GUNSAN, October 30 (AJP) - The Gogunsan Archipelago, a stunning cluster of 63 islands in the Yellow Sea off Gunsan, South Korea, is no longer a world apart. Thanks to the massive Saemangeum Seawall — a 33.9 km engineering marvel connecting Gunsan and Buan — six of the largest islands are now accessible by car.
These include Seonyudo, Jangjado, Daejangdo, Munyeodo, Sinsido, and Yamido. Work on the seawall began in 1991 and was finally completed on April 27, 2010, permanently linking these islands to the mainland.
Often described as the most spectacular island scenery on Korea’s west coast, the Gogunsan Archipelago offers an unforgettable escape. We came to walk the Gogunsan-gil trail, a 10-kilometer route connecting the three most beautiful islands: Seonyudo, Jangjado, and Daejangdo. The walk takes a typical person about four hours.
On a weekend, Jangjado was bustling with visitors. Shops were doing a brisk trade, with the scent of freshly fried ssiat-hotteok (sweet seed-filled pancakes) filling the air, alongside stalls selling traditional Korean sweets. Our journey began in Jangjado as we set off toward Daejangdo.
The view is breathtaking: small islands dot the horizon, the sea lies calm like a lake, vast mudflats stretch in the distance, and high rocky mountains rise dramatically. With so many islands packed into such a short distance, it creates a visual trick — it seems as if the islands are encircling the sea, rather than the sea surrounding the islands.
The climb was steep in sections but manageable. Closer to the top of Daejangbong, we were surprised to find a dense forest dominated by evergreens like camellia, pine, and spindle trees. The reward at the summit was the panoramic view of Gogunsan's hidden treasures.
Looking out from the peak, the expanse of the island cluster is a photographer's dream. Fishing boats move between the islands, their white wakes carving streaks across the calm water, bringing a lively contrast to the tranquil sea.
Back on Jangjado, we stopped at a hotteok shop with a back patio overlooking the ocean. Enjoying the sweet pancake and coffee while watching the ocean was the perfect healing moment.
Two bridges link Seonyudo and Jangjado. The newer, robust Jangja Bridge is built for modern traffic, while the older structure, the Jangja Bridge Skywalk, is now a dedicated, cherished pedestrian walkway.
Finally, on Seonyudo — the legendary “Island where immortals play” — the twin highlights are Seonyudo Beach and Mangjubong Peak. The beach itself is mystifying, a sweep of sand that connects two landmasses, making the island look like two separate entities. The smooth, clean sand is so fine that the beach has gained fame for centuries.
The imposing Mangjubong Peak consists of two rocky mountains rising to about 150 meters. It has a unique seasonal spectacle: after heavy summer rains, a waterfall plunges directly down the sheer rock face from the summit.
The Gogunsan-gil trail is an enriching experience, offering a mix of flat paths, mountain climbs, and seaside walks. With numerous eateries along the way, it’s an ideal destination for light-backpacking and genuine relaxation.
reporter
Cho Bo-hee
jobo@ajupress.com
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