National Route 17, Seomjingang Gokseong Section, Displays Spectacular Red Azalea Scenery

5 Ways to Enjoy Azaleas Including Steam Locomotives

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Kim Chunsu] The blue Seomjin River has turned red. To be precise, along the 212km stretch of the Seomjin River in Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do, it is not the Seomjin River itself but the Route 17 highway along the riverbank that has been dyed red.

Route 17, which runs from Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do to Yullim Village in Dolsan-eup, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, offers countless scenic views over its long 416km journey.

Among them, the Gokseong section along the Seomjin River in Jeollanam-do is quite familiar to travelers with a bit of wanderlust. Especially in late April, when the once-welcome spring starts to feel monotonous, the Seomjin River road in Gokseong heats up once again.

During this period, the Gokseong section of Route 17 features the low-flowing blue waves of the Seomjin River and fresh green foliage scattered like pointillist paintings on the small, dark blue mountains. Between them, 150,000 red azaleas bloom like a red carpet.

These azaleas are very common. However, the red waves of azaleas bending and winding gracefully along the Seomjin River shimmering in spring light and the mountains full of vitality awaken the mind that had sunk into everyday life.

The dense red color first hurts the eyes. It feels as if light suddenly pours into eyes that had been immersed in darkness. The red color is not just lightly painted on the surface of the petals but seems deeply soaked from within the petals themselves.

Before long, cars slow down and roll down their windows. Some even stop on the roadside, reluctant to leave. Like all flowers, azaleas do not bloom to be seen by anyone, but people become intoxicated by their beauty.

When the red azalea flower color reflects on the cheeks, it becomes a blush. And every gesture and glance of the people standing before it becomes a song and a poem.

Looking closely, the azaleas, which seemed only radiant, are quite innocent. The funnel-shaped corolla is light and lively, and the reddish-brown spots resemble the freckles of a mischievous boy.

Between the ten stamens, a single pistil peeks out gracefully, drawing an elegant yet strong curve as it extends. Azaleas are often called "chamkkot" (true flowers) because they are edible flowers.

On the other hand, azaleas are toxic and inedible, so they are also called "gaekkot" (wild flowers), a teasing expression that somehow feels endearing.

The approximately 3.6km stretch of Gokseong Seomjin River azaleas, where radiance and innocence coexist, can be enjoyed in five different ways. These are by following the various paths created by the Seomjin River and the valleys: walking, cycling, driving, steam train, and rail bike.

When walking and admiring the azaleas, you can feel not only the near and far views of the azalea path but also the small tremble of a single petal swaying in the wind. Riding along the bike path at the speed of the river water, the scenery gradually becomes part of you, and you become part of the scenery. Driving along the smooth Route 17 is also a good choice.

If you want a more unique memory, it is recommended to ride the steam train or rail bike. The steam train, which runs a 10km round trip from Seomjin River Train Village to Gajeong Station, passes by the azaleas so closely it almost touches them.

During the steam train’s resting time, the rail bike operates from Chimgok Station to Gajeong Station. Pedaling together on the rail bike, the sweat that slightly emerges is refreshingly washed away by the river breeze, and laughter lingers on the collars.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.