[One Day Walk] A Pond Embracing Pure White Baengnyeon... Muan Hoesan Baengnyeonji Trail

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Hoesan Baengnyeonji in Muan, Jeollanam-do is located in Bokryong-ri, Illo-eup. It has a circumference of 3km and an area of 313,313㎡. In 2001, it was registered in the Guinness Book as the largest white lotus habitat in East Asia. Since the first Lotus Festival in 1997, the festival has been held annually around July to August. This place was constructed with the blood and sweat of our ancestors during the dark era of Japanese colonial rule and has served as the lifeline for nearby farmlands.

The flourishing of this white lotus habitat began when local villagers brought 12 white lotus plants to the edge of the reservoir and planted them. That night, they dreamed of 12 cranes descending from the sky and perching, resembling the blooming white lotuses. Since then, they have devotedly protected and nurtured the lotuses to this day. The Hoesan Baengnyeonji walking course is a clockwise route along the walking paths, deck paths, and the loess road where a park has been established near the lotus pond.

The Hoesan Baengnyeonji walking course starts at the entrance of the lotus pond. Upon entering, you will find a Zelkova tree path boasting majestic, large Zelkova trees. Walking along this path, enjoying the sight and fragrance of the white lotuses spread out between the cool, expansive Zelkova trees, helps you distance yourself from the complicated world and reconnect with your pure self.

Following the Zelkova tree path, you will arrive at the Water Lily Park, which features the pure white main stage structure. Here, prickly water lilies, small water lilies, and common water lilies are well cultivated, with the large prickly water lily known as Victoria water lily being especially famous. Walking along the clock-shaped deck path within the Water Lily Park allows you to observe rare lotuses up close, as if you could reach out and touch them.

Lotus flowers in full bloom at Hoisan Baengnyeonji. The Lotus Festival is held every July and August.

Passing Heart Hill and the Animal Farm, you will reach Baengnyeon Waterfall, where the Baengnyeon Cafe appears. This transparent glass structure, shaped like a lotus flower, is famous as a beautiful architectural work. After ordering a drink at the first-floor cafe, you can enjoy chatting while admiring the splendid lotus pond from the seats arranged in the greenhouse on the second floor. Baengnyeon Cafe has gained a reputation as a hot spot enjoyed by people of all ages.

Walking while gazing at the lotus pond and trees, you will arrive at a small park created with an old pine forest and resting areas. Nearby, there is a suspension bridge observatory offering a panoramic view of the lotus pond, as well as a cozy restaurant where you can taste the flavors of Namdo, making it a great place to take a break.

After passing the small park, a wide straight road suddenly appears. This is a levee built to hold water, now called Ttukbanggil (Levee Road). Along the road, located on somewhat higher ground, there is a tree-lined street with cherry blossom trees, pine trees, and Zelkova trees. On the left is the lotus pond, and on the right, you can overlook Yeonghwa Farm, which was reclaimed from the Yeongsan River during the Japanese colonial period. This marks the end of the Hoesan Baengnyeonji walking course.