Gwangyang Autumn Healing, Baegunsan Eochi Valley Ecological Trail Recommended

108 Steps in the Primeval Forest, Gusi Waterfall, and Orodae Filled with Autumn Sentiment -

In the Post-COVID Era, a Smart Emotional Traveler's Choice for a Customized Healing Space

[Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik] Gwangyang City in Jeollanam-do recommended Baegunsan Eochi Valley Ecological Trail as a must-visit place during the late autumn when the autumn leaves are beautifully colored.

The Eochi Valley Ecological Trail is a 1.25km trail created by preserving the natural terrain from Naehwaegyo Bridge in Jinsang-myeon to Gusi Waterfall, serving as a healing space where visitors can deeply breathe in the intimate nature.

Since access was difficult before the trail was established, it still retains its pristine primeval forest, and the sound of water flowing continuously through the valley and the bizarre rock formations are breathtaking sights that cannot be hidden.

About halfway along the quiet trail covered with fallen leaves, the steep 108 steps standing like a gateway make visitors pause for a moment.

At first, visitors count the steps to see if there really are 108, but soon forget counting as their body and mind feel lighter and healthier.

Walking up and down the trail, which is harmonized with coconut mats, wooden bridges, and rest areas, visitors are greeted by Gusi Waterfall, where cool streams pour down.

The name Gusi Waterfall comes from the shape resembling a long feeding trough for cows or horses (Gusi = feeding trough), and it holds a legend that it never dries up even during severe droughts.

About 0.7km up the forest road from Gusi Waterfall lies Orodae, a wide rock formation layered upon layers, famous for being cool enough to have dew even in the middle of summer daytime.

Above all, the hidden charm of the Eochi Valley Ecological Trail begins from the road leading to the trail.

In the distance, the Buddha hat-shaped Eokbulbong reflects beautifully on the clear Suwo Dam, creating a magnificent view, and the persimmon trees lined up like street trees, ripening red, enrich the heart.

Visiting nearby places such as Neuraengi-gol Natural Recreation Forest, Gwangyang Christian 100th Anniversary Memorial Hall, and Ungdong Church, and tasting Gwangyang’s representative dish, chicken charcoal grill, completes the perfect autumn trip of abundant harvest and clear skies.

Park Soon-gi, head of the Tourism Division, said, “The Eochi Valley Ecological Trail is popular as a summer resort, but it is also an autumn ecological road colored by late autumn and a healing space for emotional travelers in the With-Corona era.”

He added, “We hope visitors fully enjoy the beautiful autumn of Gwangyang and finish with a delicious gourmet trip featuring Gwangyang chicken charcoal grill and Gwangyang bulgogi.”

Meanwhile, Eochi is a Sino-Korean term for Neurinjae or Nejae, meaning a gently winding mountain pass that wraps around the mountainside. From Orodae, hiking trails connect to Maebong Samgeori after 1.7km, and from there, another 1.3km leads to the summit of Baegunsan.

Asia Economy Honam Reporting Headquarters, Reporter Heo Seonsik hss79@asiae.co.kr

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