Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail – Gangwon’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail

Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail – Gangwon’s Hidden Coastal Gem

Imagine a secret ocean trail where pine-covered cliffs meet crystal-clear waves, far from the usual tourist spots. Welcome to the Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail, a breathtaking 2.9 km seaside walk in Gangneung, Gangwon Province. This winding boardwalk – whose name fittingly means “Sea Fan Road” – is a lesser-known spring travel destination that feels like a healing escape into nature. You’re so lucky to have found this spot! 🌊 In spring, the ocean breeze is mild, wildflowers sprinkle the cliffside, and the East Sea sparkles a transparent turquoise blue. It’s the kind of place where you instantly relax, with every step accompanied by the soothing sound of waves.

​:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0} *Sunset at Jeongdongjin Beach near the trail. The Sun Cruise Resort (a cruise-ship-shaped hotel) perches on the cliff, overlooking the East Sea’s gentle waves.*

Why Visit Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail?

Mesmerizing Coastal Scenery: The vibe here is serene and awe-inspiring. The trail snakes along high sea cliffs and even juts *over* the water at points, offering uninterrupted vistas of the East Sea. The coastal terrace was hidden from the public for decades (it was a military patrol route) – which means its natural beauty is pristine. In fact, this area is a designated Natural Monument due to its unique geology: volcanic-looking rock formations and terraces formed millions of years ago. As you walk, you’ll pass by craggy cliff faces and peer down at waves crashing onto rocks that have been shaped by nature over eons. It’s a dramatic meeting of land and sea that few people know about, so you often feel like you have it all to yourself.

 

Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail 2

 

Unique Rock Formations & Photo Spots: The Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail is often called a giant “photo zone” – around every bend is another wow-worthy view. Two of the most famous sights are **Helmet Rock** and **Fan Rock**, aptly named for their shapes. Helmet Rock pokes out of the sea like an ancient general’s head wearing a war helmet (local legend even tells of a tiger and a Goryeo-era general associated with this rock!). Fan Rock is a broad cliffside that looks like an open fan, echoing the trail’s “fan” nickname. There are viewing platforms (like the **Fan Rock Observatory**) where you can rest and snap pictures of the entire coastline. The water below is so clear that on sunny days you can see the rocks under the surface – a gorgeous emerald canvas for your photos. Whether you’re an avid photographer or just taking mental pictures, the trail’s beauty is unforgettable.

 

Tranquil & Healing Atmosphere: Unlike crowded beaches or famous mountain hikes, this coastal trail remains a hidden gem, especially on weekdays or in shoulder seasons. The ambiance is peaceful and refreshing. As you stroll, you’ll smell the salt in the air and occasionally catch the piney scent from the trees clinging to the cliffs. If you time it right, you might even catch a **Jeongdongjin sunrise** or sunset – this area is famed for having one of Korea’s best sunrise views. (Jeongdongjin Beach, near the trail, was made famous by the 1990s K-drama *“Sandglass”*, and every New Year’s Day people flock here for the first sunrise.) Walking the Badabuchaegil Trail in the gentle spring sunlight, with glistening water beside you, feels restorative. It’s the perfect place to clear your mind and soak up nature’s energy.

 

Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail 3

Nearby Attractions to Explore

• Jeongdongjin Beach & Sandglass Park: Just down the hill from the trail’s Jeongdongjin end lies a soft sandy beach and the iconic Sandglass Park. Here you’ll see a giant hourglass overlooking the sea – it’s actually the world’s largest sandglass! 🏖️ This park is famous from the drama *Sandglass (모래시계)*, and every year on January 1st, a festival is held as the sandglass is turned to symbolize a fresh start. It’s a beautiful spot for a sunrise stroll or a picnic on the beach, with the Jeongdongjin Train Station right by the shore (one of the few train stations in the world next to the ocean!). There’s also the Jeongdongjin Time Museum in a retired train at the park – a quirky little museum all about “time,” featuring antique clocks and even an 8-meter-tall hourglass.
• Sun Cruise Resort & Observation Deck: Perched on a cliff above the trail is the Sun Cruise Resort, a hotel designed to look like a massive cruise ship docked on land. Even if you’re not a guest, you can visit its gardens or observation deck for a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the coastline. It genuinely feels like standing on a ship’s deck! This is a fantastic place to catch the sunset or just admire the vast blue sea. The hotel grounds play gentle music (yes, even a faint *“Titanic” theme at times), adding to the dreamy atmosphere. It’s a fun photo op and truly unique to Jeongdongjin.
• Haslla Art World: A 15-minute drive up the coast (or a short taxi ride) takes you to this outdoor art park and museum. Haslla Art World is an expansive hilltop sculpture garden with installations that blend into nature, plus indoor modern art exhibits. Giant metal sculptures, quirky art pieces, and an ocean backdrop make this place a delight to wander. There’s even a cafe and a sea-view terrace. It’s a nice change of pace if you want to mix nature with a bit of art and creativity. Kids and adults alike enjoy posing with the sculptures (look out for the funky “hands” sculpture framing the sea).
• Gangneung Unification Park: If you have an interest in history, about 20 minutes south by car is Unification Park. It’s an open-air exhibit area featuring a retired warship and a captured North Korean submarine that you can actually go inside. 🛳️ Set against the backdrop of the ocean and mountains, this park is both educational and scenic. Walking through the old submarine’s narrow corridors is an eye-opener! The park was created to pray for peace and reunification, and it offers a mix of somber history with beautiful nature views. It’s a reminder of Korea’s past right alongside the hope and beauty of the East Sea coast.

Sun Cruise Resort

Where to Eat & Drink

• Jeongdongjin Haemultang (정동진해물탕): After a breezy hike, warm yourself up with a bubbling pot of haemultang – a spicy seafood stew packed with freshly caught goodies like crab, clams, squid, and prawns. 😋 This local restaurant near Jeongdongjin Harbor is famous for its generous portions of seafood in a rich red broth. The stew comes to your table on a gas burner, boiling merrily with aromas of chili, garlic, and ocean brine. It’s the ultimate comfort food by the sea. Don’t worry if you can’t handle spice; you can ask for mild. They also serve tasty banchan (side dishes) like seaweed salad and pickled radish that perfectly complement the main dish.
• Jeongdongjin Chodang Sundubu (정동진 초당순두부): Gangneung is renowned for “Chodang” soft tofu, and this eatery lets you try it in the most delicious way. They specialize in creamy soft tofu stew made with freshly curdled local soy tofu. It’s a milder option that’s incredibly soothing. The stew is usually made with clams or bits of seafood for flavor, and comes out in a hot stone pot, piping hot. Crack an egg in it and mix it up – heavenly! You can enjoy it with a side of kimchi and perhaps a green onion pancake. It’s a humble meal but one that brings comfort after a day by the coast.
• Sun Cruise Café & Terrace: For a coffee break with a view to die for, head to the cafe at the Sun Cruise Resort (open to outside visitors). Sipping a latte or indulging in a piece of cake while overlooking the endless ocean from a “ship” is something you can only do here. The cafe’s floor-to-ceiling windows and outdoor terrace make you feel like you’re floating above the sea. They serve espresso, drip coffee, and Korean fusion desserts (try the sweet red bean pastry or a slice of chestnut cake). In late afternoon, you might catch the golden hour light shimmering on the water below. It’s the perfect cap to your visit – dessert with a sunset view!

Getting There from Seoul

One of the great things about Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail is that despite feeling remote, it’s actually quite accessible from Seoul. Here are the best ways to reach this coastal gem:

Option	Route	Duration	Fare (approx)
KTX Train	Seoul Station → Jeongdongjin Station (direct high-speed train) + 5-min taxi or 15-min walk to trail	~2 hours	₩27,000 – 30,000
Express Bus + Local Bus	Seoul Express Bus Terminal → Gangneung Bus Terminal (express bus) → transfer to local bus or taxi to Jeongdongjin	~2.5 hours (bus) + 30 min	₩18,000 (bus) + ₩2,000 (local bus)

By Train: The fastest and easiest way is to take a KTX high-speed train from Seoul Station straight to Jeongdongjin Station. Yes, the KTX now stops right in Jeongdongjin! In about two hours, you’ll be whisked from city to seashore. The train ride itself is comfortable and scenic (as you approach Gangwon Province, you’ll see mountains, then the sparkling sea). Once you arrive at Jeongdongjin Station, the trail’s starting point at the Sun Cruise Resort parking lot is about a 5-minute taxi ride or a 15-20 minute uphill walk. (If you’re up for it, walking lets you enjoy the beach views on the way and you can pop into Sandglass Park briefly.) Trains run a few times a day; it’s wise to book in advance during peak season.

