Best Drives in Korea #1
Inspired by this link provided by the Marmot’s Hole I have decided to start my own series of post on the best drives in Korea as well. Korea has a lot of beautiful scenery to see and traveling by car into the country side is the easiest way to see it.
The first drive I will highlight is one close to Seoul, but not a very well known tourist attraction to foreigners even though it should be. The drive I’m talking about is on Highway 98 just North of Uijongbu through the Gwangneung valley.
This valley features some of the largest trees you will see in all of Korea due to the valley being designated as Korea’s National Arboretum that has protected these magnificent trees. You can see many of these trees and the beautiful river just by driving down Highway 98 but you can see even more by visiting the actual Arboretum. You must have a reservation to enter the Arboretum, just call 031-540-2000 to make a reservation. Tickets only cost 1,000 won to get in.
Another great site along Highway 98 is the tomb of King Sejo. King Sejo was born in 1417 as the second son to King Sejong the Great. Sejo seized power in Korea the old fashioned way in Korea, by killing for it. In 1453 he killed many of his relatives including making his own brother drink poison in order to secure the throne.
Despite the bloodshed, during his reign King Sejo did accomplish many things including new scientific achievements, reforming the tax system, and consolidating royal power. In his later years he became a devout Buddhist and promoted Buddhism in Korea.
King Sejo wanted a simple tomb after his death and that is what he got at Gwangneung. His tomb is nothing elaborate but the fabulous scenery more than makes up for it. The path to Sejos tomb is a really nice walk that offers great views of the valley’s many scenic trees that should not be missed.
To get to highway 98 just travel North from Seoul to the city of Uijongbu. Once in Uijongbu follow the Highway 43 signs to Pocheon. Look for the right hand turn on to Highway 98 once you enter what is known as Furniture Road in Uijongbu where furniture stores line each side of the road just outside of Uijongbu. Once you start traveling East on Highway 98 you will quickly enter the country side and see many nice farms and vineyards before dropping into the Gwangneung valley. This road is also a nice place to take your bike if you get up early and avoid the traffic that picks up at mid-day.
Once you have seen the National Arboretum and King Sejo’s tomb you can return back to Seoul by taking Highway 47 heading South. This is great day trip to the country side that shouldn’t be missed for all you Seoulites out there.
