[One Day Walk] "The Highlight of Snowflake Mountain Hiking"... Daegwallyeong Forest Trail 'Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail'

[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 allow for about a day’s hike and are easily accessible, enabling 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 "Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail," the last premium forest trail introduced by the Korea Forest Service.

[One Day Walk] "The Highlight of Snowflake Mountain Hiking"... Daegwallyeong Forest Trail 'Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail'

Seonjaryeong is a mountain located north of Daegwallyeong (832m) on the main ridge of Baekdudaegan. It stands relatively tall at an elevation of 1,157 meters above sea level. However, since the old Daegwallyeong Rest Area is situated at 840 meters above sea level, the section from there to the summit of Seonjaryeong is about 6 km.

Moreover, the forest trail is mostly flat with gentle ups and downs, and the path is primarily dirt, making it easy for beginner hikers to climb without much difficulty.

Because of these advantages, the Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail is considered one of the most popular sections among the various branches of the Daegwallyeong National Forest Trail among hikers.

The scenic beauty of the Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail should not be overlooked. At the summit of this section, which is part of the first national forest trail (Daegwallyeong Forest Trail) and the ranch course, dozens of wind turbines and a pristine white sheep ranch blend to create an exotic landscape.

Scenic view from the Seonjaryeong hiking trail observatory. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Also, to the west of the main ridge, you can see silver grass, and to the east, dense trees along with views of Gangneung city and the expansive East Sea.

Along the forest trail, various seasonal wildflowers bloom, adding to the visual appeal. Here, you can find protected species such as the Korean violet (Jebidongjakot), Adonis amurensis (Boksucho), Modemipul, Eolleji, pheasant windflower, Gwaengi-nun, and yellow violet.

In particular, Seonjaryeong is renowned as a highlight for snow flower hiking. In winter, the snow flowers piled along the ridges at the summit create a spectacular sight, attracting many who enjoy winter hiking during this season.

Hikers on the snow-covered Seonjaryeong trail have stopped to take in the surrounding scenery. Photo by Korea Tourism Organization

Given the high number of winter hikers, safety management is stricter here than in many other places. First, at the starting point of the hike, the Daegwallyeong Forest Trail Information Center provides necessary information such as local weather conditions before beginning the hike, and upon request, supports guided services by forest trail hiking experts.

Additionally, the Eastern Regional Forest Service conducts regular facility inspections to prevent accidents and resolve complaints, dedicating efforts to maintain and repair facilities to create a safe forest trail environment.

A view from the summit of Seonjaryeong hiking trail in spring. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail is located at the center of the "Daegwallyeong Special Afforestation Area," which was developed after a group of slash-and-burn farmers who had cultivated the forest land as farmland since 1968 relocated collectively. The area was left as wasteland for several years before about 840,000 trees were planted and nurtured over 11 years starting in 1978.

The "Forest of Heroes," created nearby, is also known as a legacy of the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics. This forest was established by planting yew trees to commemorate past Winter Olympic athletes and to wish for the successful hosting of the Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.

When visiting the Seonjaryeong Hiking Trail by private vehicle, you can exit the Yeongdong Expressway at Daegwallyeong IC and drive about 8 minutes along the national road ascending to Daegwallyeong summit to reach the Daegwallyeong Forest Trail Information Center, the starting point of the hike. Nearby attractions such as the sheep ranch, resorts, and ski resorts make it a convenient area for tourism.