On the 27th, the Korea Forest Service (KFS), led by Minister LIM Sang-seop, announced the successful completion of a trekking event that gathered 300 participants to celebrate the opening of the western section of East-West Trail of Korea. This Trail begins on Anmyeondo Island, located in Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.

The Trail is Korea's first long-distance trail designed for camping and backpacking. It offers a unique space for harmony, allowing people to experience the ecology, history, and culture of the forest while walking through scenic forest trails. It also fosters interaction and communication with local communities through stays in rural and mountain villages.

The event saw approximately 300 participants, including Minister LIM Sang-seop, families with children, professional hikers, and local community members. They trekked from Anmyeondo Island Recreational Forest to Kkotji Beach, enjoying the beautiful blend of pine forests and beaches that characterize Taean-gun.

The newly opened section comprises the first through fourth sections (57km) of the Trail, which starts in Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. This follows the completion of the 55th section (20km) in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the 47th section (15km) in Bonghwa, Gyeongsangbuk-do. With an additional 21 sections (approximately 300km) scheduled to open by the end of the year, expectations among hiking enthusiasts are rising.

The KFS plans to complete all 55 sections by 2026, covering regions the Trail passes through, including Sejong City, Daejeon Metropolitan City, Chungcheongnam-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, and Gyeongsangbuk-do. Their goal is to make this Trail a world-class tourist destination.

Minister LIM Sang-seop highlighted that a survey estimated the economic impact of opening the 55th section of East-West Trail of Korea, including the Uljin Geumgang Pine Trail, at approximately 6.1 billion won, with public benefits of the forest valued at around 126.2 billion won. By connecting Korea's rich forest resources through the Trail, the KFS aims to create valuable and healthy forests that enable the coexistence and prosperity of both urban and rural areas.