Few people know this trail exists. Tucked along the uppermost stretch of the Nakdong River on the border of Bonghwa and Uljin counties in North Gyeongsang Province, the Nakdonggang Sepyeong Haneulgil runs 5.6 km from Yangwon Station to Seungbu Station — about two hours on foot. Elevation gain is minimal, so the trail is accessible to most fitness levels. The route alternates between gravel riverbanks, narrow footpaths, cliffside plank walkways (jando) beneath a railway bridge, and safety-railed decks, each section revealing a different face of the gorge.
Why September
By September, the heavy summer humidity has lifted from the upper Nakdong River valley, and early mornings turn noticeably cool. Set out at dawn and you will find river mist rising off the water while the reeds sway along the bank. Monthly mountain magazine *Wolgan San* specifically recommends the Nakdonggang Sepyeong Haneulgil as one of the best walks of September, a distinction well regarded among experienced hikers. Summer day-trippers have gone home by this point, so the trail is quiet.
Route Overview
The standard direction is from Yangwon Station toward Seungbu Station. Walking the gravel bank along the river, you soon reach a sheer cliff section fitted with safety decks — passable even for those with weak knees. The highlight is the stretch passing beneath the railway bridge, where the full scale of the gorge becomes tangible. Because the entire trail follows the river, the sound of flowing water never stops. At Seungbu Station a signboard bears the phrase *Haneuldo sepyeong ttangdo sepyeong* — "sky just three *pyeong*, earth just three *pyeong*" — which is the origin of the trail's name.
Getting There
**By car:** Enter the address *경상북도 울진군 금강송면 전곡2길 272* (272 Jeongok 2-gil, Geumgangson-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do) directly into your navigation app; it will route you to the Yangwon Station car park. Note that the main Yangwon Station building is administratively located in Bonghwa-gun, so searching by station name can cause confusion — using the address above is more reliable.
**By train:** The journey in is itself part of the experience. From Buncheon Station, take the Baekdudaegan Valley Train, the Donghae Santa Train, or a Mugunghwa or Nuriho service and alight at Yangwon Station. After completing the trek, the classic finish is to board the valley train at Seungbu Station for the return. The train entering the gorge is both the opening scene and the closing scene of the trip.
Practical Tips
- **Start time:** Aim to set off between 7 and 8 a.m. to catch the river mist and the cool air together. September afternoons can still warm up considerably, making an early start far more comfortable.
- **Footwear:** The gravel sections require ankle-supporting hiking boots. Sandals or flat trainers are not suitable.
- **Water and snacks:** There are no shops or facilities along the trail. Carry at least 1.5 litres of water and bring your own snacks.
- **Train timetable:** Check and book your return train from Seungbu Station in advance on the Korail app. Departures are infrequent, and missing your slot means a long wait at the station.
- **Cost:** There is no admission fee for the trail itself. If you travel by train, only the rail fare applies.
