[One Day Walk] From Sinsa Imdang to Kim Hongdo... Walking Through History on 'Gangneung Bau-gil Course 2'

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'Bau-gil,' which captures the mountains and rivers of Gangwon-do, is a natural and human-friendly walking course. The Gangneung Bau-gil Course 2, which walks along the old Daegwallyeong road, starts from the Renewable Energy Exhibition Hall and is composed to reach Guksa Seonghwangdang, Banjeong, the old tavern site, the spaceship-shaped restroom, and the Bohyeonsa bus terminal. It is a total length of 13.4 km, taking about 7 hours, with a moderate difficulty level. Except for the initial 30 minutes of uphill, the overall course is a gentle downhill, allowing you to enjoy the path without much difficulty. Course 2 follows the valley, allowing you to observe the stream flowing through the mountains and the vivid mountain ridges.

The old Daegwallyeong road is one of Korea's representative old roads, rich in history, and was designated as a 'Cultural Ecological Exploration Trail with Stories' in 2010. It is the path where Shin Saimdang held young Yulgok's hand, walking while longing for her mother, and where Yulgok's friend Songgang Jeong Cheol also walked while composing Gwandong Byeolgok. Additionally, Kim Hong-do was captivated by the scenery of Daegwallyeong at the mid-slope of the old road, setting up his painting tools and painting 'Daegwallyeongdo.' It is also the path with Korea's largest natural recreation forest. Walk with your family while tracing the history.

Facing the Renewable Energy Exhibition Hall, start the course by crossing the pedestrian overpass to the left. The starting point is the same as Bau-gil Course 1. Walking along the sheep ranch fence road, you will come across the first section junction. The first place you meet on the downhill, which can be considered the official start of the course, is Guksa Seonghwangdang. Even in the quiet forest, the Seonghwangdang exudes a sacred aura, where you can recall the legend of Monk Beomil.

After passing Guksa Seonghwangdang, the winding path begins in earnest. You can feel the traces of many people passing by as you step on the naturally compacted dirt road. When you start to feel a bit tired, you will encounter a thatched-roof house at the old tavern site. Although restored, the house exudes a considerable old-fashioned scent and charm. This place, which once washed away the fatigue of those crossing Daegwallyeong in ancient times, offers a resting spot for us walking the current Bau-gil. The spacious wooden platform and the pond made of rocks serve as resting areas.

Next appears a broadleaf forest path filled with Mongolian oak and sawtooth oak trees. Along the way, there are large and small valleys where you can dip your feet in the water and rest on hot summer days. At the end of the path stands a restroom shaped like a spaceship. This spot is called 'Wonulijae,' meaning the pass that cries twice: once when magistrates were assigned to Gangneung because the mountain pass was too rough, and once when they left after their term with regret.

Here, Bau-gil Course 2 splits into two sections again. If you want to feel more of the old road's charm, set your route toward Banjeong and walk an additional 5.6 km. If you are tired, you can head toward the Daegwallyeong Museum, which is only 1.2 km further. If you decide to walk toward Banjeong, enjoy the well-preserved primeval forest. As you feel nature, you will pass the mixed grain village warehouse and Bau-gil farm, arriving at the final destination, Bohyeonsa bus terminal, where today's course concludes.

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