Day 10

The day start at Gyeoungpo Eco March Park. It is located adjacent to the Gyeongpoho lake and was free to enter. Inside we got to take a tour around it his marsh scape full or native plants and wildlife. It opened in 1982 after restoring the land from its designated purpose at the time of farmland. The big selling point of the park are the prickly waterlilys that bloom there. These waterlilys have been brought back from being almost extinct half a centrist ago to now covering the waterscape. Fishing prohibited at the lake due to it being a nature preserve but you can still sit and watch as a fish bounds out of the water every couple of seconds. Surrounding the lake is a trail for bikers or joggers so you can enjoy the coastal breeze and view while getting some exercise in.

Jeong-simgok badabuchae coastal terrace is a train that is 2.86 kilometers long and takes you on a lovely walk along the coast of Simgok-ri. This coast like was once a designated military zone that had barbed wire fencing all along the beach to ensure that North Korean spy’s couldn’t just cross the boarder whenever they wanted. Now it’s a beautiful train that lets you see the clear blue seas of the pacific while also the mountainous terrain of south Korea. My favorite part of this trail is that they didn’t take down or try to hide its former use as a military zone and it gives the trail a post-apocalyptic, nature taking back over kind of vibe.

There wasn’t too much vernacular to see today as it was more of a nature day but near the end of the coastal trial there were these magnificent hotels that were build out of old boats. They were a strange sight to see among the coastal housing of the area but the shear size of them at the very least was impressive. Usually the more modern aspects of South Korea blend well with the old but this display was also in stark contrast to its surroundings and it kind of took away from the coastal walk. As you round the last corner of the trail 3 massive boats take up the skyline and ruin what would have otherwise been a perfect walk. Something similar happens at the midpoint of the trail where there is a cafe with a massive coffee cup on its roof. It feels like tourism got ahold of this spot a little too much and it’s a bit disappointing yet not too unexpected. Tourism always seems to affect beach towns the worst in my experience.

I give Gyeoungpo park a 8/10, Gyeongpoho lake an 8/10, Jeong-simgok badabuchae coastal terrace a 7/10 and tourism a 4/10.