Exploring the Beautiful Byeonsan Coastal Trail
Byeonsan Coastal Trail: Jeokbyeokgang Sunset Path
Course Name
Byeonsan Coastal Trail Course 3: Jeokbyeokgang Sunset Path
Main Points
Gosapo Beach – Haseom Observatory – Banwol Village – Jeokbyeokgang – Chaeokgang – Gyeokpo Port Sunset Park
Distance/Time
9.7 km / 2.5 hours
Starting/Ending Point
Gosapo Beach – Gyeokpo Port Sunset Park
I took a bus from Jeonju and arrived at Gyeokpo in about two hours. This route operates twice a day, so make sure to check the schedule in advance. Whenever I visit a new area, I like to stop by local food stores, and I found one at Gyeokpo Port where I bought some mulberry juice and roasted eggs. Fortunately, there was an event going on, and I received a 10% discount.
The official starting point of the Byeonsan Coastal Trail Course 3 is Gosapo Beach, but I chose to begin from Gyeokpo Port Sunset Park instead. There are public restrooms next to the local food store, which is handy before embarking on the long journey.
Walking along the Byeonsan Peninsula, the charm of this course lies in the scenic views of both the mountains and the sea. If you take your eyes off the path, you might find people framed by the tree trunks. I believe experiences in nature are unmatched for children.
As I walked diligently, I reached Suseongdang. There are various attractions near Suseongdang, including the Jugmakdong Site, Gyeokpori Camellia Grove, and Jeokbyeokgang. In spring, the area around Suseongdang is beautifully adorned with canola flowers. Exploring Suseongdang thoroughly reveals many hidden spaces.
There’s a public restroom in the Suseongdang area, so make sure to stop by. I didn’t see any other restrooms in Gyeokpo, so it’s wise to take a moment to refresh before continuing the long journey.
I descended the stone steps to see Jeokbyeokgang up close and decided to sit on the rocky ground to enjoy the roasted eggs I bought at the local food store. Given the high price of eggs due to avian influenza, 1,500 won for three is a real bargain you can only find locally. They were soft in texture and dipped in the included salt, they were gone in no time.
With quite a distance still to cover, I shook off the dust and continued walking. After passing Jeokbyeokgang, I found myself on forest paths instead of coastal roads more often. As I climbed and descended, I captured several islands framed by tree trunks. Nature offers a picturesque view without needing to paint it yourself. There are so many beautiful places in Korea.
I passed through bamboo groves and unnamed forests. Recently, there seemed to be an event by a domestic outdoor brand, as blue signposts were noticeable everywhere. The Byeonsan Coastal Trail is well-marked, as it is part of the 'Korea Dulle-gil' and 'Jeonbuk Cheonri-gil' routes, so there's no worry about getting lost.
I found another natural frame. The trees leaning towards the land from the seaside might be affected by the sea breeze. If anyone knows, please leave a comment. Oh, the island visible between the leaves is Haseom, looking cute with its cap-like shape.
Not much distance is left to the end of the course. Near the end, there are several old military outposts. After serving their purpose, it seems difficult for them to be used for anything else, but their exteriors have been creatively redesigned. I stepped into one of the outposts and was reminded of scary stories from my military days, which inadvertently helped me forget the heat for a while.
Finally, I arrived at Gosapo Beach, the endpoint. There was no bus stop at the end, so I used a map app to find the route to the Buan Terminal, walking about 1 km to reach the bus stop. I usually travel using public transportation, so I had planned well to wait for the bus, but the one I intended to take passed by, leaving me feeling empty. After about 30 minutes, I finally boarded a bus. It’s good to keep in mind that there can be unexpected variables.
Walking on a hot and humid summer day requires a strong resolve. Even if you plan days in advance, on the actual day, you may hesitate to step outside. However, once you start walking, you quickly realize that it was a good decision.
Entering nature and fully enjoying the greens and blues makes you truly feel the summer. Of course, it’s hot—too hot. Yet, arriving at the endpoint and imagining a refreshing shower and a cold drink at home is a thought that keeps me going. At least, that’s how I endure the summer.
Source :https://blog.naver.com/jbgokr/224359040912
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