Walking through 100 Million Years of Time: A Travel Record of the Sinseong-ri(신성리) Dinosaur Footprints in Cheongsong(청송), Gyeongbuk(경북)

A Place Where 100 Million Years of Time Have Stopped, Sinseong-ri(신성리), Cheongsong(청송)

On an afternoon when the scent of autumn was mixed into the chill at the edge of the wind, I arrived at Sinseong-ri(신성리), Andeok-myeon(안덕면), Cheongsong(청송). The place I reached, following a quietly flowing road, felt as if the Mesozoic Cretaceous period of 100 million years ago had been perfectly preserved. As if waiting for someone to discover it, numerous dinosaur footprints were engraved on a large rock face. Revealed to the world by chance in 2003 when a sudden typhoon caused a landslide, this site felt like a magnificent gift from nature to humanity.

Standing in front of the rock and closing my eyes, I even had the illusion of hearing massive footsteps amidst the sound of the wind. Over 400 footprints spoke to how lively a home this place must have been for dinosaurs at the time. The vitality of the sauropods, which roamed the forest slowly on four legs, and the theropods, which chased their prey with sharp claws, was fully imbued in that rock.

Records of the Mesozoic Era Alive at Every Step

The highlight of this place is that it does not stop at simply seeing the dinosaur footprints. Following the long trackways of the sauropods and the traces left by the theropods, one feels as if they have traveled back in time. This stratum, which even includes traces of ornithopods, silently proves how rich the ecosystem was at the time. The history encountered not in an artificially created exhibition hall, but on the raw, natural cliff face itself, left a profound resonance.

On a clear day, I hope you will slowly look for the footprints while accompanied by the sound of the clear water in the Sinseong-ri(신성리) Valley. If you look closely, the contrast between the large sauropod traces and the swift theropod tracks will make the vast 100-million-year gap feel negligible. The surrounding green scenery harmonizes with the red, rough texture of the sedimentary rock, making it an excellent place for photography.

Tips for a Peaceful Stroll in Cheongsong(청송)

As the Sinseong-ri(신성리) Dinosaur Footprints are a natural geological heritage, there are no set entry times or complex viewing routes, but I recommend visiting during daytime hours when the weather is nice. When the sunlight hits at an angle, the texture of the sedimentary rock is revealed more clearly, making it much better for observing the footprints. Since there are many geological attractions in Cheongsong(청송) nearby, after seeing the dinosaur footprints, enjoy the great nature of Cheongsong(청송) to the fullest by exploring surrounding landscapes like Sinseong Valley(신성계곡) or Baekseoktan(백석탄).

I believe that travel is ultimately a short conversation between the place and myself. It was an overwhelming experience just to realize that the distant time of 100 million years ago and I, standing here today, coexist. Instead of grand preparations, just put on a pair of comfortable sneakers and bring a relaxed mind ready to listen to the sounds of nature. I hope you discover your own 100-million-year-old story there.