Winter is slowly coming to an end and the weather is starting to warm up in Korea. Thick winter jackets are coming off to be replaced by lighter jackets, and the comforting air invites you outside to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh sunshine.
For this month’s feature, we take a look at some walking trails located throughout Korea. For business professionals, we often find ourselves spending time indoors, but when you have some downtime between or after meetings, why not check out a walking trail? It’s a great way to squeeze in some exercise while exploring the host city. Korea is a very safe country that is easy to explore on foot, and if your feet get tired, there are plenty of taxis around to bring you safely back to your hotel.
1. (INCHEON) Incheon Dulle-gil (circular trail) 12 Course
Photo: View of Songdo, Incheon (Credit: KTO Photo Gallery)
Home to both Incheon International Airport and Incheon International Cruise Terminal, it’s likely that Incheon will be the first stop for many international visitors coming to Korea. From the airport, Songdo ConvensiA Convention Center is a short ride away, and with close proximity to the sea and nearby attractions, Incheon is gaining popularity as an incentive destination as well.
For those spending time in the Incheon area and looking to explore key destinations within the city, we recommend going for a walk around the Incheon Dulle-gil 12 Course. Incheon Dulle-gil is a set of walking trails spread throughout Incheon. The 12 course is a circular trail that walks you through various historical and cultural sites within the city.
Photo: Street in Incheon (Credit: VisitKorea)
The trail begins at Dongincheon Station and makes its way over to St. Paul’s Cathedral, also known as Dapdong Cathedral, Incheon’s very first Catholic Church. Keep following the trail to Songwol-dong Fairytale Village, a colorful town that looks like a scene out of a children’s fairytale.
Another highlight of the Incheon Dulle-gil course is the food. You can taste a variety of eats, including Sundae (Korean blood sausage) at Songhyeon-dong Sundae Alley, an alley boasting a long history, or try Dakgangjeong (Sweet Crispy Korean Fried Chicken) at the famous Sinpo International Market, and of course, try some Jjajangmyeon (Noodles with black bean sauce) at Chinatown, a representative dish of Incheon.
l Course Overview: Dongincheon Station – – – St. Paul’s Cathedral – Sinpo International Market – Hong Ye Mun – Jayu Park – – Gonghwachun – Incheon Open Port Museum – – Jayu Park – Incheon Station
l Distance: 5km
2. (BUSAN) Molundae Trail
Photo: View of Busan (Credit: VisitKorea)
Korea’s second largest city, Busan is a popular destination in the summer for its beautiful beaches. In Busan, you will find yourself in a futuristic cityscape surrounded by tall, gleaming skyscrapers but head out a little further and you’ll find endless stretches of clear blue waters. The city offers a completely different urban experience from Seoul, and if you’re looking for bleisure, Busan is the city you want to visit.
Photo: Walking path in Busan (Credit: VisitKorea)
The city is home to BEXCO Convention Center and Nurimaru APEC House, and hosts the annual Busan International Film Festival at Busan Cinema Center.
If you’re looking for a walking trail that will take you around to some of Busan’s best sights, try the Molundae Trail. The Molundae Trail begins at Dadaepo Beach and takes you on a walk along the beach, with a distance that can be covered in under 2 hours even at a leisurely pace. We highly recommend walking the trail near sunset time, as Dadaepo Beach offers incredible views of the setting sun over the sea.
l Course Overview: Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dream – Dadaepo Beach Entrance – Morundae Entrance – Dadaepo Gaeksa – Taejongdae Jagalmadang – Observatory – Hwasondae – Morundae Entrance
l Distance: 4.2 km
3. (SEOUL) Seoul Dulle-gil 02 Course
Photo: View from Dulle-gil 02 Course (Credit: VisitKorea)
Seoul continues to be a top destination for international business events. Often associated with tall skyscrapers and the latest trends, it may seem difficult to find a natural retreat near Seoul. However, you don’t have to venture too far from the city to find beautiful mountain trails.
Photo: Walking path in the mountains (Credit: VisitKorea)
There are a set of walking trails located throughout Seoul called Seoul Dulle-gil, and of the courses, the 02 course offers the best views of the city. The 02 course takes trekkers through Yongmasan and Achasan Mountains, and while the mountains are not very tall, the trail stretches on for quite some distance, allowing trekkers to enjoy a mountainous escape from the city.
As you walk the trail, you will be able to enjoy both the mountains and the spreading view of Seoul city below.
l Course Overview: Hwarangdae Station – Joongrang Camping Forest – – Mangusan Mountain – Yongmasan Mountain – Achasan Mountain – Gwangnaru Station
l Distance: 12.6 km
4. (SUWON) Suwon Palsaek-gil Trail
Photo: Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Credit: VisitKorea)
With the Suwon MICE Complex continuing to develop, including the new Galleria Department Store set to open at the end of this month, more international visitors will come to discover the city of Suwon. Located in Gyeonggi Province about an hour and a half south of Seoul, Suwon is a unique destination featuring a special attraction – the Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you drive or walk about, you may be surprised by the sudden appearance of this ancient fortress in the middle of the city.
Photo: (Credit: VisitKorea)
Suwon Hwaseong Fortress was built during the late Joseon Dynasty from 1794 to 1796 by King Jeongjo to house and honour the remains of his father, Prince Sado. The Fortress still remains today and creates an unusual city landscape interweaving the old with the new.
One way to enjoy the fortress grounds is by walking the Hwaseong Fortress Trail. The trail takes about 2 hours to complete at a leisurely pace, making it a good afternoon activity after a day of meetings. The trail takes you through several local traditional markets, so you can stop by to look around and grab a quick bite to eat if you get tired.
l Course Overview: Janganmun Gate – Hwahongmun Gate – Changryongmun Gate – Paldalmn Traditional Market – Yeongdong Market – Motgol Market – Minarigwang Market – Paldalmun Gate – Paldalsan Mountain – Seojangdae – Hwaseomun Gate – Hwaseo Park – Janganmun Gate
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