Coastal Gangneung Bau-gil Gangneung Bau-gil Course 5: Ocean Lake Trail

A picturesque trekking course that brings the hiker and nature in harmony with one another, Bau-gil Trail takes its name from the word “bau” meaning rock in the local Gangwon-do dialect. The trail is presently comprised of 19 total sections: 16 sections of the Gangneung Bau-gil, 2 sections of the Daegwallyeong Bau-gil, and the Ultra Bau-gil. Walking around the trail, trekkers can become immersed in the mountains and the ocean of Gangwon-do.

Among all the courses of the Bau-gil Trail that feature a distinctive theme, Gangneung Bau-gil Course 5 is one of the most popular. Also known as “Bada Hosu-gil,” meaning Ocean Lake Trail, the course offers trekkers a chance to enjoy views of the ocean, Gyeongpoho Lake, and lovely pine forests. The 16-kilometer trail that leads from Sacheon Beach Park to Namhangjin Beach takes about 6 hours on foot, but you will find this relatively flat course with its dazzling views of the East Sea and pine forests hardly tedious or tiring.

Located halfway along the course is Gyeongpoho Lake, which is replete with historical attractions like the Gyeongpodae Pavilion and the Seongyojang House, a former upper class residence from the Joseon Dynasty. A well-known café by the name of “Forest by Terarosa Coffee” situated along the forest path and Anmok Beach lined with coffee shops add to the charm of this trekking course by offering pleasant places to take a break from the long trek.

More Info ☞ Bau-gil Course 5 Sacheon Beach Park → Gyeongpo Artificial Waterfall → Gyeongpodae Pavilion → Heonan Seolheon Memorial Hall → Gangmun Beach → Songjeong Beach Rest Area → Gangneunghang Port → Solbaram (Pine Breeze) Bridge→ Namjinhang Beach ☞ Getting There Dong Seoul Bus Terminal → Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal / Gangneung Express Bus Terminal (travel time: approx. 2 hours and 30 minutes) → From Gangneung Intercity Bus Terminal, take Bus 303 or 304 and get off at the Gangil Girls’ High School Bus Stop → Take Bus 313 from the same stop and get off at the Sacheonjin-ri Bus Stop (*Since the bus does not run that often, you can also take a taxi from the Intercity Bus Terminal, which will cost you about 11,000-15,000 won.) ☞ Bau-gil Website: http://www.baugil.org (Korean) ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

A Specialty of Gangneung: Chodang Sundubu

Located near Gyeongpoho Lake, Chodang Sundubu Village is a cluster of restaurants serving the regional specialty sundubu (soft tofu). The tofu is made with clean sea water and local ingredients from Gangwon-do. The tofu made in these tasty dishes makes for a hearty meal after a long day of trekking as its soft texture and savory flavor help relieve your tiredness. Some other dishes include dubujeon (tofu pancake), which usually costs around 8,000 won per serving, and spicy sundubu (soft tofu stew), which costs around 7,000 won.

Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 1: Simdo History & Culture Trail

Comprised of 15 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail passes a variety of historical and cultural sites. In particular is Course 1, which is also known as the “Simdo History and Culture Trail,” Simdo being the old name of Ganghwado Island. Historic sites can be found throughout Course 1 of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail.

An 18-kilometer trail that begins at Ganghwa Bus Terminal, Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 1 allows trekkers to explore major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town of Ganghwa-eup. It takes around 6 hours to complete the course on foot. If 6 hours of trekking a day is rather daunting, you can walk up to Yeonmijeong Pavilion (about 4 hours) on the first day, and follow the coastal trail stretching from the pavilion to Okgae Embankment to finally arrive at Gapgotdondae Fortification (about 2 hours) the next day.

