[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Bo-kyung] A new trail around Cheoneunsa Temple in Jirisan will be opened to the public starting from the 8th.
The Ministry of Environment and the Korea National Park Service announced that the first phase section (2.9 km) of the 'Path of Coexistence' trail around Cheoneunsa Temple in Jirisan National Park has been completed and will be open from the 8th.
The Jirisan Path of Coexistence was initiated as a follow-up measure to the agreement to abolish the entrance fee for the Cheoneunsa Cultural Heritage Zone in April last year, aiming to improve the trails and convenience facilities near Cheoneunsa Temple.
The Ministry of Environment completed the park plan revision and announcement for trail construction in September last year and built the Path of Coexistence trail in April.
The first phase section of the Path of Coexistence trail includes 0.7 km of barrier-free facilities designed to accommodate people with disabilities, the elderly, and other mobility-impaired visitors.
Additionally, there are seven observation decks offering forest bathing and views of natural and cultural landscapes, as well as eco-friendly trail facilities such as wooden bridges designed to consider wildlife like otters.
Behind the trail and convenience facilities, visitors can enjoy various attractions including Cheoneunsa Temple, the Cheoneuje waterfront area, and a pine forest path.
The Ministry of Environment plans to maintain the second phase section of the Path of Coexistence trail, the Cheoneuje embankment section (0.4 km), by September and install information boards incorporating old stories of Jirisan to complete the circular trail (total 3.3 km for phases 1 and 2).
Upon completion of the second phase, an opening ceremony for the Path of Coexistence will be held with the participation of eight organizations that signed the agreement to abolish the entrance fee for the Cheoneunsa Park Cultural Heritage Zone.
Park Yeon-jae, Director of Natural Conservation Policy at the Ministry of Environment, said, "The Path of Coexistence is a symbol of resolving the long-standing issue of the Cheoneunsa entrance fee through dialogue and compromise over the past 30 years," adding, "We will strive to manage the trail so that the public can visit Jirisan National Park with a lighter heart."
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