Hwado is a town in Namyangju, east of Seoul, in a landscape of forested mountains and river valleys where the Bukhan river flows down from the north towards its meeting with the Namhan river at Yangsu-ri. It is one of the gateways to the classic weekend rides out of Seoul, along the river towards Gapyeong and Chuncheon, and on Saturday and Sunday mornings you will see groups of motorcyclists gathering at cafés and service stations along the route.
Namyangju is the birthplace of Jeong Yak-yong, known as Dasan, one of the great scholars of the late Joseon period, a philosopher, engineer and reformer who designed the cranes used to build the Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon. His family home and tomb, by the river at Majae village, have been preserved, and a museum tells his story. He spent many years in exile in the south, where he wrote much of his work.
As a fuel stop and start, the Hwado area is practical, with service stations and convenience stores along the main roads. From here, the roads along the Bukhan river are scenic, with views over the water and the mountains, and the routes into the hills are winding and wooded. Cheonmasan, to the north, is a popular mountain for hiking.
Traffic can be very heavy on weekends, especially on the roads along the river and in the autumn foliage season. An early start is essential. Surfaces are generally good. Fuel is available along the way, but stations are fewer in the mountains, so fill up here.