▲ German Village (Yonhap)

 

"Namhae Barae-gil" is a trail that explores the pristine natural environment of Namhae Island. Known as the "flower garden" for over 500 years, this trail spans a total of 240 kilometers, passing through 10 towns and villages (consisting of 16 main courses and 4 branch courses).

 

"Barae" is a local term referring to the work of women in Namhae who gather seaweed, shellfish, and seaweed by hand when the tide recedes to provide food for their families. Namhae, where spring comes early but autumn arrives late, is known for its lingering autumn charm. Namhae's autumn foliage is famous for its subtle colors blending with the clean air. Among them, there is a hidden gem known only to a few, a place that once discovered, that one must revisit. It is the "Naesan Autumn Foliage Trail" located in Samdong-myeon.

 

Stretching 6.4 kilometers from Bonghwa Samgyori to Naesan Reservoir in Samdong-myeon, this path is lined with 928 small maple trees (average height of 3 meters, canopy width of 2 meters) planted along County Road 11. In November, a vibrant display of colorful autumn foliage unfolds here. Nearby attractions include the Windtrace Art Museum, Butterfly Ecological Park, and the National Namhae Pyeonbyeok Natural Recreation Forest, making it a popular destination for tourists of all ages. The nearby German Village adds to the atmosphere, evoking the feeling of a European autumn journey. Ideal for both driving and walking, this place is part of Section 7 (Nampharang-gil Course 40) of the Namhae Barae-gil, highly recommended as a destination for autumn walks.

 

Hwajeon Byeolgok-gil begins by passing through an exotic German village, setting the stage for the stories of Parak miners and Parak nurses that adorn a page of modern Korean history. Following the Hwacheon Stream leads to the Naesan Reservoir, offering a picturesque landscape reminiscent of a watercolor painting.

 

Moreover, the area around the Butterfly Ecological Park is a hidden gem of autumn foliage yet to be discovered by many. With paths winding through a refreshing pine forest, it attracts those seeking tranquility. In the latter part of the course, passing through the Pungbaek Natural Recreation Forest towards Cheonhamaeul, one can experience the splendid scenery of Namhae.

 

As the only healing course in the Namhae Barae-gil route that traverses mountains, Hwajeon Byeolgok-gil receives much love from many. With a total distance of 16.2 kilometers, this pedestrian route takes approximately 6 hours and 30 minutes to complete, including resting time.

 

 

[ⓒ K-VIBE. 무단전재-재배포 금지]