Korea's Best Scenic Drives: 10 Breathtaking High-Altitude Views You Can Reach by Car (Accessible Travel Guide)
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There's a special kind of magic in a scenic drive—the freedom of the open road, the anticipation as the landscape changes with every winding turn, and the ultimate reward of a breathtaking panoramic view unfolding before you. For those who love to explore from the comfort of their car, South Korea, with its majestic mountains and stunning coastlines, offers a treasure trove of "drive-up" destinations.
You've already discovered some of the very best, like the celestial fields of Pyeongchang's Yukbaekmajigi and the iconic wind turbines among the highland cabbage patches of Taebaek's Maebongsan Wind Farm. These places set the gold standard for accessible high-altitude beauty.
This guide is for adventurers like you, seeking more of those awe-inspiring vistas that don't require a strenuous hike. We've curated a list of spectacular observatories, mountain passes, and even temples that you can drive to. Importantly, we've paid special attention to accessibility, including options that are more accommodating for visitors using wheelchairs, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to experience the magnificent rooftop of Korea.
※ A Note on Accessibility: While the destinations on this list are accessible by car to a high point, the terrain at the final location can vary. For wheelchair users, it is highly recommended to call the location's administrative office in advance to confirm the latest conditions, path surfaces, ramp availability, and the best parking areas.
🌟 The Gold Standard: A Nod to Your Excellent Choices
Before we explore new horizons, it's worth acknowledging the fantastic places you've already visited. For any reader new to Korea's scenic drives, these are essential starting points.
Pyeongchang Yukbaekmajigi (평창 육백마지기) ☁️: Truly a place that feels like the top of the world. Driving up the winding road to this high plateau, you are greeted by giant wind turbines spinning gracefully over fields of seasonal flowers. It is most famous for the "sea of clouds" phenomenon often visible at sunrise, making you feel as though you're floating on a celestial island.
Taebaek Maebongsan Wind Farm (태백 매봉산풍력발전단지) 🥬: Known as the "Baechoo Godo" (Cabbage Highlands), this unique landscape combines the industrial grace of wind turbines with the rustic charm of vast, terraced highland cabbage fields. The endless rolling green hills under a crisp blue sky make for an unforgettable vista, especially in late summer and early autumn.
Hapcheon Odo-san Observatory (합천 오도산전망대) ✨: A legendary spot for photographers and stargazers. The drive up Odo-san Mountain is an adventure in itself, leading to a communications facility and an observation deck that offers jaw-dropping 360-degree views. It is particularly famous for its dramatic sunrises, sunsets, and views of the Milky Way on clear nights.
🚗 New Horizons: 10 More Breathtaking Drive-Up Destinations
Ready to expand your list? Here are ten more incredible high-altitude locations across Korea where your car can do most of the climbing.
Category 1: Mountain Peaks & Passes (산 정상 & 고갯마루)
1. Hambaeksan Mountain, Taebaek (태백 함백산) Why go? At 1,573 meters, Hambaeksan is one of Korea's highest peaks, and remarkably, a paved road winds almost all the way to its summit. This is the highest road in South Korea that is accessible by a standard car. From the parking lot near the top, a short walk takes you to the peak, offering an immense, unobstructed view over the Taebaek mountain range.
Good to Know: The road is steep and winding. In winter, it is often closed due to snow and ice, so be sure to check road conditions before you go.
2. Anbandegi Village, Gangneung (강릉 안반데기) Why go? Perched at 1,100 meters, Anbandegi is Korea's highest village. Like Maebongsan, it's a vast highland cabbage farm crisscrossed by roads and dotted with wind turbines. The beauty here is raw and expansive. It's a premier destination for sunrise chasers and astrophotographers, who come to capture the stars above the "cabbage fields on the clouds."
Good to Know: The roads within the village are narrow but paved. It can get very crowded during peak seasons, so an early morning visit is recommended.
3. Jijangsan Mountain (Lookout Point), Yeongwol (영월 지장산) Why go? This peak is home to a famous paragliding launch site, which means a good road leads right to the top. From the launch point, you are rewarded with a spectacular, heart-stopping view of the Donggang River snaking through the deep valley below. It’s a vista that perfectly captures the rugged beauty of Gangwon-do.
A Note on Paragliders: As you mentioned, this is an active launch site. Visitors are welcome to watch the thrilling sight of paragliders taking off, but please be respectful. Stay out of their preparation and launch paths, and keep noise to a minimum.
4. Danyang Yangbangsan Observatory & Paragliding Site (단양 양방산 전망대) Why go? Danyang is famous for paragliding, and the launch site on Yangbangsan Mountain doubles as one of the best observatories in the region. The drive up is steep, but the payoff is a breathtaking aerial view of the Namhangang River curving dramatically around the entire town of Danyang. It’s a view you won’t soon forget.
Good to Know: The road is paved but can be intimidating for new drivers. Drive slowly and use a low gear.
Category 2: Temples with a View (전망 좋은 사찰)
Finding mountain temples with good wheelchair accessibility is challenging, but these two are known for being more accommodating than most.
5. Buseoksa Temple, Yeongju (영주 부석사) - Accessible Pick Why go? Home to the Muryangsujeon Hall, one of Korea's oldest wooden buildings and a national treasure, Buseoksa is architecturally stunning. The view from the front of the hall, looking down across the successive rooftops and out over the Sobaek mountains, is legendary.
