The sea route to Japan’s Daemado island has reopened after three years, and with it comes a new hiking trail thanks to a Korean man named Ko Kwang-yong, who breathed new life into forgotten old paths on the island.
Captivated by the natural beauty of Daemado, Ko decided to move there in 2017, setting up a restaurant and guesthouse in Hitakatsu, and spending his free time exploring the hidden roads of the island’s northern part. He discovered that the real charm of Daemado lay not in the typical tourist destinations, but on the ordinary paths. Ko wanted to share the gift of “relaxation” that he had received from Daemado with others, and so he made the decision to connect the hidden spots to create a hiking trail called “Dullegil.”
Dullegil consists of seven sections with an average length of 15km, making a total distance of 105km. The course allows hikers to enjoy views of the island’s blue forests, mountains, and sea all at once. What’s more, the trail passes through local villages rather than typical tourist spots, giving hikers the chance to stay and interact closely with the locals. The core of Dullegil, as they say, is “healing.” It is a path to walk with a relaxed mind, emptying oneself of what they carry.
