Daewonsa Valley Trail·Duryu Ecological Exploration Trail·Donguibogam Village
[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] With the arrival of the season of fresh greenery, is there a travel destination where you can enjoy the lush nature and take care of your health?
On the 18th, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongnam Province, introduced “healing walking trails” suitable for May, the queen of seasons.
Sancheong-gun selected tourist spots where visitors can rest in nature while keeping a distance from other tourists.
First is the “Daewonsa Valley Trail.”
The Daewonsa Valley Trail showcases beauty in all four seasons, and in May, the season of fresh greenery, it is perfect for feeling the lushness that nature offers.
The day after rain, the grandeur and freshness of the valley water winding around the strange rock formations come vividly to life.
The valley’s waterway flows down from Samjang-myeon and meets the water coming from Jungsan-ri in Sicheon-myeon, forming the Deokcheon River, and the flow of this waterway is quite fast.
The meaning of Sicheon-myeon is “arrow” (矢) and “stream” (川). It means water as fast as an arrow, indicating a rapid current. When clear days continue for several days, except for places where water gathers like Yongso, the water quickly flows away.
The Daewonsa Valley Trail is suitable for all ages and even for those new to hiking. It is developed as a walking path rather than a rugged mountain trail, making it a light and easy 3.5 km customized trail.
The thousand-year-old temple Daewonsa, which holds a long history, is also good to explore at a leisurely pace. Daewonsa, a spacious parking lot, and easy access and walking trails have gained word of mouth, attracting quite a few visitors on weekends.
The Jungsan Duryu Ecological Trail (Jungsan-ri Valley) is named after the alternate name of Jirisan, Duryusan.
The Jungsan-ri Valley originates from Cheonwangbong, the highest peak of Jirisan. It is also a hiking trail leading to Cheonwangbong.
The stream originating between Cheonwangbong and Jungbong gains volume as it passes Yongchu Waterfall and meets the valley water flowing from Seoribong, unfolding a magnificent landscape accompanied by the roaring sound of water.
Along with fresh air and lush forest, you can walk while appreciating the Jungsan-ri Valley right beside you.
The starting point of the Jungsan Duryu Ecological Trail is the Jirisan Jungsan Mountain Tourism Center, a 1.2 km section. The Jungsan Tourism Center is only about 5 km in a straight line from Jirisan Cheonwangbong. Even if you do not hike Jirisan, this is the closest path to feel Cheonwangbong.
You can enjoy the roaring sound of the valley and admire huge strange rock formations the size of houses.
Sancheong-gun installed observation decks at important points to allow visitors to feel the charm of Jungsan Valley.
At the upper part of the trail, you can see an enormous pile of stones called “Sinsunnodeul,” meaning “where ancient immortals played.”
Another highly recommended place by Sancheong-gun is Donguibogam Village, the mecca of wellness tourism in Korea. It is located at the foot of Wangsang Mountain, which holds the story of Guhyeongwang, the last king of Gaya.
Donguibogam Village, developed on a 2.31 million square meter scale, is filled with attractions themed on oriental medicine and tradition, including Donguijeon built in the style of Gyeongbokgung Palace, an herbal medicine theme park, and a traditional medicine theme park.
The Heojun Pilgrimage Trail, which circles the entire Donguibogam Village, is set in a pine forest that remains green all year round, making it perfect for healing. Wooden decks are laid out so anyone can walk comfortably.
From the suspension bridge, Mureunggyo, you can walk over Mureung Valley flowing southeast of Donguibogam Village and enjoy the scenery of Wangsang Mountain, Pilbong Mountain, and Donguibogam Village.
Additionally, night lighting is installed to provide a unique spectacle for tourists visiting Donguibogam Village after dusk.
Near Mureunggyo, at the Donguijeon Oriental Medicine Qi 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.
A county official said, “We hope visitors will definitely explore the Jirisan valley trails where they can enjoy healing of mind and body through the forest and Donguibogam Village,” adding, “We will also devote great effort to managing the natural beauty so it can be enjoyed throughout all four seasons.”
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