Sancheong-gun Introduces Safe Travel Destinations for Healing During Lunar New Year Holiday

Donguibogam Village, Duryu Ecological Trail, Daewonsa Valley Path
Namsa Yedam Village, etc... Outdoor Non-Face-to-Face Social Distancing Possible

A panoramic view of Namsa Yedamchon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam.

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam Province, introduced non-face-to-face safe travel destinations for healing during the Lunar New Year holiday on the 21st.

First, Donguibogam Village, located on the foothills of Wangsang Mountain, which holds the story of Guhyeongwang, the last king of Gaya, is highly regarded. Spanning 1.18 million square meters, Donguibogam Village is filled with attractions themed around traditional Korean medicine and tradition, including Dongui Jeon, modeled after Gyeongbokgung Palace, an herbal medicine theme park, and a Korean medicine theme park.

In particular, the Heojun Pilgrimage Trail, which allows visitors to tour the entire Donguibogam Village, is set within a year-round green pine forest, making it perfect for healing. The wooden deck path allows people of all ages to walk comfortably.

Additionally, from the recently opened suspension bridge, Mureunggyo, visitors can walk over the Mureung Valley flowing southeast of Donguibogam Village and enjoy the scenery of Wangsang Mountain, Pilbong Mountain, and Donguibogam Village.

Nighttime landscape lighting is also installed, offering a unique spectacle for tourists visiting Donguibogam Village after dusk. The lighting operates daily from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Near Mureunggyo, at the Dongui Jeon Korean Medicine Experience Center, there are three stones: Seokgyeong, which receives the energy of the sky; Guigamseok, which receives the energy of the earth; and Bokseokjeong, a vessel that holds blessings. These stones are popular spots where visitors line up to receive good energy.

The Daewonsa Valley Trail, which continues from Cheonwangbong Peak of Jirisan Mountain, is known for its pristine valley, the historic Daewonsa Temple, a spacious parking lot, and easy access and walking paths that have steadily gained popularity through word of mouth.

It is a 3.5 km customized trail designed as a walking path rather than a rugged hiking trail, making it ideal for a light walk without special preparation.

The newly opened Duryu Ecological Trail last fall is a deck trail where visitors can enjoy views of Cheonwangbong Peak of Jirisan and the scenery of Jungsan Valley to the fullest. It starts at the entrance of Jungsan Village in Sicheon-myeon and extends along Jungsan Valley for 1.2 km.

The Duryu Ecological Trail is named after one of Jirisan’s alternative names, Duryusan. Visitors can walk while appreciating the clear air, fresh forest, and the nearby Jungsan Valley. It is especially notable as a path where one can feel closest to Cheonwangbong Peak without actually climbing Jirisan.

At the uppermost part of the currently developed trail, visitors can see a massive pile of stones known as ‘Sinseonneodeul’ (literally ‘Fairies’ Field’), named because it is said that ancient fairies played there.

Namsa Yedamchon is a place where you can encounter an old-fashioned earthen stone wall stretching 3.2 km, designated as a national registered cultural property (No. 281). It is the first village named ‘The Most Beautiful Village in Korea’ and is also selected by the Korea Tourism Organization as a ‘Unique Alley Travel Destination Worth Visiting.’

‘Yedam’ means ‘old wall’ and also implies welcoming guests with utmost courtesy. Known as the ‘Village of Scholars,’ the village contains about 40 traditional hanok houses built between the 18th and 20th centuries.

There is Gisan Gugakdang, commemorating Park Heon-bong, a great master in Korean traditional music, and Sancheong Lee Sajae (Gyeongnam Cultural Property No. 328), where Admiral Yi Sun-sin stayed during his white-clad military service.

Additionally, there are many attractions such as the Gyoseobi monument marking the site of the royal decree of the founding merit of the Joseon Dynasty, a 700-year-old plum tree, a persimmon tree that has stood for over 630 years, and a cypress tree that is well over 300 years old.

The highlight of Namsa Yedamchon is the couple’s ginkgo trees rooted between the old walls, bending toward each other. This scene evokes tender feelings with loved ones and is famous as a photo spot.

A county official said, “During this Lunar New Year holiday, we hope families visit Donguibogam Village and the Jirisan valley trails to receive good energy and enjoy healing of mind and body through the forest.”