[One Day Walk] Following Heo Gyun's Traces... 'Gangneung Baougil Course 4'

Total 15.7 km... Estimated Time 6 Hours
From Myeongjugun Royal Tomb to Sacheonjin Beach Park

'Bau-gil,' which captures the mountains and rivers of Gangwon-do, is a natural and human-friendly walking course. Course 4 of Gangneung Bau-gil starts at the Myeongju Gun Royal Tomb, passes through Haesal-i Village, Hyeonpyeonggyo Bridge, and the entrance to the Heo Gyun poetry monument, and ends at Sacheonjin Beach Park. The total length is 15.7 km, taking about 6 hours to complete, with a moderate level of difficulty.

Walking along the Sacheon embankment path on Course 4 is a journey from the Baekdudaegan mountain range to the blue East Sea. Gyosan in Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung, is also the birthplace of Heo Gyun. The name Gyosan comes from the winding shape of the mountain, which resembles a dragon that failed to become one. Heo Gyun loved his hometown so much that he named his pen name Gyosan. He even dreamed of creating a new country like Hong Gil-dong, the protagonist of his book. Walking while reflecting on Heo Gyun’s life, who, like the crooked mountain, could not ascend as a dragon.

The journey starts at Myeongju Gun Royal Tomb and heads east along a forest road. Walking alongside large pine trees on both sides, you will reach Haesal-i Village in Sacheon, famous for its durup (aralia sprout), at the end of the forest road. The name Haesal-i Village originates from the changpo plant, which grows well as soon as it receives sunlight, hence called the 'Haesal-i' plant. It is also known as the 'answer herb' due to its excellent medicinal properties that help with various symptoms.

Leaving Haesal-i Village and walking along the Sacheon embankment, you will see the sign for Galgol Hangwa Village. Nodongjung-ri in Sacheon-myeon was called Galgol because of its abundant reeds, but nowadays it is more famous as Hangwa Village. The village has preserved the traditional technique of making hangwa (traditional Korean sweets) for over 130 years, and the entire village produces hangwa. 'Gwajul' is the old name for hangwa. Uniquely in Sacheon, hangwa is fried not in oil but in clean heated sand.

After passing Hangwa Village and crossing under National Route 7 via an underpass, a vast field rarely seen in Gangneung unfolds. This is Hapyeongtteul, a representative rice-producing area of Gangneung. Passing through here, you will reach Aeildang Village, the maternal home and birthplace of Gyosan Heo Gyun. Although no traces remain, the site is known as one of the most auspicious places inheriting the spirit of Odaesan Mountain. Behind this place on a hill stands the 'Gyosan Poetry Monument.' From the monument, you can see the blue East Sea at a glance. Retracing Heo Gyun’s footsteps and walking a bit further, you will arrive at the final destination of today’s course, Sacheonjin Beach Park.