[One Day Walk] The Pilgrimage Site for Long-Distance Hiking ‘Jirisan Dullegil’… “Light Steps from Hyeoncheon Village to Bamjae”

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

Today's 10,000-step course is the "Hyeoncheon Village to Bamjae" path within the Jirisan Dullegil Sandong~Jucheon (Course 21) section.

[One Day Walk] The Pilgrimage Site for Long-Distance Hiking ‘Jirisan Dullegil’… “Light Steps from Hyeoncheon Village to Bamjae”

Jirisan is Korea's first national park and one of the country's "Top 100 Famous Mountains." The Jirisan Dullegil, which encircles this mountain, is a familiar name among long-distance hikers. However, completing the entire trail requires strong determination and a well-organized plan.

The total length of the Jirisan Dullegil is 289 km, divided into 21 sections. This trail stretches across three provinces?Gyeongnam, Jeonnam, and Jeonbuk?and five cities/counties?Hamyang, Sancheong, Hadong, Gurye, and Namwon?making it an extensive route. This is why the Jirisan Dullegil is recognized as a notable long-distance hiking destination.

Among these, the Sandong~Jucheon section (15.9 km) connects Gurye in Jeonnam and Namwon in Jeonbuk, marking the final course to complete the Jirisan Dullegil. The "Hyeoncheon Village to Bamjae" path, today's 10,000-step course, is part of this section.

Although relatively short compared to the entire Jirisan Dullegil, the natural scenery, villages, and historical and cultural values encountered along this walking path are comparable to any other part of the Jirisan Dullegil.

In the summer when the greenery deepens, walkers are passing through the cypress forest on the 'Hyeoncheon Village~Bamjae' section. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

First, the various wildflowers native to Jirisan offer a unique pleasure to those passing through. Jirisan's wildflowers have been recognized for their high value, even being listed in the Guinness World Records.

Every early March, at the entrance of Hyeoncheon Village, the yellow Adonis amurensis (ice flower), which has pushed through the frozen ground during winter, blooms in full, signaling the arrival of spring after winter.

Also, along the path from Hyeoncheon Village to Gyecheok Village, cornelian cherry trees form clusters creating a magnificent sight. Especially along the road surrounding the Hyeoncheon Village reservoir, various wildflowers and yellow cornelian cherry blossoms bloom harmoniously, alleviating the monotony of the hike and offering travelers a moment of leisure to bend down and smell the flowers.

Travelers on foot are embracing the Zelkova tree rooted in Yeongwan Village and taking commemorative photos. Photo by Korea Forest Service

After passing Hyeoncheon Village, you will encounter Yeongwan Village and Gyecheok Village. Following a narrow village path over a low mountain ridge, you first reach Yeongwan Village. The main attraction here is two large zelkova trees, whose majestic appearance is such that when two people face each other and stretch out their hands to embrace, they can barely hold hands.

In Gyecheok Village, a 300-year-old Dangsan tree and a roughly 1,000-year-old cornelian cherry "grandmother tree" have become village landmarks. Also notable is the fortress from the old Sandong Castle, now renamed "Yi Sun-sin Fortress" (Baekui Jonggun-ro), which is a point of interest in this village.

Hikers resting at the summit of Bamjae. Photo by Korea Forest Service

In the following section, a cypress forest with trees over 30 years old is densely populated, and wooden totem poles called "Beoksu" are erected at various points, serving as waymarkers to prevent hikers from getting lost. The soft ground, comfortable enough to walk barefoot, and benches and platforms installed along the path provide resting spots where weary travelers can relax.

At the end of the section is Bamjae, a mountain pass connecting Namwon and Gurye. The winding forest road leading up to Bamjae can feel somewhat challenging in summer, but in spring and autumn, it offers the advantage of walking while fully enjoying wildflowers, autumn foliage, and panoramic views of the Jirisan ridgeline. From the summit of Bamjae, you can clearly see Gurye on one side and Namwon on the other.