Jangbong Island, a beautiful island with the legend of Little Mermaid, is one of the most amazing and popular island trekking location. It is located in Bukdo-myeon, Ongjin-gun, Incheon and you can take the ferry (Approx. 40 mins) from Sammok Dock, passing through Shin-do, Shi-do and Mo-do. Every year, it attracts many people who likes trekking to this island.
When you arrive at Jangbong Island, we recommended you to visit the traveler center first. There is a booklet with detailed instructions on the Gaetti-gil in Jangbong Island. It might help you to find your way if you take one and keep it with you before you start trekking.
What is Gaetti?
It refers to the sand flat which is the midpoint where mudflat (intertidal zone that is submerged in seawater during high tide and exposed during low tide) and sea rocks meet. The island residents of Incheon named it Gaetti.
In Jangbong Island, there are 7 courses of Gaetti-gil (Course 1 Sinseonnori-gil, Course 2 Haneulnadeul-gil, Course 3 Gubineomeo-gil, Course 4 Jangbonghaean-gil, Course 5 Yadalino-gil, Course 6 Handeulhaean-gil and Course 7 Jangbongbomul-gil).
In this post, we will introduce some sections of Gaetti-gil and the newly installed barrier-free forest path in Jangbong Island. This is a beautiful walking tour in Jangbong Island which you can enjoy natural scenery along the way.
Gaetti-gil, Jangbong Island
The first place that we will show you is the Geoneojang beach. There is a type of boat (gosbae) displayed at this place. Gosbae boat is a non-power vessel where residents of Jangbong Island used for fishing and the boat was installed so that they will remember the fishery activities while shrimping. There is a unique story in this island so it adds on the fun when you travel around.
Geoneojang Beach is the last destination of Gaetti-gil Course 5 - Yadalineo-gil; and the starting point of Course 4 Jangbonghaean-gil.
This place is almost known as the trekking paradise and it is so well guided as you can find sign boards at many places. You will see the ribbon indicating that it is the Gaetti-gil so you can easily find the direction.
Gaetti-gil Course 4 - Jangbonghaean-gil is the most famous coastal road in Jangbong Island, and it is a high difficulty course where you will walk on a cliff that touches the sea. It is also a course where you can feel the wonderful nature along the way.
Although there are some nicely built sections, most of them are steep forest paths, so it is recommended to wear hiking boots and clothes with long sleeves, and use the insect repellent spray before starting the journey.
It is very beautiful as you can see the Geoneojang Beach along the coastal road. As it was mid Summer season when we visited so the rice paddies and green fields attracted our attention. In addition, the blue sea makes you feel cooling and refreshing. Take a deep breathe in and out as you enjoy this beautiful scenery of nature~! It will cheer you up immediately.
While walking along the Jangbonghaean-gil, we saw a green frog. It is a precious friend of nature that cannot be easily seen in the city, so Nareu took a picture with it. When you walk along the Gaetti-gil in Jangbong Island, it is recommended that you walk leisurely and enjoy the surrounding nature instead of walking fast and hurriedly. This is because you might discover something special along the way if you walk slowly and enjoy the view.
Unfortunately, we couldn't walk down the cliff on the coastal road as the sea water was high. That's fine! We can visit this place again next time. If you wish to complete the Gaetti-gil Course 4 -Jangbonghaean-gil, do check the water tide before visiting.
Link: https://www.badatime.com/160.html
Barrier-free Forest Path
Leaving behind the feeling of regret, we walked to the newly built barrier-free forest path (Manmungogae) in Jangbong Island. This path was designed to allow the elderly, children, infant, pregnant women and others who have difficulty walking along steep forest path so that they can also enjoy forest bathing and walk comfortably here.
By looking at the picture, you can tell that it is less burden to walk on this nicely built deck. This section is not long, but you can also enjoy the forest and sea just like on the Gaetti-gil. Moreover, it is a safe path where you won't get tripped, so you can walk more leisurely here.
Upon entering the barrier-free forest road, you will first come to an observatory facing the sea. The view is indeed superb! However, do take note that there will be a fork in the road. In order to get to the observatory, you have take the path that is on the left.
From the observatory, if you walk about five minutes along the deck, you will arrive at the shelter observatory. It was a little disappointing as we were expecting to see the sea, but the trees grew thick and blocked the view. However, the sea breeze was so cooling and refreshing. No wonder it is called the "shelter observatory".
We walked back the same way as we came, and came out to the entrance of the barrier-free forest path. Check out the sign board and decide your next destination. From the Malmungogae, you can go to Neulnongogae, Jangbong 2-ri, and Guksabong. The approximate distance is also written on the sign board, so it will help you choose a destination that is suitable for your physical strength.
If you find it difficult to walk, you can use the Jangbong Farming and Fishing Village's Public Bus. This is a bus that circulates through Jangbong Island. It starts operating from 6.15 am, with interval of 50 mins. There is a bus stop at Malmungogae (Jangbong 4-ri). The bus fare is KRW 1,000 for adults and KRW500 for students, and only cash is accepted. There won't be change, so you have to prepare the exact amount in advance.
If you have more time, you can also visit Ongam Beach by walking from the dock. Just sit on small pebbles on the beach and enjoy the sea and waves. It will wash away your tiredness.
If you are looking for a leisure trekking trip during your holiday in Korea, we recommend you to put Jangbong Island in your itinerary. You can enjoy breathtaking scenery at this beautiful island in Incheon!
[Information about Jangbong Island]
1.Getting There: At AREX Unseo Station, transfer to Bus #307 ▶ Get off at Sammok Dock, Take Ferry (40 mins)
2. Address: 55 Yeongjonghaeanbuk-ro 847beon-gi, Jung-gu, Incheon
3. Contact Number: 032-751-2211
4. Fee: Ferry - Adult KRW 3,000 / Child KRW 1,500 / Bicycle KRW 1,500
*Information subject to change
