This fall, how far should we walk… Paths chosen by people who are serious about walking - 경향신문
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Walk Walk members walking the Daecheongho 500-ri Trail in Daejeon. Provided by Le Mouton
When autumn comes, the urge to walk returns. Even a familiar riverside path feels new once the wind turns crisp and the leaves change color. In forests that stayed green all summer, yellow, orange, and red quietly spread, and silver grass sways across the fields. For those walking the coast, the clearer sky becomes a gift.
At such times, there is a map worth consulting: 57 walking courses across the country carefully selected by the footwear brand Le Mouton. The in-house walking club ‘Walk Walk(WALK WALK)’ personally covered some of them, supplemented by recommendations from customers who joined the ‘Travel is about walking’ campaign. Since last year, Le Mouton has been organizing group walks at home and abroad under the name ‘Sanchaekhoe’. This past August, the entire staff obtained walking leader certificates. ‘Walk Walk’ is a name that captures the rhythm of walking in step together. It is a ‘loose’ club where employees who enjoy walking participate regardless of years of service, position, or gender. About 10 to 15 people gather each time to walk between spring and early summer, and again from autumn to early winter.
Operating as much as possible on Thursdays and Fridaysfrom a ‘work refresh’ perspective rather than on weekendsalso boosts staff appeal. A Walk Walk representative shared the operational secret: “The key is to make sure the group does not feel like another task or a grand in-house project.” For those who want to walk this fall, Walk Walk recommends five courses.
The First Gate of Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park in North Gyeongsang. This is the beginning of the route that follows the journey scholars once took to Hanyang to sit for the state examination. Korea Tourism Organization
Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park in North Gyeongsang is a place where the phrase ‘a path for walking’ fits especially well. It follows the road scholars once took toward Hanyang to sit for the state exam. The old road over the crest of Joryeongsan still preserves the atmosphere of that time. True to its name, it was a pass so hard that even birds struggled to cross it, yet many scholars passed the exam after traveling it, so it also became known as a path for praying for success and good fortune.
From the First Gate to the Second and Third Gates, dense forest and valley streams continue. As you walk to the sounds of water and birds, the noise of the city soon fades. Along the way, you can stop by an outdoor set, a nature and ecology park, and a maze park. If walking the full section feels too much, a mini shuttle bus is available. Above all, it shines in autumn. When foliage settles onto the serene ridgelines, the atmosphere of the old road deepens.
“We recommend this for those who want to walk in nature or visit a historic site.”
From Mipo Station in Busan Blueline Park to Songjeong, you can enjoy open sea views to your right all the way. Provided by Le Mouton
In Busan, many people ride the Beach Train or the Sky Capsule. Walk Walk enjoys it differently: they walk it themselves.
This coastal path runs from Mipo Port, past Cheongsapo, to Songjeong. At Blueline Park, created on the disused Donghae Nambu Line, there is not only a train and a Sky Capsule but also a well-built decked walkway right by the sea. The sea opens to your left, and the Beach Train runs to your right. Even when looking at the same sea, the view from inside the train differs from what you take in while walking slowly.
Because it is mostly flat, it is good for walking while chatting. If you stop by Haewol Observatory en route, you can look down at the sea through the glass floor. Even in autumn, the sea breeze can be strong, so bring an outer layer.
Mipo Port → Mipo Station → Cheongsapo Station → Songjeong Beach about 4.6㎞
“The sea from the Beach Train and Sky Capsule is lovely, but the seascape you watch while walking has a different charm. Be sure to try walking it once.”
Mipo Port → Mipo Station → Cheongsapo Station → Songjeong Beach about 4.6㎞
Gungnamji in Buyeo. With Poryongjeong Pavilion set in the middle of the lake and a trail encircling it, the pond lined with diverse lotus blooms invites an unhurried stroll. Provided by Le Mouton
Gungnamji is best known as a summer lotus spot. But if you extend the good walking season into autumn, the story changes. Known as Korea’s first artificial garden, created south of the palace during King Mu of Baekje, Gungnamji has Poryongjeong Pavilion in the middle of the lake with a walking path around it. Walk Walk customers recommended it for precisely this unhurried feel. A full loop takes about two hours. You can rest at pavilions along the way and have fun looking for ducks and waterfowl. If you visit when the autumn chrysanthemum exhibition is on, the scenery around the pond changes again.
“A full circuit takes about two hours. There are pavilions along the way, and the hanok in the center is a nice place to sit and rest. Do look for the ducks.”
Starting at the entrance to Bukhansanseong Fortress, the valley path lets you walk to the refreshing sound of water, away from the city’s noise. Provided by the Korea Tourism Organization
If you want to experience both ‘forest and valley’ near Seoul, there is the Bukhansanseong Valley Path. The roughly 1.4㎞ section from the fortress entrance to Borisa Temple is not long. But as you follow the valley, you can take in the sounds of water and the scent of the woods. You will also encounter historic scenes such as traces of the old ramparts and temple sites. Above all, its strength is accessibility: you can feel as if you have entered the forest without traveling far.
Entrance to Bukhansanseong Fortress → Borisa Temple about 1.4㎞
“From the mouth of the valley, the clear sound of water draws your steps, and once you enter the dense forest path, the fresh scent of the woods fills your chest.”
