Geochang Gamaksan Selected for Green Fund Barrier-Free Sharing Path Contest

Creating a Forest Experience Space at 900m Elevation on Gamaksan Mountain for Everyone to Enjoy

Gamaksan Mountain Barrier-Free Sharing Trail
[Image source=Geochang-gun]

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Choi Soon-kyung] Geochang-gun, Gyeongnam announced on the 19th that the ‘Gamak Mountain Flower & Star Barrier-Free Sharing Trail Project’ has been selected for the 3.2 billion KRW Green Fund contest project promoted by the Korea Forest Welfare Institute.

The barrier-free sharing trail project is a project to install forest experience activity facilities such as walking paths, decks, and convenience facilities so that walking vulnerable groups such as the disabled, elderly, and children can easily and safely walk in the forest or participate in programs.

In addition, leveraging Gamak Mountain’s characteristic of being accessible by vehicle at an altitude of over 900m, the plan is to create a new model for nationwide forest welfare projects by linking forest hiking experiences with the Geochang Anti-Aging Healing Special Zone wellness experience program, combining meditation, experience, learning, and healing.

The barrier-free sharing trail is a 4km circular trail along the 900m altitude 9th ridge with a slope of about 5%. The county is planning it with the theme of four secret celestial paths reflecting the terrain’s characteristics: Mulmaji-gil (Water Greeting Path), Eunhasu-gil (Milky Way Path), Kkotmaji-gil (Flower Greeting Path), and Barammaji-gil (Wind Greeting Path).

Gamak Mountain in Geochang had been left as wasteland, but last autumn, purple Aster and white Korean chrysanthemum in full bloom with the backdrop of Geochang-eup’s panorama and wind turbines attracted about 60,000 visitors in just a month and a half, confirming its potential as a tourist destination through viral marketing effects on SNS photos.

Gu In-mo, the mayor of Geochang-gun, said, “Through the Gamak Mountain Flower & Star Barrier-Free Sharing Trail Project, we plan to transform Gamak Mountain into an outdoor stay-type place that anyone can enjoy in the upcoming with-COVID era.” He added, “In line with the new wellness tourism trend, we will continuously provide forest welfare services not only to walking vulnerable groups but also to all local residents, striving to take the lead in realizing social value.”