Suncheon 2019: Suncheon Bay Wetlands Reserve, (순천만습지) part 2

Having crossed the mudflats of the Suncheon Bay Wetlands Reserve, I started hiking up a trail that would lead to an observation point overlooking Suncheon Bay. At one point the trail split into two routes, with one being harder but shorter. I appreciate that the regular path was labeled as the “road of meditation” so that people wouldn’t feel bad about taking the less difficult route.

Although the trail gets steep at a few points I wouldn’t say the hike to the observation point (on the regular route) is overly difficult. For most people it will probably take about 20-25 minutes and there are multiple places where you can stop to catch your breath and get a view of Suncheon Bay from between the trees.

At the end of the trail is the Yongsan Observation Point. A large wooden deck has been built there with scenic views of the entire bay. Yongsan is a popular spot, particularly around sunset, so expect crowds.

I had arrived early enough to snag a spot along the railing. As I was waiting for sunset I took some panoramic shots of Suncheon Bay. On the far left the river emptied into the sea and on the far right I could see the mudflats that I had crossed earlier.

Clouds were covering a lot of the sky that day and as the sun got lower it disappeared behind them. I waited a while but it looked like the clouds were low enough that I wouldn’t be getting an actual sunset that day. After a bit more time taking in the scenery I left the observation point and started down the trail towards the mudflats. A few minutes later I realized I had made a massive mistake. There was actually a small gap between the clouds and the tops of the mountains and the sun exploded back onto Suncheon Bay. I knew I wouldn’t be able to get my spot back at the observation point so I hurried to the nearest clearing along the trail with a good view of the bay. The photos turned out ok and from where I was standing it looked almost like the sun was touching the top of one of the mountains but I really wish I hadn’t left the observation point. Oh well, it was too late to do anything about it and once the sun was behind the mountains I continued down the trail.

Once I was back at the mudflats I made my way across them back towards the entrance. There was still enough light for me to see where I was going but there are no lights along the walkways so anyone visiting the wetlands after dark will need a flashlight. Overall my visit to the Suncheon Bay Wetlands Reserve had turned out very well and it’s a place I’d highly recommend to anyone visiting the area around Suncheon.