[One Day Walk] Preserving Natural Wonders... Jecheon, Chungbuk's 'Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail'

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

Provided by Korea Forest Service

Today’s 10,000-step course is the “Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail.” This trail is the 3rd course among the seven “Cheongpungho Jadeurakgil” courses in Jecheon-si, Chungbuk Province, and it was created to allow walking along the Neunggang 9-gok (Nine Bends of Neunggang).

The Jadeurakgil is a forest trail stretching a total of 58 km, starting from the Meeting Square in Gyori, Cheongpung-myeon, and continuing through Sangcheon-ri in Susan-myeon, Oksundaegyo Bridge, Goegok-ri, Dabul-ri, and Jigok-ri. Along the way, hikers can enjoy the layered mountains and the vast scenery of Cheongpungho Lake.

Among these, the 3rd course, Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail, was developed along the Neunggang Valley, which originates from Geumsusan Mountain (1,015m) and connects to Cheongpungho Lake. The water flowing through the dense forest along the course is so clear that the bottom is visible, and the cliffs on both sides of the valley, seemingly carved steeply, offer visitors a breathtaking view unlike any they have experienced before.

A panoramic view of Gwaegok Seongbyeok-gil. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The starting point of the Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail is Neungganggyo Bridge. The 2.8 km section from here to Chwijokdae has a longitudinal slope of less than 10 degrees (hiking trail grade 3), making it easy for anyone to walk comfortably while enjoying the natural scenery.

However, the 2.6 km section from Chwijokdae to Eoreumgol has a longitudinal slope between 10 and 20 degrees (hiking trail grade 2), which is steeper than the previous section and is used as a forest trail for physical and mental training.

It is also said that in the past, people designated the Neunggang 9-gok along the Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail to enjoy its charm. The nine bends refer to Ssangbyeokdam, Mongyudam, Waryongdam, Gwanjubok, Chunjubok, Geumbyeongdang, Yeonjatap, Taldangyeong, and Chwijokdae.

The Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail is designed to offer views of the Neunggang 9-gok, and several stone pagodas built by Monk Gwanbong of Geumsuam Temple, as well as traces of past slash-and-burn farmers’ lives, have been preserved to prevent monotony while walking the forest trail.

Jeongbangsa-gil panoramic view. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

In particular, Eoreumgol (also known as Hanyangji), located at the end of the forest trail, is considered a representative attraction of the Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail. Eoreumgol is a valley under Chwijokdae, one of the Neunggang 9-gok. Due to its high elevation and the north-south blockage, sunlight is limited, creating a very cool atmosphere even in the hot summer.

At Eoreumgol, visitors can also experience the “ice hole phenomenon,” where ice forms in midsummer. This phenomenon is most distinct during Chobok (the beginning of the hottest period). During Jungbok (the middle of the hottest period), ice can be found in rock crevices, and during Malbok (the end of the hottest period), ice can be found when rocks are lifted.

The Geumsusan Eoreumgol Ecological Trail is also known as a popular summer destination where many vacationers gather to experience the ice at Eoreumgol.