A new 5.7-kilometer pedestrian hiking route has opened through the inner Seoraksan area, running from the Baekdam substation of Seoraksan National Park in Yongdae-ri, Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, to Baekdamsa temple.
Inje-gun and the Korea National Park Service's Seoraksan National Park office held an opening ceremony for the "Baekdam Valley Trail" on Friday, formally unveiling the completed pedestrian route as the signature walking path of the inner Seoraksan area.
The trail separates hikers from vehicle traffic along the existing access road, creating a dedicated walking path that allows visitors to explore Baekdam Valley more safely.
The road leading to Baekdamsa had long drawn safety concerns, as its narrow width forced pedestrians and vehicles to share the same lane. Some sections also posed risks from falling rocks and other natural hazards, making the need for a safer hiking environment all the more pressing.
In response, Inje-gun, the Korea National Park Service and Baekdamsa signed an MOU in 2023 to advance carbon neutrality in national parks and enhance the value of local cultural resources, committing to improve the visitor environment in the Baekdam area.
The Korea National Park Service and Inje-gun invested a combined 24.3 billion won ($18.1 million) to develop the dedicated pedestrian trail along Baekdam Valley, build bypass routes, upgrade road infrastructure and establish an eco-friendly transportation system.
Following the partial opening of the pedestrian-only trail in 2023, this year saw the completion of the Eunseon Bridge and Cheongnyong Bridge — along with the connecting trail — across the previously difficult Eunseon Island-to-Cheongnyongdam stretch, bringing safe walking conditions to the entire length of Baekdam Valley.
The opening ceremony included a temple food experience followed by a group trek. One hundred participants who had pre-registered through the Korea National Park Service took part in the hike, and those who completed the full trail received a finisher's medal and Seoraksan National Park souvenirs.
Inje-gun County Chief Choi Sang-gi said the opening of the Baekdam Valley trail was "a meaningful achievement made together by Inje-gun, the Korea National Park Service, Baekdamsa and the local community — one that protects the precious natural environment of Seoraksan while allowing the region to thrive." Choi added that the county would continue working toward carbon neutrality in the national park, including converting the Baekdam area shuttle bus fleet to eco-friendly vehicles, and would actively develop history and culture programs in partnership with communities in the Seorak area.
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