[One Day Walk] Following the Forest Path, the Scent of Books... Gyeonggi Dullegil Paju Course 5

From Dongpae Underpass to Seongdong Intersection, 15.8km

Course 5 of the Gyeonggi Dullegil Trail starts at Dongpae Underpass and extends 15.8 km to Seongdong Intersection. It takes about 5 hours and 10 minutes to complete. Walking along the forest path, you can also enjoy various cultural experiences at places like Paju Book City, making it a perfect way to spend a leisurely time.

The journey begins at Dongpae Underpass, which is located at the foot of Simhak Mountain. Although Simhak Mountain is less than 200 meters above sea level, it appears tall because there are no other mountains nearby and it is surrounded by plains. The view from the summit of Simhak Mountain is spectacular. Many people visit to take sunset or nightscape photos. There is a Simhak Mountain trail that circles the mountain, so if you have extra time, it is worth taking a walk. According to legend, during the Joseon Dynasty under King Sukjong, a crane that escaped from the palace was found on this mountain, which is how Simhak Mountain got its name.

After fully enjoying the forest path and descending, you will reach Paju Book City. This is a national cultural industrial complex located in the Munbal-dong area of Paju City, home to about 200 companies involved in publishing, printing, design, and distribution. As a cultural community that embraces books, culture, architecture, and art, it features many unique and distinctive buildings.

Walking while admiring the buildings in Paju Book City, you will come across Jang Jun-ha Park. Here lies the tomb of Jang Jun-ha, who devoted himself to the independence movement and democratization efforts. The writings left behind by Jang Jun-ha here make us reflect on our modern and contemporary history.

Nearby historical sites to visit include Paju Jangneung. It is one of the Joseon royal tombs designated as a World Heritage site, the burial place of the 16th Joseon king, Injo, and his wife, Queen Inyeol. You can observe the characteristics of 17th-century stone carvings here.

After visiting Jang Jun-ha Park and Paju Jangneung, head toward Odusan. Here, you will find the Odusan Unification Observatory. During the 1988 Olympics, master craftsman Kim Gwan-sik made a large drum floated on the Han River, and he donated an identical "Unification Prayer Drum" here. You can view the scenery and pray for unification with the drum. Odusan also preserves the Odusan Fortress, built during the Baekje period. It is Historic Site No. 351.

Descending from Odusan and continuing along the path, you will enter the low foothills of Geomdan Mountain in Paju. Following the forest trail here leads to the destination, Seongdong Intersection.