Sanmagi Old Trail, Goesan: A 4.4km Walk Over a Lake, Free of Charge

In Chilseong-myeon, Goesan County, North Chungcheong Province, an old village path has been brought back to life along Goesan Lake, formed when the Goesan Dam was built in 1957. The Sanmagi Old Trail is a roughly 4.4km trekking course from Saorang Village to the lakeside hamlet of Sanmagi, much of it laid with wooden decks that make you feel as if you are walking on the water. Sights such as the Tiger Cave, Maebawi Rock observatory and a pine-tree suspension bridge line the path.

Admission is free, and if the full walk feels like too much, you can plan a route that crosses the lake by excursion boat one way. For travelers weary of the crowds at Seoul's famous spots, this quiet lakeside trail - where Koreans themselves go on weekends - is a fine alternative. By public transport, access is via Cheongju or Chungju to the Goesan Intercity Bus Terminal.