Trekking through the West Sea's Maldo, Bonongdo, Myeongdo, and Gogunsan Islands, and viewing Daej...
Gogunsan Islands, Maldo, Myeongdo, and Bonongdo West Sea Island Trekking [Hiking Date: September 18, 2024]
Overview
Located at the tip of the Gogunsan Islands, Maldo is also known as "Kkeutseom." Although it is a small island with a population of about 30 households, the surrounding waters are a prime fishing ground, and the largest lighthouse in the Gogunsan Islands has become a tourist attraction. Maldo was first settled in the mid-Joseon Dynasty, when a man named Pamsimseo, exiled from Seoul, reclaimed land and settled there, gradually increasing the population. Clans such as Kim and Yun still live here. The tradition of the Dangsanje ritual has since been discontinued, but the folk song "Banggu Taryeong" (traditional Korean folk song) is still practiced.
The Maldo, Myeongdo, and Bangchukdo Yeondogyo Trail connects five small islands in the Gogunsan Islands near Seonyudo, Gunsan. Of the five islands, Maldo, Myeongdo, and Bangchukdo are inhabited, while Bonongdo and Gwangdaedo are uninhabited. The islands are arranged in the following order: Maldo, Bonongdo, Myeongdo, Gwangdaedo, and Bangchukdo. Maldo, Bonongdo, and Myeongdo are connected by bridges, and Gwangdaedo and Bangchukdo are also connected by bridges. Once Myeongdo and Gwangdaedo are connected, the five islands will become one. Complete completion was originally scheduled for the end of 2023, but has been postponed to the end of next year. Maldo is located in Maldo-ri, Okdo-myeon, Gunsan-si, Jeollabuk-do, North Jeolla Province.
Gunsan Maldo Fold Structure The Maldo fold structure is a stratum formed during the Precambrian, a geological period before the Paleozoic Era, and features undulating shapes. Most Precambrian rocks have undergone severe metamorphism, making it rare for the original rock structure to remain. Despite severe metamorphism and deformation, the Gunsan Maldo Fold Structure preserves Precambrian sedimentary structures, including wave-marked fossils and inclined strata. It also displays a duplex structure of layered faults, created by crustal deformation, a rare occurrence in Korea, and overlapping folds formed over multiple stages.
Total Trekking Distance and Time: Approximately 3.11 km, approximately 2 hours or more
Maldo Lighthouse
Bearing over 100 years of history, the Maldo Lighthouse was built in 1909 on a sheer cliff. Its beacon can be seen from 37 km away, providing guidance to ships traveling between the West Coast and Gunsan Port.
Maldo Millennium Pine Tree:
The mysterious Millennium Pine Tree, rooted deep within the rock, is a habitat for seagulls, and in late May, tens of thousands of seagulls flock here, creating a spectacular sight.
Overall Route Directions and Time Required
Arrival at Jangjado Ferry Pier before 9:40 AM / Departure at 10:40 AM - Via Gwanri-do and Bangchuk-do - Myeongdo Pier 11:05 AM ~ Snake Legend Observatory ~ Suspension Bridge ~ Bonongdo Seawall ~ Suspension Bridge ~ Folded Seawall ~ Maldo Pier ~ View of the Lighthouse from Maldo Port ~ Depart from Pier 2:20 PM - Arrive at Jangjado 2:50 PM
#Maldo #Myeongdo #Bonondo #WestseaMaldo #MaldoTrekking #MaldoHiking #BonondoTrekking #MyeongdoTrekking #GogunsanArchipelagosTrekking #GunsanMaldo #GunsanBonondo #GunsanMyeongdo