[One Day Walk] Gangnam Seocho's Representative Green Space, Maheon Citizen's Forest

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Maeheon Citizens' Forest in Autumn.
[Photo by Asia Economy DB]

[Asia Economy Reporter Lee Gwan-ju] Today's 10,000-step course is Maehun Citizen's Forest and Seocho Culture and Arts Park. You might be more familiar with its former name, Yangjae Citizen's Forest. Maehun (梅軒) is the pen name of independence activist Yun Bong-gil. In October last year, the Seoul Metropolitan Government renamed the forest to Maehun Citizen's Forest to maintain consistency with the Maehun Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall located inside the forest and nearby facilities such as Maehun Bridge, Maehun Elementary School, and Maehun-ro.

Maehun Citizen's Forest spans an area of 259,000㎡ (approximately 78,000 pyeong) and is densely populated with 250,000 trees of 70 species including pine, zelkova, maple, sweetgum, and Korean pine. It features sports facilities such as a lawn plaza, volleyball court, badminton court, and tennis court, as well as the Yun Bong-gil Memorial Hall, a statue and monument of Yun Bong-gil, and a memorial tower for fallen heroes. On one side of the forest, there is a memorial tower dedicated to the victims of the Korean Air Flight 858 bombing and the Sampoong Department Store collapse, both tragic events.

Above all, Maehun Citizen's Forest is one of the few expansive green spaces in the Gangnam and Seocho areas, which are filled with buildings. It is located along Yeoui Stream and Yangjae Stream, showcasing different sceneries in each season. In spring, the cherry blossom path along the stream is spectacular; in autumn, the foliage and silver grass create breathtaking views. In summer, the greenery offers relief from the heat, and in winter, the snow-covered landscape provides a serene atmosphere.

Zone 3 of Maehun Citizen's Forest was specially developed by Seocho District as a Culture and Arts Park. Covering a total area of 75,000㎡, it includes a playground, outdoor performance hall, and sculpture park, offering a different ambiance. Since various performances and exhibitions are held here, it is worth taking a stroll if you visit Maehun Citizen's Forest. How about leisurely enjoying nature while feeling the spirit of Yun Bong-gil?