Slow City Gimhae 1.5km Reservoir Trail: 2 Selections

Jinyeong Udongnuri-gil and Jinrye Baeksukchon Pyeongjimot Scenic Charm Enough

Udong Nuri-gil, created around Ugok Reservoir in Udong-ri, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae City (Photo by Gimhae City)

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Kang Woo-kwon] In Gimhae, Gyeongnam, there are various trails including the Hwapo Stream Aureum-gil stretching a full 26 km, but sometimes you just want to take a light walk.

Introducing Udong Nuri-gil and Pyeongji Mot Dullegil, which are flat, reasonably distanced, easy to walk, and located on the outskirts of the city, offering a quiet atmosphere. Both paths perfectly match the slow city vibe of Gimhae and are reservoir trails.

Udong Nuri-gil, built around Ugok Reservoir in Udong-ri, Jinyeong-eup, allows you to enjoy a walk crossing between Gimhae and neighboring Changwon.

This reservoir, elongated north to south, is divided at the center: the west side belongs to Dong-eup, Uichang-gu, Changwon City, and the east side to Udong-ri, Jinyeong-eup, Gimhae City.

Walking around the reservoir means you effectively visit Changwon once and return to Gimhae, making it fun to cross the boundary between the two cities.

Clear valley water flowing down from Jeongbyeongsan Mountain (566.3m) in Changwon forms the reservoir, keeping the water clean. Being somewhat remote from urban areas, it offers the tranquil charm typical of a rural reservoir.

The total length of the Ugokji Dullegil is about 1.5 km. The existing deck road (682m) in Changwon’s administrative area and the 800m Gimhae section, renovated last May, are connected, completing a splendid waterside walking path.

Slow City Gimhae Udongnuri-gil (Photo by Gimhae City Hall)

Gimhae City secured 600 million KRW through a government contest project and, since April last year, installed a wooden bridge (55m), three pavilions, one stone staircase, eight benches, six outdoor exercise equipment, 416m of safety fences, and five lifesaving boxes on the existing paved path.

Crossing the wooden bridge and passing the pavilion, benches placed under tall tree shade naturally stimulate contemplation and the desire to read.

About 2 km along the single path south of the reservoir, you reach Ugoksa Temple, known to have been founded in 832 during the Silla period.

It is famous for a giant ginkgo tree planted at its founding and a medicinal spring that never dries even in drought and is said to be good for skin diseases.

Another reservoir trail comparable to Udong Nuri-gil is Pyeongji Mot Dullegil below Pyeongji Village in Jinrye-myeon, known for its baeksuk (chicken soup) restaurants.

This site also secured 600 million KRW through a government contest project, planting 5,000 flowers and trees around the reservoir, installing deck roads, nine benches, two pavilions, and one public restroom, and opened to the public early last year.

The full loop is about 1.5 km, so it’s not burdensome. The city divided it into Cherry Blossom Road (496m), Wildflower Road (252m), Natural Forest Road (555m), Metasequoia Road (237m), and Jangseung Small Park.

Located at the foot of mountains surrounded by Bieumsan, Namsanbong, Daeamsan (675.7m), and Yongjibong (744.7m) to the southwest, the reservoir’s water is clear. About 300 meters toward the mountain side lies Pyeongji Village’s baeksuk village, where around ten restaurants cluster.

Looking only at the reservoir on the walking path misses the beautiful scenery. Standing with your back to the reservoir on the embankment path, a refreshing view unfolds beneath the green hills.

Going further up toward the village leads to a hiking trail extending to Jangyu Yongjibong. According to the Yongjibong Nuri-gil guideboard installed near the reservoir’s small park, there are various courses to walk depending on your fitness level.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.