Gangneung has many pleasant paths for walking. Among these, Baugil is a path where you can enjoy the mountains, sea, lakes, history, and culture of Gangneung. The term ‘Bau’ means ‘rock,’ and it’s often used affectionately to call people from the Gangwon region ‘Potato Bau.’ Baugil derives its name from this term. When you want to experience Gangneung’s beauty like a local, explore every nook and cranny by walking the ‘Baugil’ at a leisurely pace.
Baugil extends for about 400 km, connecting the mountain ranges from Baekdudaegan to the sea at Gyeongpo and Jeongdongjin. Baugil is mainly composed of Gangneung Baugil, Daegwallyeong Baugil, Ultra Baugil, Valley Baugil, and Ari Baugil. Among these, the standard Gangneung Baugil is the most suitable for walking. The Gangneung Baugil offers 17 different sections, allowing you to choose a course that suits your fitness level and preferences. The first section to be created, ‘Seonjaryeong Windmill Path,’ offers views of sprawling highlands and wildflowers along the ridge of Baekdudaegan. It’s beautiful in spring with blooming flowers, in autumn with colorful leaves, and in winter with snowy landscapes.
The most popular course on the Gangneung Baugil is Section 5, the ‘Sea and Lake Path.’ It stretches from Sacheon Beach, around Gyeongpodae Pavilion and Gyeongpoho Lake, to Namhangjin Beach. With almost no steep sections, it’s easy for anyone to walk and visit Gangneung’s main tourist attractions.
Section 8, ‘Mountain Sea Path,’ is a trail where you can walk while viewing the sea from the mountains. As you walk along the mountain path with sea breezes, the ocean unfolds beneath your feet.
Section 11, ‘Shin Saimdang Road,’ is a path rich in cultural and historical sites, starting from Wichon-ri village, passing through Ojukheon House and Seongyojang House, and leading to the birthplace of Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon. Here, you can experience the traditions of Gangneung.
Section 12, ‘Road to Jumunjin,’ starts from Sacheon Beach and passes through Jumunjin Port, Jumunjin Lighthouse, and Sodol Port, leading to Jumunjin Beach. Along the coast, diverse sea views unfold, including harbors, lighthouses, and seaside villages.
In addition, each Baugil section has its own unique stories and concepts, making it enjoyable to choose different walking routes. Usually, one section is within 10 km and takes anywhere from 4-5 to 7-8 hours to complete. Starting from the beginning of the trail, follow the directions guided by the Baugil ribbons along the way to reach the destination. At the end of each Baugil section, there’s a completion stamp at the destination. Let’s stamp the Baugil passport, which you can purchase in advance at the Baugil Information Center. After walking all 17 sections of the Gangneung Baugil and collecting all stamps, you can receive a completion certificate and a medal.
If you want to walk Gangneung Baugil with others, try participating in ‘Weekend Group Walking.’ Every Saturday at 10 a.m., you can join a Baugil guide at a pre-announced location for a safe and enjoyable walk.
The Baugil website announces the ‘Weekend Group Walking’ section and meeting place.
By walking the Baugil , you can experience the true essence of Gangneung through its diverse landscapes and stories. Let’s discover Gangneung’s hidden beauty, like a treasure, by strolling along the Baugil.