Promenading along
Scenic Coastal Roads 
 
KTO releases its four picks for April outings

    
Under the theme "Promenades along Beautiful Coasts,"the Domestic Tourism Promotion Team of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) has released its picks for recommended trips during April: The circular road on Huksando Island in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do; Biyang Island at Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeju; a coastal road in Seonwon-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon Metropolitan City; and the Gangchuk Coastal Road in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do.

TAKE A BREAK ON

A DREAM-LIKE ROAD

You will encounter numerous breathtaking views on your way to Huksando Island. One such fantastic vista is a fancy island village filled with the scent of fishermen who lead a leisurely and free lifestyle. You will be surprised twice upon your arrival at Yeori Port on Huksan Island after a 93-km ferry ride from Mokpo Port. First, you will be amazed at the size of the island and again at the hustle and bustle of the port.
You can travel either overland or in the coastal waters. Travelers who journey overland will undertake a fascinating trip along the circular coastal road -- walking is the best option. You can view picturesque inlets while promenading along the road. Arriving at the entrance of the Samllabong Obsevatory after passing by Mari, you will come across the monument to the popular song "Huksando Lady."From Samllabong, you get a commanding view of Huksando Island, including Yaeri Port in front of you, as well as a panoramic view of Daejang and Sojang islands with the Dadohae National Park in the background in the opposite direction. You can enjoy the scent of spring while making a 24 km-long journey to 11 island villages and return home with memories of scenic island views in your heart. For more information call the Autonomy and Tourism Department of the Shinan County Office at 061-240-8355 or the Information Desk at 081-240-8531.

SMELL SCENT OF SPRING

Biyangdo Island at Hyeopjaeri, Hallim-eup, Jeju City, created 1,000 years ago, is the most suitable place to promenade without the interruption of cars
    
It is worth walking along the 3.5 km-long circular coastal road, which was completed in 2001. While negotiating the road along the northern coastal area, you will find such rare and intriguing cliffs and rocks as the Elephant's Rock. You can use a promenade road to take a look at the fauna and flora of the salty wetland Peollang Pond. At the end of the road is the Halmangdang Altar for praying for the safety and bountiful fish catch of Biyang Island residents.
The coastal road in Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo City that leads to such popular tourist attractions as Sanbangsan, Yongmeori (Dragon's Head) Coast, Hyeongjae (Brothers) Island and Mt. Songak is one of the most breathtaking coastal roads on Jeju Island.
For more information call the Jeju Special Governing Province Tourism Association at 064-742-8861~4, Hyangdo Ferry in Hallim at 064-796-7522 or the Biyang Island ri (smallest local administrative unit) office at 064-796-2730.

A HALF-DAY PROMENADE

FOR PEACE OF MIND

In order to enjoy a warm and sunny April, there is no better place to stroll along a coastal road than between the Gangwha and Ganghwachoji bridges. Even though the section of the coastal road is a 15-minute car ride, it will take about two to three hours to promenade while appreciating the scenic attractions. After the walk, eating large-eyed herring sushi, which offers an intriguing taste to the palate of gourmets, will be fantastic. You can bask in the peace of mind you will find while looking around the Jeondeungsa Temple that contains 1,500 years of Buddhist history. Hiking Mt. Mani's peak, 468 meters above sea level and one of the nation's mountain climber's beloved mountains, is another exhilarating option. For more information call the Culture and Tourism Department at the Ganghwa County Office at 032-930-3624~5, the Ganwha History Museum at 032-933-2178 or t
he Mt. Mani Management Office at 032-937-1624.

STROLL REFRESHED

AND REINVIGORATED

Imagine strolling along the coast on a warm and sunny spring day. It will be heartthrobbing to promenade along the Gangchuk Coastal Road, considered to be one of the nation's best car driving courses. If you feel fatigued after a long journey, it will be refreshing to stop along a coastal area and see the waves topped with white sea foam and feel the coolness of the sea. After the respite, you can keep on walking, refreshed and reinvigorated. You can repeat such a thing along the road leading from Ganggu Port to Daejin Beach via the Chuksan Port. For more information call the Culture and Tourism Department at the Yeongdeok County Office at 054-730-6396, the Samsa Maritime Park at 054-733-0300, the Yeongdeok Fishing Village Folklore Exhibition at 054-730-6790, the Yeongdeuk Wind Power Complex at 054-734-5870 or the Gen. Shin Dol-seok Memorial Site at 054-734-6397. nw

Picturesque cliffs and rocks of the Dadohae National Park in Sinan, Jeollanam-do.

(clockwise) A view of the Honghapchi Coast in Sinan, Jeollanam-do,; Hikers enjoy a walk on a mountainous road leading to Mt. Mani on Gangwha Island,; and a serpentine road leading to Samllabong Peak in Sinan.

(clockwise) An abalone farming center in Sinan,; a sunset view on Gangwha Island,; and a view of a boat full of herring, used for "gwamaegi"sushi in Yeongdeok.

(clockwise) A cuisine from Jeju Island - seafood soup with a tile fish,; a fermented skate dish from Sinan,; a king crab dish from Yeongdeok,; and Huksan port, bustling with ferries and fishing boats.

Courtesy on KTO