The narrow mountain paths connecting Eunsumul Mineral Spring and Yeonmijeong Pavilion provide a scenic trekking experience. From Yeonmijeong Pavilion, Okgae Embankment, and Gapgotdondae Fortification, you can even catch glimpses of North Korea and the sea across the border marked by barbed-wire fences. The Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the mountain, the sea, and the historic sites of the Ganghwa region.

More info ☞ Course 1 (Length: 18 km, Time: 6 hours) Ganghwa Bus Terminal → Yongheunggung Palace → Goryeogung Palace Site → Bukgwanjemyo Shrine → Ganghwahyanggyo Confucian School → Eunsumul Mineral Spring → Bukmun Gate → Bukjangdae Commanding Post → Oeup Mineral Spring → Yeonmijeong Pavilion → Okgae Embankment → Gapgotseong Fortress Site → Gapgotdondae Fortification ☞ Getting There Seoul Sinchon Station (Subway Line 2), Exit 4 → Walk 200m (3 minutes) to reach the bus stop located before the CGV, and from the bus stop, take Bus 3000 bound for Ganghwa Bus Terminal and get off at the last stop (fare: 2,600 won for adults). ☞ Location of Amenities along Course 1 (toilet, drinking fountain, etc.): Yongheunggung Palace Park, Goryeogung Palace Site, Oeup Mineral Spring, Yeonmijeong Pavilion, Gapgotdondae Fortification ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) ☞ Related Column Daytripping from Seoul, Ganghwado Island

Recommended Food: Jangeo-gui (Broiled Eel)

Deorimi Jangeo Street can be reached by a 15-minute taxi ride or 35-minute bus ride from Ganghwa Bus Terminal. A famous regional specialty of Ganghwado Island, these eels grow in the foreshore areas and are as tasty as they are healthy. In general, there are two ways of cooking jangeo-gui (broiled eel). One is to season the eel only with salt before placing it on the grill and the other is to season the eel with sauce made of various spices and then grilling it. Broiled eels taste even better when eaten with thin slices of ginger.

☞ Location: Deorimi Jangeo Village (323-2, Sinjeong-ri, Seonwon-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon) ☞ Getting There: From Ganghwa Bus Terminal, take Bus 12 and get off at Deorimi Gyeongnodang (senior citizen center) Bus Stop, or take Bus 53 or 2 and get off at Deorimi Jangeo Street Bus Stop ☞ Prices: freshwater eel (1kg) - around 80,000 won, mud flat eel (1kg) - around 100,000 won (served for two or more people) ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Eco Tour Yeongnam Alps Yeongnam Alps: Haneul Eoksae-gil’s Reed Wind Trail

Stretching over an area around 255 square kilometers, the Yeongnam Alps* (see below) draw a great number of hikers every fall for its mesmerizing silver grass fields covering the mountain ridges. Yeongnam Alps is crossed by the Haneul Eoksae-gil (Sky Silver Grass Trail) and Dulle-gil trails.

Haneul Eoksae-gil Trail’s Eoksae Baram-gil (Reed Wind Trail) is one of the most popular trekking courses of the Yeongnam Alps. The trail starts at Ganwoljae Pass, continues through Sinbulsan Mountain and ends at Yeongchuksan Mountain. Stretching along the main ridge of the Yeongnam Alps, the trail takes hikers through vast plains of silver grass reeds and to a few peaks over 1,000 meters tall.

In particular, Ganwoljae is carpeted with more than 82 acres of silver grass that transform into a festival ground in the fall when the silver grass is in full bloom. During this time of the year, a variety of events such as outdoor concerts and a paragliding contest are held at Ganwoljae Pass, attracting a great number of visitors from across the nation. From late fall to early winter, the 490 acres of Sinbulpyeongwon also offer splendid scenes of silver grass dancing in the wind. On your way down from Yeongchuksan Mountain, you can drop by Tongdosa Temple for a glimpse into Korea’s Buddhist culture. If time allows, be sure to try a Tongdosa Temple Stay for a unique opportunity to experience the Korean Buddhist temple life.

