A Personal Walking Challenge in South Korea – From Golden Autumn Fields to the First Snowfall
1. A Different Kind of Adventure: Walking a Bike Trail
In October 2024, I decided to take on a personal challenge that was a little different from the usual outdoor activities in South Korea.
Instead of riding a bicycle, I decided to walk the entire Yeongsan River Bike Path, a beautiful cycling route stretching approximately 120 km along the Yeongsan River in southwestern Korea.
Many people enjoy this route on bicycles, but I wanted to experience it at walking speed.
Could I really complete such a long journey on foot?
With excitement and a little nervousness, I started from Damyang Dam in late October. The autumn sunshine was still warm, and I was wearing light shorts as I took my first steps.
I had no idea that this simple decision would become one of my most memorable outdoor experiences.
2. Walking Every Saturday: 20–30 km at a Time
Rather than trying to complete the entire route in one day, I divided the journey into smaller sections.
Every Saturday, I walked approximately 20 to 30 km, continuing from the point where I had finished the previous week.
I used my own car, buses, and taxis to reach the starting and ending points of each section.
It was almost like putting together a giant puzzle, connecting one part of the river trail to another.
This approach made the challenge manageable and gave me something exciting to look forward to every weekend.
Although the distance was demanding, walking at my own pace allowed me to enjoy the journey without rushing.
3. Autumn Landscapes Along the Yeongsan River
One of the most beautiful parts of this adventure was watching the scenery change with the seasons.
In late October, golden rice fields stretched across the countryside. Early in the morning, mysterious mist rose above the river, creating a peaceful and almost magical atmosphere.
Tall silver grass and reeds danced in the autumn wind along the riverbanks.
As November arrived, the temperature gradually dropped. The trees changed into beautiful shades of red, orange, and yellow.
Every Saturday seemed to bring a different landscape.
Sometimes I stopped simply to admire the river, take photographs, or enjoy the quiet countryside.
Walking allowed me to notice details that I might have missed if I had been cycling at a faster speed.
4. The First Snow: A Special Ending in December
By early December, winter had finally arrived.
The warm autumn days were gone, and I needed much thicker clothing to continue walking comfortably.
Then something unexpected happened during my final section.
The first snow of the season began to fall.
Watching snowflakes drift through the cold air while walking along the river was an unforgettable experience.
It felt as if nature itself had prepared a special farewell for my two-month journey.
After nearly two months of walking, I finally completed the approximately 120 km route.
Standing at the final destination, I felt an incredible sense of achievement.
It was not just about completing a long-distance trail. It was about keeping a promise to myself and finishing something I had started.
5. Small Encounters That Made the Journey Special
Although I mostly walked alone, I never felt completely lonely.
Local residents sometimes asked where I was going and encouraged me to keep walking.
Cyclists passing by occasionally waved their hands or greeted me with friendly smiles.
These small moments made a big difference.
A simple greeting from a stranger can give you unexpected energy when your legs are tired and the road still seems long.
The Yeongsan River trail reminded me that travel is not only about beautiful destinations. Sometimes, the people you meet along the way become part of the best memories.
6. What I Learned from Walking 120 km
This experience taught me something important about life.
We often move too quickly, trying to accomplish everything as soon as possible.
But walking changes the way we see the world.
The river flows continuously, yet I could slow down and appreciate the surrounding nature.
I had time to think about everyday life, reflect on personal goals, and enjoy moments of silence.
Each Saturday, completing another 20 or 30 km gave me a small sense of accomplishment.
Eventually, those small achievements became one big success.
I realized that a long journey does not always require extraordinary speed or strength. Sometimes, consistency and determination are enough.
7. My Next Challenge: The Nakdong River and Geum River Bike Paths
Completing the Yeongsan River route made me want to explore more of Korea's beautiful river trails.
My next goals are the Nakdong River Bike Path and the Geum River Bike Path.
The Nakdong River Bike Path
The Nakdong River is one of South Korea's major rivers, flowing through beautiful landscapes in the southeastern part of the country.
Its cycling route offers a fascinating combination of riverside scenery, historic towns, wetlands, and rural villages.
I would love to experience its changing landscapes on foot, just as I did along the Yeongsan River.
The Geum River Bike Path
The Geum River flows through central and western Korea, passing through areas known for their natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The route offers peaceful riverside views, countryside landscapes, and opportunities to discover historic places along the way.
I imagine walking beside the river in autumn, watching the leaves change color and enjoying the quiet atmosphere.
Both routes will bring new challenges, but that is exactly what makes the idea exciting.
I may need several weekends to complete each route, but I have already learned that there is no need to rush.
One step at a time is enough.
8. Why Walking Korea's Bike Paths Is Worth Trying
South Korea has several beautiful national river cycling routes, and they are not only for cyclists.
Walking these paths can be an excellent way to discover the country's natural beauty and rural culture.
Here are a few reasons why I recommend this experience:
Beautiful nature: Enjoy rivers, mountains, fields, reeds, and seasonal flowers.
A slower travel experience: Discover details that are easy to miss when traveling by car.
Personal achievement: Build confidence by completing manageable distances every weekend.
Local encounters: Meet friendly residents and fellow outdoor enthusiasts.
Seasonal beauty: Experience the changing colors of Korea throughout the year.
For anyone interested in long-distance walking, these river paths offer an interesting alternative to traditional sightseeing.
Of course, walkers should stay alert for bicycles, follow shared-path rules, check the weather, and prepare suitable walking shoes and safety equipment.
9. One Journey Ends, Another Begins
Looking back at my 2024 adventure, I still remember the golden fields of October, the colorful trees of November, and the first snow of December.
The Yeongsan River Bike Path was approximately 120 km of walking, but its meaning was much greater than the distance itself.
It taught me patience, consistency, and the happiness of achieving a personal goal.
Now, I am looking forward to walking along the Nakdong River and Geum River.
Perhaps there will be another beautiful autumn, another long riverside journey, and another unforgettable moment waiting for me.
A journey of 120 km begins with a single step. And sometimes, the best way to discover Korea is simply to slow down and walk.
Travel memory: October–December 2024
Route: Damyang Dam to the final section of the Yeongsan River Bike Path
Total walking distance: Approximately 120 km
Walking schedule: Every Saturday, approximately 20–30 km per session
Next challenges: Nakdong River Bike Path and Geum River Bike Path
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