Gunsan Saemangeum Seawall 33km coastal drive

Overview

Gunsan Saemangeum Seawall is a massive seawall with a total length of 33 km connecting Gunsan and Buan, and it is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s longest seawall. As a core infrastructure of the Saemangeum reclamation project, it carries the symbolism of creating new land across the Gimje and Mangyeong Plain area. Located on the west coast of Jeollabuk-do, it is known for its distinctive coastal scenery created by the wide-open sea and artificial structures. It is especially meaningful for foreign travelers interested in nature and modern infrastructure, as it offers an understanding of both large-scale land development and coastal engineering in Korea.

Highlights

• World’s longest 33 km seawall
• Guinness World Records-listed attraction
• Drive with views of the sea on both sides
• Endless coastal scenery

Best Time to Visit

Gunsan Saemangeum Seawall is best visited in spring (April to May) and autumn (September to October). During these seasons, the wind is relatively pleasant, making long rides or drives less tiring.

The most recommended time is from late afternoon to just before sunset. Compared with midday, the sunlight and heat are milder, and traveling along the sea feels more comfortable. Summer daytime can be hot and sunny, while in winter the wind can feel very cold.

Weekdays are the most convenient days to visit. On weekends and public holidays, there may be more driving traffic and the area can be somewhat crowded, but weekdays are generally quieter.

In short, a weekday late afternoon in spring or autumn is the most comfortable and least crowded time, making it the recommended visit time for foreign travelers.

How Long to Stay

If you are only enjoying the view and visiting the rest stop, 30 minutes to 1 hour is enough. If you include a drive or a short cycling experience on part of the route, plan for 1 to 2 hours. If you also visit nearby attractions such as Gunsan city center, Yamido, or Byeonsanbando Peninsula, it is best to set aside about half a day.

How to Get There

Saemangeum Seawall is not a place directly connected from Gunsan city center. Usually, you take a bus from Gunsan Station or the intercity bus terminal toward Bieung Port or Haenumi Rest Area.

Subway

There is no subway in Gunsan. Foreign travelers usually arrive at Gunsan Station by KTX/train and then transfer to a bus.

Bus

Take a city bus in front of Gunsan Station or the Gunsan Intercity Bus Terminal/Express Bus Terminal.

• Option 1: Take bus No. 7 or 85 to Bieung Port
• Option 2: Transfer at Bieung Port to bus No. 99 and head toward Saemangeum Seawall
• Direct local option: Take bus No. 99 from the main gate of Gunsan National University and get off at Haenumi Rest Area

There is information that bus No. 99 operates once an hour from 05:41 to 20:41 from the main gate of Gunsan National University. The timetable may change, so please check again on site.

On foot

After getting off at Haenumi Rest Area or a stop near the seawall, you can walk to the seawall viewing section. However, the section is long and there is little shade, so it is a good idea to prepare comfortable shoes and water.

Tip for foreign visitors: Bus frequency may be limited, so check the round-trip time and the last bus time in advance.

Photo Spots

• Dolphin Rest Area postcard-style photo zone: Located near 1559 Saemangeum-ro, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, in the rest area space in the middle of the Saemangeum Seawall. It can also be accessed from the Bieung Port area in Gunsan (No. 4 seawall). Stand facing the West Sea and place the subject within the postcard-shaped frame for a great shot. It is most beautiful around sunset, and during the day the sea color comes out vividly.
• Coastal area around the middle rest stop on the seawall: This is a section where both the sea and the road are visible near the rest stop around the middle of the seawall. If you place the camera toward the sea or along the length of the seawall, it is good for capturing the open straight-line scenery. From late morning to afternoon, the photos are bright and clear, while around sunset is ideal for warm-toned photos.
• Bieung Port entry section (toward No. 4 seawall): A good spot to capture the atmosphere of the starting point when entering from the Gunsan side. If you shoot looking inward along the seawall, the long stretch of Saemangeum Seawall is clearly visible. Shooting on a clear day gives the cleanest view.

Night View

At the Saemangeum Seawall area in Gunsan, it is nice to enjoy a night drive and a walk together. In particular, the pedestrian suspension bridge is about 370 m long and 3 m wide, with dense lighting installed, making it one of the most impressive spots at night.

After sunset, when the bridge and surrounding lights come on, the atmosphere becomes even more romantic and calm, making it well suited for couples, families, and travelers who want to take photos. Since sea breezes may blow, it is a good idea to bring a light outer layer.

The recommended time is from just after sunset until around 9 p.m. During this time, the sky and the lights blend together most beautifully, and it is also comfortable for walking.

From August 8 to 30, the ‘Gunsan National Heritage Media Art’ event is held around the former Gunsan Customs Main Building and the Inner Harbor area, where you can enjoy nighttime exhibitions, hands-on programs, and scenic lighting together. If the schedule works, consider visiting the seawall night view together with the downtown night event.

Seasonal Guide

Saemangeum Seawall has a different atmosphere in each season, making it a great place for drives and sea views. You can enter from the Bieung Port side of Gunsan or the Byeonsan-myeon side of Buan, so it is convenient to choose according to your travel route.

Spring

In spring, it is nice to visit together with cherry blossom spots in Gunsan city. The seawall itself is centered on sea and island scenery, but if you connect it with nearby parks, it becomes a good cherry blossom season travel course. When the weather is clear, it is great for taking photos with the Gogunsan Islands as a backdrop.

Summer

In summer, the cool sea scenery is the biggest attraction. It is good for enjoying the Gogunsan Islands and wide beach scenery while driving, and the green landscapes feel vivid and refreshing. Since the sunlight is strong, it is best to prepare a hat, sunglasses, and water.

Autumn

In autumn, the cool breeze and clear visibility make driving especially enjoyable. Nearby inland parks also offer autumn foliage, making it a nice trip to combine with sightseeing in Gunsan city. It is also a good season to enjoy the scenery at a relatively relaxed pace compared with the crowded peak season.

Winter

In winter, the calm sea scenery and crisp air are impressive. On a clear day, the open view becomes even sharper, and you can feel a different atmosphere when you combine it with winter lights or night scenery in the surrounding area. The wind can be very strong, so prepare a thick coat.

Practical Tip

The most popular activities are driving and enjoying the view. If you visit at sunrise or sunset, the scenery is especially beautiful and great for photography. Regardless of the season, the wind tends to be strong, so bringing a light outer layer is helpful.

Local Tips

Saemangeum Seawall connects Gunsan-si in Jeollabuk-do, the Gogunsan Islands, and Buan-gun, making it a driving spot where you can enjoy endless roads and sea views together.

If you are traveling by car, the address notation near the seawall-facing stone embankment may differ. Based on the original source, the seawall-facing stone embankment address is Byeongdo-dong 123, and there is an example where parking was guided to Byeongdo-dong 129 near Haenumi Shelter. Please keep this in mind when using navigation.

This place is known as the world’s longest seawall and is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records, so it is easy to remember as an iconic spot during your drive.