♿ Accessibility Tip: Do not use the main lower parking lot. Drive up the mountain to the upper parking area located closer to the main temple complex. From this lot, the path to the Muryangsujeon Hall is paved and the incline is more manageable than the main entrance, making it one of the most accessible major mountain temples for wheelchair users.
6. Hwaeomsa Temple, Gurye (구례 화엄사) - Accessible Pick Why go? Located on the slopes of the famed Jirisan Mountain, Hwaeomsa is one of Korea's most important head temples. It boasts numerous national treasures, including a massive stone lantern. The temple's grandeur and its harmonious relationship with the surrounding nature are deeply impressive.
♿ Accessibility Tip: Hwaeomsa has invested in improving accessibility. From the main parking area, there are paved paths and ramps leading to the main temple courtyard (Daeungjeon Hall area), allowing wheelchair users to experience the core of this magnificent temple complex.
Category 3: Coastal & Island Panoramas (해안 & 섬)
7. Geumsan Boriam Hermitage, Namhae (남해 금산 보리암) Why go? This is arguably one of the most spectacularly situated temples in all of Korea. Perched on a cliff of Geumsan Mountain, Boriam overlooks the thousands of islands of the Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park. The view is simply divine. A road takes you high up the mountain to a parking lot, from which a village shuttle bus takes you even closer.
Good to Know: After the shuttle bus, there is a short, paved but steep path to the temple itself. It is accessible, but may require strong assistance for wheelchair users. The view, however, is worth every bit of effort.
8. Goseong Unheungsa Temple (고성 운흥사 인근 도로) Why go? While the temple itself is a quiet destination, the scenic drive (County Road 1009) leading towards it from the south offers one of the most stunning coastal views in Gyeongnam province. As you climb the winding road, the entire Dadohae (archipelago) unfolds below you. There are several spots to pull over and simply marvel at the view of countless islands dotting the blue sea.
9. Guryongryeong Pass, Yangyang/Hongcheon (구룡령 옛길) Why go? This historic mountain pass connects the inland region of Hongcheon with the coastal city of Yangyang. While the new tunnel is faster, driving the old, winding Guryongryeong road is a journey into nature. The road is fully paved and offers numerous viewpoints looking out over the dense forests and rolling peaks of the Baekdudaegan mountain range.
10. Oksunbong Peak Suspension Bridge Area, Jecheon (제천 옥순봉 출렁다리) Why go? While the bridge itself requires walking, the drive along the Cheongpungho Lake to get here is the main attraction. The roads twist and turn along the stunning turquoise lake, which is often called "the inland sea." There are numerous parking areas and observation decks right off the road where you can stop and enjoy the magnificent scenery of the lake and its dramatic limestone peaks without leaving your car far behind.
🛠️ Important Tips for High-Altitude Driving in Korea
Check Your Vehicle: Before heading up steep mountain roads, ensure your brakes, tires, and engine are in good condition.
Weather is Key 🌦️: Mountain weather is notoriously fickle. Always check the forecast for your specific destination. Fog, heavy rain, or snow can make these drives dangerous.
Driving Etiquette: These roads are often narrow and shared with cyclists and hikers. Drive slowly, be prepared to pull over to let others pass, and always stay alert on blind corners.
Check for Road Closures: Some of the highest roads, like the one to Hambaeksan, are frequently closed in winter. Check the local city or county website for notices before you depart.
Confirm Accessibility in Advance 📞: This is the most important tip. For wheelchair accessibility, conditions can change. Always call the temple or park's administrative office a day or two before your visit. Ask about the best parking lot to use, the condition of the paths, and the availability of ramps or accessible restrooms.
🙋♂️ Frequently Asked Questions (Q&A)
Q1: What is the highest paved road in South Korea? A: The road leading to the KBS broadcasting tower near the summit of Hambaeksan Mountain in Taebaek is generally considered the highest road accessible by a standard passenger car, reaching an altitude of over 1,500 meters.
Q2: Am I allowed to fly a drone at these locations? A: It depends. Many of these scenic areas are located within national parks, near military facilities, or have specific restrictions. Flying a drone without a permit in these areas is often illegal. Always check drone regulations for the specific county (gun) or national park on apps like "Ready to Fly" before you go.
Q3: Regarding paragliding sites, am I really not disturbing them? A: Not at all! Spectators are a welcome part of the paragliding scene. The pilots are happy to have an audience. The only rule is to give them plenty of space. Stay well clear of their preparation area and their take-off path. Your respectful presence adds to the exciting atmosphere.
Q4: What's the best time of day to visit these high-altitude spots? A: For the absolute best light and fewer crowds, early morning (sunrise) and late afternoon (sunset) are unbeatable. The "golden hour" light makes the landscapes look magical. Midday can have harsh light, and weekends are always more crowded than weekdays.
Conclusion: The View from the Top Awaits
Korea is a country of mountains, and thankfully, you don't always have to climb them on foot to experience their grandeur. With a reliable car and a bit of planning, a world of spectacular, soul-stirring panoramas is accessible to everyone.
This list is just the beginning. The true joy lies in the journey itself—the winding roads, the changing scenery, and the thrill of discovering your own secret viewpoint. So fill up your tank, grab your camera, and hit the road. The best views in Korea are waiting for you at the end of a beautiful drive.
Reference Links:
Korea National Park Service Official Website [Official Temple Websites (e.g., Buseoksa, Hwaeomsa) often have visitor information, though English may be limited.]
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