(Daejeon=Yonhap News) Reporter Park Joo-young = The Korea Forest Service announced on the 14th that it will begin a trial operation of the 244 km of the 17 sections of the "Dongseo Trail," the nation's first long-distance forest trail that allows backpacking, from the 15th.
The Dongseo Trail is a long-distance hiking trail that connects a total of 55 sections, 849 km, from Taean in South Chungcheong Province to Uljin in North Gyeongsang Province. Construction began in 2023, and currently, 17 sections totaling 244 km have been completed.
This trial opening is the first step in fully introducing long-distance trail culture in the country, aiming to present a forest trail culture where one can walk and stay to experience it, similar to overseas long-distance trails.
Expected to be introduced as a "K-long-distance trail" that incorporates the history, culture, and lifestyle of our country, it is anticipated to invigorate agricultural and fishing villages and contribute to generating income for local residents.
The Korea Forest Service plans to collect feedback from users through the trial operation, improve the safety management system, and complete the construction of the forest trail by next year. The goal is to open the entire section by 2027.
To use shelters that allow backpacking or to explore sections 52 to 55, which have restricted access, a prior reservation must be made through the "Forest Entrance Nuri Jip."
jyoung@yna.co.kr