[Harumanbo] Dense Pine Tree Path Covering the Sky Unfolds on 'Gangneung Bau-gil Course 3'

Total 11.7 km... Estimated Time 5 Hours
From Bohyeonsa Bus Terminal to Myeongjugun Royal Tomb

'Bau-gil,' which captures the mountains and rivers of Gangwon Province, is a natural and human-friendly walking course. Gangneung Bau-gil Course 3 starts from the Bohyeonsa bus terminal, passing through Eomyeongjeong, Suljan Rock, and forest roads, and ends at Myeongjugun Royal Tomb. The total distance is 11.7 km, with an estimated duration of 5 hours. The initial uphill section makes the difficulty relatively high, but the descent is gently arranged. Since there are no restrooms or water supply points at the start of the course, prior preparation is necessary.

The Bohyeonsa bus terminal, which was the endpoint of Course 2, becomes the starting point of Course 3. It can be burdensome to cross a large mountain right from the start, but if you walk while admiring the pine trees spread out on both sides, you can ascend without much difficulty. Pine trees can be easily found throughout all sections of Bau-gil, but Course 3 is particularly distinguished by its pines. You can receive energy from the densely grown pine trees that almost block out the sky. Since you have to climb the mountain in a straight line, it is good to take a short break halfway up to catch your breath.

After climbing the steep uphill slope three or four times, you will see a pavilion. This is 'Eomyeongjeong,' built on the site where the royal order was given to cut down pine trees. When you reach the pavilion, you can see the 'royally ordered pine tree' with only the stump remaining through a glass floor. Take a short rest at Eomyeongjeong, have lunch, and replenish your energy.

Next to it, the path continues to Suljan Rock. Another steep mountain path appears, but once the ridge trail ends, a flat path unfolds as if to reward your efforts. Then you will come across the wild boar resting area, which serves as both a playground and a food storage for wild boars. This path confirms the coexistence of nature and humans.

Continuing on, you will face Suljan Rock. It has a groove large enough to place a drinking cup and a slightly bigger groove above it that looks like it could hold a kettle. From Suljan Rock, you can see the wind turbines lined up along the Daegwallyeong ridge and the clouds passing by beside them.

Now, only downhill paths lie ahead, making it easier to continue the course. After passing the forest road, a wide clearing with a wildfire monitoring post offers a spectacular panoramic view. To the east, you can overlook Gangneung city and the East Sea, and to the south, the mountain range of Daegwallyeong appears distant. Walking along the forest road, you can enjoy the sight of wildflowers and silver grass harmonizing with the pine trees.

After descending the path, you will arrive at the final destination, Myeongjugun Royal Tomb. This is the tomb of Kim Juwon, the 5th descendant of Silla’s King Taejong Muyeol and the progenitor of the Gangneung Kim clan, who preserved a thousand years of history. After touring Seung-ui-jae, where the memorial tablet of Kim Juwon?who was demoted after losing the throne battle with King Wonseong and was enfeoffed as Myeongjugun?is enshrined, and the royal tomb, the journey of Bau-gil Course 3 comes to an end.