Primitive Snow Mountain Path Embracing Clouds, 'Untan Godo (運炭高道)'

Trekking Course at 1,330m Elevation, Total Length 173.2km
Forest Trails and Forest Roads Along the Route from Mountainous Inland to the Sea
Baekdudaegan Connecting Coal Transport Routes of Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Taebaek, and Samcheok

Manhangjae located on the slopes of Hambaksan where Taebaek, Jeongseon, and Yeongwol meet
[Photo provided by Taebaek City]

[Asia Economy Reporter La Young-cheol] Although climbing is difficult, the charm and great appeal of hiking lie in being able to enjoy magnificent scenic views after the ascent.

The mountains in Gangwon-do consist of ranges extending from the Baekdudaegan and other regional mountains. The area occupied by mountains is significantly larger than that of plains and coastal regions.

Gangwon-do has many mountain ridges, resulting in an unusually large number of mountain passes. These numerous passes serve as pathways connecting two regions separated by mountain ranges.

The 'Untan Godo (運炭高道)', stretching from Yeongwol to Samcheok, is renowned for its outstanding natural scenery, often described as a "highland road where clouds spread like a carpet."

It is a beautiful forest trail at an altitude of 1,330 meters and a total length of 173.2 km, created to allow people to enjoy and traverse the Baekdudaegan path that was once used to transport coal from four former mining cities/counties (Yeongwol, Jeongseon, Taebaek, Samcheok).

Hence, it is called 'Untan Godo 1330.' Visitors can encounter traces of coal mines that once led the revival of these former mining areas and South Korea.

'Untan Godo,' which connects the picturesque natural landscapes, abundant forest resources, and industrial heritage infrastructure of the former mining cities, is comparable to China's 'Chamagodo.'

Connecting Yeongwol (Cheongnyeongpo, winery), Jeongseon (Manhangjae, Kangwon Land), Taebaek (Hwangji Pond, Maebongsan), and Samcheok (Mi-in Waterfall, Samcheok Port), the course from the mountainous inland to the sea includes forest trails and forest roads within national forest areas.

Untan Godo Trekking Course
Photo by Gangwon-do Tourism Organization

Especially, the snow-covered Untan Godo from Jeongseon-gun's Hambaksan Small Park to High1 Resort creates a breathtaking view.

Hambaksan, the highest peak (1,573 m) among the eastern mountains of Gangwon, spans Taebaek, Yeongwol, and Jeongseon areas.

The Sky Forest covers a national forest area of 2,271 hectares, with an average forest age of 45 years, consisting of pine trees, larch, and sawtooth oak trees over 15 meters tall.

Within the forest are rich historical and cultural resources, including the high road used for transporting coal (Untan Godo) and Dorongi Pond (a pond formed by water filling a collapsed underground coal mine tunnel, serving as a habitat for the Dorongi salamander).

It is a great opportunity to escape the busy daily life for a while and experience a mysterious exploration trail where the beautiful primeval forest paths embroidered by nature along the highlands and the majestic scenery of Baekdudaegan unfold endlessly.

Starting from 'Manhangjae,' where Yeongwol, Jeongseon, and Taebaek meet, you can choose one of the long-distance courses: the route arriving at Dorongi Pond (14.2 km) or the entire 32 km section to Jeongseon's 'Saebijae.'

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