South Korea has well-established road networks that are also the backbone of its trade and commerce industry. It comprises multiple national expressways and highways. On average, all the roads and highways are around  110,714 km long, and the majority are asphalted, offering high levels of safety and control. They play a vital role in promoting tourism and helping tourists explore its enriched cultural and historical heritage. 

The advanced infrastructure of this country also covers the road system, where maximum transportation within a country depends. In this article, all the longest highways that connect major cities and regions of South Korea are discussed in detail:

List of Top 10 Longest Highways in South Korea

Here is the list of the top 10 longest highways in South Korea that are behind its high interconnectivity:

• National Route 77
• National Route 31
• National Route 5
• National Route 3
• National Route 1
• National Route 19
• National Route 59
• National Route 7
• National Route 2
• National Route 35

1. National Route 77

This is the longest highway in South Korea, with a total length of around 1239.4 km. It starts in Jung-gu, Busan, and ends in Paju, Gyeonggi Province. It was developed and completed on 25 August 2001 and plays a significant role in fast transportation between provinces. It is located on the West and South Coasts and is in an L shape while crossing various provinces of South Korea. Nangdo Tunnel and the Boryeong Undersea Tunnel are part of this route. They are located between Yeosu and Goheung and Anmyeondo and Boryeong, respectively. Along with tunnels, bridges like Baekya and Machang Bridge offer easy and quick routes to various destinations. This highway crosses through multiple islands and connects them with bridges. 

According to the Korea Road Traffic Association’s contest, it was selected as one of the “100 Beautiful Roads in Korea.” Some of the major cities that are interconnected with this highway are Changwon, Sacheon, Namhae, Yeosu, Mokpo, Muan, Seocheon, Asan, Pyeongtaek, Hwaseong, Incheon, Bucheon, Seoul, etc.  

Also Read: Famous Food in South Korea

2. National Route 31

This is another one of the longest highways, with a length of 627.6 km, connecting major cities, particularly in Gangwon Province. It was initiated at Gijang in Busan and terminated at Yanggu, Gangwon Province. Most of its junctions are in mountainous areas, and it is in the 2nd position in terms of longest highways.  This highway is mostly used for transportation to the urban areas of the East Coast’s southern areas and was completed on 31 August 1971. Some parts of the highways are quite dangerous in terms of sharp turns and require slow speed and care while driving.  

It also overlaps with highways like the National Route 35 at Chunyang -myeon, Bonghwa-gun. It is most utilized while travelling between regions of the North Gyeongsang Province and Gangwon Province. Some of the major cities that are interconnected with this highway are Ulsan, Gyeongju, Cheongsong, Yeongyang, Bonghwa, Yeongwol, Pyeongchang, etc. 

3. National Route 5

This highway stands at the 3rd position in terms of longest length of around 576.5 km. It started at Geoje, which is located in South Gyeongsang Province and ended at Cheorwon, Gangwon Province. It was constructed and completed on 31 August 1971, and its major stopovers are located in South Gyeongsang Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Gangwon Province, etc. 

Some of the transit points of this route are Changwon-si, Haman-gun (Chilwon), Daegu Metropolitan City (downtown), Daegu Metropolitan City ( Gunwi-gun ), Andong-si, Yeongju-si, etc. Some of the famous bridges that connect this highway with the majority of regions are Machang Bridge, New Geoje Bridge, Machang Bridge, etc. Some major cities interconnected with this highway are Changwon, Changnyeong, Chilgok, Uiseong, Danyang, Wonju, Hoengseong, Chuncheon, etc. 

4. National Route 3

National Route 3 is approximately 540.9 km long and is the fourth longest highway in South Korea. It originates in Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, and ends in Cheorwon, Gangwon Province.

Its main stopovers are in provinces such as South Gyeongsang Province, North Chungcheong Province, Gyeonggi Province, and Gangwon Province. Its Hamyang-Geochang section and Jinju-Hamyang Section are constructed with four lanes round trip. This highway also overlaps with others like National Route 24 and National Route 26. 

Likewise, its Gimcheon-Sangju section includes steep areas that require careful driving between Gimcheon and Sangju. Some major cities interconnected with this highway are Jinju, Hamyang, Geochang, Sangju, Mungyeong, Chungju, Yeoju, Icheon, Seongnam, Seoul, Yangju, etc. 

5. National Route 1

National Route 1 is one of the ancient routes used for transport during the Joseon Dynasty and was constructed during King Jeongjo’s time. It originates from Mokpo, South Jeolla Province, and ends at Paju, Gyeonggi Province, covering around 509.9 km. Some of the North Korean provinces that are interlinked with this highway are North Hwanghae Province, South Pyongan Province, and North Pyongan Province. 

It is one of those highways in South Korea that was constructed with more than four lanes in both directions. Mooyeong Bridge, Aphaedaegyo Bridge, Hagnare Bridge, Seongsandaegyo Bridge, etc, are some of the famous bridges on this highway. Major cities that you can move through this highway are Muan, Naju, Gwangju, Jeongeup,  Jeonju, Wanju, Nonsan, Gyeryong, Daejeon, Sejong City, Cheonan, Hwaseong, Suwon, Seoul, etc. 

