[One Day Walk] Haepalanggil Course 6 Following the Mountain Trail

‘Haepalanggil’ is a 750km walking trail consisting of a total of 50 courses that connect the coastal paths, forest trails, and village roads along the East Coast, from Oryukdo Sunrise Park in Busan to the Unification Observatory in Goseong, Gangwon.

Haepalanggil is a compound word combining the East Sea’s symbol, the ‘rising sun,’ the blue color of the sea, ‘parang,’ and the particle ‘rang,’ meaning ‘together with.’ It means ‘a path where you walk together, accompanied by the sound of waves, while looking at the rising sun and the blue sea.’

Haepalanggil Course 6 starts from Deokha Station in Ulsan and continues to the Taehwa River Observatory. It is 15.7km long and takes about 6 hours and 30 minutes. Starting with climbing Hamwolsan, most of the course consists of mountain trails, making it more difficult compared to other courses.

Starting from Deokha Station, the course soon ascends Hamwolsan. It is a low mountain with a height of 138m, and although the trail is well maintained, it is difficult to find restaurants or restrooms along the mountain path, so it is advisable to prepare some light snacks.

After descending Hamwolsan, you arrive at Seonam Lake Park, which was created using the natural scenery around Seonam Dam and the reservoir. There are walking paths such as a reflexology walkway, deck plaza, exploration trails, and a rose tunnel, as well as nature exploration areas including wildflower gardens, flower gardens, ecological wetlands, and lotus colonies. This place has convenience stores and restrooms, making it a good spot to take a break.

The following course overlaps with ‘Solmarugil,’ a circular walking trail consisting of four courses. Solmarugil connects mountains to mountains, mountains to rivers, and people to nature. The pine-scented walking path includes both mountain trails and lakeside paths, making it pleasant for walking. From Sinsan Jeong on Sinsan Mountain, you can get a panoramic view of Seonam Lake Park, and the scenery is outstanding.

The middle part of Haepalanggil Course 6 passes through Ulsan Grand Park. It is the largest urban park in the country, with many attractions such as a rose garden and a zoo. Especially, the rose garden holds an annual rose festival, making it a great place to create memories. After passing through Ulsan Grand Park, the course continues on a mountain trail climbing Samhosan.

After descending the mountain trail, the course leads to the final destination, the Taehwa River Observatory. This place was renovated into an observatory by Ulsan City and the Korea Water Resources Corporation from the Taehwa Water Intake Station and intake tower, which had not been in operation since 1995. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery and natural ecology of the Taehwa River and observe migratory birds of the Taehwa River.