Korea Dulle Trail, the 4,500km long-distance walking trail that circles the Korean Peninsula, is now complete. On September 23 (Mon), the South Korean government celebrated this momentous occasion with an opening ceremony at the Unification Observatory in Goseong, Gangwon State. This ambitious project, guided by the theme “Walk Together and Rediscover South Korea,” involved collaboration among several ministries, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST), Ministry of Interior and Safety, Ministry of Unification, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs, Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries, and Ministry of Environment. Together, they have created a seamless walking path that connects the eastern, western, and southern coasts of the Korean Peninsula, as well as the border areas.

Haeparang Trail along the East Sea, Namparang Trail along the South Sea, Seohaerang Trail along the West Sea, and DMZ Peace Trail unveiled, completing South Korea’s long-distance walking trails

The journey began in 2009. Over the years, various sections were unveiled, including the East Sea Haeparang Trail in 2016, the South Sea Namparang Trail in 2020, and the West Sea Seohaerang Trail in 2022. The project was finalized with the completion of the final stretch, DMZ Peace Trail, on September 23 of this year.

The Unification Observatory, where the opening ceremony took place, holds special significance as the northernmost point accessible to South Korean civilians and now marks the endpoint of this 4,500km trail. To celebrate, a “Global Expedition Team” of foreign residents, walking enthusiasts from travel clubs, and the dedicated “Korea Dulle Trail Guardians” who maintain the trail took a journey on a symbolic walk together from the observatory to the Jejin Checkpoint.

More than just a walk: Opportunities for rejuvenation and a boost for domestic travel demand

“Low-Carbon Travel Week” to be held from September 23 to October 13 to promote eco-friendly travel

The Korea Dulle Trail offers much more than just walking experience. It promotes a healthy and sustainable way to explore the country. Citizens weary from daily life can find rest and rejuvenation by walking the trails in nature. Following the full opening of the trails, MCST plans to position Korea Dulle Trail as a core tourism resource, cultivating diverse and unique regional attractions. This initiative will help revitalize local tourism and expand domestic travel demand. For more information about Korea Dulle Trail and nearby attractions, you can visit the trail’s online platform, Durunubi (www.durunubi.kr), and download the application.

To celebrate the opening and promote eco-friendly travel, MCST holds “Low-Carbon Travel Week” from September 23 to October 13, in collaboration with Korea Tourism Organization. This event involves 44 organizations, including relevant ministries such as the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries and Ministry of Agriculture and Food; local governments responsible for Korea Dulle Trail; public institutions including Korea Fisheries Infrastructure Public Agency, Korea Rural Community Corporation, National Lighthouse Museum, National Health Insurance Service, and Korea National Park Service; and major companies such as Samsung Electronics, Kakao, and HD Hyundai Oil Bank. The week will be packed with a range of activities, including a relay challenge to traverse the entire 4,500km Korea Dulle Trail, certification program for 45 specially curated walking courses, separate relay challenge for 60 free bicycle travel courses, and walking and biking trips linked with low-carbon trains (eco-rail). More information and participation details for each event are available on the Durunubi and Korea Tourism Organization websites (korean.visitkorea.or.kr).

MCST First Vice Minister YONG Ho Seong, who attended the opening ceremony, stated, “We will actively cooperate with relevant ministries, the 10 metropolitan governments, and 78 local governments along Korea Dulle Trail to establish it as a landmark tourism resource that connects regions and generations.” He added, “Furthermore, we aim to make Korea Dulle Trail a world-class tourist destination, rivaling renowned walking trails around the globe.”