Daejeon is a beautiful city located in the center of South Korea. It’s known for its mountains, valleys, and forests, making it the perfect place for hiking enthusiasts! In this post, we will discuss some of the best hiking trails in Daejeon. We’ll provide a detailed description of each trail and information on how to get there and what to expect. So if you’re looking for an adventure, look no further than the hiking trails of Daejeon!
Gyeryongsan National Park
Gyeryongsan (Mt. Gyeryong) National Park, located just 50 minutes from Daejeon by bus, is one of South Korea’s few wild mountain ranges situated near a major metropolis. The national park encompasses parts of Daejeon, Gyeongju, and Nonsan and includes 15 peaks, the most prominent being Cheonhwang-bong. The park has several stunning waterfalls and intriguing rock formations, such as the Chicken Dragon Mountain, which means “Chicken Dragon Mountain” due to the granite mountains’ resemblance to a cock’s comb or a dragon’s scales. The spring is marked with cherry blossoms along the Donghaksa Mountain Trail, which takes you to a verdant valley in the summer. The fall foliage is breathtaking, and the winter scenery with snow-capped peaks is magnificent.
Take city bus no. 102 or 103 to Donghaksa from the Daejeon Bus Terminal or Yuseong Intercity Bus Terminal. You may also catch bus no. 2, which goes to Gapsa, from the station in front of the Yuseong Police Station. The hour-long journey takes around an hour. Take a bus to Donghaksa from the old Gongju Bus Terminal. Alternatively, travel by city bus from Gongju to Sinwonsa.
Minbak (homestay) huts line both sides of the highway up to the parking lot. There are several dining choices along the way to Donghaksa if you walk further up the road on foot. The temple is located just after you’ve passed it.
Mount Gyejok Hwangtogil Trail
Mt. Gyejok, located in Daejeon’s east, is home to the Gyejok Mountain Fortress and Jang-dong Forest Park. Soon after Hwangtogil Trail was built, it became a national attraction for barefoot trekking. To reach the summit at 1,829 meters above sea level, a round-trip route will take roughly 5 to 6 hours. The entire 14.5-kilometer trail along a forest road from the Jang-dong Forest Park entrance takes 5 to 6 hours.
It is believed to be beneficial for blood circulation and sleeplessness while walking barefoot. Why don’t you go out on Hwangtogil Trail and try walking barefoot along the beautiful forest path for yourself? Yes, you will feel exhaustion, but the sensation of walking on terra rossa (red clay) will make you feel wonderful and revived.
Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail
Walking along the Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail is a therapeutic experience. This eco-trail is for barefoot walking, and there are many places where you can wash and dry your feet along the route. The red clay trail has a gradual sloping upward grade and is thus quite easy. The paved path borders the red clay path, allowing you to walk either of them at your own speed. You may also want to stop by the ancient fort on the way, but if you decide to explore, be sure to put on your shoes.
The Gyejoksan Red Clay Trail was established in 2006 as the country’s first environmentally friendly barefoot walking route. Walking this 14.5-kilometer trail adorned with pine needles is a fantastic method to stay healthy. The Gyejoksan Mountain Barefoot Festa is held every May, and there are additional weekend activities from April through October. Gyejoksanseong Fortress, which was constructed during the Three Kingdoms period, offers visitors a view of downtown Daejeon. The destination has relaxing red clay foot massage, forest baths, and barefoot tracking courses available to guests.
Sutonggol Valley
Walking excursions are available in Sutraigol Valley, including tracking. Nature appreciation walks, such as forests and valleys along the route, are also available. It has become a very popular one-day course among trekkers. A stroll along the valley’s well-kept paths, stopping to use the exercise equipment provided along the way briefly, is a fantastic method to relieve stress whether you don’t want to attempt climbing the mountain.
According to the Daejeon Metropolitan Government, on September 8, the “100 Untact Tourist Sites” nationwide was chosen by a council of local tourism organizations, including the Korea Tourism Organization and seven regional tourism agencies.
Sangso-dong Forest Park
The people of Daejeon enjoy the winter walking route with an ice garden along the way. And there’s no doubt about it. The dazzling ice columns reflect the sunshine, making you feel as if you’re in a “Frozen” movie. It’s an ice rink in the winter. The ice garden will greet you as soon as you arrive at this location. It extends for 300 meters through the forest from beginning to end.
The ice columns grew from frozen water that collected as snowfall accumulated over thousands of years. The park has water from the surrounding valleys, which combines with hundreds of stone towers and wooden sculptures to create a beautiful sight.
There is also a wooden walkway along the length of the ice towers. However, when it snows, these trails in Daejeon become slippery. If you want to see them in a short amount of time, you must trek there because the highway is at a greater elevation than the secondary road.
It also got its name owing to the resemblance of the ice towers to gems.
There are several pavilions where you may relax. Around the park, there are also some benches. It’s a fantastic location to spend your day since it has both traditional pavilions and modern structures.
Take bus 501 from Daejeon Station. Then, wait for 27 stops. You will then get off at ‘Sanjemal.’ From there, cross the road and continue straight until you come to a car tunnel. If you want to keep your goal, you must continue walking in the direction you are going. Do not cross the street. You’ll notice it once you do.
Daejeon offers a variety of hiking trails perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy a good workout. You’ll find the ideal trail for you among the many options available. Daejeon has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike. So get out there and explore all that this beautiful city offers!
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