




Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
Summary
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.
Highlights
- Walking the Seoul City Wall at dusk, with views over Inwangsan before the trail heads south
- The climb to Gurijae Pass on Day 4 — a steady ascent through forest roads once used by villagers crossing between valleys
- Arriving at Hwagae Market after days of quiet foothill walking, where farmers and traders still gather as they have for generations
- Old village paths through Omi, where timber-beam houses and tiled roofs mark one of the Jirisan region's most intact cultural landscapes
- The final 20km from Wonbuchun to Hadong — the longest and most demanding day, ending with a farewell dinner in Gwangyang
- The shift in scale from Seoul's city wall on Day 1 to the quiet farmland and mountain passes of the south by Day 4
What is included in this tour?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.- English speaking cultural & walking tour guide
- Luggage transfer hotel to hotel
- Private chartered vehicle during the tour
- 9 nights accommodations
- Meals: 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 2 dinners
- KTX tickets (Yeosu-Seoul)
- All entrance fee for tourist attractions in itinerary
What is not included in this tour?
Items that are not included in the cost of tour price.- Travel insurance
- Dinner on Day 7 at Hwagae Local Market city
- Personal meals and drinks like alcohol, soft drinks, soda, coffee, tea and etc
- Tipping for your guide
Day by day Itinerary
Day 1
Seoul city wall and welcome dinnerThe journey begins in Seoul with an orientation walk along the Hanyangdoseong, the historic city wall that encircles the old capital. Starting near Gwanghwamun, the route climbs gradually through Inwangsan and Bugaksan, offering wide views over the city before descending near Dongdaemun. Total walking distance is 13km with 727m of elevation gain — a considered introduction to the pace and purpose of the days ahead. The group gathers in the evening for a welcome dinner, where guides introduce the Sanmani Trail, its history, and the route that follows.
Day 2
KTX south to Namwon, first steps on the trailAn early departure by KTX from Seoul brings the group to Namwon in approximately two and a half hours. After lunch in the city, a short vehicle transfer takes everyone to the Unbong area, the starting point of the first trail section. The afternoon walk — 8km with 127m of elevation gain — follows gentle foothill paths back toward Namwon, passing farmland, open countryside, and quiet villages. It is a deliberately unhurried stage, designed to mark the transition from city life to mountain pace. The group returns to Namwon for the night.
Day 3
Namwon to Jucheon villageThis stage follows one of the most representative sections of the Jirisan Dulegil, tracing old paths that once linked farming communities and local markets across the northern foothills. The route passes through rice fields, open plains, and the edges of forest, with wide views toward the lower slopes of Jirisan. At 16km with 349m of elevation gain, the pace is rhythmic rather than demanding. The walking reflects the everyday geography of the region — paths shaped by movement and necessity rather than recreation. The day ends in Jucheon village.
Day 4
Jucheon village to Banggwang villageLeaving Jucheon, the trail climbs through forest tracks and old mountain roads toward Gurijae Pass — the high point of the day and a traditional crossing between two watersheds. The ascent is steady and well-graded, with the pass offering a clear sense of transition before the path descends into quieter wooded slopes toward Banggwang village. Stone walls and small agricultural fields mark the approach to the village. The day covers 14km with 526m of elevation gain.
Day 5
Banggwang village to Omi villageA gentler stage follows, at 10km with 343m of gain, tracing foothill paths through small fields, shaded forest sections, and village roads shaped by generations of daily use. As the trail approaches Omi, the landscape shifts in character. Traditional timber-frame houses and tiled roofs begin to appear — Omi sits within one of the more culturally intact rural areas of the Jirisan region. The pace slows naturally here.
Day 6
Omi village to Songjeong villageThis is the most physically demanding day of the journey, covering 17km with 1,030m of cumulative elevation gain. The route moves through a series of rises and descents along old village lanes, pastoral tracks, and shaded woodland paths. Small streams and forest groves provide natural rest points along the way. The trail asks for a sustained effort, but the terrain is consistent and the guidance steady. Songjeong village, calm and unhurried at the day's end, offers a quiet counterpoint to the effort required to reach it.
Day 7
Songjeong village to Hwagae MarketFrom Songjeong, the trail opens onto rolling countryside and riverside paths, leading toward Hwagae Market — a working traditional marketplace that has served farmers, traders, and travellers at the meeting point of the Honam and Yeongnam regions for centuries. The market remains active year-round, selling local produce, medicinal herbs, and prepared food. It is the natural destination of the Sanmani Trail and carries genuine cultural weight. After time at the market, the group continues to Gatan for the night. Distance: 15km with 636m of gain.
Day 8
Hwagae Market to Wonbuchun villageLeaving the market, the trail climbs away from the river flats into the quieter foothills above, where forest paths and shaded lanes carry the group upward through fern-lined terrain. Distant views of terraced tea fields and wooded slopes appear as the route gains height. The climb is steady at 10km with 100m of gain — a measured stage that contrasts with the bustle of Hwagae the day before. Wonbuchun village, set among fields and low hills, provides a settled and quiet finish.
Day 9
Wonbuchun village to Hadong countyThe final walking day is also the longest — 20km with 925m of elevation gain. Rural lanes and wooded trails lead from Wonbuchun through Daechuk Village, where agricultural fields open to broad views of the surrounding hills, before the path descends into Hadong-eup. This stage brings the loop around Jirisan's outer foothills to a close. A vehicle transfer of approximately 30 minutes carries the group from Hadong to Gwangyang city, where the evening ends with a farewell dinner.
Day 10
Return to Seoul by KTXA short 30-minute vehicle transfer from Gwangyang reaches Yeosu station, where the group boards the KTX for the three-hour journey back to Seoul. The trail, which began on the city walls of the capital, ends quietly on the return to it.

