[One Day Walk] Passing the Port and Entering the Salt Marsh, Lotus Flowers in Full Bloom... Siheung Course 53

17.5km from Siheung Baegot Haneul Park to Siheung Yeonkkot Theme Park

The Siheung 53 Course of the Gyeonggi Dullegil is a 17.5 km trail that runs from Siheung Baegot Haneul Park, passing through Wolgot Port, and continuing to the Lotus Theme Park. It is a path rich with sights, including well-maintained parks, lively ports, salt marshes full of the scent of the sea, and blooming lotuses.

The journey begins by walking along the neatly maintained Baegot Haneul Park. The park, created along the outskirts of Baegot New Town by the sea and stretching like a belt, connects Oido to the south and Wolgot Port to the north. Across the sea, the view of Songdo New Town unfolds like a different world. Inside the park, there are saltwater pools and mudflat experience areas, attracting many families for outings. The sunset views here are especially beautiful.

Leaving the 6 km waterfront park, you will encounter the fresh and lively Wolgot Port. Along with Sorae Port on the opposite side, it is considered a representative fish market of the metropolitan area. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was a military strategic point with a naval commander stationed here. In 1996, the mudflats were reclaimed to create over 200 shops and recreational facilities, including sashimi restaurants and a comprehensive fish market. Even now, it bustles with visitors who come to enjoy fresh seafood and the romance of the West Sea.

Following the path around the port, you enter the salt marshes. This is the Gaetgol Ecological Park, a nationally protected marine wetland area. The park was developed on the former Sorae salt field site, covering 1.45 million pyeong (approximately 4.8 million square meters). Walking along the winding salt marshes that lead inland, you can witness a spectacular autumn scene of dense silver grass and cosmos flowers. Another highlight of Gaetgol Ecological Park is the 22-meter-high shaking observatory. From here, you can enjoy a refreshing view and observe various halophytic plants. The bicycle-shaped bridge is also a great photo spot. Designed to resemble a bicycle, the bridge offers memorable views of sunsets and sunrises from above.

Leaving Gaetgol Ecological Park, crossing fields and winding through village paths, you reach Siheung Lotus Theme Park, where Gwangokji Pond is located. Gwangokji Pond is where Kang Huimaeng, a Joseon Dynasty official and scholar, first planted the seeds of the ‘Jeondanghong’ lotus. In 1463, he brought the seeds back from a diplomatic mission to the Ming Dynasty. Jeondanghong is a type of white lotus with white leaves and petals that have a light pink tip. Since then, Jeondanghong has spread around Gwangokji Pond.