The Yeoninsan Premium Valley Trail in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi Province, has been selected as one of the top 5 premium forest trails nationwide by the Korea Forest Service.
Gyeonggi Province announced that the Korea Forest Service chose Gapyeong’s "Yeoninsan Premium Valley Trail" as one of the five nationwide premium forest trails where visitors can enjoy the colorful autumn foliage, recommending a visit in late October when the leaves are at their peak.
Earlier, on the 21st, the Korea Forest Service introduced the "Yeoninsan Premium Valley Trail" as a national premium forest trail, describing it as "a beautiful valley trail harmonizing with people, featuring historical, cultural, and scenic values such as Seonnyeotang (Fairy Pool) where fairies are said to have rested, Hwajeonmin site, charcoal kiln site, and unique rock formations."
The Yeoninsan Premium Valley Trail was ranked first in last year’s National Reforestation 50th Anniversary Walking Premium Forest Trail Competition hosted by the Korea Forest Service. It is the best trekking (walking travel) course in the metropolitan area, proudly offered by Gyeonggi Province. The trail stretches along a 4.7 km long valley, allowing anyone to enjoy the scenic beauty of Yeoninsan. Visitors can experience fantastic natural landscapes throughout all four seasons by crossing 11 stepping stones and one suspension bridge over the valley.
Along the premium valley trail, visitors can find various attractions such as Yongchugugok (Dragon’s Nine Bends), where a dragon is said to have soared into the sky painting a picturesque scene; Seonnyeotang, where fairies rested; Hwajeonmin site, showcasing the lifestyle of mountain farmers; and charcoal kiln sites.
In particular, Yongchugugok has been recognized for its ecological and scenic preservation value and was designated as a "National Forest Cultural Asset" in 2020. Yongchugugok consists of nine scenic spots: the first bend, Waryongchu; the second, Musongam, resembling a small swimming pool; the third, Takyeongnoe, where water flows with a ripple sound like rapids; the fourth, Goseultan; the fifth, Ilsadae, offering depth and coolness; the sixth, Chuwoldam, where moonlight reflects on a quiet pond; the seventh, Cheongpunghyeop, a maple valley glowing with blue and red hues; the eighth, Gwiyuyeon, shaped like a turtle lying in a deep pond; and the ninth and final, the tranquil Nongwon Valley. The walk takes about two hours.
Especially in autumn, the trail is popular among visitors for its brilliantly colored maple trees.
Lee Jeong-su, Director of the Garden Industry Division of Gyeonggi Province, said, "We hope families, couples, and friends will visit the Yeoninsan Premium Valley Trail to fully enjoy the vibrant autumn foliage as the season deepens."
To reach the Yeoninsan Provincial Park Premium Valley Trail, take a bus from Gapyeong Station and get off at the Yongchu bus terminal, or if driving, visit the parking lot at the visitor center located at 229-41 Yongchu-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi Province.
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