* Yeonganm Alps: A cluster of seven mountains that stand more than 1,000 meters above sea level in varying regions of the Gyeongsangnam-do including Miryang and Ulsan. As there are many high peaks in this range, it lovely takes its name from the European Alps.

More info ☞ Yeongnam Alps Haneul Eoksae-gil Course 1 (Length: 4.5km / Time: approx. 3 hours) Ganwoljae → Sinbulsan → Sinbuljae → Yeongchuksan ☞ Getting There Seoul Station → Ulsan Station (KTX train, fare: 45,100 won – 47,500 won / travel time: 2 hours, 15 minutes) → Take Bus 323 and get off at Ganwolgyo stop (fare: 1,100 won / travel time: approx. 39 minutes) to cross Ganwolgyo Bridge and turn right to walk down for about 350 meters, or you can also take a taxi to the starting point of Deungeok-ri Oncheon-jigu hot spring area (fare: 10,000 won / travel time: approx. 10 minutes) ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Recommended Food: Eonyang Bulgogi

After long hours of trekking, a nourishing meal is a great way to recharge your battery. A wide range of restaurants that represent each of the regions are located around Yeongnam Alps. A specialty of the town Eonyang just outside of Ulsan is Eonyang bulgogi, which is a favorite of the locals and hikers. It is made by cutting prime Korean beef into small pieces before seasoning it with various spices. The seasoned meat is then pressed between two thin wired grills, giving it a unique patty shape. The slow cooking of the meat over a charcoal fire gives extra tenderness to the beef. Restaurants specializing in Eonyang bulgogi are easily located in downtown Eonyang. Prices range between 15,000 won and 17,000 won per person.

Sobaeksan Jarak-gil Sobaeksan Jarak-gil Trail

Designated as the 18th national park of Korea in 1987, Sobaeksan Mountain has several peaks that sit at altitudes over 1,000 meters above sea level. Sobaeksan Jarak-gil is about a 170-kilometer trail that which wraps around the perimeter of Sobaeksan Mountain. It is an eco-culture trail comprised of 12 courses that connect the Yeongju, Danyang, Yeongwol, and Bonghwa regions. Among all the courses, Course 1 of the Jarak-gil is the most popular trail as it meanders along a number of interesting historic sites that blend harmoniously with the beautiful landscapes of Sobaeksan Mountain.

Starting at Sosuseowon, Korea’s first ever Confucian academy, you will walk though Baejeom-ri and hike up the mountain to enter Jukgyegugok Valley. As you walk down along Jukgyegugok Valley, you will see Birosa Temple, which dates back to the Unified Silla Period (676 - 935). After exploring this temple for a bit, make your way through the mountain valley, pass waterfalls and finally to the trail’s end at the Samgajang Parking Lot. It will take about 4 to 5 hours to complete the course. Whichever course you choose to take, Sobaeksan Jarak-gil will present you with exquisite views of serene and beautiful nature, making a great place to unwind from the stress of daily life.

More Info Sobaeksan Jarak-gil No. 1 (3 trails in total) * Seonbi-gil (length: 3.8 km, time: 70 minutes): Seonbichon Village → Sunheunghyanggo Confucian School → Songnimho Lake → Baejeom Bungyo * Gugok-gil (length: 3.3 km, time: 50 minutes): Baejeom Bungyo → Jukgyegugok Valley → Choamsa Temple * Dalbat-gil (length: 5.5 km, time: 150 minutes): Choamsa Temple → Woljeon Valley → Samgagol → Seongjae→ Dalbatgol → Birosa Temple → Samga Parking Lot ☞ Getting There From Cheongnyangni Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), take a Mugunghwa Train and get off at Punggi Station (fare: 11,800 won – 12,400 won / travel time: 2 hours, 20 minutes) → Take Bus 27 (fare: 4,000 won) and get off at Sosuseowon stop and then walk straight ahead before crossing a small bridge and turning left to follow the signposts to Sunheunghyanggo Confucian School. The bus runs only once every hour, so you may want to take a taxi to Sosuseowon. (fare: around 12,000 won / travel time: 10 minutes)

Recommended Food: Duck

It is always good to have a hearty meal after a hiking trip. There are several restaurants serving ori-gogi (duck meat) near Sobaeksan Jarak-gil. You can generally expect to pay around 40,000 won for a duck dish, which comes with plenty of side dishes. Duck meat is high in protein, making it good for rebuilding muscles after a long day of hiking.

