Discovering Dinosaur Footprints in Haman
Written by Na Kyung, 14th SNS Reporter
Did you know that there is a dinosaur footprint site in Haman?
Today, I would like to introduce the Haman Myeonggwan Dinosaur Footprints.
This site is a fossil heritage of dinosaur footprints from the Mesozoic era, preserved on the surface of the strata, dating back about 90 million years to the Cretaceous period.
The Haman Myeonggwan Dinosaur Footprints
Location: 618 Myeonggwan-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Parking: Myeonggwan 3-gil 52, Gunbuk-myeon, Haman-gun
The dinosaur footprints scattered around Baegisan Mountain in Gunbuk-myeon can be seen along the Baegisan hiking trail.
It is an excellent place to enjoy nature, making it a recommended destination for families with children.
There are several hiking routes up Baegisan, but this post will focus on the dinosaur footprints!
First, head to the nearest parking lot to see the Myeonggwan dinosaur footprints.
After passing Gunbuk Station, you will find a parking area at the village entrance marked on the map as 'Dochunjae.'
'Dochunjae' is a historical site related to the Joseon Dynasty, and it is registered as a cultural asset in Gyeongsangnam-do.
Here is the hiking map of Baegisan.
From where I parked, following the Seojaegol trail will lead you to the dinosaur footprints in the shortest way.
As you walk along the village road, you will come across the home of the couple who first discovered the dinosaur footprints.
The story of how the footprints were discovered is quite surprising.
Residents Lee Young-bu and Ma Geum-ja found several impressions under a mound of dirt while hiking daily.
Thinking it was unusual, they spent ten days clearing the dirt and bushes, discovering over a hundred dinosaur footprint fossils.
Lee Young-bu and Ma Geum-ja still live in the village, maintaining stone towers and tidying the area around the dinosaur footprints.
Isn't that impressive?
If you have the chance, it would be nice to visit the wooden sculpture exhibition hall run by the couple.
Unfortunately, I missed them and only got to look around the entrance.
After passing through the small village and walking a bit further, you will arrive at Seojaegol Pond.
This small reservoir has a calm appearance, providing a comforting landscape.
From here, you only need to walk 800 more meters to see the dinosaur footprints.
As you walk past Seojaegol Pond along the path lined with hawthorn trees, you will notice that these trees were once common in residential areas but are now rare in cities.
When you see a signpost like the one above, you will officially enter the mountain trail.
The slope is gentle, making it easy to walk.
There were many bamboo trees around this village, and their lush greenery made the winter landscape feel refreshing.
Seeing the bamboo swaying in the wind and hearing the sound was delightful.
Even in summer, it must be nice and cool here.
As you pass through the bamboo grove, you will encounter the uphill path.
You will see the stone towers built and maintained by Lee Young-bu and Ma Geum-ja, the couple who discovered the footprints.
The way they arranged the large and small stones was impressive, perfectly balanced.
While hiking up Baegisan, you will find these stone towers scattered along the way, adding to the enjoyment of the hike.
The incline starts to become steeper from the wooden stairs, so be aware.
However, the hiking trail is well-maintained, making it comfortable to climb.
Spring seems to have finally arrived.
The bulbs that had been hibernating underground during the cold winter are now waking up.
I look forward to seeing flowers like daffodils or hyacinths bloom.
Before long, I arrived at the first dinosaur footprint site.
It was a massive rock visible from afar.
At first, it was so large that I thought it was just a path up the mountain.
Can you feel it?
It was about the height of a three-story apartment.
But why is there a staircase made on this big rock?
As I climbed the stairs, I found only steep rock, but looking to the side,
there were dinosaur footprints!! Eureka!!
The footprints were quite distinct, and I found it fascinating.
Even adults are amazed, and I believe children who love dinosaurs would be thrilled.
This is a view of the resting area seen from the dinosaur footprint rock.
The mountain scenery was so charming that I couldn't help but take many photos.
If you're looking for a light hiking spot in Haman, I highly recommend Baegisan!
Now, let’s check the hiking map again.
Here, you will find a more elaborate stone tower.
It is a monument made by mountain club members to honor the couple who discovered the fossils.
With a beautiful maple tree next to the stone tower and a landscape decorated with lily turf below, it seems like a beautiful sight in every season.
Now, let’s continue up the wooden stairs along the hiking trail.
There are three dinosaur footprint sites on Baegisan, and the first fossil we saw was the large rock.
Let’s go see fossils two and three!
After a brief climb up the stairs, another signpost appears.
This friendly mountain path is a rare find!
Once again, we see a signpost.
Here, fossils two and three are divided in opposite directions.
They are not far apart at 40m and 60m, so you can easily visit both.
First, let's head to the second dinosaur footprint.
Another wooden staircase appears, but it's short.
From here, it connects to the Baegisan Pine Forest Trail.
You can reach the top of Baegisan and also climb the nearby Sukjebong.
However, if you only want to see the dinosaur footprints, this is the endpoint.
The discovery story of Haman Myeonggwan Dinosaur Footprints and its cultural and historical significance is recorded in detail.
The Haman Myeonggwan Dinosaur Footprints are located in the valley northwest of Baegisan in Myeonggwan, and are believed to be dinosaur footprints from the Cretaceous period. The footprints appear on the surface of the rock in three locations within a certain area, and while the surface is rough due to exposure and mechanical weathering, the regular arrangement and consistent size and shape suggest they are dinosaur footprints.
This area where the dinosaur footprints are distributed was a gentle silt area around a shallow lake 90 million years ago, where dinosaurs left their footprints as they passed through. It is presumed that the footprints were solidified into rock due to pressure and heat, and later exposed on the surface due to erosion.
There are over a hundred footprints distributed, with a balanced arrangement of bipedal and quadrupedal prints. While no footprints of carnivorous theropods were found, there are footprints of four bipedal ornithopod dinosaurs and three quadrupedal sauropod dinosaurs, which are recognized for their academic value and were designated as Gyeongsangnam-do Cultural Heritage Material No. 545 on February 16, 2012.
The second dinosaur footprint may look like a flat rock from the side, but
if you look down from the deck above, you can clearly see the footprint fossil.
The preservation state seems to be almost perfect.
As I looked at the rock with dinosaur footprints surrounded by a lush pine forest, I felt my spirits lift.
I then headed straight to the third dinosaur footprint.
It is smaller than the second one, but the round footprint shape is still clearly visible.
Access is relatively easy, making it a great experience for kids to compare foot sizes.
The round trip from the parking lot to the dinosaur footprint site took about an hour.
It was manageable in comfortable clothing and sneakers, but be cautious as the dry leaves can be slippery on the way down.
Baegisan, a famous mountain in Haman, has various attractions besides the Myeonggwan Dinosaur Footprints.
Places like Dochunjae, the birthplace of Manwoo Cho Hong-je, Myeonggwan Reservoir's walking trail, Pyeongcheon Seowon, and Baegisan Meeting Square are all close by and worth visiting!
The Baegisan Dinosaur Footprints, a wonderful location for natural field trips with children, would be a great spring outing!
You can exercise, see the dinosaur footprints firsthand, and have a variety of experiences.
Thank you for reading!
Source :https://blog.naver.com/arahaman/224192793171
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