[One Day Walk] 'Gimpo Course 2' from Munsusan Fortress to Aegibong

Length 8.2 km... Difficulty 'Hard'
Estimated Time Required 3 hours 30 minutes

The Gyeonggi Dullegil ‘Gimpo Course 2’ is an 8.2 km section that starts at the entrance of Munsusan Fortress, passes by Jogang Reservoir, and ends at the entrance of Aegibong. The estimated time required is 3 hours and 30 minutes, and the difficulty level is ‘hard.’ Initially, the route was planned to use the Military Demarcation Line section ‘Munsusan Fortress Entrance - Bogugot-ri Checkpoint - Yonggang-ri Checkpoint - Aegibong Entrance,’ but due to the military’s opinion that pedestrian passage was difficult, the current route was chosen. However, there is a possibility that the route may change after further consultations with the military.

The starting point stamp features ‘Munsusan Fortress Command Post.’ This was the place where commanders observed enemy movements and issued orders during military operations. Munsusan, located on the way to Ganghwa Island, is not very high, but traces of fortress walls from the Three Kingdoms period have been excavated, and the Munsusan Fortress built during the reign of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty still remains, holding historical significance.

Walking up Munsusan while overlooking the Ganghwa Strait leads to the summit of Munsusan Fortress. This place is known as a spot for sunrise and sunset photography. On clear days, it is recommended to take commemorative photos.

After crossing Munsusan, you reach Jogang Village, where the Jogang ferry dock used to be. Jogang refers to the place where the Han River and Imjin River meet and means ‘Grandfather River.’ To go to the Han River via the West Sea, one had to pass through Jogang. It was the first and last ferry on the lower Han River and also served as a ferry crossing to North Korea. When passing by Jogang Reservoir, it is good to look at the low hills floating on the waves or the sunset that glows red during dusk.

Passing through the low hill forest path, you arrive at Gageum Village, the entrance to Aegibong. Aegibong has a legend passed down. It is a story from the Byeongjahoran (the Second Manchu invasion of Korea). A gisaeng named Aegi and the Pyeongan Governor were in love. When invaders came from the north, the governor left for Hanyang, but when he was captured by the invaders, Aegi crossed the river alone and stayed in Jogang-ri, waiting for the governor’s return. She prayed daily toward the north, but her longing became so intense that she fell ill. Before dying, she left a will asking to be buried on the mountaintop. The villagers buried Aegi at the top of Ssukgatmeori Mountain, and since then, the place has been called Aegibong.

Upon reaching the entrance of Aegibong, you can finish by stamping the arrival stamp. The arrival stamp features a drawing of Munsusan Fortress.