The best hidden unexplored east coast, Gangneung Hunhwa-ro Drive Course - Gangneung, South Korea
Gangneung Hunhwa-ro, known as the road closest to the sea in Korea
The best hidden unexplored east coast, Gangneung Hunhwa-ro Drive Course
Gangneung, South Korea
Along the winding coastal roads, the landscape changes. Calm white sand stretches out calmly, while magnificent rock formations appear rough. Some of them move on the surfboards and move wildly, while others lay down a fishing rod and remain silent. Gangneung Hunhwa-ro is a place where you can run along the indigo sea and face the harsh and mild scenery.
With a wreath of the legend of Mrs.
Hunhwaro runs from Gangneung Geumjin Beach to Jeongdongjin Port. Hunhwa-ro has Jeongdongjin to the north and Okgye Beach to the south. In 1998, the Jinjin-Shimgok Port section was opened for the first time, and the 2001 Shingok Port-Jeongdongjin Port section was extended. In Geumjin, the Simgok section is a coastal road, and in Simgok port, the Jeongdongjin section is an inland road. The coastal road to Hwahwa-ro filled the sea. It is known as the closest road to the sea in Korea. In fact, when you run down this road, you feel like you are running on the sea.
“Hunhwa-ro” that goes well with the background of “Hunhwa-ga”
But why is the name of the road as a wreath? It is reminiscent of <Hunhwasa> in The Three Kingdoms History. Mrs. Su-ro, wife of Sun Jeonggong in Gangneung Taesu in the Silla era, was famous for being a savvy woman. Mrs. Su-ro went to Gangneung for a while and rested at the beach. At that time, I saw a beautiful rhododendron bloom on the cliff and asked if there was a tooth to pick, but all said it was impossible. However, an old man who passed by said that he picked up flowers and gave them to Mrs. The background of the story fits nicely with the scenery of the place, so it was named “Hunhwaro”.
The sea seen from Hunhwaro is magnificent and clear.
The narrative is the background, making the Hunhwaro a deeper and more mysterious space. But it is not only the narrative that makes the wreath special. The stunning view that blends with the coastal road is also a big attraction. It's as vivid as the waves that touch the rocks. In fact, waves are so close to the sea that sea water is pushed down the road. Nowadays, the visibility is better than in 1998, when it was first established. After the road was damaged by the waves, it was renovated in 2008. Previously, the roadside balustrade had a height of 1.2m, which obscured the view. The strange rock formations and the superb view of the sea rush into the snow.
Low roadside fences obstruct vision
Relaxing Jinjin Beach with vintage cafes and surfers
With the offering, the drive can be started from Jeongdongjin or Jinjin. You can enjoy the superb view in any direction, but if you're in the first place, start with Jinjin. You can feel the climax of the scenery that starts calmly and reaches the peak. Entering the Hunhwa-ro from Okgye IC and running towards the sea, there is a point that is gently turned to the left. This is where the cool scenery of the wreath begins. When the sea hides and hides and turns around the corner, it appears like a “gift of surprise”. Many people stop in the calm seascape. There is ample parking and a seating area to relax.
There is a view and rest area at the beginning of Geumjin Beach.
A seaside shelter is also available, or a vintage café across the street. The cafe has a small sign of “red tea cafe” on its simple appearance. The name is unique.
'Red Tea Café' Signs
The owner of the cafe originally ran a red food truck on the parking side. It was famous as a toast restaurant among those who visited Hunhwa-ro. Thanks to its popularity, it now runs a store. It was named `` red tea '' in the image of the red truck that was a trademark.
Neat atmosphere inside the cafe
The building used to be a restaurant was remodeled. It's not overly stylish, so it goes well with the simple Jinjin beach. Sitting on the outdoor terrace overlooks the sea.
A cool view from the red cafe terrace
You can taste homemade burgers, coffee, and drinks as well as toast, which has been a popular dish since the food truck.
A hearty homemade burger in the red cafe
If you enjoyed the sea while enjoying the yogi, now is a good time to enjoy the beach. Quiet and secluded Geumjin Beach unfolds before your eyes. The news that tens of thousands of people gathered at Gyeongpo Beach and Haeundae during the summer season seems like a distant world. Geumjin Beach is secluded even in midsummer. There are many regular summer vacationers who are attracted to such attraction.
People enjoying leisurely surf at Geumjin Beach
A few years ago, surfing spots have become popular and related companies are spawning. It's also fun to watch the novice surfers who have the opportunity to ride the waves while surfing the board. If you watch surfers running skillfully on the waves, you will be motivated to learn.
There are surf schools all over the beach
White rice in Hunhwa-ro, Geumjin Port-Simgok Port
Enjoy a leisurely rest at Geumjin Beach, then head back to Hunhwa-ro. You can ride a car or bike, or just walk. From Jinjin Port to Simgok Port, it can be said to be the beauty of Hunhwa-ro. The meandering views spread along the winding coast. The scenery created by the rock formations and the indigo sea creates a moist feeling for even the most blunt.
You can ride a bicycle as a wreath.
In the middle of the road, you stop and look at the sea. It is a wasteful scene to pass by car. You can also park your car at Simgok Port or Geumjin Port. The distance from Jinjin Port to Simgok Port is about 2km. I recommend walking slowly, if not all sections.
Take a break from the middle and enjoy the superb view
The path from Geumjin Port to Simgok Port is on one side of the sea and on the other is a strange rock formation. It's hard to find a shop. You can use the shops in Jinjin Port or Simgok Port. Near Jinjin Port, a stall called `` Hang-gu wagon '' is famous. Some people deliberately come to Jinjin Port in search of port wagons. It is famous for its kalguksu and crab sashimi. It's a tacky small stall but there are always many customers. These simple things, combined with the magnificent natural scenery, make the wreath stand out even more.
A small restaurant near port of Geumjin Port
Travel info
Gangneung Hunhwa-ro
Address: Geumjin-ri, Okgye-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do (started at Daejin Beach or Jeongdongjin Port,
Contact: 033-640-4414
※ The above information was updated in May 2019 and may change afterwards, so please check before you travel.
※ The information such as text, photos and videos used in this article is copyrighted by Korea Tourism Organization, so unauthorized use of the article is prohibited.