RoadAtlas
Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea — Scenic
East Asia

Korean Coastal Highway

South Korea

In short: Korean Coastal Highway is a 630 km scenic road trip in South Korea, typically driven over 4–6 days, best in Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct. Highlights: Seoul, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Busan.

Distance
630 km
Duration
4–6 days
Best Season
Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct
NotableEasyScenicEV-friendly

South Korea's southern coastal road (Route 2 / 77) sweeps past terraced rice paddies, cliffside Buddhist temples, haenyeo diving villages on Jeju, and the fortress walls of Suwon, where ancient Korea meets hypermodern.

~1 refuel
~2 charges
Practical notes
This route mixes expressways with older coastal stretches, so expect tolls, dense city traffic, and slower two-lane sections near harbors and fishing towns. Summer typhoons and winter snow can disrupt the southern coast, while ferries to Jeju are weather-dependent and separate from the drive; any regular car is fine.
Explore on the interactive map →

Plan this trip

Self-guided audio toursExplore local stories near city stops Hotels for this tripCompare stays before you go Flights for this tripCompare flight options before you go Car rental for this tripCompare rental options before you drive

Third-party planning links may be affiliate links. RoadAtlas stays independent, and you should verify details with the provider.

Stops along the route

Seoul — Departure — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Departure
Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Han River anchor a city of 10 million that leads Asia in food, design, and relentless creative energy.
Hotels
Busan — City — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
City
Busan
Korea's great port city. Jagalchi fish market, Gamcheon Culture Village, and Haeundae Beach make it the country's most visceral urban experience.
Hotels
Tongyeong — City — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
City
Tongyeong
The Naples of Korea, draped across a peninsula of 570 islands. Cable cars rise above the harbor and oyster stew warms every dockside table.
Hotels
Namhae German Village — City — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
City
Namhae German Village
Bavarian-style cottages built by returning Korean miners perch on cliffs above the island's turquoise southern shore. Surreal and oddly beautiful.
Hotels
Yeosu — City — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
City
Yeosu
A harbour city scattered across 317 islands. Jinnamgwan Hall overlooks the water and a neon-lit night market lines the waterfront promenade.
Hotels
Mokpo — Arrival — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Arrival
Mokpo
The southern terminus where the land dissolves into 1,700 islands. Ferries depart for Jeju and the Dadohaehaesang Marine National Park.
Hotels

Things to Do

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress — Landmark — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Landmark
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
A UNESCO-listed 18th-century fortress wall encircling an entire hillside city. The battlements and towers glow warm gold after dark.
Hadong Tea Fields — Nature — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Nature
Hadong Tea Fields
Korea's oldest tea region, terraced on riverine slopes. In spring, cherry blossoms line the road in a famous double-canopy tunnel of white.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple — Historic Site — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Historic Site
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Beautiful seaside Buddhist temple in Busan with stunning ocean views.
Odongdo Island — Nature — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Nature
Odongdo Island
Scenic island in Yeosu known for its camellia flowers and coastal trails.
Daraengi Village — Scenic Viewpoint — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Scenic Viewpoint
Daraengi Village
Terraced rice fields in Namhae offering picturesque landscapes and hiking trails.
Mokpo Modern History Museum — Museum — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Museum
Mokpo Modern History Museum
Museum in Mokpo showcasing the city's history and cultural heritage.

Where to Eat

Jagalchi Market — Seafood — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Seafood
Jagalchi Market
Bustling seafood market in Busan offering fresh catches and local delicacies.
Suwon Galbi Alley — Barbecue — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Barbecue
Suwon Galbi Alley
Famous for Korean-style grilled ribs, offering authentic flavors in Suwon.
Tongyeong Jungang Market — Street Food — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Street Food
Tongyeong Jungang Market
Vibrant market in Tongyeong known for fresh seafood and local street food.
Yeosu Fish Market — Seafood — Korean Coastal Highway — South Korea
Seafood
Yeosu Fish Market
Popular market in Yeosu offering a variety of fresh seafood and local dishes.

Explore related routes

South Korea road trips Notable Scenic Coastal DrivesHistoric Road TripsEV Road Trips East Asia routes

Nearby and similar drives

Frequently asked questions

How long is the Korean Coastal Highway drive?

The Korean Coastal Highway covers 630 km from start to finish.

How long does the Korean Coastal Highway take to drive?

Most travellers spend 4–6 days on the Korean Coastal Highway, depending on stops and pace.

When is the best time to drive the Korean Coastal Highway?

The recommended season for the Korean Coastal Highway is Apr–Jun / Sep–Oct.

Where does the Korean Coastal Highway start and end?

The Korean Coastal Highway runs from Seoul to Mokpo.

What are the main stops on the Korean Coastal Highway?

The Korean Coastal Highway passes through Seoul, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, Busan.

Can I drive the Korean Coastal Highway in a regular car?

Yes — the Korean Coastal Highway is paved end-to-end and a regular car is fine in normal conditions.

How many fuel stops are needed on the Korean Coastal Highway?

Plan around 1 refuels (or about 2 EV charges) along the Korean Coastal Highway, based on its 630 km length.

Is the Korean Coastal Highway EV friendly?

Yes — the Korean Coastal Highway has charger coverage along the route and works as an EV road trip.

Is the Korean Coastal Highway safe to drive?

This route mixes expressways with older coastal stretches, so expect tolls, dense city traffic, and slower two-lane sections near harbors and fishing towns. Summer typhoons and winter snow can disrupt the southern coast, while ferries to Jeju are weather-dependent and separate from the drive; any regular car is fine.

What scenic tier is the Korean Coastal Highway?

The Korean Coastal Highway is a notable drive — Notable scenic drives — strong character routes that locals know well and that reward travellers willing to step beyond the most-photographed roads.