Busan to Sokcho Drive: Coastal Views & Hidden Gems

The Donghae Expressway (Route 65) hugs Korea's eastern coast for 130 kilometers between Busan and Sokcho, a stretch that includes the 4.2-kilometer Geoga Bridge—the world's fifth-longest cable-stayed bridge when it opened in 2010. The route was formally completed in 2016, connecting the industrial port of Busan to the gateway of Seoraksan National Park.

Driving from Busan to Sokcho typically takes 4.5 hours without stops, covering 390 kilometers. The expressway's speed limit of 110 km/h makes it a viable day trip, but the coastal scenery and attractions along the way argue for a slower journey.

The route experiences occasional fog in autumn and heavy snow in winter, but the expressway's anti-icing systems and real-time speed limits help mitigate risks. Parking at rest areas is generally free, and many have indoor play areas for children, such as the Osaek Rest Area's soft-play zone.

For families, the intertidal flats at Guryeongpo and the Teddy Bear Museum in Sokcho are excellent stops. For those traveling with pets, the Haje Rest Area has a dedicated dog park, and many coastal cafés allow leashed pets on their outdoor patios. However, Seoraksan National Park prohibits pets on its trails.

Fatigue management is aided by the 20-minute rule: stop every 2 hours at the rest areas, which all have convenience stores and vending machines. A hidden off-route spot is the lighthouse at Yeongdeok, a 10-minute detour from exit 27, offering a quiet picnic spot and a small museum on local crab fishing.

Fuel costs on this route are about 190,000 won for a mid-sized sedan, with prices varying by 5% between coastal and inland stations. The expressway has 14 rest areas, including the Yangyang Rest Area, which features a solar-paneled roof and EV charging stations.

Road quality is excellent, with concrete pavement and well-maintained shoulders. Lanes are wide enough for large RVs, and rest areas are spaced every 15-20 kilometers, making fatigue management straightforward. Should you wonder 'is it worth driving Busan to Sokcho'—the answer is a resounding yes, especially if you value flexibility over the KTX's 2.5-hour train ride (which costs 65,000 won).

• Estimated driving time: 4.5 hours non-stop
• Total distance: 390 km
• Typical fuel cost: 190,000 won
• Number of rest areas: 14

Busan's Taejongdae cliffs give way to the fishing villages of Gijang, where the Jukseong Church—a filming location for the drama 'The K2'—sits atop a hill overlooking the sea. Further north, Pohang's Homigot Square features the Hand of Harmony sculpture at the easternmost point of the Korean Peninsula.

The drive enters the Taebaek Mountains near Samcheok, where the expressway's elevated sections offer panoramic views of the East Sea. This geological transition from coastal plain to alpine terrain is marked by a 300-meter elevation gain over 40 kilometers, with several tunnels providing a cool respite in summer.

Local commerce along the route is centered on seafood markets in Guryongpo and Gangneung's Anmok Beach coffee street, where you can sample abalone porridge or fresh squid. The region's agriculture supports cherry orchards in Pohang and cornfields in Yangyang, which are visible from the highway.