Driving Courses for Stress Relief in Gyeonggi-do

Are you in the urge of get away from your hectic life? Here's some spots in Gyeonggi-do for a quick breather.

1. Cheongpyeong Lake Road in Gapyeong County

▶Address: San 139-4 Goseong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do to San 88-9 Samhoe-ri, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Cheongpyeong Lake Road is famous for autumn foliage. There are also many hands-on activities, including rail bikes and water sports, and nearby attractions such as Jarasum Island, Nami Island, and the Morning Calm Arboretum. In particular, the road to Samhoe-ri beyond Cheongpyeong Daegyo Bridge is known for cherry blossoms and autumn foliage.

Cheongpyeong Lake Road in Gapyeong County
ⓒGyeonggi Province

2. Pocheon National Arboretum Road

▶Address: 509 Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Sohol-eup, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

The Pocheon National Arboretum abounds with well-preserved giant trees that are up to 500 years old. The arboretum is popular because visitors can enjoy different views throughout all four seasons. The number of people entering per day, however, is limited to preserve the natural environment. Therefore, advance reservations are necessary. Nearby, there are attractions such as Gomori Cafe Village and Pocheon Art Valley.

Pocheon National Arboretum Road
ⓒGyeonggi Province

3. Paju Jayu-ro

▶Address: 369 Pilseung-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do

If one likes to take the highway without traffic jams, then the beautiful sunset scenery of the Imjin River on Paju Jayu-ro should not be missed. Known for its night driving course, there are attractions nearby such as Imjingak, Hwaseogjeong, and Heyri. In addition, there are restaurants such as the Simhaksan Acorn Noodle Restaurant and Paju Dakguksu nearby, so it is highly recommended.

4. Yongin Idong Reservoir

▶Address: Eobi-ri, Idong-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do.

The Yongin Idong Reservoir is the largest of its kind for agricultural irrigation in Gyeonggi-do. It is also referred to as a place where fish gain weight, and therefore it is a popular spot for anglers.

It is located on the way from Yongin IC of the Yeongdong Expressway to Anseong along National Road No. 45, and is also close to cities like Yongin, Suwon, and Pyeongtaek. There are several places to visit along the reservoir, including Dongdosa Temple.

Yongin Idong Reservoir
ⓒGyeonggi Province

Dongdosa Temple is the only temple in Gyeonggi-do that features stone lanterns, stone pagodas, and seated stone Buddha statues. The stone pagodas and seated stone Buddha statues here have been designated as cultural properties. Although it is a newly established temple, it conveys a thousand-year-old temple spirit through relics from the Unified Silla period.

Concurrently, the observation deck of Bangmok Village is also recommended. It is a 1-minute drive from Dongdosa Temple and can also be reached by bus. The Bangmokjeong Pavilion is an observatory where one can see the ‘Eobi Sunset,’ one of the eight scenic views of Yongin. This is particularly noteworthy because it is a place that simultaneously offers a view of the setting sun and rising moon.

Finally, the Namsa Flower Complex is just a 5-minute drive away from Bangmokjeong Pavilion. This place, which features more than 10,000 flowers and plants from all over the country, is like a small botanical garden but boasts one of the largest such collections in the country. One can see flowers throughout all four seasons.

As such, the Yongin Idong Reservoir offers a variety of attractions and activities around, and it is a must-visit place before autumn ends.