Cycling to the Source: A Journey to Seomjin River's Demi-saem

The article details a demanding bicycle journey from Seoul to Demi-saem, the source of the Seomjin River in Jinan-gun, North Jeolla Province, South Korea. The author recounts the arduous trip, highlighting the physical challenges and the stark contrast between the urban departure and the remote, mountainous destination.

The journey began with a late-night bus from Seoul to Jangsu, a town that serves as the best starting point for reaching the Seomjin River's upper reaches. The bus ride itself was long, taking over 12 hours due to the winding rural roads. Upon arrival in Jangsu, the author faced the immediate obstacle of Seogui-jae, a mountain pass at an elevation of 850 meters that marks the watershed between the Seomjin and Geum River systems. The climb was relentless, with minimal flat sections and speeds barely exceeding 6 km/h, making it difficult to generate cooling wind.

Despite the physical exertion, the author found moments of peace in the rural surroundings, observing wildlife and the quiet dawn. However, the descent from Seogui-jae brought its own challenges, with cold winds causing discomfort and a sense of vulnerability. The path to Demi-saem itself involved further uphill climbs and a significant walk from the natural recreation area parking lot, making it a trek not suited for road cycling shoes.

Demi-saem, the source of the Seomjin River, is described as a quiet spring in the deep mountains. The author reflects on the river's journey, imagining it cooling the molten iron in Gwangyang and nourishing the Honam plains. Despite the initial disappointment of finding the spring not suitable for drinking and the challenging access, the author emphasizes the profound significance of witnessing the river's humble beginnings. The article concludes by mentioning the peaceful, scenic route along the Seomjin River towards Imshil-gun, suggesting its potential as a cycling destination.