[One Day Walk] "Feeling like walking on a cloud carpet"... Jeongseon-gun Baegunsan Summit 'Sky Path'

[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 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.

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Today's 10,000-step course is the "Haneulgil" located in Gohan-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do. Haneulgil is a mountain trail spread across the summit of Baegunsan Mountain surrounding High1 Resort in Gohan-eup, situated at an altitude of over 1,100 meters, giving walkers the feeling of gradually touching the sky as they walk along the path.

Another name (nickname) for Haneulgil is "Untan Godo." Untan Godo means "a highland path where clouds spread like a carpet." Indeed, the trail itself is located on a plateau, allowing visitors to experience the vastness of nature and the wide-open views that cannot be found in urban areas.

In the past, Haneulgil was used as a transportation route for coal. After the opening of Hambak Station in 1957, the path was created to transport coal from the mines to the station, which is now the current Haneulgil.

However, as the coal mining industry declined, the original purpose of the path lost its significance. The transformation from a coal transportation route to the current Haneulgil occurred when the Korea Forest Service developed forest roads, forest trails, and forest leisure spaces along this path.

The forest trail and surrounding scenery, maintained for new purposes and uses, have now established themselves as a local "healing spot."

Entrance of ‘Mine No. 1177’ located on the Untan Godo forest trail and surrounding snowy scenery. Photo by Korea Forest Service

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Most notably, part of the "Mine No. 1177" has been restored in its original form along the Untan Godo forest trail, providing visitors with a unique attraction. This site is also used as an experiential education center where visitors can infer the life and hardships of miners in the 1950s.

Haneulgil is developed as a 40 km route connecting Manhangjae, Hwajeollyeong, and Saebijae. However, the trail is divided into walking courses and hiking courses, with durations ranging from 15 minutes to over 3 hours. Among these, two main walking courses are recommended.

The first course starts from High1 Resort, passing through Mountain Condo, Haneul Majung-gil, Dorongi Pond, Larch Tree Path, and leads to the observatory and High1 Country Club (9.4 km, approximately 3 hours).

The other course starts from Valley Condo, passing through Mureungdowon Path, Baegunsan Macheonbong, Rhododendron Path, Alpine Botanical Garden, Dorongi Pond, then connects to Haneul Majung-gil and Mountain Condo (10.4 km, approximately 4 hours).

Visitors to the sky path are viewing the scenery around Dorongi Pond. Photo by Korea Forest Service

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Among the two courses, "Dorongi Pond" is an unmissable attraction on Haneulgil. Dorongi Pond is an ecological pond (with a circumference of 150 meters) formed in the 1970s due to ground subsidence caused by the collapse of a coal mine tunnel. It has served as a resting place for wildlife such as roe deer and wild boars.

It is also nicknamed the "Heavenly Garden" because of the spectacular wildflowers that bloom seasonally. Dorongi Pond is connected to the Cloud-Walking Path and Untan Godo.

A panoramic view of the Baekdudaegan mountain range visible from the Sky Trail and Forest Trail. Provided by the Korea Forest Service.

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Throughout the Haneulgil forest trail, various tree species such as pine, larch, and Quercus mongolica (Mongolian oak) are found, offering different natural landscapes in each of the four seasons. Especially, its geographical proximity to Hambaksan and Taebaeksan Mountains allows visitors to take in the grandeur of the Baekdudaegan mountain range at a glance.

Additionally, the generally gentle slopes of the trail make it easy for visitors with little hiking experience to walk without difficulty and enjoy a leisurely immersion in nature.

Provided by Korea Forest Service

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Haneulgil Dulle-gil (Circular Trail)

Course Length: 5.5 km

Estimated Time: 3 hours