Section five of Daejeon Dullesan-gil, also known as Gyejoksanseonggil Trail, is one of my favorite trails to hike around the Daejeon. It is the 5th section of the 133 km mountain trail of Daejeon’s surrounding mountains – connecting mountains like Maninsan, Sikjangsan, and Gyejoksan. I have hiked this trail several times in winter and summer, and it’s been a different experience every time. Less than an hour into the course, you arrive at Galyeonseong fortress – Daejeon’s city monument 12, where you are graced with beautiful city views of the Southeastern part of Daejeon on the left side and idyllic views of Daecheong lake on the right.
Daejeon City View
There are different spots to see Sikjansan mountain, the lake on the one hand and city views on the other hand. Heading on further, you approach the second fortress on this trail, Neungseong fortress- Daejeon’s city monument 11. This fortress has been rebuilt and installed with benches and exercise machines. Here you will see clearer views of downtown Daejeon and landmarks like Daejeon Station and Woosong University from a bird’s eye view. If you are looking for an outdoor workout with a view, this is the perfect place. However, depending on what time you hike, it might be busy with senior citizens working out. You can also see or visit Bohyeonsa Temple within the vicinity of the trail.
The hike is pretty easy, with a few challenging sections as you approach the main fortress on Gyejoksan mountain. Mt. Gyejoksan is a famous mountain to the locals and tourists for Gyejoksanseong Fortress is the red clay foot trail. Gyejoksanseong Fortress is a historical structure of the Baekje Dynasty that played an essential role in defending present-day Daejeon against the Silla dynasty during the three kingdom period. This is the longest remaining fortress wall in Daejeon, measuring 1.037m. It is a perfect place to rest and enjoy the panoramic urban views of Daejeon city or take Instagram-worthy pictures.
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- The Culture Map by Erin Meyer
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- Gyejoksanseong Fortress
From here on, you descend to the red clay foot trail (Hwangthuang trail), where you can join the many trekkers walking barefoot to cool and fresh your feet. There are different locations to wash your feet before exit the barefoot trail. Be careful to look out for Amdo T-junction, the starting point of ascension to Gyejoksan peak and Bonghwangjeong Pavilion – famously known for watching the sunset over the city and then downhill to Yonghwasa Temple parking lot.
Course
Dongshin High School → Julgoljangseung at Biryong-dong → Galhyeonseong → Imdo → Neungseong → Jiltigogae Pass → Jilhyeonseong → Jeolgogae Pass → Amdo T-junction → Bonghwangjeong Pavilion → Yonghwasa Temple parking lot
If you don’t want to visit the Bonghwangjeong Pavilion, you can follow the red clay trail.
How to Get there
Get any of the following buses 60, 61, 62, 63, 71, 313, 607, 611, 618, 619 to Dongshin High School; you will have to cross the road about 300 meters to Julgoljangseung at Biryong-dong, from their own, there are signs on the trail.
You can also take the train to Panam, the last stop of the subway, and then take any of the above buses to Dongshin High School.
Although I have hiked this trail several times, it’s a different experience each time. Highly recommended if you are looking for an easy and scenic route.
Happy Hiking!
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