Nearby Attractions: Punggi Ginseng Market

Situated near Sobaeksan Mountain, the town of Punggi in Yeongju is famous for its Punggi Ginseng Market that sells quality ginseng products at an affordable price. At the market, you can get information on ginseng, which is a specialty of Punggi. You can also purchase a range of ginseng products such as ginseng tea, candies, chocolates, and more.

Forest Jangseong Cypress Forest Trail Jangseong Chungnyeongsan: Sanso-gil Trail

Located in Jangseong County in Jeollanam-do, Chungnyeongsan Mountain is about two and a half hours south of Seoul by KTX. The cypress forest covered mountain is also known as the “Healing Forest” and is home to gorgeous natural scenery and fresh air full of phytoncide emitted by the surrounding cypress trees. It is a popular destination all year round with travelers coming for a refreshing stroll through the woods. Treat yourself to a healing trek surrounded by a beautiful Jeollanam-do forest by heading to Jangseong Chungnyeongsan Sanso-gil Trail!

More Info ☞ Getting There * Seoul → Jangseong: 2 hours, 30 minutes by KTX train from Yongsan Station in Seoul to Jangseong Station → Once you arrive at Jangseong Station, you will find the Jangseong Bus Terminal located right next to the station. From Jangseong Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Chungnyeongsan Mountain. Do note that the buses have three different last stops at varying locations of the mountain. For more information on the bus schedule, you can refer to the timetable below. * For KTX train ticket reservations, please refer to the KORAIL homepage (http://www.korail.com)

Bus Schedule

Recommended Food: Dakbaeksuk

At the entrance to Chuam Village, you will find three restaurants. A recommended dish for travelers is sigol baeksuk, which is made by boiling a local chicken with various medicinal herbs and ingredients over a high heat for many hours. The tender chicken is not only pleasing to the palate, but it is also a great choice for boosting your energy before or after hiking. Once you are done eating the chicken, be sure to try the delicious chicken porridge made with rice and mixed grains.

Accommodations

Located at the far end of Geumgok Village is an eco-friendly pension called Hyulim. This hanok (traditional Korean house)-style pension has been specially designed so that guests can fully take in the gorgeous natural surroundings of Chungnyeongsan Mountain. The pension has five independent traditional houses that are built of red clay and cypress wood from Chungnyeongsan Mountain. All houses are equipped with western-style bathrooms and traditional ondol (Korean floor heating system) that will warm your bones even on the coldest winter day. The cypress scent in the room will refresh your body and mind. A light meal such as eggs, potatoes, and sweet potatoes is served for breakfast, while a healthy meal made of farm-to-table ingredients is offered at dinnertime. Alcohol and outside food are not allowed in the pension. There is no television or clocks inside the houses to facilitate a more genuine appreciation of the natural surroundings.

Nearby Attraction: Geumgok Movie Village

To the east of Chungnyeongsan Natural Recreational Forest is Geumgok Movie Village, which has a distinctive style of the Korean rural villages from the 1950s and 60s. Attractions such as dolmens and lookout huts standing at various places of the village make visitors feel as if they have traveled back in time. The village provided filming locations for popular Korean movies like The Taebaek Mountains (1994) and The Harmonium in My Memory (1999), and thus became known as the “movie village.” Visitors to Geumgok Movie Village can get an up-close view of traditional culture, as well as the life in an ordinary rural village of Korea.

