[One Day Walk] Traces of Hwang Hui Jeongseung Along with Diverse Cultures... Gyeonggi Dullegil Course 6

Gyeonggi Dullegil Course 6 is a 20.1 km trail that starts from Seongdong Intersection in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, and takes about 6 hours and 45 minutes to reach Bangujeong. The route alternates between flat bicycle paths and village roads along Jayuro, which leads to the Imjin River, with no particularly difficult sections.

The starting point is Seongdong Intersection in Paju. Near the book village connected to Paju Book City, there is the 'Heyri Art Village,' which has grown into a cultural and artistic community. This art village is full of attractions here and there, with village roads, buildings, and sculptures forming excellent photo zones. Additionally, nearby Paju Premium Outlets and various restaurants allow visitors to fill their stomachs and hearts before setting off in earnest.

The first place you encounter is Provence Village. Starting in the late 1990s with the opening of a pasta restaurant, various shops gathered here to create a scene reminiscent of southern France. Besides various Western cuisines, there are also Korean traditional food shops, creating a unique blend of exotic southern French scenery and Korean landscapes. Various cultural performances and events are held from time to time.

After passing Provence Village, the path continues along Jayuro. Walking while enjoying the forest and the tranquil village scenery, you will come across Imwol Bridge. This bridge crosses Munsancheon, a stream that joins the Imjin River. Munsancheon is the primary tributary of the Imjin River, originating from Gwangtan-myeon in Paju and Kkokkoribong in Baekseok-eup, Yangju, extending about 30 km before reaching the Imjin River. From here to Munsan Station, which is in the opposite direction of today's walk, there is a roughly 2 km-long 'Munsancheon Riverside Pleasant Walking Park' created by Paju City. About 20,000 trees were planted along with various flowers and benches to provide a green resting place for citizens.

Provance Village, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
Photo by Gyeonggi Provincial Government

Crossing Imwol Bridge, the scenery changes markedly from what you have walked so far, with apartment complexes lining the area. This area was originally a hub of Munsan-eup, but around 2009, when the double-track Gyeongui Line connecting Munsan Station and Seoul Station opened, many apartments were built around the station area, marking a new turning point.

Passing through the apartment complex and following the forest trail surrounding the village, you come back to the Imjin Riverbank, where today's destination, Bangujeong, is located. Bangujeong is where Hwang Hui, a renowned prime minister of the Joseon Sejong era, spent his later years at the age of 87 after retirement, spending time with seagulls as his companions, as the name (Bangu, 伴鷗) suggests. The tomb of Prime Minister Hwang Hui is also located near the path you are walking today. Bangujeong was completely burned down during the Korean War but was rebuilt afterward.

Bangujeong is often compared to Apgujeong (狎鷗亭), built in Seoul during the reign of King Sejo by the prime minister Han Myeong-hoe, who had a similar name. Both 'Ban' and 'Ap' mean 'to befriend,' but 'Ap' is usually interpreted as a higher-ranking person bringing a lower-ranking person close in a hierarchical relationship, which is seen as reflecting the personalities of the two men.