Packing Tips & Best Time ; Gyejoksan Red Clay Trail Guide (Part 2)

Walking barefoot on the Gyejoksan Barefoot Trail is a truly unique experience. In fact, it is so distinct that many Koreans themselves have never tried it. For most locals in Daejeon, it is often thought of as a place to visit just once or twice with their children when they are young.

While the full trail takes about 4 to 5 hours to complete, you don’t have to worry about the distance—not many people walk the entire course. Most visitors just walk as far as they feel comfortable and then turn back.

Before you head out to enjoy this natural reflexology experience, here is a quick guide on what to bring and when to go to make the most of your trip.

Essential Things to Pack

To ensure a comfortable and hassle-free walk, make sure to pack these two simple items:

• A Plastic or Reusable Bag: Since you will be walking completely barefoot, you will need a bag to carry your shoes. While there is a shoe storage area at the entrance of the trail, it can get completely full on busy days. If that happens, you’ll have to carry your shoes with you. As you hike, you will likely see many other visitors doing the exact same thing, casually strolling with their shoes in hand.

• A Small Towel: Trust me, you will regret forgetting this! After finishing your walk, you can wash the red clay off your feet at the foot-washing station. However, many visitors forget to bring a towel to dry off. You will probably notice quite a few people sitting on the benches, patiently waiting for the sun and breeze to dry their feet. Bringing a small towel will save you a lot of time.

The Absolute Best Time to Visit

If you want to experience the trail at its absolute best, timing is everything.

May and June: The Peak Season

Personally, I think the best months to visit are May and June. Every spring, fresh, high-quality red clay is added to the trail. As the months pass, some of this clay inevitably gets washed away by heavy rains, causing the path to become thinner and harder later in the year.

In May and June, however, the brand-new clay feels incredibly soft, cool, and pillowy under your feet. Plus, the weather during these months is absolutely perfect—warm enough to go barefoot, but before the scorching summer heat kicks in.

The Secret Tip: 3 to 4 Days After Rain

Another pro-tip is to visit three or four days after it rains. While the trail might still be a little slippery in certain spots, this is when the texture of the red clay is at its finest. Your feet will sink gently into the soft, squishy mud with every step. I tried walking the trail at this exact time, and the incredibly soothing, squishy sensation is a wonderful memory I still cherish today.