Day after day of busy life in a dense city makes people exhausted. So, people tend to visit natural places that give them great experiences of rest and refreshment. Walking through nature, basking in the sun, and seeing beautiful plants and animals let people feel alive. Without going far, residents of Gwangju and neighboring communities can relax and enjoy a beautiful landscape while walking in nature. This is “Mudol-gil,” a trail consisting of 15 routes totaling over 51.8 kilometers, passing through Gwangju, Damyang, and Hwasun. The Chonnam Tribune recommends this peaceful nature experience, which lends vitality to all those who walk its trails.
Diverse Roads Between Villages
The trail has stone monuments, signs, and ribbons which introduce each trail’s name and length. As directions, distances, and markers are densely installed, visitors do not have to worry about getting lost. Also, knowing the name of each route makes the trekking more interesting. Visitors can enjoy various kinds of terrain from stone-filled hills to flattened roads, and narrow paths. Mount Mudeungsan is surrounded by many animals and plants, including birds, squirrels, and cats that walk along the roads freely and contribute to people’s enjoyable treks. Consequently, the trail enlightens visitors about the coexistence of human beings and nature. Route 10, known as “Sumanri-gil,” leads trekkers to several especially enjoyable places where they can enjoy different aspects of nature in Hwasun.
Special Experience at Sheep Ranch
The route’s first noteworthy location is one which provides visitors an opportunity to interact with animals. It is the Mudeung Mountain Sheep Ranch, located in the middle of Mount Anyangsan. There are various animals such as mini-donkeys, rabbits, mouflons (western Asian wild sheep), and alpacas. When entering the ranch after paying an admission fee, many visitors can be glimpsed laughing as they hold cups filled with animal feed. Flocks of sheep welcome guests with calm and soft songs in between their meals, naps, and free runs across their wide grassland home. Beyond a traditional Korean-style house on the hill, the forest filled with colorful trees, looking like a beautiful piece of landscape art. Visitors of all ages and genders watch the flocks up close, take pictures, and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. "It is fun to see the sheep up close and even have a hands-on feeding experience," visitor Kwon Young-hae shared in an April 6 interview with the Tribune. The ranch’s panoramic, peaceful views, communicating with animals, and experiencing nature could heal tired bodies and minds.
Relaxing Walk in the Forest
While the sheep ranch is popular among people and animals, Mudol-gil also connects trekkers to another place where they can savor quiet and peaceful time in nature. This is the Anyang Mountain Recreation Forest, whose very large cypresses and redwood trees provide an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are ample facilities, such as a zoo, waterfalls, and a recreation center, providing many things to enjoy. In the leafy forest, visitors can relieve stress by walking through green trees and breathing fresh air. Tall cypress and redwood trees keep the air clean and help cool down the atmosphere, which makes people feel calm. A small valley also adds vitality to the quiet forest. One of visitors said, "I like to walk here because of the fresh air. This is a great trail to enjoy nature in all seasons except midwinter, which is too cool for outdoor walks."
Enjoying Summer on the “Mudol-gil”
Walking along the trail connecting several villages and exploring places such as the sheep ranch and recreation forest, visitors can relax while immersing themselves in nature. That beautiful natural scenery has been preserved in areas of restricted development for decades. The trees along the trail’s routes are full of leaves in summer. For someone who wants to take a break in nature, or who wants to relish the summer with the lush scenery, Mudol-gil can be their best choice. It provides new locales and chances to delight in nature outside of a complex city. Everyone needs a break. Why not enjoy a restful walk along the trail?
By Jeong In-hu, Reporter