"Now We're Not the Only Ones Who Can't Go" NYT Picks Korea's Camino de Santiago: Where Is It?

Included in the 52 Top Travel Destinations Worldwide
Korea's First East-West Trail Designed for Backpacking
Full Opening Scheduled for 2027

The Dongseo Trail, a long-distance forest path often referred to as Korea's answer to the Camino de Santiago, has been included in The New York Times' list of recommended travel destinations for 2026.

On January 7 (local time), The New York Times featured the Dongseo Trail in its article "52 Places to Go in 2026."

"Now We're Not the Only Ones Who Can't Go" NYT Picks Korea's Camino de Santiago: Where Is It?

A region of Anmyeondo belonging to the East-West Trail. Getty Images

The Dongseo Trail stretches 849 kilometers across the Korean peninsula, running from Anmyeondo in Taean County, South Chungcheong Province, to Manghyangjeong in Uljin County, North Gyeongsang Province. It comprises a total of 64 sections, including 55 main routes and 9 branch routes. The Korea Forest Service has been developing the trail since 2023. In October of last year, 17 sections (244 kilometers) were opened on a trial basis. The construction is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year, with the goal of opening all sections by 2027.

Notably, the Dongseo Trail is the first in Korea to be designed as a "backpacking-based trail." Rather than a simple hiking route, it is modeled for travelers to walk while carrying backpacks and camping gear, staying overnight or longer. Unregulated camping is not permitted; instead, accommodation and cooking are allowed only at designated shelters and campsites in each section. Basecamp villages have been designated for access to restaurants, lodging, and convenience facilities along the trail, and related information and shelter reservations are available through the "Supnadel-e" platform.

Hikers walking on the Dongseo Trail. Korea Forest Service

The New York Times introduced the Dongseo Trail as Korea's first east-west long-distance trail, describing it as "a new long-distance trail that connects Korea's hidden gems." The article further recommended, "Escape the bustle of Seoul and discover Korea's hidden charms along the Dongseo Trail."

The New York Times also noted that "the Dongseo Trail connects natural, ecological, and cultural resources that are not widely known even among domestic travelers." The highlighted sections include: the ancient Geumgang pine forest in Sogwang-ri, Uljin County, home to pines over 500 years old; Beopjusa Temple’s unique wooden pagoda, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; Bonghwa, famous for sweetfish; Hansan in Seocheon, a traditional ramie fabric production site; Hahoe Folk Village in Andong, which preserves Confucian clan society; and Uljin, known for its East Sea snow crab festival.

Other destinations recommended by The New York Times this year include the historic Route 66 in the United States, the Himalayas in Nepal, the Canadian Rockies, Nagasaki and Okinawa in Japan, and Yunnan Province in China. The article also highlighted the United States’ 250th Independence anniversary celebrations, a total solar eclipse visible in Iceland, and the newly established Museum of Modern Art in Warsaw, Poland, as noteworthy attractions.