[Joyongjun's Travel Journey] A Serpentine Path Like a Coiled Snake, Full of Quiet Autumn Atmosphere

Danyang Bobaljae, 3km Drive Spot Along Mansanhongyeop Leaves

[Asia Economy, Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist Reporter] Danyang is known as the number one tourist destination. This means it is rich in sights and food.

From Dodamsambong to Mancheonha Skywalk, Namhangang Jando, Suyanggae Light Tunnel, paragliding, and countless others. Among them, there is a place that especially catches the eye in autumn. It is a winding mountain pass painted with red and yellow colors.

It is Bobaljae, the mountain pass connecting Boballi in Gagok-myeon and Baekja-ri in Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun. Bobaljae, which leads to Guinsa, the main temple of the Cheontae Order, is a winding 3 km mountain pass resembling a coiled snake. At this time of year, the peak autumn foliage creates a magnificent scene of red leaves covering the mountains.

Starting from Danyang-eup, you pass through Dodam-ri and cross Gagok-myeon. Dodam (Island Pond) is a place associated with the legend of Sam-bong Jeong Do-jeon, a founding statesman of the Joseon Dynasty. Bobaljae turns off at the Hyangsan-ri three-way intersection. Here, a three-story stone pagoda built during the Goryeo Dynasty remains. It inherits the style of Silla stone pagodas and is elegant and beautiful.

As you drive, intoxicated by the autumn leaves, you soon reach the observatory. From the observatory, you can take in the entire view of Bobaljae. However, the scenery visible to the eye may be somewhat disappointing. The winding road is not well expressed because it is hidden by the autumn foliage.

Perhaps for this reason, recently, drone clubs and drone enthusiasts have been visiting more frequently. Even lifting a drone slightly above the observatory reveals the beautiful autumn foliage road.

The autumn leaves viewed from the top of Bobaljae feel like looking at a watercolor painting, while the foliage encountered descending from the summit resembles an oil painting.

Therefore, there is a saying not to view Bobaljae’s autumn leaves only from the observatory. The spectacular autumn foliage along the winding descending road cannot be seen at any other autumn foliage spot nationwide.

Rather than flashy deep colors, the natural hues make the tranquil autumn atmosphere feel more vivid. Especially, since 2000, Danyang-gun has planted over 500 more maple trees, increasing the richness year by year. Last weekend, we captured the scenery of Bobaljae shining with an autumn foliage festival.

Danyang = Written and photographed by Cho Yong-jun, Travel Specialist Reporter jun21@