Jirisan Dulle-gil Jirisan Dulle-gil Course 4

Jirisan Dulle-gil is a 300-kilometer walking trail connecting five cities and counties (Namwon, Gurye, Hadong, Sancheong, Hamyang) and spanning three provinces (Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, and Gyeongsangnam-do). The trail runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain, so it is a relatively easy walk offering trekkers a chance to appreciate nature’s beauty and peaceful village scenes. Walking along the trail, you will be able to see the picturesque landscapes of Jirisan Mountain that change with the seasons.

Geumgye Village is the starting point of Jirisan Dulle-gil Course 4. In recent years, traditional Korean-style restaurants and lodging facilities called “minbaks” have sprouted in the area to cope with the growing popularity of Jirisan Dulle-gil Trail among hikers. Course 4 allows for a leisurely walk even for beginners without the need for professional hiking gear. Located in Chilseong Valley, Byeoksongsa Temple and Seoamjeongsa Temple are major attractions along Course 4. The time-honored Byeoksongsa Temple has been restored to its present state after years of reconstruction efforts. Along with the beautiful scenery around the temple sites, the three-storied stone pagoda and Korea’s oldest existing bell tower at Byeoksongsa Temple are must-visit attractions along the trekking course.

The second temple situated along Jirisan Dulle-gil Trail is Seoamjeongsa Temple. Located 100 meters from Byeoksongsa Temple, Seoamjeongsa has outstanding architectural features. Geungnakjeon, the Hall of Paradise, has impressive views of stone Buddha statues and a buddha carved into the stove of a rock cave. Halfway through the Dulle-gil Trail, you will reach Yuyongdam, which was once private land owned by nobles during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Yuyongdam is home to many different legends, one of which is that stray dragons used this area to rest.

More info ☞ Jirisan Dulle-gil Course 4 (Length: 10.8 km / Time: 4 hours, 40 minutes) Geumgye Village → Uijeong Village → Seoamjeongsa Temple → Byeoksongsa Temple → Songdae Village → Sedong Village → Unseo Village → Gusirakjae → Donggang Village ☞ Getting There From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station on Seoul Subway Line 2), take a bus headed for Hamayng (07:00, 08:20, 10:30, 12:00, 13:20, 14:30, 15:20,17:30) → Get off at Hamyang Bus Terminal, and take a bus bound for Geumgye. The round-trip bus runs from 06:20 to 19:49 every day. The one-way bus returning to Hamyang Bus Terminal runs every 30 minutes from 07:00 to 20:15, and it takes about 45 minutes. You can also take a taxi to Geumgye Village, which is the starting point of Jirisan Dulle-gil Course 4. (Taxi fare: around 20,000 won – 25,000 won) ※ Make sure to bring some cash with you for this trip, because credit card payments may not be available in a small rural village for accommodation, restaurants, taxi, etc. ☞ Jirisan Dulle-gil Official Website: http://eng.jirisantour.com/road/ (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) ☞ Geumgye Village Address: 870, Uitan-ri, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do ☞ 1330 Korean Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Recommended Food: Sanchae Bibimbap, Black Goat Meat, Dried Persimmon

There are many restaurants specializing in sanchae bibimbap near Jirisan Mountain. Sanchae bibimbap is steamed rice topped with assorted wild herbs and vegetables directly collected from Jirisan (san meaning mountain and chae meaning vegetables). Make sure to add some gochujang (red pepper paste) to the bibimbap and mix well before eating. The dish usually costs around 8,000 won per serving.

In the mountain villages of Jirisan, persimmons harvested in the late fall are dried to make gotgam (Korean word for dried persimmons), which is a popular winter snack in Korea for its chewy texture and sweet taste. Another popular food that can be found around the Jirisan Mountain area is heukyeomso (black goat) meat. Black goats raised in open fields are quite popular in the region and are best eaten with vegetables. Black goat meat dishes cost around 20,000 won per person.

