[One Day Walk] Exploring Baekje History on the Road ‘Baekje Buhunggung-gil’

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected "Premium Forest Trails for Pleasant Walking" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reforestation. These trails are suitable for about a day’s hike and are easily accessible, allowing the public to use them comfortably and conveniently. We introduce the premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service every two weeks.

A view of Yedangho Lake from the summit of Bongsusan on Course 3 of the Baekje Revival Trail. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Today's 10,000-step course is the "Baekje Revival Army Trail Course 3," a section of the Naepo Cultural Forest Trail. This course received an encouragement award in the Korea Forest Service’s "Premium Forest Trails for Pleasant Walking" competition.

The Naepo Cultural Forest Trail is a long-distance walking path spanning four cities and counties?Seosan, Dangjin, Hongseong, and Yesan?centered around Gayasan Mountain.

The forest trail was completed in 2014 and is currently jointly operated and managed by Chungcheongnam-do Province and the four cities and counties of Seosan, Dangjin, Hongseong, and Yesan. In 2021, the Naepo Cultural Forest Trail was also designated as a national forest trail certified by the Korea Forest Service.

The Naepo Cultural Forest Trail consists of five themes: ▲ Wonhyo Enlightenment Trail (103.5 km) ▲ Naepo Catholic Pilgrimage Trail (47.8 km) ▲ Baekje Revival Army Trail (110.3 km) ▲ Naepo Historical Figures Donghak Trail (58.5 km) ▲ Naepo Donghak Trail (10.1 km).

The summer scenery of Imjonsung with deepened greenery. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Among these, Baekje Revival Army Trail Course 3 (one of nine courses in total) is a 10.0 km section connecting "Gwangsi Hanwoo Theme Park ~ Choi Ik-hyeon’s Tomb ~ Daeryeonsa Temple ~ Imjon Fortress ~ Bongsusan Peak ~ Bongsusan Natural Recreation Forest ~ Uijohunghye Park."

Notably, Daeryeonsa Temple, Imjon Fortress, Bongsusan Recreation Forest, and Daeheung Uijohunghye Park located along this section allow hikers to follow the historical and cultural footsteps of Baekje.

Daeryeonsa Temple was founded in 656 during the Baekje period by Uigak (義覺) and Dochim (道琛) in Dongsan-ri, Gwangsi-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungnam Province, providing insight into the Buddhist history of that era.

Imjon Fortress is located at the summit of Bongsusan Mountain (altitude 483 m) in Geumma-myeon, east of Hongseong-gun, Chungnam Province. It is said that this mountain fortress was built to monitor the surrounding area, including Muhancheon Stream.

Climbing Imjon Fortress along the forest trail offers a magnificent view of the grand fortress walls and a panoramic view of Yedangho Lake. The scenery changes with the seasons, making it a highlight to appreciate when visiting Imjon Fortress.

Winter landscape of Imjonseong on a snowy day. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

In summer, the lush green grass blends with the fortress walls, enhancing the grandeur, while in winter, the fortress walls covered with white snow evoke a sense of beauty and solemnity.

Baekje Revival Army Trail Course 3 includes Bongsusan Natural Recreation Forest, providing visitors with a resting space during their hike. Additionally, the section leading to Uijohunghye Village allows hikers to enjoy the charm of rural landscapes.

Moreover, Baekje Revival Army Trail Course 3 is adjacent to Yedangho Suspension Bridge and Yedangho Tourist Site, making it convenient for visitors to explore other tourist attractions in Chungnam Province.

Baekje Revival Army Road Course 3 Route Map. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Main stops: Gwangsi Hanwoo Theme Park ~ Choi Ik-hyeon’s Tomb ~ Daeryeonsa Temple ~ Imjon Fortress ~ Bongsusan Peak ~ Bongsusan Natural Recreation Forest ~ Uijohunghye Park

Course distance: 10.0 km, Estimated time: 3 hours