If you also love autumn and enjoy fresh weekends, get acquainted with a favorite activity of Koreans that is mountain climbing. And surely you have not fully enjoyed Daejeon if you do not know about Daejeon Dullesangil Trail - a sectional hiking course with 12 distinctive sections that embrace the beautiful city of Daejeon.
Keep on reading to learn about it, Hiking Fans!
Section 1 (Bomunsangil Trail - 보문산길): Ah, Daejeon!
Mt. Bomunsan is the most beloved mountain of Daejeon citizens. The shade of trees in Mt. Bomunsan has been designated as one of the Eight Most Popular and Beautiful Sights of Daejeon, and there is a legend of hidden treasures in the mountain. Dongchundang Song Jun-gil from the Joseon Dynasty referred to Mt. Bomunsan as Mt. Bongmusan in his collection of works, which means a mountain where a phoenix dances.
Once you reach the mountain summit, Sirubong Peak, you’ll see an outstanding landscape; on a clear day, you will be able to see Mt. Gyeryongsan, Mt. Daedunsan, Mt. Seodaesan, and Mt. Songnisan.
In the vicinity of Section 1, Daejeon Aquaworld, Hanbat library, Daejeon City Local History Museum, Bomunsanseong Fortress, Mt. Bomunsan Rock-carved Seated Buddha, Bongsoru (Separate House), Wolsongjae Pass and Bomunsa Temple site are situated.
Section 2 (Maninsangil Trail - 만인산길): Mt. Maninsan, high and deep as ever
Mt. Maninsan is also referred to as Mt. Taebongsan because the placenta of King Taejo, the first king in the Joseon Dynasty is stored here.
This mountain is situated at the southern edge of Dong-gu district, so although Daejeon citizens are unable to access it easily, the Maninsan Natural Recreation Forest is a great place for families to walk and it is a place that is frequently visited by lovers.
In the vicinity of Section 2, you will find the birthplace of Danjae Shin Chae-ho; the Placenta Chamber of King Taejo, born Lee Seong-gye, the founder and first king of Joseon Dynasty; Mt. Maninsan’s Green Learning Institute that is frequently visited by many citizens; Maninsan Natural Recreation Forest and Maninsan Service Area.
Section 3: Mudeullyeonggil Trail (머들령길), filled with warmth
This is a section where the traces of an unknown fortress wall from the Three Kingdoms Period and the old Pass can be found.
Although Mudeullyeong has lost its function as a route, it was a famous hill where a lot of people passed by carrying bundles. Presently, Chubu Tunnel and Madalryeong Tunnel connect Daejeon and Geumsan; in the past, people could only access Geumsan through Taebongjae Pass or Meodeulryeong.
One can presume that this place was a strategic military location in the Three Kingdoms Period. In the vicinity of Section 3, Donggu Youth Natural Training Center and Sangso-dong Forest can be found.
Section 4 (Sikjangsangil Trail - 식장산길): Daejeon’s urban district at a glance
Mt. Sikjangsan (598m) is the highest mountain in Daejeon and visitors can enjoy the mountain ranges of Mt. Bomunsan, Mt. Maninsan, Mt. Jikjangsan and Mt. Gyejoksan. The view of Daejeon City and the night view seen from the gliding site are truly fascinating.
The area around Saecheon Catchment Area is famous for cherry blossoms in spring and autumn foliage, so it is visited by many citizens. In addition, Sikjangsan Eco Forest is one of the Eight Most Popular and Beautiful Sights of Daejeon.
Around Section 4, there is Gosansa Temple which is the oldest ancient temple in Daejeon, along with Sikjangsa Temple, Gaesimsa Temple and Gujeolsa Temple. Saecheon Catchment Area, which was built in 1934, Mt. Sikjangsan’s KT Transmitting Tower, and the broadcast station’s repeater tower can also be seen.
Section 5 (Gyejoksanseonggil Trail - 계족산성길): Daejeon, the city of fortresses.
The sunset seen from Bonghwangjeong Pavilion in Gyejoksan Mountain is one of the eight scenic spots in Daejeon. Gyejoksanseong Fortress comes to mind when you think of Gyejoksan Mountain, and there are countless fortresses represented by Gyejoksanseong Fortress in Daejeon over five sections.
At this point, section 5 is also the best mountain trekking course to check the city of Sanseong. From the middle of the section, you can see the wonderful Daecheong Lake to the right, and Daejeon City Street spreads to the left. Around section 5, numerous cultural assets such as Biryong-dong Julgol Stone Jangseung, Namganjeongsa Temple, Birae-dong Goindol, Okryugak, Biraesa Temple, Dongchundang, Songyongeok House, Ssangcheongdang, and Songaedang are scattered.
Section 6 (Geumganggil Trail - 금강길): Northern edge of Mt. Gyejoksan and Geumgang River
As a course where the northern edge of Mt. Gyejongsan and the northern Geumgang River in Daejeon meet, the 5km sector along Geumgang River offers a new sensation at Daejeon Dullesan-gil Trail.
If you look around Bonghwangjeong, the 12 sections of Daejeon Dullesan-gil can be seen at a glance, and the sunset from Mt. Gyejoksan is one of the Eight Most Popular and Beautiful Sights of Daejeon. The trail leading from Jangdonggogae Pass to Bonghwangjeong Pavilion is perfect for viewing the north side of Daejeon.
In particular, the 5km section along Geumgang River and Gapcheon Stream offers a new hiking thrill. In the vicinity of Section 6, Yongho-dong Paleolithic site, Yongho-dong Do Doljangseung (Stone Totem Pole), Sintanjin Water Purification Plant, Daecheong Dam, Geumgodongsanseong Fortress and others can be seen.
