Korea Dulle Trail
An ultra-long walking trail that runs about 4,500km around South Korea
Preparations before Walking
For long treks, it is desirable to reduce the weight of your backpack.
When planning a multi-day walk, be sure to:
- Prepare only two or three extra sets of clothes
- Prepare sunscreen, a hat, and a charger
- Wash small articles of clothing such as underwear and socks at the accommodation
- Use a mesh pocket or a hook to dry wet items while walking
For three meals a day, a carbohydrate-oriented diet that gives you stamina is suitable, and for snacks, simple sugars such as candy and chocolate that can be used for energy are appropriate.
When planning a multi-day walk, be sure to:
- Keep in mind that there may not be restaurants, so prepare two meals that will serve as your emergency food (bread, cereal bars, energy gels, etc.)
- Energy gels provide a large amount of energy instantly, which is helpful when you suddenly lose energy or feel weak.
- Bring water for hydration at the beginning of the trip
It is not easy to find a place to sleep on holidays and weekends along the Korea Dulle Trail, which runs through many national resorts.
When planning a multi-day walk, be sure to:
- Book your accommodation in advance if possible
- In situations where accommodations are hard to find, seek help from the nearest government office or village hall.
- During the peak summer vacation season, enjoy sea bathing under the midday sun or rest in the shade and walk at night.
- Attach a blinking red safety light behind the backpack for safety when walking at night.
- Make sure that walking areas are not restricted at night by military units.
While walking, visitors may experience plantar blisters, shoulder and back pain, and joint pain in the knees and ankles without proper preparation. Prevent pain and injury in advance through regular stretching.
Preventing pain and injury in advance through regular stretching
- Plantar blisters
- - You can prevent blisters by wrapping thin cloth tape, which are sold at pharmacies, around the area where blisters are common before you walk.
- Pain in the shoulders and back
- - For long distances, prepare a backpack with a thick waist belt that can cover more than 2/3 of the waist.
- - If you have weak shoulders, tighten the waist belt and loosen the shoulder straps to reduce the burden on your shoulders.
- - If you have a weak back, tighten the shoulder straps and loosen the waist belt.
- Knee/ankle pain
- - If you think you may have problems with your joints, Nordic walking using poles is recommended.
- Similar to walking on all fours, Nordic walking can reduce the strain on your joints by as much as 30%.
- Joint injuries are not as easy to heal as you think, and complete healing can be difficult. Therefore, if you experience some pain, stop walking as much as possible, seek medical attention at a nearby hospital or public health center and follow the medical staff's instruction.
Guidelines for Safe Trips
- For safety, travel with a group of people
- Choose a route that suits your fitness level.
- Know the route and contact information of related organizations, and mark your current location before you start walking.
- Be sure to take emergency food like water and emergency medicines with you when you leave.
- When passing by the side of the road, stick to the side and walk in single file.
- Do not carry unnecessary valuables and jewelry.
- Walk between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. in summer and between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. in winter.
- Do not deviate from the designated route, and avoid venturing near steep valleys or cliffs.
- Avoid walking trips in bad weather.
Etiquette
- Dispose of garbage in designated areas.
- Refrain from using disposable items.
- Beware possible damage to nature and crops.
- Walk in single file on a narrow road.
- Do not speak loudly.
- Do not walk while drinking or smoking.
- Communicate with people you meet with a smile.
- Respect local culture.
- Report dangerous sectors.