[One Day Walk] "Gyejoksanseong Trail Famous for Its Red Clay Path"…Unique Experiences Like Walking Barefoot on the Red Clay Path

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected 30 "Premium Forest Trails Perfect for Walking" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reforestation. These trails are accessible and suitable for about a day's hike, allowing the public to enjoy them easily and comfortably. Every Friday, we introduce premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service.

Today's 10,000-step course is Section 5 of the Daejeon Dulre Mountain Trail, the "Gyejoksanseong Trail." The Gyejoksanseong Trail is a route connecting Biryong-dong in Dong-gu, Daejeon to Jang-dong in Daedeok-gu.

The entire Gyejoksanseong Trail is a gentle forest path, making it easy to walk without much burden. To the east of the forest trail, the blue waterfront view of Daecheongho Lake creates a magnificent scenery, while to the west, you can get a panoramic view of Daejeon city.

Especially, the Gyejoksan Forest Bathing Area located along the Gyejoksanseong Trail features a 14.5 km stretch of Hwangto (yellow soil) trail, offering the delight of breathing fresh forest air and walking barefoot. The Hwangto trail is widely known nationwide, having been selected four consecutive times as one of Korea's Top 100 Tourist Attractions.

Above all, the Gyejoksan Barefoot Festival, including events such as "Barefoot Hwangto Trail Walking" and "Barefoot Marathon" held on the Hwangto trail, attracts many tourists from both domestic and international locations to the Gyejoksanseong Trail.

Hikers who climbed Gyejoksanseong Trail are enjoying the view of Daecheongho Lake from the mountain. Photo by Korea Forest Service

The Gyejoksanseong Trail is currently included in the "East-West Trail" development project led by the Korea Forest Service, signaling upcoming changes.

The East-West Trail is a large-scale national project connecting the eastern end at the Geumgang Pine Forest in Uljin, passing through trails such as the Songnisan Dullegil and Naepo Cultural Forest Trail, to the western end at the Anmyeon Pine Forest in Taean, with a total length of 849 km.

This project is being carried out in cooperation between the Korea Forest Service (national forests) and local governments (public and private forests), aiming to complete the trail by 2026.

Gyejoksan is located in the border area between Baekje and Silla during the Three Kingdoms period, and many relics such as mountain fortresses built at that time still remain today. A panoramic view of 'Gyejoksanseong,' which has maintained its legacy on Gyejoksan. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Due to its geographical characteristic as a border area between the Baekje and Silla kingdoms during the Three Kingdoms period, the Gyejoksanseong Trail still preserves ancient relics including three mountain fortresses, such as Gyejoksanseong Fortress, and six fortifications, allowing visitors to experience historical and touristic aspects of that era.

The Gyejoksanseong Trail was the first section developed through cooperation between the "Daejeon Dulre Mountain Trail Connecting Club," formed in 2004 to link the mountains and ridges surrounding Daejeon, and the Daejeon city government. Through numerous maintenance and improvements, it has established itself as a forest trail landmark that anyone can walk without difficulty.

Additionally, the entire trail, including the trailhead and intermediate access points, is connected to 13 Daejeon city bus routes, making it convenient to access using public transportation without the need for a private vehicle.

Map of Gyejoksan Mountain Fortress Trail. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Main stops: Dongshin Express Bus Terminal ∼ Biryong-dong Julgol Jangseung ∼ Galhyeonseong ∼ Neungseong ∼ Gobongsan ∼ Jeolgogae ∼ Gyejoksan Bonghwangjeong ∼ Yonghwasa Parking Lot

Course length: 11 km

Estimated time: 6.5 hours