This new 849-km hike is South Korea's answer to the Camino de Santiago

The Dongseo Trail is a new coast-to-coast hiking route coming to South Korea in 2027. Six sections are already open.

South Korea is no doubt having its moment in the limelight, luring tourists with its bold flavours, hyper-modern cities and serene temples. But there will soon be a new way to experience this increasingly popular destination. 

Linking the east and west coasts, the Dongseo Trail is an 849-kilometre, coast-to-coast hike that marks South Korea’s first long-distance hiking route. Once complete, the route will pave the way from the western coastal island of Anmyeon in Taean, South Chungcheong Province, to the eastern city of Uljin in North Gyeongsang Province. It will connect a total of 55 sections, each with varying lengths and sights.

The Dongseo Trail, South Korea’s first long-distance hiking route, will begin on the island of Anmyeondo. (Image: Getty/snowtigerman)

Beginning on Anmyeon Island on the west coast, which is connected to the mainland via a bridge, hikers will be able to wind their way through the country’s centre, passing through Sejong, Daejeon and 21 major cities in North Chungcheong and North Gyeongsang provinces. The Korea Forest Service (KFS) said it will designate 90 villages as base camps, along with building 44 camping sites along the trail.  

As the country’s first long-distance hiking route, Dongseo Trail offers visitors a unique opportunity to soak up the country’s ecology, history and culture – all while immersing themselves in the country’s stunning outdoor environments. Think emerald-green forests, enchanting Buddhist temples and postcard-worthy beaches. The experience will also foster interaction with local communities through the opportunity to stay in rural areas and mountain villages.

The first 57 kilometres (Sections 1 to 4 of the trail) opened on 27 September last year. Following the opening ceremony, 300 hikers celebrated the launch of the western section by walking from Anmyeondo Island Recreational Forest to Kkotji Beach, taking in pine forests and coastal beauty along the way. 

Hikers will pass through the city of Daejeon along the forthcoming Dongseo Trail. (Image: Getty/CJNattanai)

“Korea has vast tracts of forest throughout its territory. I hope the Dongseo Trail connects not only the coast to coast but also cities and small towns through nature,” said KFS Minister Lim Sang-seop during the opening ceremony. 

“Spain has the Camino de Santiago, where hundreds of thousands of tourists walk along its trail,” he continued. “It is not only for those who follow its routes as a form of religious or spiritual journey, but also for hikers, cyclists and organised tour groups. The Dongseo Trail will serve a similar purpose for those who seek a retreat from their stressful daily lives.”

The four new segments followed the opening of two other sections of the Dongseo Trail in June last year: the 55th section (20 kilometres) in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the 47th section (15 kilometres) in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The KFS plans to complete the remaining sections in 2026 and open the entire route to the public in 2027, with the aim of creating a world-class tourist attraction that rivals similar long-distance trails in other countries.