Entrance to Bukhansanseong Fortress → Borisa Temple about 1.4㎞
Daeheungsa, set in a broad intermontane basin in Haenam. Provided by Le Mouton
Daeheungsa, on the slopes of Duryunsan in Haenam, South Jeolla, grows more compelling when you take your time walking the approach rather than focusing only on the temple itself. It is a mountain temple inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site and a thousand-year-old temple. The name plaques of the Daeungbojeon Hall, the Cheonbuljeon Hall, and the Chimgaeru Pavilion bear the calligraphy of historic figures such as Wongyo Yi Gwang-sa and Chusa Kim Jeong-hui. Traces of Seosan Daesa, who led the monk army during the Imjin War, also remain.
The course Walk Walk recommends is about 2.9㎞ from the entrance of Duryunsan Provincial Park to Daeheungsa. There is some incline, but it is a slow walk through the woods. The 500-year-old entwined tree in front of the Daeungbojeon Hall also lies along this route. In autumn, the quiet atmosphere of the mountain temple grows deeper. Set Daeheungsa as your destination, but think of the time walking to the temple as part of the journey rather than simply “going to see a temple.”
Entrance to Duryunsan Provincial Park → Daeheungsa Parking Lot → Baekhwaam·Yuseon-gwan → Daeheungsa about 2.9㎞
“Daeheungsa rewards what you bring to it. Take your time with each inscription on the plaques and the old trees as you walk.”
Entrance to Duryunsan Provincial Park → Daeheungsa Parking Lot → Baekhwaam·Yuseon-gwan → Daeheungsa about 2.9㎞
Walking along a promenade against the blue sea of Mukho, it is nice to pause at the Dochebigol Sky Valley observatory. Korea Tourism Organization
Among the 57 courses chosen by Walk Walk are varied routes from parks in Seoul to lakes, reservoirs, ecological parks, old forests, palaces, and temples. Ansan Jarak-gil is worth noting when you want to experience autumn woods in Seoul. Rather than climbing to the summit, it focuses on walking along the foothills, so the burden is lighter. A strength is that you can walk slowly while enjoying forest scenery such as the metasequoia grove.
If you want to see the autumn sea, Mukho in Gangwon-do is a fine choice. This is Haeparang Trail Section 34, continuing from Mukho Station to Mukho Port, Dochebigol, Eodal Port, Daejin Beach, and Mangsang Beach. The appeal here is not merely the sea. The alley and murals of Nongoldam-gil up to Mukho Lighthouse, Dochebigol Sky Valley, and Windy Hill follow in succession.
Hyochang Park is good when you want to add history to a forest walk. Although right in the middle of the city, it holds traces of the independence movement, making it feel different from a simple park stroll. Seoul Hanyangdoseong Trail Section 2, Naksan segment also suits an autumn walk. Following the fortress wall, you can look out over the cityscape of central Seoul, and its mood differs between day and dusk.
Seoul Dulle-gil Section 13, upper Anyangcheon suits those who prefer waterways to mountain paths. The surrounding scenery stays relatively level as you walk, making it easy to approach like an everyday stroll.
Gwangneung Forest Biosphere Reserve Circumferential Trail Section 7, Forest Bathing Trail is especially appealing in autumn as a path where you can feel the forest itself. Soraesan in Incheon is also a contender for those who want a light autumn hike close to home.
Dumulmeori, a signature walking spot in the Seoul metropolitan area. Kyunghyang Shinmun file photo
Dumulmeori is a representative metropolitan walking destination where water, trees, and dawn scenery come together. Note that it can be crowded on weekends, so if you want a quiet walk, aim for early hours. Siheung Gaetgol Ecological Park shows an autumn entirely different from foliage. The leading roles are the tidal creeks, reeds, and wide sky. It suits those who want to walk a long, flat path in the autumn breeze. Baegot Hanul Park and Baegot Saengmyeong Park are also worth remembering for metropolitan residents who want a light seaside walk in the sea breeze.
Dongtan Yeoul Park conveys the joy of walking close to daily life rather than at a massive tourist site. Even without going far, you can refresh your day by walking along the waterfront. Yanggu Korean Peninsula Island offers the geographic interest of a lake and an island.
In North Chungcheong, there is the Yeonhayeop Cloud Bridge in Goesan County. You can enjoy both mountains and water, making it a promising spot for autumn scenery. Nongdari in Jincheon also deserves a place on the list: you can cross the old stone bridge and enjoy walking the waterside path nearby. Daecheongho 500-ri Trail Section 4, Lakeside Romance Trail is, as its name suggests, a route that keeps the lake by your side. In autumn the lake is quieter than in summer. As the colors on distant mountains reflect on the water’s surface, your walking pace naturally slows. Cheongnamdae is another good choice for enjoying an autumn forest. At Goljeong Reservoir, pavilions, water, and trees come together, suiting a quiet late-autumn walk.
Walk Walk members on Siheung’s Seohaerang-gil. Provided by Le Mouton
Walk Walk members who covered the Hwajeongcheon~Ansancheon section in Ansan. Provided by Le Mouton
Sangnim Park in Hamyang offers the pleasure of walking along an ancient forest, letting you feel the depth of the woods without climbing a mountain. Hamyang Seonbi Culture Trail Section 1 adds the story of following traces of the refined pursuits of Joseon-era scholars in nature. Jangseong Lakeside Trail is a fine autumn destination for walking along a lake. Gyeongbuk Millennium Forest Garden, true to its name, lets you enjoy forest and garden together. Taehwagang National Garden is good for planning a course that combines garden and riverside. In Busan, Dongbaekseom and the Igidae Coastal Walk are also candidates for an autumn seaside stroll. If you want to savor an emptied beach, the high sky, and the slightly cooler breeze, head to places such as JeongdongSimgok Badabuchae-gil, Yeongdeok Blueroad, Yi Sun-sin Park, and Seogwipo Chilsimni City Park.
