[Interview] Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa-gu: "Starting the 'Songpa Dullegil Season 2' Project to Connect All Roads in Songpa to Songpa Dullegil"

Songpa-gu Launches 'Songpa Dullegil Season 2' with Tancheon-gil Opening... Connecting Pungnap Fortress Trail, Wirye Human Ring, Namhansanseong, and Traditional Markets... Mayor Park: "All Roads in Songpa Lead to Songpa Dullegil"

[Asia Economy Reporter Park Jong-il] “From now on, all roads in Songpa will lead to Songpa Dullegil.”

Park Seong-su, Mayor of Songpa District, recently expressed this determination and significance regarding the Songpa Dullegil project in an interview with this publication.

Songpa Dullegil is a circular walking trail connecting four streams (Seongnaecheon, Jangjicheon, Tancheon, and the Han River) that flow around Songpa District. The total length is 21 km, with each section featuring distinctive spaces, convenience facilities, and walking paths.

On July 1st, the Tancheon trail, which had been disconnected for 50 years, was opened. This completed a fully circular course without any breaks. Mayor Park said, “For decades, residents endured many inconveniences due to restricted access to the Tancheon trail,” adding, “For example, when walking along Jangjicheon, one had to detour toward Gangnam-gu at Gwangpyeonggyo on the Tancheon trail to reach the Han River.”

The Tancheon trail became difficult for ordinary residents to access after the construction of embankments and roads following the comprehensive development of the Han River in the late 1960s. Furthermore, in 2002, it was designated as an ecological landscape conservation area, imposing restrictions on its use to protect ecology and nature. In response, Songpa District undertook the task of connecting a path that no one had used for 50 years.

During this process, Mayor Park stated, “Finding a balance between alleviating residents’ inconvenience and protecting the natural ecology was a challenging task,” and added, “After consultations with civic groups and experts, we found a solution. We created an eco-friendly walking trail within the conservation area by using embankment sections and gabions without encroaching on the protected zone.”

He proudly said, “Thanks to this approach, now when you walk the Tancheon trail, you can complete the Dullegil without obstacles while encountering the Tancheon ecosystem.” In fact, Tancheon is a rare migratory bird habitat in Seoul and boasts the only natural stream structure within the city. Along the riverbanks, you can find about 53 species of protected wild birds such as mallards, common kestrels, mandarin ducks, swallows, and kingfishers.

With the opening of the Tancheon trail as a milestone, the Songpa Dullegil project has embarked on a new beginning. Mayor Park called this the start of ‘Songpa Dullegil Season 2,’ focusing on ‘connection.’

Songpa District has many tourist resources, with Jamsil area being designated as a tourism special zone?the first in Gangnam. Attractions include Seokchon Lake, Lotte World Tower and Adventure, Jamsil Sports Complex, Olympic Park, Pungnap-dong Fortress and Mongchontoseong, Bangi Wetlands, and Namhansanseong, offering a variety of sights and activities.

‘Songpa Dullegil Season 2’ aims to connect these resources. Mayor Park said, “We are promoting projects linking the Pungnap Fortress trail, Wirye Human Ring located in the center of Wirye New Town, and Namhansanseong,” adding, “Along with turning Ogeum Park’s water reservoir into a park, we plan to tightly connect parks and traditional markets scattered throughout the area. Through this, it will not only become a representative walking tourism course in Seoul but also contribute to revitalizing the local economy.”

He also said, “Using Songpa Dullegil, festivals and events for residents who lost vitality due to COVID-19 can be safely held,” and added, “This year, the ‘Hanseong Baekje Cultural Festival Daebaekje Exhibition’ was expanded across the entire Songpa area using Songpa Dullegil, allowing residents to safely enjoy various festival programs. We are also preparing a fallen leaves festival this coming autumn.”

Residents’ responses to Songpa Dullegil have been enthusiastic. Mayor Park mentioned a recent district resident survey, stating, “Resident satisfaction with Songpa Dullegil reached an impressive 97.4%.” He continued, “Not long ago, during an on-site inspection of the Tancheon trail, I met a visitor who runs the Songpa Dullegil daily for health after cancer treatment. They said there is no better walking or running path anywhere in Seoul and gave it a thumbs up,” proudly sharing.

During the remainder of his term, Mayor Park plans to focus on the ‘Songpa Dullegil Season 2’ project together with residents.

Among countless walking and Dullegil trails nationwide, this project aims for a triple effect: a representative walking trail where nature, culture, tourism, and history can all be experienced; a unique cultural tourism resource; and a driver of local economic revitalization.

Mayor Park Seong-su said, “Once you step onto ‘Songpa Dullegil,’ you can go anywhere in Songpa District. If you want a special outing this coming autumn, please come to Songpa Dullegil and fully enjoy the diverse charms and pleasures Songpa has to offer.”