Self-drive tour Korea: East coast treasures between mountains and beaches

This morning, take charge of your rental vehicle equipped with a pre-programmed GPS, then head towards the Seoraksan National Park.
Located in the northeast of Corée du Sud, the Seoraksan mountain is the third highest in the country, after the Hallasan volcano and the Jirisan mountain. It peaks at 1,708 m at the Daecheongbong peak and reveals spectacular landscapes: marked cliffs, waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, as well as rich fauna and flora.

The name Seoraksan means "the mountain with a snowy peak", in reference to its appearance in winter. The park offers a wide variety of accessible hiking trails, most of which can be completed in a few hours, for an immersion closer to Korean nature.

The first national park designated in 1970, Seoraksan is also recognized as a UNESCO biosphere protection site since 1982. It is home to around thirty peaks and several must-see places: Ulsanbawi Rock and its granite peaks offering panoramic views, the Geumgang cave, a place of worship and contemplation, as well as the Sinheungsa temple, considered the oldest Zen temple in Corée du Sud.

Hiking is a very popular activity in Corée du Sud, and Seoraksan offers some of the most beautiful trails in the country, to be discovered in every season.

Transportation: rental car with pre-programmed GPS

Today, we head to the east coast of the Korean peninsula to discover Gangneung.
Gangneung is one of the largest cities on the east coast and a highly sought-after destination in summer. It is home to numerous historical relics and well-preserved traditions. Located in the Gangwon and Eastern Mountains province, it played an important role during the Koryo dynasty.
During your stay, you can visit the Confucian schools of Gaeksamun and Ojukheon, as well as several cultural remains bearing witness to its rich past.
Gangneung is also renowned for its beaches, including the largest and certainly the most beautiful on the east coast, with its fine sand and azure blue sea. Every summer, they welcome families and travelers who come to enjoy the sun and the festivals organized in the region.

Not far away is Yangyang, a seaside town considered the "Mecca of surfing" in Corée du Sud. It is the ideal place to learn surfing or simply relax in the sun with a cocktail at one of the many beach bars. As night falls, the festive atmosphere continues with DJs and lively evenings that have made Yangyang famous among Korean youth.

Getting around: rental car with pre-programmed GPS

Today, discover Danyang, an atypical destination that remains little known to tourists.

Located in the mountainous region of the north and surrounded by three national parks, Danyang is renowned for its many caves and temples that offer a true change of scenery.

The Sobaeksan National Park is particularly appreciated by hikers for its natural setting, its wildflowers and its royal azaleas. You will discover the Guinsa Temple, command center of the Buddhist sanctuaries of the Cheontae order, which supervises more than 140 places of worship throughout the country. A remarkable place, nestled in the heart of nature.

In Danyang there is also the Ondal Open Film Set, a vast filming location park where many Korean dramas have been filmed. The site includes several sets and facilities, including a film studio, a cave, a fortress, as well as folk games, restaurants and local product shops.

Transportation: rental car with pre-programmed GPS

Today, embark on a discovery of Andong, a genuine Korean cultural center and birthplace of still vibrant folkloric traditions.
You will visit the famous traditional village of Hahoe, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Renowned for its rustic accommodation with local families, it welcomes you in houses with wooden beams, for an authentic immersion in ancient customs.
Hahoe is also known for its mask performance, a traditional dance practiced for 800 years, blending shamanistic rituals and popular entertainment. Originally, this ritual aimed to please the local goddess and ward off evil spirits. A Hahoe Mask Museum is also dedicated to this ancestral art.

Andong was a pioneering city of Confucian thought during the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1897). You will be able to visit the Byeongsan Seowon Confucian School, recognized both for its history and for the beauty of its site and traditional architecture.
The city is also renowned for its gastronomy. Among its specialties, you will discover Andong soju, a rice spirit distilled three times, considered an intangible cultural property as it is prepared according to an ancestral recipe. Also taste Andong Gan Godeungeo (salted mackerel), Andong Jjimdak (braised chicken) and Heotjesatbap, a healthy and balanced dish similar to bibimbap, traditionally served during ceremonies for ancestors.

Transportation: rental car with pre-programmed GPS

A charming city in the southeast of the Korean peninsula, Gyeongju is scattered with small mountains and bordered by the Hyeonsan River.

Former capital of the Kingdom of Silla founded in 57 BC, it ranks among the oldest historic cities in the world and stands out for its cultural heritage, now inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Rich in remains and relics, the city is often considered a true gem of South Korea.
Upon your arrival, you will be settled in your hanok, a traditional Korean house.

The city center can be easily explored on foot or by bike. Start with the Tumuli Park, unique in the world with its impressive royal burial mounds and trees that provide shade and colors throughout the walk.

Nearby is Cheomseongdae, Asia's oldest Cheomseongdae Observatory. You will also discover the Gyeongju Hyanggyo Confucian School, which trained members of the Joseon dynasty according to Confucian principles. You will also see the Choi's Old House, the first house of the Choi clan, present in the region for 400 years and whose name is now borne by nearly 5% of Koreans.

End the day with a visit to the ancient fortress and Anapji Pond, particularly pleasant to explore at nightfall.

Transportation: Rental car with pre-programmed GPS

Today, discover Busan, the country's first truly international city, connected by sea to Asia, Europe and North America. Located near the strait between Korea and Japan, this port city holds a central place in tourism as well as in commercial exchanges.

Driven by the prosperity of its maritime activities, Busan ranks among the world's largest ports, classified as the third largest port in the world according to the American Association of Port Authorities. Renowned for its large fine sandy beaches, it attracts visitors with its dynamism and the welcoming nature of its population, recognizable by their melodious accent. Between mountains and the Sea of Japan, Busan reveals numerous assets that make it a memorable stop on a trip to Corée du Sud.
The Jagalchi Market, located on the waterfront, is the largest seafood market in the country. You will find fish and crustaceans, to be enjoyed raw or cooked, for a gourmet and sensory immersion.

Nearby, Busan Tower offers you a sweeping view of the illuminated coastline. BIFF Square street, former venue of the international film festival until 2011, invites you to spot the handprints left by local and international celebrities.

Finally, perched on the heights, the Gamcheon Cultural Village, a former refuge for those displaced during the Korean War, is today an artistic and colorful place, redeveloped thanks to a vast solidarity movement, designed to welcome curious visitors.

Transportation: Rental car with pre-programmed GPS
Recommended option: night yacht tour in Gwangalli Bay

Today, discover Seoul traditional.
Start with the Changdeokgung Palace and its secret garden, both listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. The second royal residence of the Joseon dynasty, the site was heavily damaged by fire during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century, before being carefully rebuilt. It subsequently became the seat of the dynasty for two hundred and fifty years.

This palace exerted a significant influence on Korean architecture, as well as on the art of designing gardens and landscapes. It testifies to sophisticated architectural values, in harmony with the surrounding nature.

A few metres away, continue your immersion at The Buckchon hanok village. This district is home to a hundred traditional houses, the "hanoks", now transformed into cultural centres, guesthouses, restaurants or tea houses, while preserving the spirit of the era.

Then continue towards the grand Jogyesa Temple, the main centre of the largest branch of Korean Buddhism in Seoul. You can admire its three golden buddhas, before finishing the day in the street Insa. This traditional neighbourhood, renowned for its art galleries and Korean artisanal shops, is ideal for finding your souvenirs.

Travel: return to Seoul by KTX, the Korean TGV
Recommended option: "Local friend" day custom-made with an English-speaking expatriate who will guide you through the city. You can also participate in a traditional tea ceremony.