Recommended Accommodation

One of the most interesting ways to enjoy Korean culture is to stay at a Korean house. Lodging at a Korean’s private residence is called minbak, which provides Korean-style meals prepared with regional specialties in addition to a night’s sleep in room outfitted with an ondol (Korean under-floor heating and sleeping mats). ※Reservations are required for ondol rooms.

Recommended Minbak

Geumgye Village Dulle-gil Minbak (+82-10-3720-6176) / Room rates are 40,000 won for 2 people, and an additional 5,000 won per person will include a meal to your stay.

History Culture Miryang Arirang-gil Trail

Opened in January 2013, Miryang Arirang-gil is a relatively new trail. The trekking courses weave together through the history, culture, and sites of Miryang City. Walking along the trail, trekkers can learn about the historical background of the city in addition to enjoying the scenery. The trail is presently divided into three courses.

Course 1

This course takes trekkers along the major attractions in downtown Miryang. The trail begins at the Miryang Government Office building and passes by several historically and culturally significant sites including the birthplace of Park Si-chun, a famed composer from Miryang and Cheonjingung Pavilion that houses the portrait of Dangun, the legendary founder of the Korea’s first kingdom, Gojoseon. The trail comes to an end at Yeongnamnu Pavilion, which is considered one of the best attractions in Miryang City.

More Info ☞ Miryang Arirang-gil Course 1（Length: 6.2km, Time: approx. 2 hours） Miryangeupseong Fortress → Government Office → Oribae (Duck Boat) Dock → Sculpture Park → Sammun Pine Forest → Outdoor Performance Hall → Aranggak Pavilion → Mubongsa Temple → Birthplace of Park Si-chun →Cheonjingung Pavilion → Yeongnamnu Pavilion ☞ Getting There * Bus ① From Miryang Station, take Bus 1 and get off at the Cheonghak Bookstore Bus Stop (travel time: approx. 20 minutes) ② From Miryang Station, take Bus 2 and get off at the Yeongnamnu Entrance Bu Stop (travel time: approx. 20 minutes) * Taxi: 10-minute ride from Miryang Station (fare: around 5,000 won)

Course 2

Course 2 meanders through downtown Miryang and Chuhwasanseong Fortress. Trekking down the trail that starts at Miryanghyanggyo Confucian School, you will come across a hanok (traditional Korean house) called the Gyodong House of the Son Clan. A narrow path from this old house will lead to Miryang Municipal Museum, where you can learn about the history of Miryang City and stories related to the Korean folk song Arirang. Leaving the museum, a mountain trail comprises the rest of the course. At Bongsudae, the beacon tower on the summit of Chuhwasan Mountain (alt. 243m), you can get a great view of downtown Miryang.

More Info ☞ Course 1（Length: 4.2km, Time: approx. 2 hours） Miryanghyanggyo Confucian School → Gyodong House of Son Clan → Miryang Municipal Museum → Bongsudae (beacon tower) → Chuhwasanseong Fortress → Chunghontap Tower → Miryang Grand Park → Municipal Museum ☞ Getting There * Bus ① From Miryang Station, take Bus 1 and get off at the Bidulgi Apartment Bus Stop (travel time: approx. 26 minutes) ② From Miryang Station, take Bus 2 and get off at the Gyodong Sageori Bus Stop (four-way intersection) stop (travel time: approx. 30 minutes) * Taxi: 20-minute ride from Miryang Station (fare: around 8,000 won)

Course 3

This course is mostly comprised of mountain paths in the heart of nature. Trekking along the Miryangang River from the starting point at Miryang Railroad Bridge, you will see Yongdumok Lake. After taking the stairs up Yongsusan Mountain, you will arrive at Cheongyeongsa Temple. From the temple a mysterious stone cave can be seen, and the riverside trail from this temple will take you to Geumsidang Pavilion. It is a very scenic trail highlighted by lush greenery in the spring and the summer and colorful autumn leaves in the fall. From Yeonwoljeong Pavilion, an hour long trek will take you for a stroll around Chuhwasan Mountain. After that, you will be able to retrace your steps by walking down the Miryangang River.

