Second Yongso Waterlight Trekking Event Wraps Up, with Some 300 People Walking Autumn Valley Trails

[Financial News, Hongcheon = Reporter Kim Gi-seop] Some 300 trekkers who received part of their entry fee back in local currency walked the autumn trails of Hongcheon’s Yongso Valley, then headed to traditional markets and restaurants, giving local businesses a boost.
According to Hongcheon County on the 19th, the county successfully concluded the second Yongso Waterlight Trekking event, held around Yongso Valley in Naechon-myeon, with some 300 participants. Counted among Hongcheon’s Seven Scenic Spots, Yongso Valley is a pristine natural area where clear water and dense forests come together. The county organized the event to showcase the valley’s autumn scenery and support local businesses.
Participants enjoyed the sounds of the valley and the cool autumn air as they leisurely walked a 5-kilometer round-trip route that started in the area of Gwangam-ri and looped back from Neoraebawi. Many visitors who had been unable to join the first session after it filled up early took part this time.
Experiential programs were also held at various points along the route. Picnic snack kits for enjoying in the valley were handed out, and Polaroid photos were taken at the Yongso Waterlight Photo Studio. A Hongcheon true-or-false quiz featuring questions about the county’s history, culture and nature also helped boost participant satisfaction.
The county returned part of the entry fee in Hongcheon Love Gift Certificates (in 5,000-won denominations) so that the event’s benefits would flow into the local economy. A virtuous cycle took shape as participants used the vouchers at traditional markets, restaurants and affiliated businesses, enjoying Hongcheon’s food and scenery along the way. Building on this momentum, the county plans to hold the Suta Temple Oxygen Trail walk and a rural traditional culture experience event around Suta Temple Rural Theme Park on the 25th, with performances and hands-on programs set against walking trails where the autumn foliage is at its peak.
A Hongcheon County official said, “We’re grateful that even those who had turned back when the first session filled up early came back and walked with us through the autumn valley as far as Neoraebawi,” adding, “Since returning part of the entry fee in vouchers helped turn the trek into outings to markets and restaurants, we’ll continue to expand experiential tourism that makes use of our pristine natural surroundings, such as the Suta Temple Oxygen Trail walk, so tourism and the local economy can grow together.”

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