[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] Chiaksan Dulle-gil 139km... Drunk on the Scent of Late Autumn

Wonjoo Ganhyeon Tourist Site Evolving into Salt Mountain Grand Valley, Annual 3 Million Visitors Bridge Legend, Cliff Walkways and Suspension Bridges Follow

These days, Wonju City is very busy. The construction of the suspension bridge, observatory, and wobbly bridge for the completion of Salt Mountain Grand Valley at Ganhyeon Tourist Site is in its final stages, and the 139km trail that allows you to fully enjoy the beauty of Chiaksan Mountain has been completely connected. The photo shows the morning scenery of Hakgok Reservoir near Course 2 Guryong Trail, with Chiaksan Mountain captured like a painting.

Late autumn foliage encountered on the path from Guryongsa, slightly off the finish point of Chiaksan Dullegil Course 2, to Seryeom Waterfall

Late Autumn at Guryongsa Temple

Sogeumsan Suspension Bridge

The Salt Mountain Jando Trail, opening next month, is in the final stages of construction.

The Highly Popular Media Facade 'Naora Show'

When the trail along the cliff ends, an observatory follows.

Morning at Hakgok Reservoir

Recently opened Chiaksan Dullegil Course 11 Hangateo-gil

Ganhyeon Tourist Site Suspension BridgeㆍWalkwayㆍObservation Deck

Dreaming of a 'Korean Version of Zhangjiajie'

Popular 'Naora Show' at Night

Complete Connection of 139km Chiaksan Dulle-gil Trail

11 Courses Each Show Different Charms

Late Autumn Foliage Spectacle, Worth Walking Course 2 Guryong-gil

Scenic Hakgok Reservoir with Rising Mist

[Asia Economy, Travel Specialist Reporter Jo Yong-jun] Wonju City is currently buzzing with excitement. With the phased recovery of daily life (With Corona era), the city is busy not only creating various tourism infrastructures but also handling the influx of tourists. Recently, with the opening of the 11th course 'Hangateo-gil' of the Chiaksan Dulle-gil trail, the entire 139.2km trail has been completed. Although some reinforcement work remains, the forest paths are perfect for enjoying late autumn walks. The 2nd course 'Guryong-gil' and 3rd course 'Sureonemi-gil', which are filled with stories and scenery, are considered the best among the trails. Wonju's tourist attractions are concentrated in the Ganhyeon Tourist Site where Salt Mountain (Sogeumsan) is located. Opened in 2018, it attracts 3 million visitors annually with its famous suspension bridge, a huge hit. Additionally, a walkway (잔도, jando) reminiscent of those seen in China is under construction. The final phase of construction is underway, and even the completed sections are thrilling. Passing the precarious rocky cliffs, a massive observation deck is being built. This observation deck will connect to the 'Ulleong Bridge', a glass-bottom bridge incomparable to the suspension bridge. You can guess the meaning from the name. A mountain escalator is also planned. If China has Zhangjiajie, Salt Mountain is expected to be the Korean version of Zhangjiajie. That's not all. The 'Naora Show', named after the initials of 'Night of Light', is extremely popular. At night, the huge cliff beneath the suspension bridge transforms into a screen for various video and music fountain shows, captivating tourists. Thus, Wonju is gradually completing the Salt Mountain Grand Valley.

◇ Completion of 139.2km Chiaksan Dulle-gil Trail - Opening of 11th Course 'Hangateo-gil', Fantastic 2nd Course 'Guryong-gil'

Chiaksan Mountain is known for its large, dense forests and beautiful autumn foliage. Because of the beautiful red leaves, it was historically called Jeokaksan (赤岳山), using the character for 'red' (赤). The representative hiking trail starts from the Guryong area of Chiaksan National Park, passes Guryongsa Temple, and ascends to Birobong Peak.

It is a notoriously endless uphill path. However, it is not necessary to reach the summit. The completion of the Dulle-gil trail around Chiaksan is welcome because the beautiful scenery can be fully enjoyed by leisurely walking the trail.

In June, the 11th course 'Hangateo-gil' of the Chiaksan Dulle-gil trail opened, connecting the entire 139.2 km trail into one. The courses vary in length from 7 km to 26.5 km. The trail starts at Gukhyeongsa Temple below Chiaksan for the 1st course, circles around Chiaksan, and returns to Gukhyeongsa at the end of the 11th course. Although it is the same trail, the scenery and atmosphere differ by course, and satisfaction varies according to personal preference.

I walked the last opened 11th course and the 2nd course 'Guryong-gil'. Although some reinforcement work remains on the 11th course, it is still possible to experience the trail fully.

The path from Sutdonggol through Hangateo to Gukhyeongsa takes about an hour at a relaxed pace. The course winds left and right along the mountain slope with ups and downs, making the walk enjoyable. During the walk, various views of valleys and forests come into sight.

