[Harumanbo] Walking Through the Past, Present, and Future of the Port City Incheon

‘all ways Incheon’ Many roads lead through Incheon. From small alleys and mountain paths to highways, railroads, sea routes, and airways... Incheon communicates with the world through its roads. Among these many paths, we introduce the Incheon Dullegil, which adds the joy of walking by allowing you to feel Incheon’s history, culture, nature, and people.

Munhak Mountain Fortress

Walking on a path can be a kind of time travel. You become a Baekje envoy who pioneered maritime routes 1,600 years ago, then a young person enjoying a date at Songdo Amusement Park, and then a woman who came to buy groceries at the old Suin Line Songdo Station... As you walk, you get to know Incheon and become a little more familiar with it.

The mountain pass between Munhak Mountain and Yeongyeong Mountain, Samhoyeon (三呼峴), means “called three times.” Samhoyeon on Munhak Mountain and Byeolli-hyeon in Namdong-gu were important routes to Hannaru Port. Baekje envoys heading to China parted from their families at Byeolli-hyeon and, upon reaching Samhoyeon, shouted their farewells loudly three times to their families at Byeolli-hyeon. The path the envoys took was never easy, and their voices, filled with sorrow as they called out their families’ names for what might be the last time, seem to ride the wind. Walking straight from Samhoyeon toward Incheon Munhak Leisure Sports Park, you encounter a pine forest path. Passing Yeongyeong Mountain and keeping the Incheon City Shooting Range to your left, descending toward Songdo Station, you arrive at the old Suin Line Songdo Station.

Silver grass field above Dongchun Tunnel

Songdo Station began operations in 1937 when the Suin Line first opened. When Nam Incheon Station, the terminus of the Suin Line, was closed in 1973, Songdo Station became the terminus, and it closed in 1995 when the old Suin Line was discontinued. Once a bustling place with many people coming and going, now even the air feels bleak. The current Songdo Station and the old Songdo Station, though both Suin Line stations, are very different. The lively Songdo Station full of people’s energy and the old Songdo Station, which exists but is lifeless, seem unlikely to meet, yet they stand side by side in the same area, holding hands as they move toward the future.

Bongjaesan Dullegil

Passing the old Songdo Station and before entering Songdo Station Market, if you look closely at the pavement blocks, there is a sign indicating the path Baekje envoys took to Nungheodae. Nungheodae, Incheon Metropolitan City Monument No. 8, was the Hannaru Port from which Baekje envoys traveled to China between 378 and 475 during the Three Kingdoms period. Yeonsu-gu has developed the Nungheodae area into a small park and holds the Nungheodae Festival annually to highlight its historical value.

Passing through the residential alleys near Songdo Station, you encounter Cheongnyong Park, Byeongpung Rock, Baemsayak Spring, and Cheongnyang Mountain. On the steep western slope of Cheongnyang Mountain is Heungryunsa Temple; climbing the 108 steps of Heungryunsa offers a panoramic view of the green forest of Cheongnyang Mountain and the West Sea. From the Suin Line railroad, Hannaru Port, to the quiet fishing village of Songdo transformed into an international city, Incheon Dullegil Course 9 makes you think about how the flow of time changes spaces and creates new meanings. It is a path that revives the historical consciousness stirring within me, making it all the more welcome and precious.

Incheon Dullegil Course 9

● Distance and Duration: 8.1 km, 3 hours 5 minutes

● Route: Samhoyeon (Samojigo Pass) - Nojeokbong Entrance - Behind City Shooting Range - Songdo Station - Cheongnyong Park - Cheongnyang Mountain (Byeongpung Rock) - Baemsagol Spring - Cheongbong Bridge - Dongchun Tunnel (Upper) - Bongjaesan - Songdo Reservoir Park - Incheon Environmental Corporation Pumping Station

● Transportation: Main buses 58, 65, 65-1, 82 (Get off at Cheonghak Intersection)