[One Day Walk] "Walking the Primal Forest Rock Trail"... Gangwon Jeongseon 'Hanggol Sumbau-gil'

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected 50 “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 one of these premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service.

Today’s 10,000-step course is the ‘Hanggol Sumbau-gil’ located in Bukpyeong-myeon, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. This trail was established in 2021, starting from Hanggol Valley and following the valley up to Baekseokbong Peak (1,170 meters above sea level).

'Hanggol Sumbau-gil' reduces fatigue for walkers of all ages through the installation of a deck road, and the original nature such as valleys and trees on both sides of the path enables forest healing. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The name Hanggol Sumbau-gil was chosen through a contest in 2022. ‘Hanggol Sumbau’ means ‘enjoying forest meditation and a walk along a soft, primeval rock forest trail together.’

‘Hanggol’ is derived from the natural valley called Hanggol Valley, which is backed by Baekseokbong Peak and flanked on both sides by Sangwonsan Mountain, creating a picturesque scene like a folding screen.

Especially, if you climb along the left mountain slope from Hanggol Valley, you can see a spectacular sight of about 180 stone pagodas lining the path, known as the Stone Pagodas of Hope.

The stone pagodas were first built in 1998 by villagers of Bukpyeong-myeon who wished for the prosperity of the former mining town to return. Today, word has spread among tourists, making it a popular spot where visitors pause to make wishes before continuing their journey.

Visitors of 'Hanggol Sumbau-gil' are crossing a stone bridge within the section. Photo by Korea Forest Service

As the hidden meaning in its full name suggests, Hanggol Sumbau-gil allows you to walk through a primeval forest trail that preserves the original form of nature intact.

When creating the trail, the original rocks and trees were preserved as much as possible while making a path for people to walk on.

Features such as Yongso (Dragon Pool), Hwajeonmin Site, and Turtle Rock located throughout Hanggol Sumbau-gil are natural gifts that you can encounter while walking the trail, aligning with the original purpose of the trail’s creation.

Due to the characteristics of the Gangwon-do region, where temperatures are relatively low, combined with the pristine natural scenery of the valley water flowing along the trail, the number of campers visiting Hanggol Sumbau-gil in summer has been gradually increasing by word of mouth.

Also, in autumn, the trail offers an early opportunity to enjoy fall foliage in the mountains without the crowds typical of other areas, a fact that is known among those familiar with the trail as a not-so-secret secret.

The shade created by dense trees and the water flowing along the valley are gifts of nature and a pause in everyday life that you will experience when visiting the 'Hangong Sumbau-gil' trail in summer. Photo by Korea Forest Service

Hanggol Sumbau-gil can be reached by car in about 30 to 40 minutes from Pyeongchang or Jinbu, and around an hour from Gangneung.

Additionally, the gentle slopes and the installation of deck roads that reduce the burden of walking are reasons why trekkers and hikers visit regardless of weekends or weekdays.

Route map of 'Hanggol Sumbau-gil'. Provided by Korea Forest Service

Main stops: Hanggol Valley ~ Nerae Rock ~ 1st Yongso (Dragon Pool) ~ Turtle Rock ~ Moraeso ~ Hwajeonmin Village Site ~ Wangbawiso ~ 2nd Yongso ~ Ssang Waterfall ~ Long Waterfall ~ Seonghwangdang Site ~ Ridge Rest Area

Course length: 7.7 km

Estimated time: 3 hours 30 minutes