Gangwon Tourism Organization to Host the 1st Untangodo Trail of Wishes Trekking in Jeongseon on November 1
A Transformative Healing Walk Connecting Past and Present with Kangwon Land, Ushering in a New Era for Local Tourism
Linked to the "2025-2026 Visit Gangwon Years"... Untangodo Reborn as a Trail of Healing and Wishes
The Gangwon Tourism Organization (CEO Choi Sunghyun) announced on October 16 that, together with Kangwon Land Co., Ltd. and Jeongseon County, it will host the "1st Untangodo Trail of Wishes Trekking" on November 1. The event will take place along the Untangodo 1330 Route 5 and the walking trail within the jurisdiction of High1 Resort.
This event, held in conjunction with the "2025-2026 Visit Gangwon Years," is a large-scale national walking festival expected to attract around 3,000 participants. The former coal transport route, Untangodo, will be reborn as the "Trail of Wishes," presenting a new tourism content where the bittersweet history of industrialization and the promise of sustainable tourism coexist.
Rather than a simple walk, the event is designed as a cultural tourism experience that offers healing while reflecting on the historical significance of the abandoned mining area. Participants can choose from three courses-Trail of Wishes (8.1 km), Family Trail (5.2 km), and Trail of Hope (3 km)-based on their fitness level, and enjoy a deeply moving and restorative journey through the autumn mountains.
Key features include a miners’ story reenactment (storytelling trekking) at the 1177 Mine and Dorongi Pond, a nostalgic playground at the site of the former Unrak Elementary School, forest meditation yoga, and eco-friendly flowerpot making. These diverse experiences are designed to appeal to all generations.
In particular, at Dorongi Pond, a "Wishing Bell" ringing ceremony will be held to honor fallen miners and allow participants to make their wishes, creating a meaningful moment. There will also be a path where participants can hang their wish notes, carrying their hopes with them.
On November 1 and 2, the Mountain Condo Lawn will host a local marketplace (social market) featuring 40 stores from "Maenggeuljang," the leading brand of the abandoned mining area market. Local specialties and handmade crafts from Jeongseon County will be available for purchase. This is expected to contribute to increasing the actual income of local small business owners and revitalizing the regional economy.
Of the 25,000 won participation fee, 15,000 won will be returned as Jeongseon Arirang gift certificates to encourage spending in the local economy. Special commemorative gifts will be provided to those who complete the course. Additionally, participants will receive a commemorative gift package worth 40,000 won, which includes a cable car ticket.
Choi Sunghyun, CEO of the Gangwon Tourism Organization, stated, "Untangodo in the abandoned mining area is making a new leap from being a center of industrialization in the past to becoming a model for sustainable tourism in the future. Through close cooperation with Kangwon Land and the local community, we will continue our efforts to establish Untangodo as Korea’s leading walking destination."
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