Gunsan-si Launches 2-Day ‘Gogunsan Island Trail’ Tour Packages Starting September 26

Gunsan-si has announced that it will operate two-day, overnight travel packages centered on the 'K-Tourism Island: Gogunsan Island Trail' from September 26 through November. By shifting away from the traditional day-trip model, these tours offer visitors a deeper opportunity to explore the hidden charms of the Gogunsan Islands.

A Fresh Approach: 2-Day Stays on the Gogunsan Island Trail

Gunsan-si is launching these packages, following an announcement by Mayor Kim Jae-jun, to promote overnight stays along the Gogunsan Island Trail. The itinerary combines trekking across the five islands connecting Maldo to Bangchukdo with overnight accommodations on the islands themselves.

The program will run for a total of 10 sessions, with each group limited to between 15 and 27 participants. Guests can depart via chartered bus from one of three designated pickup points: Gwanghwamun, Jamsil Station, or Dongcheon Station.

Exploring Scenic Islands and Modern Cultural Heritage

The first day of the trip begins by showcasing the stunning coastal scenery of the Gogunsan Islands. After trekking the course that connects Daebong Observatory, Mongdol Beach, and Seonyudo Beach, participants will stay overnight on one of the designated 'K-Tourism Islands': Maldo, Myeongdo, or Bangchukdo.

On the second day, after completing the remainder of the Gogunsan Island Trail, the tour moves to downtown Gunsan to explore the city's modern cultural streets. The itinerary includes visits to representative landmarks such as the Lee Sung Dang bakery and the Chowon Photo Studio before returning to Seoul.

Local Culinary Delights and Flexible Itineraries

Throughout the trip, travelers will enjoy meals featuring fresh local ingredients from Gunsan, such as grilled dabdae (fanfish), Kkomangmuchim (Cockle Salad), and maeuntang (Spicy Fish Stew). Gunsan-si noted that because of the nature of island travel, in the event of inclement weather or restricted ferry operations, the trekking schedule may be adjusted to alternative Gubul-gil trails.

Boosting the Local Economy through Stay-Based Tourism

This initiative is significant for moving beyond the typical day-trip format of island tourism by providing balanced overnight accommodations across Maldo, Myeongdo, and Bangchukdo, effectively establishing a stay-based tourism model. A representative from Gunsan-si stated, "We hope to raise awareness of the Gogunsan Islands' charm among visitors from the metropolitan area and create a foundation for island-stay tourism to take root."

They added, "We plan to continue developing Gunsan-specific overnight tourism content centered on the K-Tourism Islands," expressing optimism that these efforts will contribute to the local economy through the activation of stay-based tourism.