North Gyeongsang Province launches relay trekking series along Baekdudaegan trail

Seungwoo Travel, in partnership with North Gyeongsang Province and the North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Organization, has begun recruiting participants for the 2026 North Gyeongsang Baekdudaegan Trail Challenge. The event kicks off in Sangju on June 20 and runs through Oct. 31 in Yecheon, progressing in relay fashion across six cities and counties in North Gyeongsang Province.

Now in its second year, the challenge is hosted by six municipalities — Sangju, Gimcheon, Mungyeong, Bonghwa, Yeongju and Yecheon — organized by the North Gyeongsang Culture and Tourism Organization, and operated by Seungwoo Travel. A total of 12 courses have been designed across two difficulty tiers.

Courses are divided by skill level: beginner and intermediate participants tackle routes of roughly 10 to 14 kilometers, while advanced trekkers take on routes of 14 to 20 kilometers. The schedule runs as follows — Sangju on June 20, Gimcheon on Sept. 19, Mungyeong on Oct. 3, Bonghwa on Oct. 10, Yeongju on Oct. 24, and Yecheon on Oct. 31.

Participation is available in two formats. The independent option requires participants to make their own way to the starting point and costs 35,000 won ($23) per person. The package option, priced at 59,000 won per person, includes round-trip transportation from Seoul and a 10,000-won local gift certificate. Participants who book all six courses at once qualify for a special bundled discount.

All participants receive a commemorative T-shirt, bandana and local specialty snacks. Those who complete all six courses also receive a commemorative medal. A professional hiking guide accompanies every event to ensure safety.

"This year's challenge has been structured with intermediate and advanced courses so participants can take on a level that suits their fitness," a Seungwoo Travel official said. "Finishing is important, but we hope everyone will find meaning simply in experiencing the natural beauty of the Baekdudaegan and enjoy the event to the fullest."

Each round accepts up to 250 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, with a professional hiking guide present throughout. Popular courses may fill up early. Full schedules and registration are available on the Seungwoo Travel website.