Near Hangateo Samgeori (three-way intersection), there is a dense pine nut forest. It was established in 1984 after relocating the Hwajeonmin (slash-and-burn farmers), so the forest is almost 40 years old. The forest path from Hangateo Samgeori to Seopjae Supermarket through the pine nut forest is still under development.

The 2nd course 'Guryong-gil' connects from Jeil Charcoal in Heungyang-ri, Socho-myeon to the Chiaksan National Park Office in Hakgok-ri. It ascends Saejaegol, crosses Saejae Pass, and descends to the entrance of Guryongsa Temple. There are no significant forks, so you can enjoy the scenery around Saejae Pass while walking.

Locals call this pass leading to Hakgok-ri 'Muneomi' or 'Saejae'. In the past, residents of the Hakgok-ri area crossed this pass to go to markets or schools. It is a winding old path that awakens the senses.

From here, Birobong Peak (1,288m), the main peak of Chiaksan, is visible at a glance. The mountain is also called Sirubong because its shape resembles a traditional Korean steamer (siru). Along with Maehwasan to the north, Sambong to the northwest, and Namdaebong to the south, it forms the peaks of Chiaksan.

After resting at a shelter, you descend a ridge trail that feels much easier. Descending through a pine forest, you reach a pine nut forest that stretches coolly upward. Following a large zigzag path, you arrive at Guryong Valley. Although not part of the 2nd course, Guryongsa Temple is nearby.

Guryongsa Temple, which visitors to Chiaksan always visit, is a historic temple with a 1,400-year history. It was founded in 668 AD (8th year of King Munmu of Silla) by Monk Uisang. The temple, quietly nestled in the mountains, is beautiful, but the trail through the Huangjangmok (yellow pine) forest from the ticket booth to the temple is especially scenic in late autumn. Outside one side of the temple wall stands a giant ginkgo tree over 200 years old. Its yellow leaves fall one by one, piling up thickly. For a late autumn outing, visiting the temple and the two-tiered Seryeom Waterfall nearby is recommended.

Near the end of the 2nd course in Hakgok-ri is Hakgok Reservoir, famous for its beautiful autumn scenery. At dawn, mist rises from the water, and the reservoir sparkles as it catches sunlight crossing over Chiaksan, creating a picturesque scene.

◇ Completion of Wonju Tourism, Evolving into Ganhyeon Tourist Site Salt Mountain Grand Valley

Recently, Wonju has been focusing on the Ganhyeon Tourist Site, which is evolving into the Salt Mountain Grand Valley. It is more familiar as the Ganhyeon Recreation Area, a popular spot for university MTs and light outings in the 1980s and 1990s. It was designated a national tourist site in 1985. It is located where the waters of the Seomgang and Samsancheon rivers meet, boasting clear water and muscular, majestic cliffs, creating excellent scenery.

The start of Salt Mountain Grand Valley is the 'Salt Mountain Suspension Bridge'. The bridge crosses a 100m high rock peak, attracting crowds. It draws 3 million visitors annually, creating a blockbuster success.

Building on the suspension bridge's popularity, Ganhyeon Tourist Site is undergoing another transformation. A large-scale leisure complex is being developed, including the highly popular walkway (jando), observation deck, Ulleong Bridge, cable car, and escalator. The walkway, currently in the final stages of construction, clings to the cliff below the summit, stretching 363m along a 200m cliff. It is scheduled to open in December.

With cooperation from city officials, I walked a bit on the walkway. The walkway itself is thrilling. The highlight is the sharp turning slope section about halfway along the walkway. It feels like riding a roller coaster about to plunge, sending chills down your spine. The winding cliff path walkway ends at the entrance of the Sky Tower observation deck.

The Sky Tower observation deck, installed at an altitude of 150m, offers a panoramic view of the entire Ganhyeon Tourist Site. The observation deck connects to the Ulleong Bridge, which links Salt Mountain and Ganhyeonsan Mountain. The Ulleong Bridge is 404m long, twice the length of the suspension bridge, and holds the title of the longest pedestrian suspension bridge in Korea. Crossing the Ulleong Bridge, which runs parallel to the suspension bridge on the left and right, you find an escalator waiting. Once the cable car connecting to the suspension bridge is installed, the Salt Mountain Grand Valley will be complete.

In the evening, the media facade 'Naora Show' and music fountain show, introduced in October, take place. The cliff where the suspension bridge hangs transforms into the largest screen in Korea. It projects images 250m wide and 70m high.

The show, combining various story videos including Chiaksan stories, lasers, and music fountains, is worth watching. The music fountain shoots water up to 60m high, creating a spectacular scene. It is difficult to get seats even on weekdays, not just weekends.

Wonju = Text and photos by travel specialist reporter Jo Yong-jun jun21@

◇ Travel Notes

◇ Directions = From the Seoul metropolitan area, take the Jungbu Expressway, exit at Seowonju IC on the 2nd Yeongdong Expressway, turn left toward Wonju Enterprise City, then turn left at Yongdu Intersection toward Ganhyeon Tourist Site. If using the Yeongdong Expressway, exit at Munmak or Manjong IC and proceed.