By Jun Ji-hye
The winter months are almost over here, with the cold having remarkably abated in February, making it easier for people to go on a hike or walk.
To help people decide on superb walking opportunities in late winter, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) have recently recommended five hiking and walking paths across the country, which offer a chance to marvel at the breathtaking scenery and enjoy plenty of other attractions.
Walkers can also enjoy the different kinds of foods representing each region during their hiking and walking trips.
Incheon Dulle-gil Course 12
The Incheon Dulle-gil refers to the trail surrounding the Incheon city, which has been a gateway to Seoul for more than 100 years.
The circular trail of the western port city consists of 14 routes that stretch for a total of 120 kilometers, most of which are flat and not hard to walk.
Among the 14, the ministry and the KTO recommended Course 12 that offers walkers a chance to understand the modern history and culture of the city.
The five-kilometer Course 12 begins from Dongincheon Station. While walking the path, tourists can visit Dapdong Catholic Church, or St. Paul's Church, the first Roman catholic church of the city.
Then, visitors are invited to see other attractions showcasing local history, such as Hongyemun, a rainbow-shaped stone gate made like a tunnel on the hillside of Eungbong Mountain. Its construction started in 1906 and was completed in 1908 by Japan to expand the residential area for its people.
Other attractions include the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village that has become one of the most popular tourist spots of the city.
On the Incheon Dulle-gil Course 12, visitors can stop by Sinpo International Market known for chicken in sweet-and-sour sauce, and Chinatown offering original Chinese foods.
Busan Morundae coastal walking
Dadaepo-Morundae areas located in the southern part of Saha-gu, Busan, offers a beautiful cliff walk.
The 4.2-kilomter course begins from Dadaepo Beach and is connected to Morundae Cliff known for its romantic sunset view.
The site includes various geological features such as fault rocks, cross beddings and trace fossils, in addition to graceful scenery of sea cliffs, wave-cut platforms and shingle beaches.
Two hours would be enough to walk around the course.
Seoul Dulle-gil Course 2
A 157-kilometer-long walking trail surrounding the Seoul metropolitan area consists of eight routes, and was created to share history, culture and the natural ecology of the capital with visitors.
Among the eight, the Course 2 trekking course links Mount Yongma and Mount Acha, the two scenic peaks that form the boundary between Seoul to the east.
The 12.6-kilometer well-appointed course, which begins from Hwarangdae Station, boasts of earthy and grass scent in addition to spectacular views of Seoul.
At observation decks of the mountains, visitors can gaze down at the entirety of Seoul below.
A number of eating and drinking places are also grouped together near the mountains, offering a variety of delicious foods after hiking.
Mokpo Mount Yudal Dulle-gil
The Mount Yudalsan Dulle-gil is a quick hike, during which time walkers can take great photos of the surrounding area of Mokpo.
With estimated walk time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the 6.3-kilometer course begins from Mount Yudal parking lot, liking forest paths and historic sites.
Walkers can visit Dalseongsa Temple, Specific Native Botanical Garden, Mount Yudal Sculpture Park, Nakjodae and Arirang Hill on the course.
Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Mokpo Bridge and the southern tip of Dadohaehaesang National Park.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Hwaseong Fortress is one of the most popular tourist spots in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province as it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site that commemorates the filial affection and innovations of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
The 5.1 kilometer walking path linking authentic parts of the fortress offers visitors a chance to better understand the philosophy of King Jeongjo and history.
The course begins from the north gate of the fortress and takes about two hours to walk.
Suwon is accessible by subway from Seoul, making it easier for tourists to go on a day trip.
The winter months are almost over here, with the cold having remarkably abated in February, making it easier for people to go on a hike or walk.
To help people decide on superb walking opportunities in late winter, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) have recently recommended five hiking and walking paths across the country, which offer a chance to marvel at the breathtaking scenery and enjoy plenty of other attractions.
Walkers can also enjoy the different kinds of foods representing each region during their hiking and walking trips.
Incheon Dulle-gil Course 12
 |
| Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village in Incheon / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization |
The Incheon Dulle-gil refers to the trail surrounding the Incheon city, which has been a gateway to Seoul for more than 100 years.
The circular trail of the western port city consists of 14 routes that stretch for a total of 120 kilometers, most of which are flat and not hard to walk.
Among the 14, the ministry and the KTO recommended Course 12 that offers walkers a chance to understand the modern history and culture of the city.
The five-kilometer Course 12 begins from Dongincheon Station. While walking the path, tourists can visit Dapdong Catholic Church, or St. Paul's Church, the first Roman catholic church of the city.
Then, visitors are invited to see other attractions showcasing local history, such as Hongyemun, a rainbow-shaped stone gate made like a tunnel on the hillside of Eungbong Mountain. Its construction started in 1906 and was completed in 1908 by Japan to expand the residential area for its people.
Other attractions include the Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village that has become one of the most popular tourist spots of the city.
On the Incheon Dulle-gil Course 12, visitors can stop by Sinpo International Market known for chicken in sweet-and-sour sauce, and Chinatown offering original Chinese foods.
Busan Morundae coastal walking
Dadaepo-Morundae areas located in the southern part of Saha-gu, Busan, offers a beautiful cliff walk.
The 4.2-kilomter course begins from Dadaepo Beach and is connected to Morundae Cliff known for its romantic sunset view.
The site includes various geological features such as fault rocks, cross beddings and trace fossils, in addition to graceful scenery of sea cliffs, wave-cut platforms and shingle beaches.
Two hours would be enough to walk around the course.
Seoul Dulle-gil Course 2
 |
| A climber waves hands at Mount Acha's observation deck. / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization |
A 157-kilometer-long walking trail surrounding the Seoul metropolitan area consists of eight routes, and was created to share history, culture and the natural ecology of the capital with visitors.
Among the eight, the Course 2 trekking course links Mount Yongma and Mount Acha, the two scenic peaks that form the boundary between Seoul to the east.
The 12.6-kilometer well-appointed course, which begins from Hwarangdae Station, boasts of earthy and grass scent in addition to spectacular views of Seoul.
At observation decks of the mountains, visitors can gaze down at the entirety of Seoul below.
A number of eating and drinking places are also grouped together near the mountains, offering a variety of delicious foods after hiking.
Mokpo Mount Yudal Dulle-gil
The Mount Yudalsan Dulle-gil is a quick hike, during which time walkers can take great photos of the surrounding area of Mokpo.
With estimated walk time of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the 6.3-kilometer course begins from Mount Yudal parking lot, liking forest paths and historic sites.
Walkers can visit Dalseongsa Temple, Specific Native Botanical Garden, Mount Yudal Sculpture Park, Nakjodae and Arirang Hill on the course.
Visitors can also enjoy breathtaking views of Mokpo Bridge and the southern tip of Dadohaehaesang National Park.
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
 |
| Hwaseong Fortress walking path in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization |
Hwaseong Fortress is one of the most popular tourist spots in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province as it is a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site that commemorates the filial affection and innovations of King Jeongjo, the 22nd monarch of the Joseon Kingdom (1392-1910).
The 5.1 kilometer walking path linking authentic parts of the fortress offers visitors a chance to better understand the philosophy of King Jeongjo and history.
The course begins from the north gate of the fortress and takes about two hours to walk.
Suwon is accessible by subway from Seoul, making it easier for tourists to go on a day trip.
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