[Harumanbo] 'Phytoncide Shower in the Forest' Bucheon Dullegil Course 2

The path introduced today is the Bucheon Dullegil. It is a themed trail connecting the mountains, parks, fields, and streams on the outskirts of Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi Province. Among them, Course 2, called the 'Forest Bathing Trail,' crosses Seongjusan Mountain located beside the section from Sosa Station to Songnae Station on Seoul Metropolitan Subway Line 1. It is a 7 km trail where you can enjoy light hiking and walking while taking in the phytoncide-rich forest bath.

Seongjusan, with an elevation of 216.5 meters, is a mountain located at the boundary of Bucheon-si, Siheung-si, and Namdong-gu, Incheon. When viewed from afar, the overall shape of the mountain resembles a lying cow, which is why it is also called 'Wausan.' Walking along the main ridge offers a leisurely view overlooking the panorama of Bucheon-si, and there is enjoyment in discovering the various stories tied to the winding passes.

Starting the Dullegil walk and ascending to Seoul Theological University, you will find the Jeong Ji-yong Hyangsu Trail. It recreates traces of the poet famous for the poem 'Hyangsu' who briefly stayed around the Sosa area before and after liberation. The official Dullegil passes through the campus of Seoul Theological University, so the path included here is not part of the Dullegil. However, passing by various monuments, murals, and information boards arranged to find the poet’s spirit here will be a special experience.

When you begin to climb the mountain in earnest, the first pass you encounter is Hau Pass. 'Hau' is an onomatopoeia meaning heavy breathing. The name originated from the market workers who traveled from the 'Baemnae Market' in Siheung to the 'Hwanghae Market' in Gimpo, struggling to climb the steep pass while naturally breathing heavily with 'hau-hau' sounds. Nowadays, a road has been built along the pass, and a cloud bridge crosses it. From the cloud bridge, you can take in the view of Bucheon-si unfolding between the mountain ranges on both sides at a glance.

Employees of Sosa District Office in Bucheon City, Gyeonggi Province, and local residents are walking on the Haugogae Cloud Bridge, part of Bucheon Dullegil Course 2.
[Photo by Bucheon City Hall]

Along Course 2 of the Dullegil, resting spots are arranged with various themes fitting the 'Forest Bathing Trail' concept. The area with exercise equipment called the 'Forest Gym' is named the 'Forest of Strength,' and benches where you can rest and enjoy reading are called the 'Forest of Reading.' After passing the summit of Seongjusan and the Songhwa Mineral Spring, on clear days, there is also the 'Forest of Views' space where you can see as far as Bukhansan and Namsan.

Near the end of the descent, a peach orchard unfolds. Although it is now difficult to find traces, before industrialization, Bucheon was famous for its peach orchards. At that time, it was even called 'Boksagol.' The peach orchard is one of the few remaining peach farms in Bucheon. Every early August, the 'Sosa Peach Festival' is held in the area. Finally, when you reach Songnae Station, today's course comes to an end.

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