Gangwon's 'Byeolgureumgil' Named a Premier Scenic Route
Selected as a '2025 South Korea Tourist Road' by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport
100km Stretch from Jeongseon Arirang Market to Samcheok Miin Falls
Recognized for Unique Value Among 35 Competing Routes Nationwide
Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province (Governor Kim Jin-tae) announced that the 'Byeolgureumgil' route, which connects Jeongseon (Arirang Market) and Samcheok (Miin Falls), was selected as one of the final six routes in the '2025 South Korea Tourist Road' contest announced by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport on November 13.
The 'South Korea Tourist Road' is the first official tourist road designated by the government following the amendment of the Road Act (October 2024). In this contest, a total of 35 routes were submitted by 17 metropolitan and local governments nationwide. The final selection was made after a document review, on-site evaluations, and a final review by the Road Policy Deliberation Committee.
The 'Byeolgureumgil' route covers approximately 100 kilometers, starting from Jeongseon Arirang Market and passing through Hwaam Cave, Manhangjae, Gumunso, Cheoram Coal Mine Historical Village, and Miin Falls. It received high marks for connecting the industrial heritage and natural and geological resources of the abandoned mine regions into a single tourism route.
The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport evaluated 'Byeolgureumgil' as more than just a scenic drive, highlighting its value in allowing visitors to experience the region's industrial history and its content, which has been reinterpreted with a modern sensibility.
Routes designated as South Korea Tourist Roads are expected to receive national funding for the installation of tourist road signs, nationwide promotion and integrated marketing, expansion of convenience facilities, and landscape improvement projects.
Kim Jin-tae, Governor of Gangwon Special Self-Governing Province, stated, "Our province was the first in the country to establish a dedicated department for tourist roads and has taken the lead in presenting a vision for South Korea's tourist roads. With this selection, I hope more people will have the opportunity to experience the history, culture, and natural environment of the abandoned mine regions stretching from Jeongseon to Samcheok, and that this will open a new path for revitalizing tourism in these areas."
The province plans to begin full-scale preparations to welcome tourists and maximize the appeal of 'Byeolgureumgil' after the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport's final designation and official announcement in December.
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