코스 5-1 | Course 5-1

Highlights of this course include huge lions, mudflats, and miles of painted walking paths. Lowlights include walking past love motels, gas stations and huge trucks on the way to the highlights. I recommend wearing a mask and maybe some sunglasses when you’re in the less desirable spots. Turn on a great podcast like WorkLife with Adam Grant and the time flies by. I did this on a Friday and there were very few people on the best parts of the trail and it was like a dream. Being in the city, but mostly alone, is one of my ideal situations. The 5-1 Course is the longest I’ve ever walked in one day. It took me over 5 hours, which I split up by having lunch with a friend who works in the area.

I think it ties with Course 2 for being my favorite. There were so many beautiful ocean and river views and it’s very well-marked with ribbons and road signs.

The only thing is that it’s probably too long to do at once. If I were to do it again or if I were to go with other people, I’d stop at the midpoint and come back later. The last bit dragged on and the roads were filled with large trucks so the air quality was poor.

I covered my face completely with my scarf – a sight to behold for sure. Sorry to all the fishermen I passed as a masked woman – but maybe they’re used to it with all the ajummas who originated the style? The other thing is that you end up on Gadeok Island 가덕도 which is a transportation weak spot. There are buses and taxis, but they are few and far between. I tried to call a KakaoTaxi, but there was nothing. The Naver Maps app I used told me the bus I wanted was coming in a few minutes and it didn’t. Then I found a small poster with bus times for the 58 and I think it was leaving every hour or so. I got the 7:10 bus and thank goodness because the sun was setting and I was alone. It took me to the orange line #1 Hadan Station 하단역 and then I took the subway back to my neighborhood to get some dinner.  

If you’re not intent on doing the entire course, stop after you’ve seen this bright green bridge. You won’t yet be in the middle of nowhere and you’ve seen all the good stuff. It’s time to go home!

Galmaetgil 365
A year of movement