Also Read: Most Populated Cities in South Korea

6. National Route 19

National Route 19, which covers a length of around 496.4 km, originates from Namhae, South Gyeongsang Province, and ends in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province. Its main stopovers are located in provinces like South Gyeongsang Province, South Jeolla Province, North Jeolla Province, Gangwon Province, etc. Some of the famous bridges on this highway are the Noryang Bridge, Noryangdaegyo Bridge, Mungwanggyo Bridge, etc. 

Along the Seomjingang River, its Hadong—Namwon section is two-laned and offers mesmerizing natural scenes and a pleasant atmosphere while travelling. Also, its Namwon—Muju section offers attractive views of the Sobaek Mountains and requires careful driving. It is the only national route that passes through the self-governing Gangwon-do and Jeollabuk provinces.  Some major cities interconnected with this highway are Hadong, Namwon, Jangsu, Yeongdong, Boeun, Cheongju, Chungju, Wonju, etc.

7. National Route 59

National Route 59 is 494.2 km long and starts in Gwangyang, South Jeolla Province, and ends in Yangyang, Gangwon Province. The construction of this highway was completed on 1 July 1996. Its sections are Gwangyang-si- Sancheong-gun section, Sancheong-gun-Seongju-gun section, Seongju-gun-Danyang-gun section, etc. It is one of those old roads that were designated as the national highway in 2001.

Most of the areas of this highway still need improvements and are in old and dangerous conditions. They involve unsmooth paths and sharp curves and require careful diving. In order to cover all the sections of this highway, you have to drive around 10 to 11 hours. However, it is still a source of attraction from a tourism perspective and offers the most refreshing natural beauty. Some of the major cities that are interconnected with this highway are Sancheong, Hapcheon, Gimcheon, Sangju, Yecheon, Mungyeong, Danyang, Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Pyeongchang, etc.

8. National Route 7

National Route 7 is the 8th longest road in the world, at around 484.3 km. It starts in Jung-gu, Busan, and ends in Goseong, Gangwon Province. It is connected to the South and North Korean provinces. Some of South Korea’s provinces that are connected by this highway are South Gyeongsang Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Gangwon Province, etc. In Pohang-Goseong, it is known as Donghae-daero.

All the Samcheok-Pohang sections were opened to traffic on 31 November 1979, and on 29 December 2010, every section on this highway was widened from 2 lanes to 4 lanes. Some major cities interconnected with this highway are Ulsan, Gyeongju, Pohang, Yeongdeok, Samcheok, Donghae, Gangneung, Sokcho, etc. 

Also Read: Safest Cities in South Korea

9. National Route 2

National Route 2 initiates at Sinan, South Jeolla Province, and ends in Jung-gu, Busan. Its major junctions include Mokpo, Muan, Yeongam, Jangheung, Boseong, Gwangyang, Jinju, Changwon, etc. With a length of around 477.4 km, it ranks 9th on the list of longest highways in South Korea.  In the past, its starting point was a monument located in Mokpo. However, after its expansion, its starting point became Jangsan-do. 

Most of its stopovers are located in the South Jeolla Province and South Gyeongsang Province. Originally, it was constructed on 31 August 1971 to interlink Mokpo with Busan. However, Sinan to Mokpo Road became open to the public in 2004. This highway runs parallel to the Namhae Expressway, and most of its sections are paved with 4 lanes.

10. National Route 35

National Route 35 is around 458.6 km in length and starts at Buk-gu, Busan. It ends at the Gangneung, which is located in the Gangwon Province. It was constructed and completed on 14 March 1981, and the Aphae Bridge, Cheonsa Bridge, Chupo Bridge, etc, are some of the notable bridges on this highway. Its main stopovers are located in South Gyeongsang Province, North Gyeongsang Province, Gangwon Province, etc.  Some of the major locations that are part of this route are Yangsan, Ulsan, Yeongcheon, Andong, Bonghwa, Taebaek, Jeongseon, etc.

Sr. No.	Road Network	Total Length(km)
1	National Route 77	1239.4 km
2	National Route 31	627.6 km
3	National Route 5	576.5 km
4	National Route 3	540.9 km
5	National Route 1	509.9 km
6	National Route 19	496.4 km
7	National Route 59	494.2 km
8	National Route 7	484.3 km
9	National Route 2	477.4 km
10	National Route 35	458.6 km

Bottom Line

South Korea’s highway system is one of the pillars of its high connectivity and contributes to convenient and fast transportation. Highways are promoting the trade industry with cost-effective transportation and result in better economic growth. Moreover, road networks are contributing to the overall lifestyle with access to all the healthcare and educational facilities. In this article, all the significant highways that connect various regions and provinces are highlighted. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which South Korean City Has the Most Beautiful Roads?

Jeju is famous for its coastal roads that offer scenic beauty and mesmerizing landscapes during travel. Here, the road network is peaceful as compared to other cities like Seoul and Busan. 

How Many Asphalted Roads Are These in South Korea?

84 percent of the road networks in South Korea comprise asphalted roads, which are better in terms of traction and heat absorption. These roads are around 92,795 km in total. 

Is the South Korean Road Network Safe to Drive?

Yes, South Korea is one of the safest countries in the world, with the lowest road accident ratio. From 2014 to 2019, 4,957 road deaths were reported annually, which is lower than in countries like China, India, etc. 

Does South Korea Follow a Right-Hand or Left-Hand Traffic System?

South Korea follows the right-hand traffic system, where people usually drive on the right side of the road, and use the left side for overtaking.