South Korea Launches Pilot Operation of the “East-West Trail,” a 244km Forest Path for Backpackers

South Korea Launches Pilot Operation of the “East-West Trail,” a 244km Forest Path for Backpackers

South Korea has officially announced the pilot opening of its long-distance forest trail, the East-West Trail — a 244-kilometer hiking route designed for backpacking and nature immersion. Beginning on October 15, outdoor enthusiasts can reserve 17 trail sections through the Forest Trip website (Soom-nadeul e), marking a historic step toward developing Korea’s first national long-distance backpacking system.

🌲 What Is the East-West Trail?

The East-West Trail (Dongseo Trail) is one of the most ambitious eco-tourism projects ever initiated by the Korea Forest Service (KFS). Stretching from Taean County in South Chungcheong Province to Uljin County in North Gyeongsang Province, the complete trail covers 55 sections and a total of 849 kilometers. As of 2025, 17 sections spanning 244 kilometers have been fully constructed and opened for pilot operation.

The East-West Trail was first conceived in 2023 as a sustainable, eco-friendly tourism project. It connects coastal forests, rural villages, and mountain paths across central Korea — offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience the nation’s landscapes and communities in one continuous journey.

🚶 A New Chapter for Long-Distance Backpacking in Korea

Until recently, long-distance hiking trails in Korea were mostly fragmented — with separate forest paths, regional trails, and national parks operating independently. The East-West Trail changes that by introducing an integrated trail culture similar to world-famous routes such as the Appalachian Trail in the United States and the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

Through this pilot operation, the Korea Forest Service aims to promote a culture of “walk, stay, and experience,” where travelers can hike through forests, camp overnight, and engage with local communities. The trail is also designed for backpacking enthusiasts who seek a balance of adventure, cultural exchange, and environmental awareness.

📅 Phased Development Plan and Key Sections

The East-West Trail’s development has been progressing in phases:

  • 2023: Uljin (20km) initial test route completed.
  • 2024: Taean sections 1–4 (57km) and Bonghwa section 47 (15km) added.
  • 2025: Hongseong sections 9–12 (49km) and Bonghwa–Uljin sections 48–54 (103km) finished.

These milestones showcase the government’s commitment to transforming forest spaces into accessible hiking networks. Once fully completed by 2026, the trail will connect the west and east coasts of Korea through a single, uninterrupted forest route. The Korea Forest Service plans to open all 55 sections to the public by 2027.

🏕 Backpacking and Reservation Guidelines

To preserve the environment and ensure safety, some areas of the East-West Trail require advance booking. Starting from October 14 at 10:00 a.m., hikers must reserve access to backpacking shelters or restricted sections (particularly sections 52–55) through the official Forest Trip portal. This system helps limit the number of visitors, prevent overcrowding, and protect sensitive ecosystems.

The Korea Forest Service also plans to install additional safety and information facilities — including digital waypoints, forest guides, and weather monitoring stations — to ensure a safe and convenient experience for all backpackers.

🌏 “K-Trail” — A Fusion of Nature, History, and Culture

Unlike simple replicas of foreign trails, the East-West Trail aims to become a uniquely Korean experience — often described as a “K-Trail.” The route integrates local history, cultural heritage, and rural lifestyles into its design. It connects mountain villages, fishing towns, and farmlands, allowing visitors to discover authentic Korean traditions along the way.

By combining hiking, backpacking, and community-based tourism, the East-West Trail is expected to revitalize local economies and generate new income opportunities for residents in farming and fishing regions. This initiative aligns with Korea’s broader goal of promoting sustainable eco-tourism and balanced regional development.

💬 Official Statement from the Korea Forest Service

In an official statement, Kim In-ho, Commissioner of the Korea Forest Service, said:

“The East-West Trail is not just a path through the forest — it is a bridge that connects village to village, region to region, and people to people. By 2027, we aim to present a world-class long-distance trail that Korea can be proud of.”

Kim also emphasized that the pilot operation will gather valuable feedback from hikers to improve safety, management, and user experience before the full launch. The Korea Forest Service is determined to make the East-West Trail a global destination for hiking and backpacking tourism.

🌄 Future Vision: From National Trail to Global Attraction

Once all sections are opened in 2027, the East-West Trail will become the longest forest trail in Korea, connecting the Yellow Sea to the East Sea. The government plans to collaborate with global tourism platforms to attract international visitors seeking eco-friendly and cultural hiking experiences. With proper infrastructure and promotion, the East-West Trail could position Korea as a new hub for adventure tourism in Asia.

The project also supports carbon neutrality goals by encouraging low-impact travel and protecting biodiversity along the route. Each year, the trail is expected to attract tens of thousands of hikers, photographers, and backpackers from around the world — contributing to local sustainability and global awareness of Korea’s natural beauty.

🌐 Summary

  • Total Trail Length: 849 km (55 sections)
  • Pilot Operation: 17 sections (244 km)
  • Booking: Required via Forest Trip portal
  • Full Opening: Planned for 2027
  • Main Features: Backpacking, eco-tourism, cultural connectivity

The East-West Trail is more than just a hiking path — it’s a symbol of Korea’s commitment to sustainable tourism, cultural preservation, and outdoor recreation. As the trail expands, it promises to become a major attraction for backpackers and nature lovers worldwide.

👉 Official site: Forest Trip (Soom-nadeul e) 👉 Source: Korea Forest Service (KFS)

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