[One Day Walk] "Circular Nature, Habitat of Many Rare Species"... DMZ Punchbowl 'Oyubatgil'

[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 forest trails are accessible and suitable for about a day's hike, allowing the public to enjoy them easily and comfortably. Every Friday, we introduce premium forest trails provided by the Korea Forest Service.

Today's 10,000-step course is the "O-yu-bat-gil" section of the DMZ Punchbowl Trail.

The DMZ Punchbowl Trail was designated as Korea's National Forest Trail No. 1 by the Korea Forest Service in 2021 and is located around Mandae-ri, Haean-myeon, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do (the DMZ basin area).

This forest trail stretches a total of 73.22 km and connects the following sections: ▲ Peace Forest Trail (one-way 14.0 km, 4 hours, moderate difficulty) ▲ O-yu-bat-gil (one-way 21.12 km, 5 hours, moderate difficulty) ▲ Mandae Plain Trail (one-way 21.9 km, 5 hours 30 minutes, high difficulty) ▲ Meonmetjae Trail (one-way 16.2 km, 4 hours 20 minutes, high difficulty).

Notably, due to its geographical location at the northernmost point of the country's central region, the DMZ Punchbowl Trail requires advance reservation (at least 3 days before the visit) through the "Sopnadle" website and can only be explored accompanied by a forest trail experience guide.

Restrictions on access have kept human traffic low, which has allowed many rare flora and fauna to thrive in the DMZ Punchbowl Trail area, including the natural monument species such as the Korean trout, Gaeneusam and Geumgang Chorong, white birch gentian, winged sky lily, Haerobi orchid, and sticky sundew.

Thanks to this, the entire DMZ Punchbowl Trail is currently designated as a natural protection area and a forest genetic resource protection forest.

Centered around the Bubu Pine Observatory, clouds spread like a carpet, and the setting sun creates a breathtaking view. Photo by Korea Forest Service

Throughout the DMZ Punchbowl Trail, remnants of the Korean War can be found, providing opportunities to reflect on the meaning of freedom and peace.

In fact, Haean-myeon, where the DMZ Punchbowl Trail is located, is the only township in South Korea situated inside the Civilian Control Line, featuring unique topographical and geopolitical characteristics.

This area is known as a fierce battleground during the Korean War, with battles such as the Punchbowl Battle, Dosolsan Battle, and Gachilbong Battle having taken place here. Numerous war memorials on site hint at the wartime circumstances.

Visitors to this area can also engage in security tourism by visiting the distant Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), the Eulji Observatory north of the Civilian Control Line, the 4th Infiltration Tunnel, the War Memorial, and Marine Corps battle sites.

The "O-yu-bat-gil" section, part of the DMZ Punchbowl Trail, features the Couple Pine Observatory and Songgabong Observatory, offering panoramic views of the entire DMZ Punchbowl Trail.

A colony of yellow violets has formed along Oyubat-gil. Photo by Korea Forest Service

Because of these advantages, O-yu-bat-gil is widely known as the most favored course among visitors on the entire DMZ Punchbowl Trail. The chance to encounter wild animals such as the natural monument (No. 217) Korean goral or to admire the beautiful scenery of the Haean basin is considered a special delight of O-yu-bat-gil.

Additionally, various wildflowers known to grow only in high-altitude areas can be found here, along with the "Haksa-mo Rock," which parents of exam candidates visit to pray for their children's success?an enjoyable secret shared among visitors.

Main stops: Wildflower Park ~ DMZ Native Plant Garden ~ Seonghwangdang (rest area) ~ Songgabong ~ Couple Pine ~ Wildflower Park (O-yu-bat-gil shortened course)

Course length: 7.5 km

Estimated time: 4 hours

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