INJE — Walkers and nature enthusiasts can now explore one of South Korea's most picturesque mountain valleys with greater safety. A newly completed 5.7-kilometer pedestrian trail along the Baektam Valley in Inner Seorak officially opened to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on the 6th.

Jointly developed by Inje County, the Seoraksan National Park Office, and the historic Baektam Temple, the project addresses long-standing safety concerns. Previously, visitors heading toward Baektam Temple had to share a narrow, winding access road with vehicular traffic, facing potential hazards such as rockfalls and heavy congestion.

To resolve these risks, local authorities and park management invested a total of 24.3 billion won (approximately $18 million) starting in 2023. The initiative aimed to separate pedestrian paths from vehicle routes, construct bypasses, upgrade infrastructure, and advance eco-friendly transportation systems in the region.

While an initial stretch of the walking path opened in 2023, the final phase was recently completed with the addition of the Eunseon and Cheongryong bridges across difficult terrain between Eunseondo and Cheongryongdam. This milestone establishes an uninterrupted, dedicated walking corridor through the valley.

To celebrate the opening, 100 pre-registered hikers participated in a commemorative trek following a traditional temple food experience. Finishers were presented with medals and national park souvenirs.

Inje County Mayor Choi Sang-ki highlighted the collaborative effort behind the project. "This trail is a meaningful achievement born from the cooperation of local government, park officials, the temple, and the community to preserve Seorak-san’s natural beauty while fostering local coexistence," Choi said. He added that the county plans to further promote eco-friendly initiatives, including transitioning local shuttle buses to green vehicles, alongside historical and cultural tourism programs.

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