Gwangjin-gu Achasan Reborn as a Space Where Culture, History, and Rest Coexist

Creation of 'Eoullim Forest Plaza' for Resting with Nature... Completion of 'Achasan Donghaeng Forest Trail' as a Barrier-Free Forest Path from Achasan Plaza to Pyeonggangyo Bridge (820m)

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] Gwangjin-gu (Mayor Kim Seon-gap) is promoting the ‘Achasan Redevelopment Project’ to transform Achasan into a space where culture, history, and relaxation coexist.

First, the district completed the ‘Achasan Eoullim Forest Plaza’ and the ‘Achasan Donghaeng Forest Trail’ at the end of June.

The ‘Achasan Eoullim Forest Plaza’ was created by combining the existing parking lot and the Achasan Meeting Plaza. The Achasan public parking lot was small in scale, raising concerns about accidents due to parking wait times, and the Meeting Plaza, established in 2002, had become outdated with low space utilization.

Therefore, this area was developed into a harmonious plaza where visitors can relax in nature. The site includes a forest rest area, an observatory, an outdoor stage for cultural events, and a lawn plaza.

The ‘Achasan Donghaeng Forest Trail’ is a barrier-free forest trail designed so that people in wheelchairs, couples with strollers, children, and the elderly can enjoy the forest without inconvenience. It spans an 820-meter section from Achasan Plaza to Pyeongganggyo Bridge.

Through the creation of the Donghaeng Forest Trail, indiscriminate side paths were closed, and trees were planted to restore vegetation and a healthy ecosystem. Notably, the Donghaeng Forest Trail area is home to a premium pine tree colony of Achasan, and nameplates explaining the origins of tree names?some not found in general tree guides?are attached to various planted trees, adding points of interest.

Additionally, in 2022, a forest library where visitors can read books amidst Achasan’s pleasant natural environment was established, and in 2023, an exhibition hall for the Goguryeo historic site, Historic Site No. 455 ‘Hongryeonbong Fortress,’ is scheduled to be constructed.

Meanwhile, the names of the three facilities?the plaza, forest trail, and library?were finalized as ‘Achasan Eoullim Plaza,’ ‘Achasan Donghaeng Forest Trail,’ and ‘Achasan Forest Library’ through the ‘Gwangjin-gu Idea Special Contest.’

Kim Seon-gap, Mayor of Gwangjin-gu, said, “Achasan has long been a beloved landmark for residents,” adding, “We have actively promoted the ‘Achasan Redevelopment Project’ to enhance the convenience and satisfaction of residents visiting Achasan and to protect its value.” He continued, “All projects focus on the ‘residents’ and aim not only to develop Achasan as a landmark but also to create a space where culture, history, and relaxation coexist, returning it to the residents.”