Jil Lae

Jil Lae launches from a wide, square patch of cut grass in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea, reached by driving up a cement-and-gravel access road that's shared with hikers and cyclists. The ground slopes enough that a laid-out wing can slide a little, so it's worth weighting it down while setting up, and weekends can draw a real crowd of spectators. Landing is at a dedicated field visible from launch once it's been pointed out, but the takeoff needs to be a clean one, since the slope is gentle and trees border the area. Flying from the alternate launch means bearing left around the mountain edge and soaring left until the landing field comes into view. The landing zone itself runs about 200 meters along a railroad line — a comfortable size, but scattered rocks in the grass make for a tricky touchdown that rewards solid restricted-field landing practice and a good flare. Power lines sit near the LZ, so stay alert on final approach; there's an easier alternate landing just across the railroad if the main field isn't reachable.

Launch & conditions

The ground slopes enough that a laid-out wing can slide a little, so weight it down while setting up. The slope is gentle and trees border the area, so a clean, well-executed launch matters. From the alternate launch, bear left around the mountain edge and keep soaring left until the landing field comes into view.

Getting there & local rules

Drive up the cement-and-gravel access road, which is shared with hikers and cyclists — watch for them on the way up.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Jil Lae, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Jil Lae with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.