcho and about 500 m into the interior from National Route 7, this area attracts an increasing number of vacationers each year thanks to its outstanding surrounding scenery. With its harmony of large and small rocks, clear sea, and clean sandy beach, it is an ideal summer resort for families. The sandy beach is 600 m long and 50 m wide, with a water depth of 1.5 to 2 m up to 30 m from the shore. Here, you can buy fresh squid cheaply in the early morning, drawing an increasing number of visitors specifically for this reason.MoreLess

   

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8. 8
   Songjiho Beach

   송지호 해수욕장

   Located about 14 km north of Sokcho, Songjiho Beach sits adjacent to Songjiho Lake, which was designated as a National Tourist Destination in October 1977. The sandy beach is 2 km long and 100 m wide with clear, shallow waters, and with Jukdo Island and Seoraksan Mountain nearby, it offers enjoyment in many ways. In front of the sea lies Jukdo Island, boasting scenic beauty formed by bamboo and uniquely shaped rocks, making this a favored, naturally blessed beach destination.MoreLess

   

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