More Info * Course 3 (Length: 5.6km, Time: approx. 3 hours） ☞ Yongdumok → Geumsidang Waterside Trail → Geumsidang → Wolyeonjeong Pavilion → Chuhwasanseong Fortress ☞ Getting There: About 20-minute walk from Miryang Station to Miryang Railroad Bridge

Recommended Food: Dwaeji Gukbap (Hearty Pork Soup)

A representative dish of Miryang, dwaeji gukbap is boiled pork and rice served in a pork-based broth that has a simple and delicious flavor. Once a popular dish at the marketplaces in Miryang, it became widely known throughout other regions of Korea and garnered even more popularity as restaurants nationwide specializing in gukbap came to place the word “Miryang” before the restaurant names.

Odaesan Seonjae-gil Odaesan Seonjae-gil Trail

Located in Gangwon-do, Odaesan Seonjae-gil is a 9-kilometer trail connecting Woljeongsa Temple and Sangwonsa Temple. In the past, Buddhist monks used to frequent this trail in order to get from one temple to the other. Flanked by tall trees on both sides, the trail guides trekkers to the serene temples nestled in the midst of a beautiful forest.

Odaesan Mountain is located on the border of the Gangneung, Pyeongchang, and Hongcheon regions in Gangwon-do. Featuring the 1,563 meter high Birobong Peak, Odaesan derives its name from the five plateaus situated on the five peaks of the mountain. As part of Odaesan National Park, Odaesan Mountain is home to scenic nature and excellent cultural sites such as Sogeumgang Valley, Woljeongsa Temple, and Sangwonsa Temple.

The trail connecting Woljeongsa and Sangwonsa Temples, which are also situated inside Odaesan National Park, is known as Seonjae-gil. Stretching over 9-kilometers in total, the trail holds significance in the history of Korean Buddhism and also provides a great hiking course. The trail begins at the main gate of Woljeongsa Temple and leads to Sangwonsa Temple along the Odaecheon Stream. Although the Seonjae-gil Trail ends at Sangwonsa Temple, you can continue trekking up to Birobong Peak.

More Info ☞ Odaesan Seonjae-gil Course（Length: 10.7km, Time: approx. 3 to 4 hours） Woljeongsa Bus Stop → Main Gate of Woljeongsa Temple → Road to Woljeongsa → Seonjae-gil trailhead → Odaesan Pavilion → Road to Sangwonsa → Sangwonsa Temple ☞ Getting There * From Dong Seoul Bus Terminal, take an intercity bus to Jinbu Bus Terminal (fare: 13,100 won / travel time: 2 hours, 30 minutes) → From Jinbu Bus Terminal, take a bus bound for Woljeongsa Temple (fare: 1,750 won / travel time: 20 minutes). You can also take this bus to get off at Sangwonsa Temple instead (fare: 2,800 won / travel time: 50 minutes). ☞ Seonjae-gil Trail: http://www.koreatrails.or.kr/course_view/?course=1181 (Korean) ☞ Pyeongchang Culture & Tour: https://www.yes-pc.net / +82-33-330-2399 ☞ Odaesan National Park: http://odae.knps.or.kr/ / +82-33-332-641 ☞ 1330 Korea Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)

Recommended Food: Hanu (Korean Beef)

Hanu refers to top-grade beef specially produced in Korea. The charcoal-broiled slices of hanu will taste even more delicious after hours of hiking. The Pyeongchang Woori Hanu Town serves fresh hanu complemented by a variety of appetizing side dishes. It is best to take taxi to get to this restaurant and you can generally expect to pay between 20,000 won and 30,000 won per person.

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