[One Day Walk] "The Charm of the Old Mountain Village Forest Path Preserved"... Sanmaki Old Trail, Goesan, Chungbuk

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

Today's 10,000-step course is the "Sanmaki Old Trail" in Goesan, Chungbuk. The Sanmaki Old Trail was historically used as a path connecting Saorang Village in Saeun-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, and the mountain village of Sanmaki.

Even today, remnants of the mountain village atmosphere remain along this path. Newly installed decks along the trail allow people of all ages to comfortably hike the mountain path. The decks were installed using eco-friendly construction methods, designed not to damage the surrounding scenery and natural environment, preserving the charm of the old trail leading to the mountain village.

The Sanmaki Old Trail follows along Goesan Lake. In particular, the Goesan Dam, which serves as the sluice gate of Goesan Lake, holds symbolic significance in the area. It was the first dam completed in 1957 using only domestic technology, and the natural scenery around the dam remains undisturbed with the ecosystem fully preserved, making Goesan Dam a local landmark.

A view of Sanmagi Old Road where the greenery has deepened. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The Sanmaki Old Trail, winding like a circular path embracing Goesan Lake, showcases Korea's natural beauty without disruption, delighting visitors' eyes.

The storytelling attached to uniquely shaped trees and rocks along the Sanmaki Old Trail adds a distinctive charm to this path.

For example, the trail features folklore-like stories such as the "Tiger Cave," where tigers were said to have lived; the "Fox Rain Rock Cave," a resting spot to avoid sudden rain showers and midday sun; and the "Lame Man's Spring," where a lame person supposedly drank and suddenly stood up and walked.

The Sanmaki Old Trail also offers diverse sights. Taking a cruise along Goesan Lake to view the "Nine Scenic Spots of Sanmaki Old Trail"?including Hwanbyeokjeong Pavilion, Mangseru Pavilion, Byeongpungru Pavilion, Samsin Rock, Yeonhayeop Cloud Bridge, the Bride and Groom Path, Bride Rock and Groom Rock, Mandarinfish Island, and the Onboard Cruise Path?can be another enjoyable way to experience the trail.

Along various sections of Sanmaki Old Road, small streams flow, allowing visitors to relax by dipping their feet in the water under the shade of trees. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

In particular, Goesan-gun, Chungbuk, has newly opened the Chungcheongdo Yangban Trail connected with the Sanmaki Old Trail, creating a continuous display of pristine natural scenery. Additionally, by developing various contents utilizing the Sanmaki Old Trail and implementing smart tourism, the region is creating trends that reflect local characteristics, striving to establish a representative ecological tourism old trail in Korea.

The Sanmaki Old Trail is also listed among the "Top 100 Korean Tourist Attractions," making it a widely known destination nationwide. Goesan-gun estimates that on weekends, about 10,000 visitors per day explore the area following the charm of the Sanmaki Old Trail.

Provided by Korea Forest Service

Main stops: Tourist Information Center ∼ Chadolbawi Ferry ∼ Pine Tree Hill ∼ Deer Spring ∼ Lame Man's Spring ∼ Hwikkori Observatory ∼ Waterwheel ∼ Sanmaki Village ∼ Groom Rock

Course length: 7 km

Estimated time: 2 hours 30 minutes