Route 7: Korea's Legendary Coastal Highway
If there's one road trip every Korean driving enthusiast dreams of, it's Route 7 along the East Sea (동해). Stretching from Busan in the south all the way up to Goseong near the DMZ, this coastal highway hugs the shoreline through fishing villages, dramatic sea cliffs, pine-fringed beaches, and charming port towns. Done in full, it spans over 600 km — but even a 2–3 day section offers unforgettable scenery.
Route Overview
- Start: Busan (부산)
- End: Goseong (고성), Gangwon-do
- Total distance: Approx. 620 km
- Recommended duration: 4–6 days for the full route
- Road type: Mix of national highway and coastal expressway
Key Stops Along the Way
1. Pohang (포항)
About 90 km north of Busan, Pohang is Korea's steel city but also home to Homigot, where a giant bronze hand rises from the sea at sunrise. The Homigot Sunrise Festival draws crowds every New Year, but the walk along the breakwater is worth it any time of year.
2. Gyeongju (경주) — Short Detour
Technically inland, Gyeongju is just 30 minutes off Route 7 and absolutely worth the detour. Known as "the museum without walls," this UNESCO-listed ancient capital is packed with royal tombs, temple ruins, and traditional villages.
3. Uljin & Hupo Harbor (울진 / 후포)
This stretch offers some of the most unspoiled coastline on the entire route. Stop at Hupo Harbor for fresh raw fish (회, hoe) at a seaside pojangmacha, and don't miss Mangyang-jeong Pavilion perched on a cliff above crashing waves.
4. Samcheok (삼척)
Samcheok is a hidden gem. The Isabu Plaza and the dramatic limestone caves at Hwanseon Cave (환선굴) are nearby, and the coast here is quieter and less developed than Gangneung.
5. Gangneung (강릉)
The biggest city on the east coast, Gangneung is famous for its coffee culture, Anmok Beach's coffee street, and Gyeongpo Lake. It's a natural halfway stop with great accommodation options.
6. Sokcho & Seoraksan (속초 / 설악산)
Near the northern end of the route, Sokcho is the gateway to Seoraksan National Park — one of Korea's most spectacular mountain ranges. The views from the coast looking inland toward the peaks are extraordinary.
Driving Tips for Route 7
- Avoid the route during Korean national holidays (Chuseok, Seollal) — traffic can be severe.
- Use Naver Maps for real-time traffic — it's far more accurate than Google on Korean roads.
- Many coastal sections have no expressway tolls — you're on free national highway.
- Fill up in larger towns; gas stations can be sparse between Uljin and Samcheok.
Best Time to Drive
Late spring (May) and autumn (October) offer the best combination of mild weather, clear skies, and manageable crowds. Summer weekends are popular with Korean vacationers, especially around Gangneung's beaches — expect heavier traffic in July and August.
Whether you drive the full 600+ km or just the Gangneung-to-Sokcho leg, Route 7 delivers a coastal driving experience unlike anything else in Korea.