Jeongseon County Completes 70km Circular Forest Trail 'Jjadeulbakgil' Connecting Nine Famous Mountains

Connecting the Ridges of Jeongseon: A New Era for Wellness Tourism
Full Opening of Jeongseon Jjadeulbakgil Trail... Official Launch in March

On January 12, Jeongseon County in Gangwon Province announced that it has completed the construction of the "Jeongseon Jjadeulbakgil," a 70-kilometer circular forest trail connecting the famous mountains in the Jeongseon-eup area.

Jeongseon County Completes 'Jjadeulbakgil' Connecting Nine Famous Mountains of Jeongseon. Panoramic View of Jangdeungsan. Provided by Jeongseon County.

The name "Jjadeulbakgil" comes from the Gangwon dialect word "jjadeulbak," meaning extremely steep terrain. The circular forest trail was created to allow visitors to fully experience the contours and ridges of nine famous mountains in Jeongseon-eup as they walk along the route.

The trail links the existing forest paths of Bibongsan, Mindunsan, Byeongbangsan, Giusan, Joyangsan, Cheolmisan, Nochisan, Sangjeongbawi, and Jangdeungsan, forming a single route that allows visitors to experience Jeongseon's unique forest landscapes and topographical features.

The Jjadeulbakgil operates as three separate courses. Course 1, "Jjadeulbak Culture Trail," is a 16.6-kilometer section running from Jeongseon-eup through Bibongsan and Mindunsan to Byeongbangsan Provincial Park. With its relatively gentle route, and connections to attractions such as the Byeongbangsan Skywalk and glamping sites, this course is suitable for families and casual visitors.

Course 2, "Jjadeulbak Sky Trail," stretches 32.2 kilometers from Byeongbangsan Provincial Park to the wind power complex, Cheoneunsa and Yakcheonsa temples, Aesansanseong Fortress, and Ararichon Village. This course offers panoramic views from the ridgeline and allows visitors to experience Jeongseon's history and Arirang culture as they pass by temples and cultural heritage sites.

Course 3, "Jjadeulbak Forest Trail," is a 21.1-kilometer section from the main sports complex through Cheolmisan, Nochisan, Sangjeongbawi, and Jangdeungsan, returning to Jeongseon-eup. This challenging course, with its steep mountains and deep forest paths, provides diverse experiences for trekking and hiking enthusiasts.

The county invested a total of 2.3 billion won in the phased construction of the Jjadeulbakgil. Starting with Course 2 in 2024, Courses 1 and 3 were sequentially completed by 2025, resulting in the full opening of the entire trail. Currently, all sections are equipped with safety facilities and rest areas, ensuring visitors can enjoy the trail safely and comfortably.

Comprehensive guide map. Provided by Jeongseon County

Through the creation of Jjadeulbakgil, the county has established a foundation for the systematic preservation and utilization of pristine forest resources. It also aims to expand wellness tourism content that combines walking, healing, and experiential activities, thereby promoting longer stays by tourists and having a positive impact on the local economy.

Having completed the entire trail, Jjadeulbakgil will undergo a stabilization period during the winter and is scheduled to officially open in March. Before the opening, the county plans to conduct final inspections of guide signs and rest facilities, and to complete site maintenance for safety during the thawing season, ensuring thorough preparation for visitors.

Jihyungyu, head of the Forest Division, stated, "Jjadeulbakgil is a representative circular forest trail that connects the mountains, forests, culture, and stories of Jeongseon into a single path. We will continue to provide ongoing management and program enhancements so that both residents and tourists can find rest and recovery in nature."