Walking Paths Filled with Phytoncides... Top 5 Recommended Trails to Explore in Uljin

The Best Destination for Wellness Tourism

Uljin-gun, located on the northern part of the East Coast of North Gyeongsang Province, is an ideal destination for wellness tourism.

Famous for its lush forests, including the Geumgang Pine Forest Trail, the refreshing blue East Sea, and hot springs, Uljin offers the unique opportunity to enjoy forest bathing, sea bathing, and hot spring bathing all at once.

In particular, Uljin boasts the largest Geumgang Pine community in Korea and pristine valleys, with walking trails that allow visitors to experience a variety of natural ecological resources in their original state. These trails have become popular healing destinations for those seeking to soothe their tired bodies and minds. Here are the top five walking trails in Uljin-gun.

① Geumgang Pine Forest Trail

Designated as a National Forest Trail by the Korea Forest Service, this eco-friendly path preserves the natural environment and is the most representative area of the existing Geumgang Pine primeval forest. Visitors can experience healing and rejuvenation through the phytoncides emitted by the centuries-old Geumgang pines.

The trail consists of seven sections (80 km in total), and to protect the forest, the number of daily visitors is limited and managed by a reservation system. There is also an ecological learning program with forest guides who explain the origins of place names, oral legends, tree names, and their characteristics. This is the most fitting trail for the slogan "The Breath of Korea, Uljin."

② Deokgu Valley Trekking Course

This course runs from Eungbongsan Mountain to Deokguri, where the hot springs are located, with scenic spots such as Seonnyeotang, Okrudae, and Hyeongje Falls along the way. In particular, Yongso Falls, located midway through Deokgu Valley, features rock formations that appear as if a dragon has passed through, with a waterfall cascading over them.

As the hot spring water emerges into the valley, visitors can feel the warmth, and the trekking course features 12 bridges modeled after famous bridges around the world, offering additional sights. Inside the valley, there is also a hot spring foot bath next to the naturally gushing hot spring, providing a place to relax and relieve fatigue.

③ Baegamsan Mountain Hiking Trail

Located west of Baegam Hot Springs, Baegamsan Mountain is part of the Nakdong Jeongmaek of the Baekdudaegan mountain range. The mountain is large and majestic, with deep valleys that are the source of Banbyeoncheon, which flows into the Nakdong River, and Pyeonghae Namdaecheon, which flows into the East Sea. The mountain is densely covered with pine and oak trees, and features clear valleys and uniquely shaped rocks, including Yongso, where a dragon is said to have lived, creating a stunning landscape.

Baegamsan stands at 1,004 meters and is also known as Cheonsabong. Visitors can enjoy hiking and then relieve their fatigue at Baegam Hot Springs, making it a popular location for training camps.

④ Wangpicheon Ecological Trail

This is the largest ecological landscape conservation area in Korea, boasting excellent vegetation and outstanding natural scenery. It is a key habitat for endangered and rare wildlife such as otters, goats, hawks, leopard cats, and martens. There are four trails in total, and to protect the forest, the number of daily visitors is limited through a reservation-based guided tour system.

⑤ Wangpicheon Euneo-gil (Botdorang-gil)

This 2.2 km trekking course was created by filling in the agricultural irrigation channel called Botdorang along the steep cliffs of Wangpicheon Valley. Here, visitors can observe sweetfish (euneo) swimming upstream to spawn right beside the trail.

The atmosphere of the trail, with its dense forests and the gentle sound of water, offers the calming sounds of nature. The trail is currently temporarily closed for construction to enhance safety, with plans to reopen at the end of this year.

Currently, barefoot walking courses are also being established around Yeonho Park in Uljin-eup and Wolsongjeong in Pyeonghae-eup, with plans to expand wellness spaces that combine forest and marine healing through walking.

As such, Uljin offers forest paths and trekking courses for all ages, and a variety of walking trails where visitors can enjoy clean air in line with the slogan "The Breath of Korea, Uljin."

County Governor Son Byeongbok said, "The best way to heal a tired body and mind is to leave the busy city for a while and stay in nature. I hope you experience Uljin-gun's various walking trails, feel refreshed in the pristine nature, and relieve your physical and mental fatigue."