Gwanak-gu Launches Restoration Project This Month to Revive Unrestored Sections of Dorimcheon into a Vibrant Ecological Stream... Plans Include Bridge Specialization, Creation of Green Scenery Paths, and Cultural Communication Spaces to Develop It into a National Tourist Attraction
[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwanak-gu (District Mayor Park Jun-hee) has officially launched the ‘Dorimcheon Specialization Project’ to develop Dorimcheon, a popular leisure space for residents, into a representative tourist attraction.
Dorimcheon is an 11km-long stream originating from Gwanaksan Mountain, flowing into Anyangcheon and then the Han River. It features pleasant walking paths, a children's water play area, and an ice sledding ground, making it a favorite spot for many citizens.
The district plans to restore the naturalness of Dorimcheon, a precious natural resource, through the specialization project, transforming it into a space rich with unique sights and activities, turning it into a nationally renowned attraction.
The Dorimcheon Specialization Project consists of eight initiatives: ▲ ecological restoration and creation of waterfront spaces ▲ bridge specialization projects ▲ creation of a green scenic road through Gwancheon-ro road improvements ▲ installation and operation of a Gwancheon-ro platform ▲ ecological landscape improvement ▲ expansion of water flow cross-section ▲ establishment of maintenance and facility management plans for Dorimcheon ▲ branding of Dorimcheon. These will be carried out by 2022, with about 10 billion KRW invested this year alone.
First, restoration work will begin this month to revive the unrecovered section from the main gate of Seoul National University to Dongbang 1 Bridge into a living ecological stream. Although restoration has been underway since 2007, the entire stretch has not been restored, leaving the ecological corridor between Gwanaksan and the stream disconnected.
The district will invest a total of 33.1 billion KRW in city funds, aiming for completion by December 2022. The project involves demolishing covered structures and converting the area into an ecological stream. Bicycle paths and walking trails will be created, aquatic plants planted, and night lighting installed on bridges, transforming the area into a healing space for residents and completing the ecological corridor from Gwanaksan to the Han River.
Additionally, Sinlim Bridge and Sinlim 2 Bridge crossing Dorimcheon will be transformed into beautiful bridges sparkling with lights. The old and worn bridges will be remodeled with harmonious and symbolic designs that blend with the surrounding scenery, and scenic lighting and media boards will be installed to enhance visual appeal. By the end of this year, these will become unique landmarks.
The Gwancheon-ro section connecting Bongnim Bridge to Woobang Apartments will be reborn as the ‘Green Scenic Road.’ The existing 4 to 6-lane road, which is wider than necessary for vehicle traffic, will be reduced to two lanes and replaced with green spaces. The sidewalks will be widened to improve the pedestrian environment, and abundant greenery will be planted to create a pleasant green street for walking.
The Green Scenic Road will also feature a ‘Cultural Platform’ where people can share culture and communicate with nature. The container-style cultural platform is expected to become a communication space where young people and cultural figures can gather and engage in cultural and artistic activities together.
The district secured an additional 1 billion KRW in city funds through a Seoul city public contest and plans to start the Green Scenic Road project in the first half of this year, aiming for completion within the year.
Furthermore, the pedestrian bridge ramp entrance will be renovated, and flowers, grass, and trees will be abundantly planted along the Dorimcheon embankment to create a green street and establish a pleasant environment.
To promote it as a nationally renowned attraction, the district will also focus on branding Dorimcheon by giving it a name that reflects the local characteristics.
The district will invest 8 billion KRW over five years starting this year in the area around Sinlim Station centered on Dorimcheon, implementing the ‘Starlight Sinsari’ project to revitalize the local commercial district. This is expected to create a synergistic effect with the Dorimcheon Specialization Project and significantly contribute to the revitalization of the surrounding commercial area.
District Mayor Park Jun-hee said, “Once the Dorimcheon Specialization Project is completed, we expect to establish a new cultural tourism belt embracing a beautiful ecosystem and brilliant culture,” adding, “We will open a Dorimcheon Renaissance era to improve residents’ quality of life and find new growth engines for the local economy.”
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