[One Day Walk] "A breathtaking view unfolding like a watercolor painting"... Gangwon Samcheok 'Eungbongsan Hiking Trail'

[Editor's Note] The Korea Forest Service has selected 50 "Premium Forest Trails Perfect for Walking" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of national reforestation. The selected 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 premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service.

Today's 10,000-step course is the ‘Eungbongsan Hiking Trail,’ also widely known as Deokpung Valley. Eungbongsan is a mountain with an elevation of 999.7 meters, spanning Samcheok City in Gangwon Province and Bonghwa County and Uljin County in Gyeongsangbuk Province. The Eungbongsan Hiking Trail is located near Punggok Village and Deokpung Village at the northwest foot of Eungbongsan.

This trail is a valley hiking destination, renowned among mountaineers for its spectacular mountain and water scenery.

The streams running through various valleys such as Munjigol, Gwaengigol, Nanjegol, Maebawi Gorge, Jageundangnagigol, and Yongsogol in Deokpung Valley (total length 14 km) harmonize with the mountain terrain, creating a beauty reminiscent of a watercolor painting.

Among these, Yongsopokpo Falls is divided into sections from the 1st to the 3rd Yongso. The ‘Eungbongsan Hiking Trail’ covers the section connecting the 1st and 2nd Yongso. It was opened to visitors after being maintained through the 2018 Deokpung Valley Ecological Exploration Trail project.

However, the sections from the 2nd to the 3rd Yongso and from the 3rd Yongso to the summit of Eungbongsan remain closed to visitors. Due to the rugged terrain, these sections are closed to ensure visitor safety.

Safety facilities installed to assist visitors' safe movement are connected along the valley stream. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

In contrast, the section between the 1st and 2nd Yongso has been open year-round except during the forest fire prevention period since safety facilities such as steel stairs, rockfall prevention fences, and information boards were installed. A forest trail hiking guide is stationed on-site as a fixed staff member to control and guide visitors and to remove fallen rocks within the trail.

Walking along the Eungbongsan Hiking Trail, you can enjoy the exquisite harmony of jagged cliffs and old pine trees spreading like a folding screen on both sides of the valley. The clear water flowing along the mountain valley offers a brief respite from the summer heat.

In particular, the valley is designated as a protected water area as it is home to species such as Korean bullhead (Beuldeulchi), dark chub (Yeonjunmochi), Korean trout (Sancheoneo), Korean chub (Kkuguri), stone loach (Tongsari), and freshwater crabs (Minmul Chamge).

Also, Naesambang, located beyond the valley entrance, is known as the place where Samcheok wood, used as the main beams of Gyeongbokgung Palace, was produced.

A stream flows along the valley beneath yellow autumn leaves on the Eungbongsan hiking trail section. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

The Eungbongsan Hiking Trail is also associated with folklore related to its pristine natural environment.

According to legend, during the reign of Queen Jindeok of Silla, the monk Uisang came here and released three wooden pigeons. One of them fell into Deokpung Yongso, causing a cataclysm that created the breathtaking scenery where the mountains and waters harmonize.

The Eungbongsan Hiking Trail is recognized as a symbolic site of anti-Japanese resistance, as remnants of a forest railway from the Japanese colonial period were collected through public participation, and it has been listed as a National Forest Cultural Asset.

Additionally, nearby recreational facilities such as campgrounds and pensions provide visitors to the Eungbongsan Hiking Trail with a place to heal in nature and a small rest stop to stay before returning.

Eungbongsan Hiking Trail Map. Provided by the Korea Forest Service

Main stops: Trail entrance ~ 1st Yongso ~ 2nd Yongso

Course length: 2.5 km

Estimated time: 1 hour 40 minutes

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