By Bus: Another convenient option is the express bus. Buses leave from Seoul’s Express Bus Terminal (or Dongseoul Terminal) to Gangneung very frequently – the ride takes around 2.5 to 3 hours depending on traffic. The buses are comfy with reclining seats, so time flies. Once in Gangneung Bus Terminal, you’ll need to get to Jeongdongjin. You can either hop in a taxi (about 20-30 minutes drive along the pretty coast, roughly ₩20,000) or take a local city bus. Several local buses (e.g. bus #109, #112, etc.) run from Gangneung downtown towards Jeongdongjin; ask the info desk for the latest route number. The local bus costs about ₩1,500 and takes 40 minutes to an hour, winding through smaller towns to the Jeongdongjin area. Get off near Jeongdongjin Beach or the Sun Cruise entrance. It’s a bit of a longer journey than the train, but it can be a fun adventure if you want to see more of the local towns along the way.

By Car: If you happen to drive, it’s about 3 hours east of Seoul. You’d take the Yeongdong Expressway to Gangneung and then follow coastal Route 7 south to Jeongdongjin. There is parking at both trail entrances (Jeongdongjin Sun Cruise side and Simgok Port side). However, for most foreign travelers, the train or bus will be more convenient and stress-free.

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I get to the Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail by public transport?
A: Yes – it’s quite easy. From Seoul, the best way is the KTX train directly to Jeongdongjin Station, which takes about 2 hours. From the station, you can walk or take a short taxi ride to the trail entrance. Alternatively, you can take an express bus to Gangneung, then a local bus (or taxi) to Jeongdongjin. Both options are efficient; the train is faster, while the bus is slightly cheaper. Once you’re in Jeongdongjin, everything is within walking distance or a quick cab hop.

 

Q: How difficult is the trail? How long does it take to walk?
A: The trail is about 2.9 km one-way (roughly 6 km round-trip if you return to your start point). Most visitors take about 1 to 1.5 hours for a one-way walk, enjoying the sights leisurely. It’s an easy to moderate walk – the path is a well-built wooden and concrete boardwalk. There are some gentle ups and downs and a few stairs, but no intense hikes or climbs. If you can handle a few flights of stairs and a 3 km stroll, you’ll be absolutely fine. Benches and viewing decks are spread along the route, so you can rest and take photos. Even families with kids and active seniors can enjoy it (we saw folks of all ages on the trail). Just wear comfy shoes and be prepared for some sunshine (bring a hat and water).

 

Q: What are the trail’s hours and is there an entrance fee?
A: The Badabuchaegil Trail is open daily, but with specific hours: generally **9:00 AM to 5:30 PM (April–October)** and **9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (November–March)**. These hours can change slightly, and note that last admission is one hour before closing (they strictly manage entry times because it’s a linear trail). There is a small admission fee to help maintain the trail: currently ₩5,000 for adults (with discounts for youths, kids, seniors). It’s totally worth it for the upkeep and the experience. In case of severe weather (heavy rain, snow, typhoon) or rare military operations, the trail can close for safety – so it’s a good idea to check the local website or ask the 1330 Korea Travel Hotline if you’re unsure.

 

Q: Are there facilities on the trail (restrooms, food, etc.)?
A: Along the trail itself, there are no shops or restrooms – the path is all nature. So be sure to use the restroom at the entrance (there are facilities at both the Jeongdongjin and Simgok ends). Also, bring along a bottle of water or two, especially in warmer months, since you won’t find any vending machines once you’re on the trail. There are a few shaded gazebos and seating areas where you can take a break. If you’re walking in summer, you might appreciate a small fan or sunscreen as there are stretches with full sun. After (or before) your hike, you can find plenty of food and drink options in Jeongdongjin town – from seafood snacks at the harbor to cafes by the beach – so you won’t stay hungry for long. Enjoy the walk!

Ready to discover this hidden coastal gem? The Jeongdong-Simgok Badabuchaegil Trail awaits with open arms, whether you’re seeking jaw-dropping views, a quiet escape into nature, or just a unique story to tell. Take your time, breathe in the salty air, and enjoy every step along this beautiful “sea fan” road. Happy travels! 🌅