[One Day Walk] 'Urban Theme Forest Trail' Gajwasan Dulle-gil, One of Jinju's Top 10 Famous Mountains

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected 30 "Premium Forest Trails Perfect for Walking" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reforestation. The selected forest trails are suitable for about a day's hike and are easily accessible, allowing the public to use them comfortably and conveniently. Every Friday, we introduce these premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service.

Today's 10,000-step course is the Gajwasan Dulle-gil (Gajwasan Circumferential Trail). Gajwasan is listed among the top 10 representative mountains of Jinju-si, Gyeongnam Province.

Located in Gajwa-dong, Jinju-si, this mountain borders Naedong-myeon to the west and Mangjin Mountain to the north. The mountain is gentle enough to climb with children and is well maintained.

For the same reason, it is also suitable as a family walking course. The proximity of large residential complexes and Yeonam University of Science and Technology contributes to the steady increase in visitors climbing Gajwasan.

There are several routes to reach the summit of Gajwasan, but the most commonly used entrances are the trails starting from Seokryu Park and in front of Yeonam University of Science and Technology.

Sunlight filtering through the Gajwasan Dulle-gil trail is turning the leaves a golden color. The Gajwasan Dulle-gil trail, with its well-maintained paths and gentle slopes, allows family groups to walk the forest trail without any burden. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Among these, the Gajwasan Dulle-gil is popular among forest trail visitors for its excellent scenery and outstanding views of the Namgang River.

Above all, this circumferential trail is well known as an "urban-themed forest trail." Each section of the trail is decorated with different themes and attractions that captivate visitors' attention.

The trail starts at the entrance of Yeonam University of Science and Technology and continues through Cheongpung-gil, Bamboo Forest Trail, Eoullim Forest Trail, Water Sound Rest Area, Barefoot Hwangto Trail, and Scenery Trail.

Cheongpung-gil is planted with green tea trees and cypress trees, creating a beautiful natural landscape. Especially, after passing Cheongpung-gil, visitors encounter the Bamboo Forest Trail, where a dense forest of various bamboo species forms a lush environment, and a walking path is laid out through the forest, easing fatigue during the walk. Observing the age of each bamboo, which is marked, is also an enjoyable experience in this forest.

A bamboo forest trail section on the Gajwasan Dullegil. This section features a walkway built through the bamboo forest, making it easier for visitors to pass through. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The Eoullim Forest Trail, connected to the Bamboo Forest Trail, offers benches and pavilions among the densely planted cypress trees, providing spaces to rest briefly. The Water Sound Rest Area is equipped with various exercise equipment, a reflexology path, and foot baths, allowing visitors to engage in light exercise while walking the forest trail.

The Barefoot Hwangto Trail is generously covered with soft yellow soil, allowing visitors to enjoy the unique pleasure of walking barefoot on the yellow soil amidst the tranquil forest atmosphere.

At the final themed forest trail, the Scenery Trail, visitors encounter a fork in the path. Going straight leads to the summit of Mangjin Mountain, while taking the side path detours through the Bracken Forest Trail and connects to Seokryu Park.

A panoramic view of Jeonju city as seen from the Gajwasan Dullegil trail. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

At the end of the trail is Seokryu Park, a park established on a hill near the Namgang River. It is popular for offering panoramic views of waterfalls and other scenery during the summer. Additionally, from the octagonal pavilion in Seokryu Park, visitors can enjoy a picturesque view of Jeonju city, making it a well-known spot among hikers.

Trail map of Gajwasan. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Main route: Entrance of Yeonam University of Science and Technology ~ Cheongpung-gil ~ Bamboo Forest Trail ~ Eoullim Forest Trail ~ Water Sound Rest Area ~ Barefoot Hwangto Trail ~ Scenery Trail ~ Seokryu Park

Course length: 7.86 km

Estimated time: 2 hours

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