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Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.

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Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.

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Nine days on two wheels from Seoul to Busan, covering coastal headlands, river valleys, pine forests, and the quieter edges of cities most visitors see only from a bus. The riding ranges from 15 to 55 kilometres per day — manageable for regularly active travellers, demanding enough to feel earned. Nights include a glamping stay outside Seoul, a coastal guesthouse in Sokcho, and hotels in Gyeongju and Busan. It is a route for travellers who prefer to cross a country under their own effort rather than see it through a windscreen.

A guided cycling journey along South Korea's Four Rivers route, Seoul to Busan.
This eight-day ride follows South Korea's dedicated cycling infrastructure from central Seoul to the coast at Busan, covering river trails, market towns, and ceramic heritage sites along the way. The route uses the Four Rivers path — a well-maintained network purpose-built for long-distance cycling — with daily distances that offer real mileage without punishing climbs. A support vehicle carries luggage between stops, keeping each day's riding clean and unencumbered. The shape of the journey stays practical and clear from start to finish.

Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.

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This four-day ride follows Jeju Island's dedicated coastal bike path from Jeju City south to Seogwipo, east to Seongsan, and back — covering roughly 230 kilometres of paved trail along the island's shoreline. A half-day detour to Udo Island and a morning ascent of Seongsan Ilchulbong add variety without overloading the schedule. The pace is demanding but manageable, with support from a local guide team throughout and enough time built in for proper meals and recovery.

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This three-day trip moves between two distinct communities on Namhae Island — a coastal fishing village and a hillside farming settlement — with sea kayaking, a mountain ascent, and a night in each. The pace is unhurried but the days are full. Private transport from Seoul and a consistent guide keep the logistics clean, while the shape of the trip stays close to everyday life on the island.

Korea Coast to Coast Cycling Tour
This route crosses South Korea from Incheon on the west coast to Sokcho on the east, covering approximately 320 kilometres over five days. The ride moves through central Seoul, along the Bukhangang River, into the mountain province of Gangwon, and over the passes of Seoraksan before descending to the coast. It suits riders who want a structured physical challenge with genuine geographic logic — each day ends somewhere meaningfully different from where it began. A support vehicle carries luggage throughout, and local guides handle logistics at every stage.

A private cycling journey across South Korea's coast, countryside, and history.
Nine days on two wheels from Seoul to Busan, covering coastal headlands, river valleys, pine forests, and the quieter edges of cities most visitors see only from a bus. The riding ranges from 15 to 55 kilometres per day — manageable for regularly active travellers, demanding enough to feel earned. Nights include a glamping stay outside Seoul, a coastal guesthouse in Sokcho, and hotels in Gyeongju and Busan. It is a route for travellers who prefer to cross a country under their own effort rather than see it through a windscreen.

A guided cycling journey along South Korea's Four Rivers route, Seoul to Busan.
This eight-day ride follows South Korea's dedicated cycling infrastructure from central Seoul to the coast at Busan, covering river trails, market towns, and ceramic heritage sites along the way. The route uses the Four Rivers path — a well-maintained network purpose-built for long-distance cycling — with daily distances that offer real mileage without punishing climbs. A support vehicle carries luggage between stops, keeping each day's riding clean and unencumbered. The shape of the journey stays practical and clear from start to finish.

Private cycling journey from Seoul to Busan | West Coast
Sunset Road follows Korea's west coast by bicycle over 14 days, moving south from Seoul through ancient capitals, tidal flats, river valleys, and mountain passes before reaching Busan. The route passes through places rarely covered by standard Korea itineraries — Buyeo, Gunsan, Baekyangsa, Damyang — each with its own distinct character. A rest day mid-route includes a temple stay, and the pacing allows for sea kayaking, boat fishing, and hiking alongside the riding. The result is a long-form route with real physical substance and strong regional variety.

Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.

Four days on Jeju's coastal bike trail
This four-day ride follows Jeju Island's dedicated coastal bike path from Jeju City south to Seogwipo, east to Seongsan, and back — covering roughly 230 kilometres of paved trail along the island's shoreline. A half-day detour to Udo Island and a morning ascent of Seongsan Ilchulbong add variety without overloading the schedule. The pace is demanding but manageable, with support from a local guide team throughout and enough time built in for proper meals and recovery.

Namhae Island: Villages, Sea and Peaks
This three-day trip moves between two distinct communities on Namhae Island — a coastal fishing village and a hillside farming settlement — with sea kayaking, a mountain ascent, and a night in each. The pace is unhurried but the days are full. Private transport from Seoul and a consistent guide keep the logistics clean, while the shape of the trip stays close to everyday life on the island.

Korea Coast to Coast Cycling Tour
This route crosses South Korea from Incheon on the west coast to Sokcho on the east, covering approximately 320 kilometres over five days. The ride moves through central Seoul, along the Bukhangang River, into the mountain province of Gangwon, and over the passes of Seoraksan before descending to the coast. It suits riders who want a structured physical challenge with genuine geographic logic — each day ends somewhere meaningfully different from where it began. A support vehicle carries luggage throughout, and local guides handle logistics at every stage.

Private cycling journey from Seoul to Busan | West Coast
Sunset Road follows Korea's west coast by bicycle over 14 days, moving south from Seoul through ancient capitals, tidal flats, river valleys, and mountain passes before reaching Busan. The route passes through places rarely covered by standard Korea itineraries — Buyeo, Gunsan, Baekyangsa, Damyang — each with its own distinct character. A rest day mid-route includes a temple stay, and the pacing allows for sea kayaking, boat fishing, and hiking alongside the riding. The result is a long-form route with real physical substance and strong regional variety.

Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.

A private cycling journey across South Korea's coast, countryside, and history.
Nine days on two wheels from Seoul to Busan, covering coastal headlands, river valleys, pine forests, and the quieter edges of cities most visitors see only from a bus. The riding ranges from 15 to 55 kilometres per day — manageable for regularly active travellers, demanding enough to feel earned. Nights include a glamping stay outside Seoul, a coastal guesthouse in Sokcho, and hotels in Gyeongju and Busan. It is a route for travellers who prefer to cross a country under their own effort rather than see it through a windscreen.

A guided cycling journey along South Korea's Four Rivers route, Seoul to Busan.
This eight-day ride follows South Korea's dedicated cycling infrastructure from central Seoul to the coast at Busan, covering river trails, market towns, and ceramic heritage sites along the way. The route uses the Four Rivers path — a well-maintained network purpose-built for long-distance cycling — with daily distances that offer real mileage without punishing climbs. A support vehicle carries luggage between stops, keeping each day's riding clean and unencumbered. The shape of the journey stays practical and clear from start to finish.

Sanmani Trail: Jirisan Dulegil | Private Walking Tour
The Jirisan Dulegil follows the foothills of Jirisan — Korea's first national park and, for centuries, a place of refuge during war and hardship. Rather than ascending to the summit, the route traces the lower paths once walked by the Sanmani, traditional mountain foragers who moved between villages, valleys, and markets carrying medicinal herbs and forest goods. The journey ends at Hwagae Market, where those same paths converge in a living, working marketplace. It is a compact walk with cultural weight, shaped as much by the people who used these paths as by the landscape itself.

Four days on Jeju's coastal bike trail
This four-day ride follows Jeju Island's dedicated coastal bike path from Jeju City south to Seogwipo, east to Seongsan, and back — covering roughly 230 kilometres of paved trail along the island's shoreline. A half-day detour to Udo Island and a morning ascent of Seongsan Ilchulbong add variety without overloading the schedule. The pace is demanding but manageable, with support from a local guide team throughout and enough time built in for proper meals and recovery.

Namhae Island: Villages, Sea and Peaks
This three-day trip moves between two distinct communities on Namhae Island — a coastal fishing village and a hillside farming settlement — with sea kayaking, a mountain ascent, and a night in each. The pace is unhurried but the days are full. Private transport from Seoul and a consistent guide keep the logistics clean, while the shape of the trip stays close to everyday life on the island.

Korea Coast to Coast Cycling Tour
This route crosses South Korea from Incheon on the west coast to Sokcho on the east, covering approximately 320 kilometres over five days. The ride moves through central Seoul, along the Bukhangang River, into the mountain province of Gangwon, and over the passes of Seoraksan before descending to the coast. It suits riders who want a structured physical challenge with genuine geographic logic — each day ends somewhere meaningfully different from where it began. A support vehicle carries luggage throughout, and local guides handle logistics at every stage.



















