Themed Tour | Recommended Tour

A romantic drive in Gijang with the fluttering heart of spring

Written and Photographed by Travel Writer Jung Ho-yoon

Ratings 5.0
Views 4,577

Now that spring is in full swing, one merely needs to open a window to feel the fresh breeze and the scent of the flowers. It is now the time to enjoy the joy of spring with one's entire body, and what else to do but to take a romantic drive through Gijang, a place where the green nature and the blue sea stand out dazzlingly like watercolor paintings.

Recommended itinerary

Cheolma Baegyang Farm
Imnang Beach
Sinpyeong Small Park
Jukseong Catholic Church (Filming Set of TV Drama Dream)

Cheolma Baegyang Farm

The first stop in our drive through Gijang in spring is Baegyang Farm, a place to feel the verdant energy of Gijang's nature. Its location near the peak of Baegunsan Mountain, 522m above sea level, affords the farm access to clear mountain air.

Baegyang Farm itself is made up of a wide grass field and carefully sculpted trees. The entrance fee is only KRW 3,000, a steal considering the relaxing walks one could take or the fact that one can pitch a tent and have a camping-like experience throughout the day.

The grass field still retains signs of the previous winter, but as summer approaches it takes on its characteristic bright green hue. It is a perfect place for a picnic, so make sure to pack a mat or even a tent. If you get lucky, you can even pitch your spot in the shade of a tree and enjoy the blue sky without being blinded by the sun. Cooking is not allowed in the premises, so make sure to prepare food in advance.

The scent of the spring permeates throughout the Baegyang Farm. Flowers begin to bloom between the austere bamboo trees. Explore the place and find your very own heralds of spring. Baegyang Farm is highly recommended for those who want a day camping or picnic.

Imnang Beach

One can reach Imnang Beach from Baegyang Farm in about 25 minutes by car. This dainty beach offers its visitors a more intimate access to the East Sea.

Drivers have a front-row seat to the view of the sea as they drive along the golden sand beach. There's a public parking lot near the beach, so one can even park the car and take a walk on the sand beach.

Waveon Coffee, located only 3 minutes by car from the beach, is a cafe that enjoys nationwide fame. Its architectural beauty and the remarkable view of the sea offers a perfect backdrop for your cup of coffee.

Sinpyeong Small Park

Continue your drive southward along the coastal road to find Sinpyeong Small Park, a great place to take a breather from the drive. Despite its small size, it is a great place to capture the beauty of Gijang sea.

As one of the sites that mark the Haeparang and Galmaetgil Trails, Sinpyeong Small Park is home to a quirky observatory: a dynamic picture of a ship that is poised to set sail against the rough currents.

Follow the wooden decked road to the area below the observatory for a quick walk by the sea. The beach below is made up of small pebbles and unique rock formations.

Jukseong Catholic Church (Filming Set of TV Drama Dream)

This Catholic church, whose exotic appearance contrasts strikingly with the emerald sea, is the former filming set for the TV show Dream. In the 13 years since the end of the show, the church has established itself as a popular tourist destination of its own right.

But Jukseong Catholic Church is not the only thing worthy of visit here: don't miss the rugged rock formations that surround the church building, and the well-maintained and trimmed walking trail in contrast. Above all, don't miss the view of Jukseong Catholic Church's red roof!