YESAN, SOUTH KOREA - Chungcheongnam-do Province is inviting nature enthusiasts and hikers to participate in the '2025 Naepo Gayasan Spring Hiking' event, scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 12th, at the picturesque Deoksan Provincial Park in Yesan-gun.

The annual event, now in its third year since its inception in 2023, aims to encourage an active lifestyle by exploring the stunning natural beauty and rich historical and cultural significance of Gayasan Mountain. Organizers also hope to foster a vibrant trekking culture and provide a shared space for cultural engagement.

Limited to 400 participants on a first-come, first-served basis, applications are open until April 7th. Interested individuals can secure their spot by visiting the official Naepo Cultural Forest Trail website.

Hikers will have the choice between two scenic routes. The shorter 4-kilometer option begins at the Deoksan Provincial Park parking lot, meanders through the tranquil Okbyeonggye Valley, and returns to the starting point. For those seeking a slightly longer adventure, a 7-kilometer course will lead participants from the parking lot to the serene Okgye Reservoir before heading back.

A nominal participation fee of 5,000 KRW applies to adults, while students can join the spring hike free of charge.

Beyond the invigorating walks, attendees can look forward to a diverse range of engaging activities. Highlights include an immersive virtual reality (VR) experience bus simulating mountain climbing and trekking, interactive experience booths, and captivating cultural performances.

For comprehensive details about the event, including the full schedule and guidelines, interested parties are encouraged to consult the official announcement on the Naepo Cultural Forest Trail website. Inquiries can also be directed to the Naepo Cultural Forest Trail Project Office at 041-635-1661.

"We warmly invite everyone to join this hiking event, where you can fully immerse yourselves in the captivating ambiance of Naepo Gayasan and rejuvenate both your body and mind amidst the beauty of spring," remarked Lee Yong-gil, Head of the Provincial Forest Recreation Division.

The Naepo Cultural Forest Trail, designated as a National Forest Trail in 2021, is a testament to the region's rich heritage and natural splendor. Spanning approximately 320 kilometers, this extensive network of walking paths connects historical routes, village trails, forest paths, and riverside walks across four cities and counties surrounding Gayasan Mountain: Seosan, Dangjin, Hongseong, and Yesan. The trail is thoughtfully organized into five thematic routes, including the Naepo Buddhist Pilgrimage Trail, the Naepo Catholic Pilgrimage Trail, the Baekje Restoration Army Trail, the Naepo Historical Figures Trail, and the Naepo Donghak Trail. Attracting around 500,000 visitors annually, the Naepo Cultural Forest Trail stands as a prominent and beloved hiking destination in Chungcheongnam-do.

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