[One Day Walk] Shall We Conquer the 150,000-Pyeong Seoul Forest?

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Citizens walking in Seoul

Today's course is Seoul Forest. This place was once a royal hunting ground and the site of Seoul's first water source reservoir established in 1908. Later, it was used as a racetrack and golf course. In 2002, instead of developing Ttukseom Island, it was decided to create a large-scale park, aiming to build a place comparable to London's Hyde Park or New York's Central Park. On June 18, 2005, it was transformed into an urban forest filled with trees and lakes.

Seoul Forest covers an area of 150,000 pyeong (480,994㎡) and includes four themed parks (Cultural Arts Park, Natural Ecology Forest, Nature Experience Learning Center, Wetland Ecology Garden), a family yard, outdoor stage, deer enclosure, insect and plant garden, sports facilities, playground, and walking trails. It is home to 415,795 trees of 95 species including pine, Korean nut pine, and katsura trees. The botanical garden contains 7,755 plants of 231 species, including cacti. Seoul Forest is part of a green axis crossing downtown Seoul where the Han River and Jungnangcheon Stream meet, connecting Han River - Yongsan - Namchan - Cheonggyecheon - Seoul Forest - Han River. It has become a forest of life breathing with nature, a participatory forest created by citizens, and a representative green retreat in Seoul where forest and culture harmonize.

Seoul Forest Horse Statue

Seoul Forest is a popular spot for walking, sightseeing, and photography. The first thing you see in Seoul Forest is the Equestrian Statue. This sculpture dynamically depicts a horse racing scene, commemorating the site's history as a racetrack. Titled "Departure," it symbolizes a new leap forward. The ground fountain features 1,000 nozzles that create water jets of various heights and shapes during summer. Unfortunately, it is rarely seen in winter.

The shallow winter pond with a depth of 3cm looks like a painting. The Forest Playground and the Land of Imaginary Giants are the largest playgrounds in Seoul Forest. Watching children play here is a delightful sight. The double row of metasequoia trees, along with the unique texture of the dirt pavement, creates a landscape unique to Seoul Forest. The Wetland Flower Garden gives the feeling of walking on water, and the Wish Waterfall, Wind Hill, and pedestrian bridge connecting Seoul Forest and the Han River are also popular photography spots.